Mom let us know that during her PT session, she took two steps! I'm sure she was supported on either side by therapists. She was very happy about that and so are we.
She's communicating by writing with a pen when she needs to. Sometimes it's hard to read, but we're working on getting her set up with a clip board and eventually a lap desk which will make it easier and more comfortable.
She had some pain in her chest, perhaps her diaphragm. Doctors say it's all normal as everything is getting back to working order. She also let us know that she gets double vision sometimes - it comes and goes. Again, the doctors say it's nothing to worry about.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Respiratory update
Mom's brother Doug visited Mom last night and had an informative conversation with the respiratory therapist. Mom is controlling her breathing by herself; all her breaths are her own. She's still on the ventilator because she's not yet able to get the volume she needs on her own. The machine is helping her get the extra volume that she's not able to take in by herself. All this is a normal part of weening from the ventilator and soon she should be able to do it all by herself.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Questions and Requests
Mom kept her eyes open for most of our visit yesterday. She was very alert and active in the conversations. We are still communicating by reading lips or spelling things out with her finger on a pillow on her lap. Soon, we are going to hand her a pen and hold some paper to see if she can write for us. She seemed happy, although still very tired.
When I asked her if she wanted anything, she mouthed "I want to go home."
Her movements keep getting stronger and stronger. She doesn't lift her arms against gravity yet, but I think she will soon.
She asked us many questions (which she's never done before): status of their taxes, making sure her women's group from church had the flowered tote bag with all their info, and making sure we canceled a her registration for a convention she is going to miss in Spokane this summer.
She also made requests, also something she's never done before: brushing her hair and moisturizer on her hands & feet.
She waved good-bye when she was ready for us to leave.
When I asked her if she wanted anything, she mouthed "I want to go home."
Her movements keep getting stronger and stronger. She doesn't lift her arms against gravity yet, but I think she will soon.
She asked us many questions (which she's never done before): status of their taxes, making sure her women's group from church had the flowered tote bag with all their info, and making sure we canceled a her registration for a convention she is going to miss in Spokane this summer.
She also made requests, also something she's never done before: brushing her hair and moisturizer on her hands & feet.
She waved good-bye when she was ready for us to leave.
Friday, April 15, 2011
lots of thumbs up
The doctors, nurses and therapists are impressed with Mom's progress. Dad went back over with me for a quick visit last night and Mom opened her eyes about half way when we arrived. She kept them open by herself for quite a while. She was much more engaged and active in our conversations.
I'm seeing a lot more of her personality coming out through her hand and face gestures. Her response time is much quicker and more definitive. Lots of thumbs up. She even teased me about taking so many pictures of my kids (I'm stunned that she didn't want to see every single photo of them :) ), although she did want to watch video of August walking a few times.
She seemed to be more comfortable and pain-free than I've seen in a while.
All good stuff.
I'm seeing a lot more of her personality coming out through her hand and face gestures. Her response time is much quicker and more definitive. Lots of thumbs up. She even teased me about taking so many pictures of my kids (I'm stunned that she didn't want to see every single photo of them :) ), although she did want to watch video of August walking a few times.
She seemed to be more comfortable and pain-free than I've seen in a while.
All good stuff.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Progress!
Mom continues to make excellent progress. She's still a bit tired from the blood infection, but her range of motion, strength, and dexterity continue to improve.
The big news from this weekend is the new bowel activity.
The respiratory therapist has been able to turn down the vent so she is consistently doing more breathing on her own (the vent is set at 4 and she's doing 14-20).
In general, communicating with her has improved a lot because her facial expressions and gestures are more pronounced. Because of the vent, she is still unable to talk. When we can't read her lips or figure out what she's trying to say, she simply writes it out with her finger on a pillow or lap.
As usual, it's slow and steady progress. We are very thankful.
Please continue sending cards and letters. Mom enjoys hearing from you.
Thank you!
The big news from this weekend is the new bowel activity.
The respiratory therapist has been able to turn down the vent so she is consistently doing more breathing on her own (the vent is set at 4 and she's doing 14-20).
In general, communicating with her has improved a lot because her facial expressions and gestures are more pronounced. Because of the vent, she is still unable to talk. When we can't read her lips or figure out what she's trying to say, she simply writes it out with her finger on a pillow or lap.
As usual, it's slow and steady progress. We are very thankful.
Please continue sending cards and letters. Mom enjoys hearing from you.
Thank you!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Mom has been slowed down a little by a blood infection. They have her on antibiotics and are staying on top of her needs. I was able to see her the last three days: she was very tired on Friday and Saturday but on Sunday she was much more responsive and communicative (nodding and shaking her head, smiling, thumbs-up, etc).
She enjoyed hearing the cards that came in this past week. With Dad holding her eyes open, I also shared recent photos of my kids (like Dad says, no one gets out of it :) ).
She enjoyed hearing the cards that came in this past week. With Dad holding her eyes open, I also shared recent photos of my kids (like Dad says, no one gets out of it :) ).
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