Mom Thursday, June 14, 2007

Hey, this is a great idea - a good way to keep in touch.
Way to go, Becky!

He is on dialyses they say that his hart condition is hard on his kidneys, there hoping that they will just start working on there own after dialyses but we will just have to wait and see. love you all bye.

I was at the hospital earlier

Wednesday 13, June 2007

Dad is once again in the Hospital. But this time at Timpanogus Regional Medical Center on 800 North in Orem. 801-714-6000 room 219A.

He has been having a really hard time keeping down food and water for several days. After Marsha gave him a dose of medication for his nausea on Friday, he became very groogy and pretty out of it. Merri visited him on Saturday and Beth went down on Sunday, they both said he was very sleepy but enjoyed visiting. Evidently, his condition generated enough concern that Marsha took him to his doctor today and they admitted him. The biggest concern is that he is really dehydrated, And there was a question on whether or not he had suffered an additional stroke.

I spoke to Dad's nurse, Preston around 4:00pm and he told me that they had run a CT scan and though there is evidence of his previous stroke, there was NO indication he had suffered a recent one. They will be running an EKG this evening to check out the condition of his heart. They are pumping liquids into him to rehydrate him, and at this time, Marsha as gone home to rest.
Preston did mention that he is in a shared room, and though there are NO set visiting hours, respect for the neighboring patient is expected.

Please keep this blog updated as you visit him and let us all know how things are going.

Please Note: Becky will be in Roswell Georgia Monday the 18th thru Friday the 22nd. And Merri will also be in Georgia, but in Atlanta on Sunday the 17th thru Thursday the 21st. We will both be reachable on our cell phones for updates and such.

Huge hugs and lots of love to all,
Becky Sue

I'm Sorry, I need to drop the ball this week. We have big wigs comming in and it will be a week of long nights for me. If anyone can come to see dad on tuesday I would appreciate it. Bye the way I love this blog thing, It is totally new to me but necessary and fun. I am not sure if I can make it to the reunion, Catie is marching in the Steeldays Parade that morning, Libby is in a city play that same afternoon, it seems that there was one more thing going on that I can't remember. With all the Extra curicular activities that the kids are involved in and my work scheduale, I don't have much free time. Love you guys bye

Dad is home - for now

I visited Dad today at his home. He was drugged and very sleepy. It was a short visit. However, he did tell me how hard and frustrating it is not to be able to move and think. His spirits are not good. Visit if you can.

Cell Phone WORKS!!! Disregard last post.

Marsha's Cell Phone is broken!

Just an FYI....... Marsha had Lacey call me to have me call her at the hospital. Seems Marsha's (Dad's) Cell phone is not working. I am on my way down there now and will check it out.

In Case you need to call the hospital room the number is: (801) 373-7850, ask for "Rehab room #2687".

I will be down there until 3 or 4 pm while Marsha takes care of some things. My Cell is (801) 661-6541 just in case you need it.

Have a groovy day!!!
Becky Sue

The beginning - 5/1/07

For our friends and family who haven't been aware of Dad's situation, I was thinking it might be good to have the story of how we got to where we are today...

On 5/1/07 Dad went in to the hospital for open heart surgery. After 5 heart attacks, he gave into the prompting of doctors and family to have the required valve replacement and quintuple bypass surgery. The surgery was successful and the long road to recovery was started.

On 5/7 Dad was talking nonsense so they discontinued medication that can often lead to post operative confusion. After 24 hrs without medication, the nonsense and confusion continued. After a couple of CT Scans, it was determined that he had suffered a stroke.

The stroke affected his right side. He can not use his right arm, hand, leg, foot, etc. He has trouble remembering names (calls Marsha Helen, couldn't remember Lacy's name, etc.). It took a few days to realize the extent of the damage from the stroke.

I was out of town on business and in between flights on 5/17 when I called to check in with Marsha. Their social worker had discussed Dad's care at home and the reality of the tasks required to care for him really hit home for her. At the time, it seemed overwhelming for her. Bathing, feeding, etc., when just moving him is impossible for her alone. I put out a call for help to all the siblings. Poor Cory was avail to take the call. I was getting on a plane and asked that he contact everyone to ask them to come visit and to help with Dad's care. I suggested we each take a day of the week, so the tasks could be spread out. Then poor Beth returned my call before I got on the plane and I asked her to do the same. Sharing the load seemed like a sensible thing to do.

Since then we have learned that Marsha will continue to have outside help from home care nurses and therapists. However, the visits from his kids seem to be helping. Since 5/17 Dad has been making small improvements daily. For instance, Marsha reports that one day he couldn't recognize the letters of the alphabet by sight, but could recite the alphabet. The next day, he knew all the letters, but 3 by sight. One day he couldn't read words, but could tell you what the same words were if you spelled them to him. The very next day, he was not only reading the words, but would spell them to the therapist, just to show off!

On 5/20 Dad's sense of humor came back. As Barb was helping him get ready for the day, combing his hair, etc., he was rolling his eyes and pulling funny faces. When his nurse accused him of 'not eating much, Buster' - Dad replied with, 'well, if it had any flavor, I might eat more, Buster!'

Dad's spirits are still fragile. He does so much better on days he has visitors. Visitors remind him that he is improving and that he has friends and loved ones. If you feel so inclined, come as often as you are able. - Merri

Thursday 24, May 2007

I created this blog spot so that we can have common ground to post what we learn about Dad's condition as well as his progress. Since most of us will be seeing Dad and not each other during this time, I feel we can use this space to let each other know the do's and don'ts and give each other updates. Please let me know what you feel we can do to let keep each other informed.

So.... Here goes post number one.....


Merri and I went down to the hospital this afternoon for a while. Dad seemed to be doing well, they worked him pretty hard during physical therapy and Marsha mentioned he was knocking over blocks with his right arm. That is good. Marsha also said Dad will be going home for an overnighter on Sunday. And she mentioned that they are expecting to take him home Next Friday June 1st.

I will be going down tomorrow for a few hours and intend to begin reading "The Cowboy and the Cossack" to Him, While Marsha goes shopping for a wheelchair.


Dad will be needing someone to help build a wheelchair ramp at the house, I think that a couple of grab bars in the bathroom might be a great thing...... anyopne with any other ideas, and or suggestions on the skilled manpower to accomplish the task prior to his homecoming???

Have a great evening, Bex