Hello again everyone!! Sorry it has been so long since the last update!
Time to get right to business, have a lot to say today!
Monday morning Alvin was taken back to CMH! He really did not want to go however after talking with him briefly he made the choice to go back to the hospital! He was also admitted that same day. This IS really where he needs to be for now and I am so thankful he made the choice to do so.
Unfortunately, he again has pneumonia, MRSA, thrush and an intense UTI! He is on IV supplying antibiotics and fluids. He is also taking breathing treatments every six hours. His urine was so dark, and I mean almost coffee dark, now it is just a little amberish. He is once again using his urinal by his own power, maybe a tad of help! Also, he IS in isolation again so gowns and gloves are required. This is a setback in his progress, however we really don't say that out loud. He already knows in his heart.
Today he is looking so much better though. Jan went in to visit on her lunch hour and since he had a visitor I proceeded over to the care center with a large rolly suitcase and packed ALL of his stuff. It has been decided by him and some family that he should not return to that center and just proceed home. We made this decision very carefully.
Backing up a few days to last week...
Friday, August 17, I had the pleasure of taking Alvin in our car to his house! The OT followed behind and we did a walk through of their house! If I didn't know better I would say he almost ran up those front porch steps right into the kitchen table and had a seat! The look on Rik and Al's face was priceless! Talk about being happy!! Their granddaughter Leisel was down for a few days from Alaska so she was also at the house to see this beautiful sight! This family is amazing! I am so thankful to be a part of it!
Anyway, the walk through went excellent! The past few weeks, Lani and Rik had a family friend do some modifications on the doorway thresholds, sanding them down or replacing them. Huge improvement! Alvin used a walker throughout and had no problem whatsoever clearing them! He also relaxed in a chair in the TV room, sat on their bed, which has been moved from upstairs down to the front living room area! Their beautiful brass bed is a touch high, however even simply removing the egg crate type pad on the bed will give him a better surface to sit on. We also found an ADA approved faucet for their claw foot tub that has a hand held shower attached, and it is really pretty! Lani and Rik ordered it this past weekend so it should be arriving soon. Thankfully I found it at Home Depot and it was very reasonably priced, online special!! During the walk through, it was also discussed about getting him a tub transfer bench, no more trying to get in or out of the tub!! This will also be great for Rik if she so chooses to use it! I will be also putting up a simple contraption for a shower curtain along the end of the tub so they can actually enjoy a shower without water going everywhere. A few hand safety bars will need to be installed in various places for their comfort. Basically, their home, with a few very simple modifications will be ready for Alvin's long awaited arrival home! I know he will do great once he returns.
Originally, tomorrow was his return appointment to OHSU for the removal of the hard neck collar, but now that he is at CMH those plans have had to be changed. His PCP has decided that anything having to do with his neck does need to be done at/with OHSU, it's a bummer, but whatever is best is...well, best! This appointment will be rescheduled for another time, hopefully sooner rather than later. Say more prayers!!
I also spoke with the SLP at CMH today and she brought in a few items for Alvin to try. Some custard and apple juice! He took about a half tsp of custard, pushed it around his mouth and did swallow it, with the assistance of a few sips of juice. He enjoyed the treat very much however it was just too thick! She asked if he had had a modified barium swallow yet, NO he hasn't. She was quite surprised that he had not had one. She said she will try to get him in tomorrow for one, or at least within a few days, all of this however must be approved by doctors!
I am convinced if we put a waffle and some of Rik's awesome strawberry jam in front of him it would be gone in a flash!! Lol not really, but soon.
I spent the afternoon with him today and we had a great time. I gave him his foot and leg massage, a real long one today, and he said many times how great it felt. I told him that my hands have never been so soft, so we both benefit from it! I do still kid with him about how many massages I am hoping to get once he is able, hey maybe it's a good therapy for his hands!!! Lol just love to tease him and catch him off guard sometimes. Keeps us both smiling! We also sat and watched War Wagon with John Wayne and Kurt Douglas. We watched the whole thing and neither of us fell asleep, must be a good movie! He even turned up the volume a bit when the nurse and I were talking, evidently we were TOO LOUD! It really made me laugh, yes I teased him about that too!
Since Monday he has been very quiet, not talking much. Everyone has been very concerned, today he explained to me why. When he talks, so much spit and gunk forms in his mouth it kind of gags him so then he has to use the suction which also makes him gag because sometimes he puts the wand in his mouth a little too deep. The thrush really makes his mouth "thick" but he has been handling the secretions pretty well. Just a wild process we all might just take for granted....
I look forward to working with both Alvin and Rik at their home! I am so thankful and blessed to have this opportunity! Talking with both of them I have expressed my dedication to helping them both heal, help with the house/yard and meals. This in itself is therapy for me too! Its a win win for everyone. One thing I mentioned to Al is that once things have settled at home, his first "chore" is to be at the kitchen table and mix his famous waffle batter. Just the stirring and measuring in itself is great for his hands and self esteem. I also look forward to taste testing possible very single waffle until it is just perfect... I am sure all of us will be tasting those waffles! I also plan on playing in the dirt with them, yes I said playing in the dirt.... I have a little table top greenhouse and we are going to see what we can grow... He misses his yard so much. Little bits at a time. I have so many ideas to help them resume regular activity I almost can't contain myself! It will make for some great pictures I am sure. I do also realize that this is a big challenge for all involved. There will be ups and downs, I am sure some tears, fears and accidents, but I would like to let everyone know I AM ready for whatever comes our way. I take this opportunity very seriously and will do anything in my power to educate myself as much as I can, everyday is a learning experience.
I also want to thank everyone for having faith and confidence in me. I am very excited and honored to be a big part of this family's recovery. I am not afraid to research, learn or ask for help or advice when I need it. Again I am saying "I" a lot but this is a team effort and I am thankful to be a part of it. If anyone has websites, advice, or anything that may help us all get through these trying times, I will listen and accept the input! My personal information is:
Brandy Rieske (hope to be Jones soon)
1832 8th Street
Astoria, Oregon 97103
Isurfergirl2010@yahoo.com
503.791.5421 call/text
On a good final note, Alvin's strength is still improving, my fingers no longer fit around his wrists, and his grip, in BOTH hands is awesome! Enjoy the photos!
