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| The resident guard cat likes to hang out in Al's room over by the window. |
Nope, just was so tired last night, I fell asleep before I blogged! All day today I felt so bad....then when Jan said she has been waiting.......I rushed right home and now here I am!!
As I said before, Al is no longer in isolation!! WOOT WOOT!
Today Al's IV fluids were removed! They are leaving the newly placed IV in his hand for a day or two just to be sure all goes as planned. Yes, he only has the feeding tube in now, and he is doing so well with it!! Tolerating and digesting perfectly! All his bruising and swelling is just about gone now, including his left ankle. We were all very concerned with the pain, but after talking with Al, we think it is possible he just wrenched his ankle during the fall. Thankfully his pain is gone now. The doctor also said that in the next 3-4 weeks, the neck collar should be coming off! This will be so much easier for Al to function! However, there will be some careful days ahead to be sure he has adequete muscle tone for him neck to be proplerly stable on its own.
Again today, Al was happy to see me arrive, at the crack of 11am! I rearranged his room a little bit, to allow for more room to breathe! SO MUCH BETTER! There are so many cards and hand drawn pictures on his wall, he gets alot of joy while looking at them. Especially the special drawings from his Great Grandsons, Andrew & Riley....thanks kiddos!
Tomorrow morning, Hank is going to attempt to shave Al's face......ya, I know.....a little frightening isnt it?? Naw! Besides, Al is strong enough to kick Hank right in the butt if need be...LOL
Al's lips/mouth is doing fabulous! The doctor called in some special cream to help with the severe condition of his mouth. They started this cream on his lips in the middle of the night and when I got there this morning, his lips looked almost brand new! It has made it Soooooo much easier to understand his words now that he can actually use his lips and tongue.
The beautiful sunshine showed its face today!! The room Al is in faces West, so the bright day sure warms his room perfectly and in the evening, the sun shines into his large window....I am sure it is a welcome feeling to Al. He has been so cooped up. He is really getting anxious to go for a little stroll to the center's garden. His great gransdson Andrew liked going out and seeing the tomatoes and lettuce growing, oh and we cant forget the fountain and fire pit out there. It will be a great time when we can all gather around and feel that relief that Al is getting better.
Tomorrow, told Al that we were going to put a nice clean shirt on, actually one of his very own. I took all his clothing home, washed and hung, and returned them. He is so ready to do something "normal", like wear his own shirt. Now, if I could just get our laundry washed and hung I would be doing alright!! lol, the spare bed has become a vicious place to put the clean laundry.
Everday he amazes me. Today he lifted his leg! Doesn't that sound a bit funny without an explaination? LOL Well, 5 days a week he receives PT and she really works his legs. The strength he has gained in just a few days is really incredible. I am so proud of him. I picked up some squishy balls for him to grip and roll with his hands at his leisure, and he uses them at least 15-30 minutes daily. His right hand and arm has so much strength now, he can pull his own pillow around behind his head....while lifting his head off the bed. This may not sound like much, but 2 weeks ago, he was a fragile, sad, little man. Now he has regained so much strength and confidence it is surely a blessing.
Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers for this family. They have surely taken hold of our hearts and made us all really appreciate the little things. Sometimes it is the little things that can make or break a spirit. Al's spirit was broken, but he is coming back with the spirit of a happy husband and father! He is so proud of this family and the friends that have visited!!! Dave and Tonya....you both made is day! He was so happy to see you. Loves to hear fun stories, and loves you both dearly. Melissa's friend, and also one of Al's night nurses at CMH, Sarah, brought Al a cute Jade plant with a little happy gnome in the pot. She said she would come by to water it and visit again soon. Thank you so much for all the good vibes, support for all of us and the healing prayers.
So, in a nutshell, Al is fabulous. Getting stronger everyday. Until tomorrow. I will try to get some pictures of Al to post!
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