I have to say yesterday was such a beautiful day!! Perfectly blue skies, warm air, gentle breeze!!
Yep, I even mowed the lawn/forest yesterday afternoon. Then in the evening after visiting dad, Hank & I took a long walk on the beach. PRICELESS!! I do have to say, I think we live in some of the most beautiful country ever! (However, less rain would be perfect!)
Yesterday I arrived to visit Alvin around 11am. When I arrived, he was doing some OT. His strength in his legs is increasing daily! And after today's PT/OT I swear I saw another muscle pop up!! Along with his regularly scheduled PT/OT, Al and I work alot on his strength. We do alot of work on his legs and hands.
His voice is coming back nice and clear too. This evening, Melissa called and Al talked to her on speaker phone! He can really push his voice to be heard! During the Speech Therapy yesterday, he had to open his mouth as wide as he could and say AHHHH....he about scared me right out of my chair! His voice boomed like he was in a chior! It was really a wonderful thing to hear and see. We are so proud of his progress!! All the prayers and well wishes are really working for him! He enjoys the company and attention he gets from all the pretty girls, he says. He has really gotten his sarcasm back too; he gives the staff a hard time, and most of them give it right back!
Today, Lani brought Rik and Dudley to visit Al! Dudley went to the groomers today and got all spruced up to visit Dad! Oh and of course Rik looked as lovely as ever. While visiting today, I thought Al & Rik were going to make out!! I tesed them a bit and closed the curtin to tese them more. Alvin says the sweetest things to Rik. They are like newlyweds! SO BEAUTIFUL! Just about brought tears to my eyes. I am so thankful to be a part of this family.
Al is coughing up phlegm several times daily still, however he is able to manage it himself now, wither with suction, swallow or spit. Nasty I agree, but again, I never thought I would be so proud to see an old guy spit!! It is tryuly amazing how much crud he gets out! He really doesnt like the suction much but he uses it well now. Again, this "crud" is progression! At last check, the pneumonia is very minimal in his left lung, therefore still has a little gurgle. He did get his IV antibiotics and fluids removed so that is one less line he is dependent on. I was told yesterday that sometime next week, Al will go to CMH for an updated xray for the status of his neck injury. Hopefully, within the next 3 weeks, the hard neck brace he has been wearing since the surgery will be able to be changed to a soft support. The rigid brace makes it so hard to swallow alone, much less deal with any scar tissue or other obstruction in his throat.
He ate a large piece of ice today, actually let it melt in his sore mouth, then swallowed the liquid! He didnt even regurgitate. Then he went for another piece of ice, this time a little smaller and he did excellent. The Apeech Path. works with the PT on a daily basis. While Al is sitting on the edge of the bed, with his feet on the floor, he does the ice therapy. Sitting upright really takes alot out of him these days, but again today he PR'd! Yesterday he sat up for 21 minutes. Today it was 23 minutes! Like I said, everyday he is progressing!
As a family we have been "ruffling some feathers" on Al's care. Thankfully, Lani drafted a letter for Rik and Al to sign, agreeing that I am allowed to request notes and look at daily logs. Thank you for your trust Jones family! I am extremely excited about taking some courses to become a Certified Healthcare Worker. It feels good to be liked and cared for by our family and friends!
So, in a nutshell, Al is getting better...slowly but surely. He really loves visitors and cards, so if you are in the area, stop by and say HELLO! Clatsop Care Center, Astoria Room 302
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