Happy Father's Day to all of you dads out there!!
Alvin had quite a day today, so many visitors! Jeff and his family came by, Melissa is here for a few days, Hank & I, Gary & Lani to name a few. He was overjoyed to have everyone there!! "Thank you to all of you that were able to come", he says.....
I got an update this afternoon on Alvin. He is still in isolation, due to MRSA. He has not been retested since the initial discovery, though they may restest in the morning. Pretty blue and yellow gown with gloves are still needed when visiting. If by chance there are no gowns or gloves, PLEASE ASK FOR MORE TO BE SUPPLIED.
Alvin has had two sets of xrays in 3 days. Friday xray showed a little fluid in the left lung however the right lung is clearing up well. On Sunday morning, another set of xrays were done and the report stated he is progressively getting better. A long haul though. He has his breathing treatments every six hours now instead of every four hours. He has also been using a breathing "toy" to get him to breathe in and out deeply. He doesnt like doing this very much because it makes him cough...HOWEVER, that is the point. His chest muscles are so sore from coughing!!
His spirits are up, and he is so thankful for all the kind words and love everyone is sending. He is getting so anxious to get home!! He really misses his down filled pillow and his new recliner! The nurse said that the orders for tomorrow are to get him transferred back over to Clatsop Care. Generally the doctor comes by around 8am and then there is a meeting around 9am to discuss what Al is needing to help his recovery, including a plan for therapy. Melissa mentioned to Lani that Alvin may be taken back up to OHSU to see the neurologist that originally did the neck surgery, to see what needs to be done about his swallowing issue. There was nothing in his chart about this so the nurse was unable to answer any questions about it. I will keep on this, and update as soon as we hear anything new.
Everyday the nurses pamper Alvin. He gets fabulous foot and leg massages, his hair washed and his face shaved. He loves this!! It always does feel better when we look better than we feel right?? His hands and feet are a bit swollen again. After speaking with the nurse she stated it was because he was getting alot of fluids...feeding tube, fluid antibiotics, electrolytes....so the doctor reduced the intake to see if it helps some of the fluid retention.
His toes and legs are very strong, while in bed, not sure legs could hold weight yet, but movement is great. His grip is still strong, however the fluid makes it a little tougher to grip tight. He is still using right hand to help himself to the swab dipped in ice water to moisten his mouth. Lips are also getting better. Not cracked or real dry anymore.
Needless to say, this past week he has be recovering at CMH, he has become stonger.
Still a hard road ahead. He will be needing therapy for his legs and body also, not just the swallowing issue. Lani has some yarn balls she is gathering up for his hand workouts. I also have some therapy goodies from when I did OT with my students. Even something as simple as picking up fluff balls and putting them into a cup will be important for him to do regularly until he regains some strength. Once he is transferred to Clatsop Care, I will be assisting in his therapy sessions. Whether they be swallowing or hand/leg therapy.....I am going to push him, not till he falls over, just until he understands the sooner he gets stronger, the sooner he can go home to his darling wife. A few times a day I do put some Carmex on his lips....at first even rubbing his lips together was a chore, however now he is practicing that perfect pucker, again to kiss his darling wife with. I like to tease him about this....makes his eyebrows go up and even smile......he is a fun patient.
Once he is situated at the care center, I will include the address and room number so you may send cards or come by for a visit. Thank you again for all the support.
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