Dad drank about 4 oz. of a nutritious strawberry shake at lunch today! This is in addition to 75 ml/hr. through his feeding tube.
Dad was sitting in a wheelchair when Mom got there late this morning. (She had a dr. appt. of her own earlier in the day.) Mom is going to see if he could be wheeled to their apt. for a short visit with Josey (their cat). Dad loves Josey, and that prospect would be motivational for him.
Dad has been a little confused; he asked Mom when they would be moving to Ledgeview. Mom explained to him that they were already there, just living in different wings of the building at the moment. He seemed to understand, but she's not sure if he'll remember.
Interestingly, after complaining about the TV that his roommate watches, Dad has been watching it occasionally! Mom said he seemed interested in a cooking show today, and even put his hearing aid in. :-)
There was no problem with nausea today, and the best news is that he was in good spirits! We are so grateful for that.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Not feeling so well today
Mom said Dad didn't feel very well today; he was experiencing some nausea. The doctor plans to address it with medication, because they want to maintain his feeding tube volume.
Not much exercise today. Mom says Dad is tired, and "tired of being sick." His temp. and blood pressure were good though.
Not much exercise today. Mom says Dad is tired, and "tired of being sick." His temp. and blood pressure were good though.
Still in good spirits on Monday
I'm pleased that Mom has been taking some time to herself. On Sunday she went to church in the morning and "Singspiration" in the evening, and last night she went to the historical society meeting and supper. She needs to do things like that to stay refreshed.
Dad's still receiving all his nutrition through the feeding tube. They have gradually increased the volume he is receiving, and when it has been at a certain level for enough time, they plan to cut it back and encourage him to eat.
He was able to walk to the bathroom and back yesterday with his walker and two aides assisting him. He also sat up for awhile yesterday morning, but stayed in bed all afternoon. Mom says he is "weary," but his attitude is good. That is such an answer to our prayers. My longing for him is to feel God's peace.
Dad's still receiving all his nutrition through the feeding tube. They have gradually increased the volume he is receiving, and when it has been at a certain level for enough time, they plan to cut it back and encourage him to eat.
He was able to walk to the bathroom and back yesterday with his walker and two aides assisting him. He also sat up for awhile yesterday morning, but stayed in bed all afternoon. Mom says he is "weary," but his attitude is good. That is such an answer to our prayers. My longing for him is to feel God's peace.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Saturday was rough, Sunday better
Mom shared yesterday that Dad's first full day at Ledgeview was pretty rough. He is having to figure out how to handle some things that are different from when he was in the hospital, and it didn't always go smoothly. Consequently he was quite upset and discouraged yesterday.
HOWEVER . . . today was better!! And his spirits are better. He says he doesn't like the TV that his roommate watches, but Mom says his eyes often follow it. He doesn't care for sports, but there was a show about dogs that he liked.
He is still getting nourishment through his feeding tube and not wanting to eat. Not even a "pumpkin pie" milkshake tempted him today.
However, Mom said his legs seemed a little stronger. That is encouraging!! Thanks to all of you who are caring and praying.
HOWEVER . . . today was better!! And his spirits are better. He says he doesn't like the TV that his roommate watches, but Mom says his eyes often follow it. He doesn't care for sports, but there was a show about dogs that he liked.
He is still getting nourishment through his feeding tube and not wanting to eat. Not even a "pumpkin pie" milkshake tempted him today.
However, Mom said his legs seemed a little stronger. That is encouraging!! Thanks to all of you who are caring and praying.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Change of Scenery
Dad was released from the hospital today, and admitted to Ledgeview Nursing Home's Skilled Nursing Facility--Room 204. A few of the needles and tubes were removed, but they left the feeding tube for now. Since he's no longer on IV nutrition, we're hoping he will get hungrier. Today at lunch he had a few sips of root beer. That diet won't be adequate for long. :-)
After arriving at the nursing home, he was transferred to a wheelchair and taken to be weighed. Once he got back to his room, he was exhausted, and they let him stay in bed rather than trying to sit up in the chair. Mom said he had a good long nap this afternoon.
His roommate, Eli (who Aunt Betty knows--he lives near her), likes to watch TV. My parents have never wanted a TV, so dad is thankful that he has a removable hearing aid. :-)
Mom said that Dad's spirits are good! I'm sure the change of scenery is welcome for him.
After arriving at the nursing home, he was transferred to a wheelchair and taken to be weighed. Once he got back to his room, he was exhausted, and they let him stay in bed rather than trying to sit up in the chair. Mom said he had a good long nap this afternoon.
His roommate, Eli (who Aunt Betty knows--he lives near her), likes to watch TV. My parents have never wanted a TV, so dad is thankful that he has a removable hearing aid. :-)
Mom said that Dad's spirits are good! I'm sure the change of scenery is welcome for him.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Getting out of the hospital tomorrow!
Mom reported this afternoon that Dad seemed stronger on his short walk from bed to chair today. He will be discharged TOMORROW to Ledgeview Nursing Home for skilled care/therapy.
Mom & Dad's apt. at Ledgeview Living Center is in the very same building!! So Mom won't need a ride to visit Dad anymore. :-) He is hoping to see their cat, Josey. So Mom plans to take her to visit Dad as soon as possible. :-) I hope the nursing home staff allows it. Many health care institutions now recognize the benefits of permitting animals to visit, and some even have resident pets.
Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers as Mom & Dad adjust to another new situation. Please pray for Dad's therapy . . . that he will be willing to work at it, that his therapists will know how far to push him, and that he and Mom will continue to feel God's peace in their hearts.
Mom & Dad's apt. at Ledgeview Living Center is in the very same building!! So Mom won't need a ride to visit Dad anymore. :-) He is hoping to see their cat, Josey. So Mom plans to take her to visit Dad as soon as possible. :-) I hope the nursing home staff allows it. Many health care institutions now recognize the benefits of permitting animals to visit, and some even have resident pets.
Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers as Mom & Dad adjust to another new situation. Please pray for Dad's therapy . . . that he will be willing to work at it, that his therapists will know how far to push him, and that he and Mom will continue to feel God's peace in their hearts.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Update from Mom Ames (slightly edited and abridged :-)
Mom e-mailed an update this evening. I don't think she'd mind if I share it:
"Dad's spirits are up tonight after a very difficult day. Dr. Medd (Dad's PCP) came in. He had ordered a CT Scan this morning of Dad's stomach, to see if things are working well. Dad did not feel very well the last couple of days - or this morning. His feeding tube got plugged again. Several nurses tried over and over this morning to get it unplugged.
"The evening nurse came in about 4:30 PM. She got the feeding tube unplugged--after all of those tries by so many nurses before. It was her 3rd try to get it, but she did !!!!! Her name is Jill - and she is a Christian. Really sweet nurse.
"Dr. Medd came in this evening, went to the nurse's station to get the report from the CT scan, and came back to tell us the good news. Everything is working well - and NO SURPRISES APPEARING. (Note: Mom is referring to new cancer growth.) Dr. Medd was very pleased, and wants to have Dad try eating tomorrow--custard, etc.
"After Dr. Medd left, Dad asked me what Dr. Medd said. So I repeated the conversation, and Dad was so glad, and 'Praise the Lord' was his comment. Indeed, we do PRAISE THE LORD that nothing is causing a problem at the present time. That is a great relief to my mind for sure.
"So, it may be that Dad will be moved into the Ledgeview Nursing Home for 'skilled care' after a few more days. I will have news on that as time goes on."
"Dad's spirits are up tonight after a very difficult day. Dr. Medd (Dad's PCP) came in. He had ordered a CT Scan this morning of Dad's stomach, to see if things are working well. Dad did not feel very well the last couple of days - or this morning. His feeding tube got plugged again. Several nurses tried over and over this morning to get it unplugged.
"The evening nurse came in about 4:30 PM. She got the feeding tube unplugged--after all of those tries by so many nurses before. It was her 3rd try to get it, but she did !!!!! Her name is Jill - and she is a Christian. Really sweet nurse.
"Dr. Medd came in this evening, went to the nurse's station to get the report from the CT scan, and came back to tell us the good news. Everything is working well - and NO SURPRISES APPEARING. (Note: Mom is referring to new cancer growth.) Dr. Medd was very pleased, and wants to have Dad try eating tomorrow--custard, etc.
"After Dr. Medd left, Dad asked me what Dr. Medd said. So I repeated the conversation, and Dad was so glad, and 'Praise the Lord' was his comment. Indeed, we do PRAISE THE LORD that nothing is causing a problem at the present time. That is a great relief to my mind for sure.
"So, it may be that Dad will be moved into the Ledgeview Nursing Home for 'skilled care' after a few more days. I will have news on that as time goes on."
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