Hey Gang!
Well, some more good news. It's something little you and me, but it's a big deal for Dad. He sneezed today. That's right... he sneezed. Not only that, but he was also able to sit up in a special chair today for about 40 minutes after being unable to do so for about a week or so. So, just to sum up this past week's events...
- Dad was able to breath on a lower machine setting each day for the last few days, and even asked to be set on a lower setting today.
- Dad took his first swallow this week. This is significant, because it means his neck muscles are starting to reawaken and he'll be able to support his own head more, among other things.
- And today, Dad sneezed, which is just cherry on top of the cake.
We're hopefully that more things will continue to happen this coming week. When I visited him and Mom on Saturday, he was very uncomfortable due to his ongoing GI issue. This issue is what we would like to get back on track with next, but we'll take anything we can get. After all, pickers can't be choosers (hehe). So be sure to send Dad a message to keep encouraging him to get up out of the bed and to congratulate him on all the new things that are going on.
We'll update you again soon when there's more to report.
Team Jerry all the Way!!!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Movin' On Up!
Hey everyone! Got some exciting news from Mom today.
As we've been telling you, the hospital staff is working to wean Dad from his breathing machine. This process has been complicated by Dad's GI issues that resulted in some very uncomfortable bloating. Well, the dam finally broke today in that area of concern (sorry to be so graphic) and things started to happen.
First, Dad asked Mom to flatten-out a sheet that was under him, as the wrinkles feel like boulders under his back. This process usual entails Mom slowly taking her hand and going underneath Dad's back to smooth the sheets out. As he couldn't turn himself over, and she's not strong to do so by herself, this was usually a tedious and painful task for the both of them. Well today, Dad surprised Mom by lifting up his chest a little to help get Mom's hand underneath him. But this isn't the big news for the day! THE BIG NEWS is about Dad's breathing.
When the therapist was working with Dad today, she kept challenging him to go down to a lower setting. You see, he's on 11 right now, which translates to the machine breathing for him 11 times per minute. He's gone down to 9 before and stayed there for 30 minutes, but it really tired him out. Well today, the therapist took him down to 6 just to see what he would do. The machine started beeping, but in a good way. It showed that Dad was assisting the machine and breathing on his own. While the machine stayed at 6, the number of Dad's breaths counted by the machine was between 12-14 reps per minute. This result means that for every breath that the machine gave Dad, he took a breath on his own to match it. Dad sustain this level for 40 minutes with no side effects.
It's great news, because this could be the start of some big progress. But we've been down this road before and know it's too soon yet to count our chicks. So keep those prayers a comin', cause they are working!!!
Well, that's it for now. We'll update you again as soon as we have anything else.
Team Jerry all the way!!!
As we've been telling you, the hospital staff is working to wean Dad from his breathing machine. This process has been complicated by Dad's GI issues that resulted in some very uncomfortable bloating. Well, the dam finally broke today in that area of concern (sorry to be so graphic) and things started to happen.
First, Dad asked Mom to flatten-out a sheet that was under him, as the wrinkles feel like boulders under his back. This process usual entails Mom slowly taking her hand and going underneath Dad's back to smooth the sheets out. As he couldn't turn himself over, and she's not strong to do so by herself, this was usually a tedious and painful task for the both of them. Well today, Dad surprised Mom by lifting up his chest a little to help get Mom's hand underneath him. But this isn't the big news for the day! THE BIG NEWS is about Dad's breathing.
When the therapist was working with Dad today, she kept challenging him to go down to a lower setting. You see, he's on 11 right now, which translates to the machine breathing for him 11 times per minute. He's gone down to 9 before and stayed there for 30 minutes, but it really tired him out. Well today, the therapist took him down to 6 just to see what he would do. The machine started beeping, but in a good way. It showed that Dad was assisting the machine and breathing on his own. While the machine stayed at 6, the number of Dad's breaths counted by the machine was between 12-14 reps per minute. This result means that for every breath that the machine gave Dad, he took a breath on his own to match it. Dad sustain this level for 40 minutes with no side effects.
It's great news, because this could be the start of some big progress. But we've been down this road before and know it's too soon yet to count our chicks. So keep those prayers a comin', cause they are working!!!
Well, that's it for now. We'll update you again as soon as we have anything else.
Team Jerry all the way!!!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Something to Share
It's April. Surfing the news yesterday, I found this very interesting news article on Yahoo news. Insurance companies really are changing their practices. It's very much a scenario Jerry is living and we are faced with during Todd's open enrollment period. Jerry would want me to share this news story- Read up! Team Jerry all the way!
Employers Looking at Health Insurance Options
Employers Looking at Health Insurance Options
Monday, October 25, 2010
Some New Things
Hey folks!
Well, things are looking up for Dad. He was able to do some new things this past week, like turning his feet into each other (touching big toes), and he's beginning to be able to pull his arm in a downward motion. These are all little things in comparison to what he did on Saturday.
They couldn't say with absolute certainty, but it appeared to the nurse and Mom that Dad took a breath on his own. The machine Dad is on is set to give him so many breaths per minute. When they were looking at the machine, the setting went up by 1 breath on its own, which is an indication (typically) that a patient took a breath on his own. So we're hopeful that there is more good news to come soon in this area of Dad's recovery!
The insurance company is supposed to review Dad's case each week to determine if he needs to be moved. Dad had a neurological consult this week and the doctor said Dad is right where he ought to be, which backs what we've been telling the insurance company since last week. The hospital staff and Mom worked with Dad all week long to get him to a point that the insurance company would recognize as an improvement. However, we're realistic and know they will challenge anything we put before them just to get him in a cheaper facility. Of course, we're more worried about the type of care Dad gets, not the cost of it. You know... the way it should be. Being Dad's son, this is the part where he would want me to remind everyone that this is something that "Obamacare" did not fix. Nevertheless, we will not be deterred and will continue to challenge them on everything that we and the medical staff deem as "detrimental" to Dad's recovery.
Please continue to send cards and well-wishing emails to Dad. His mental state is becoming more fragile as this ordeal continues each day. I don't mean that he's going stir crazy, but he's starting to feel like a burden on everyone. Folks, for those of you who know my Dad, you know that he is use to doing a lot on his own. This disease has rendered him helpless and totally dependent on the kindness of others. For any of us, this would be a big pill to swallow, but I think more so for Dad.
Jerry Dale has always been use to playing the part of "protector and provider". Mom and I, for the most part, never had to want for anything we needed. But for the past few years, like most of us, Mom and Dad have not had it easy. This fact, when coupled with everything that is going on now, is a lot for any man, or woman, to take. It is this combination of "body blows" (no pun intended) that is breaking down Dad's mental toughness. So, we need to continue to encourage him and send him thoughts of love and care. If you can't send a card, then send an email via the hospital's website to let him know that you are thinking of him and Mom. Here is the link for the hospital (http://vbh.centrahealth.com/patients-a-visitors/email-a-patient) and Dad's room number is CRCR #5.
As far as visitors go, Dad saw one of his cousins this week who came to visit from North Carolina. His sisters and their families also came to visit throughout the week. If you're up to it, I know he'd love to see anyone that might be traveling in the Lynchburg area. Even if you wanted to make a day-trip of it, the area is nice and it has some really good restaurants too.
OK... I'll update you again once we have more to post. Thanks again for everything that you're doing for Mom and Dad.
Thanks everyone! Team Jerry all the way!!!
Well, things are looking up for Dad. He was able to do some new things this past week, like turning his feet into each other (touching big toes), and he's beginning to be able to pull his arm in a downward motion. These are all little things in comparison to what he did on Saturday.
They couldn't say with absolute certainty, but it appeared to the nurse and Mom that Dad took a breath on his own. The machine Dad is on is set to give him so many breaths per minute. When they were looking at the machine, the setting went up by 1 breath on its own, which is an indication (typically) that a patient took a breath on his own. So we're hopeful that there is more good news to come soon in this area of Dad's recovery!
The insurance company is supposed to review Dad's case each week to determine if he needs to be moved. Dad had a neurological consult this week and the doctor said Dad is right where he ought to be, which backs what we've been telling the insurance company since last week. The hospital staff and Mom worked with Dad all week long to get him to a point that the insurance company would recognize as an improvement. However, we're realistic and know they will challenge anything we put before them just to get him in a cheaper facility. Of course, we're more worried about the type of care Dad gets, not the cost of it. You know... the way it should be. Being Dad's son, this is the part where he would want me to remind everyone that this is something that "Obamacare" did not fix. Nevertheless, we will not be deterred and will continue to challenge them on everything that we and the medical staff deem as "detrimental" to Dad's recovery.
Please continue to send cards and well-wishing emails to Dad. His mental state is becoming more fragile as this ordeal continues each day. I don't mean that he's going stir crazy, but he's starting to feel like a burden on everyone. Folks, for those of you who know my Dad, you know that he is use to doing a lot on his own. This disease has rendered him helpless and totally dependent on the kindness of others. For any of us, this would be a big pill to swallow, but I think more so for Dad.
Jerry Dale has always been use to playing the part of "protector and provider". Mom and I, for the most part, never had to want for anything we needed. But for the past few years, like most of us, Mom and Dad have not had it easy. This fact, when coupled with everything that is going on now, is a lot for any man, or woman, to take. It is this combination of "body blows" (no pun intended) that is breaking down Dad's mental toughness. So, we need to continue to encourage him and send him thoughts of love and care. If you can't send a card, then send an email via the hospital's website to let him know that you are thinking of him and Mom. Here is the link for the hospital (http://vbh.centrahealth.com/patients-a-visitors/email-a-patient) and Dad's room number is CRCR #5.
As far as visitors go, Dad saw one of his cousins this week who came to visit from North Carolina. His sisters and their families also came to visit throughout the week. If you're up to it, I know he'd love to see anyone that might be traveling in the Lynchburg area. Even if you wanted to make a day-trip of it, the area is nice and it has some really good restaurants too.
OK... I'll update you again once we have more to post. Thanks again for everything that you're doing for Mom and Dad.
Thanks everyone! Team Jerry all the way!!!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
It worked!
I'm not sure what or how it happened, but the insurance company approved our appeal for Dad to stay where he is. So thank you for all your help and concern.
Now, we've got to keep Dad motivated to keep improving and working hard on his recovery. So email him or send cards, but be sure to let him know how much you love him and care for him.
I'll let you know more once we meet with the hospital administrators tomorrow to discuss Dad's recovery plan.
Team Jerry all the way!!!
Now, we've got to keep Dad motivated to keep improving and working hard on his recovery. So email him or send cards, but be sure to let him know how much you love him and care for him.
I'll let you know more once we meet with the hospital administrators tomorrow to discuss Dad's recovery plan.
Team Jerry all the way!!!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Call your Senators and Congressmen!!!
Hey everybody!
A lot has happened over the past week, which is one of the reasons why I haven't updated the blog. We're busy trying to keep the insurance company from shipping Dad to a nursing home for his extended care. I'll get more into that and how you can possibly help in a minute, but let's get to what's most important first.
The latest with Dad's health is good. He is moving more in his extremities, even going so far as to lift one of his knees ever so slightly off the bed today. The ventilator treatment, or what treatment he has received, is working and he's responding well. Dad had a little GI tract issue and bloating late last week, but was able to overcome it once Mom convinced the doctors to back down his feeding amount to allow his system time to "catch up". Our hope is that he continues to improve and they can work with him more on his treatments. Now for how you can help!
We received word late last week that we had a week to find Dad a new facility to go to for his extended treatment. It seems the insurance company, who I am not yet naming for the sake of hoping they do the right thing, has decided that Dad no longer requires the type of care that he is receiving. Therefore, he needs to be transported to a facility that is more "equipped" to handle Dad's case. Who knew that a LTAC (Long Term Acute Care) facility wouldn't be able to handle Dad's care (in case you didn't recognize it, that's my pathetic attempt at sarcasm). So they want Dad to be placed in a nursing home that is able to handle ventilation weaning and care. One problem, there are only 4 in the state of VA. 2 in Alexandria, 1 in Fincastle, and 1 in Duffield. If you look up any of these locations on a map, you'll see that they are nowhere near Dad's family. Not to mention, the level of care is sorely insufficient for Dad's long term care, as they don't provide the attentiveness and/or opportunities for therapy that an LTAC does.
The good thing is that everyone we have talked with so far agrees, except for the insurance company. So we have started a campaign to keep Dad where he is now, enlisting the help of the GBS Foundation, the Bureau of Insurance, and Senator Mark Warner. Tomorrow, we are calling additional politicians to help in this endeavor with the hopes that the more light we shine on the problem will help lead the insurance company to the right decision. Now, I know all of you, the loving, caring family and friends that you are, are asking yourselves, "How can I help Jerry Dale"? Well....
We need everyone we can to call Senator Warner's office and/or your local congressman, both state and federal, and ask them to intervene on Dad's behalf with the insurance company. Now, if you call a federal politician, they'll more than likely use the line that it's a "State matter" and they have no influence over it. If that is the case, be sure to remind them, as I did Mr. Warner's staff today, that it became a federal matter when he voted "YES" for the Healthcare Reform Bill the President Obama and other Democrats passed earlier. This is the type of help we need and if they were for reform then, they need to show it and help us now. If you don't want to give the particulars of what's going on, or if they ask for more than you know, please give them my name and phone number and ask them to call me. I can be reached at work between 8:30 and 5:30 each weekday at 434-791-6314 (direct line). My cell is 434-203-1240.
OK... that's it for now. I hope we're able to get this matter resolved for Dad soon. According to the insurance company, his coverage for the hospital that he is in now ends on 10/20 (Wednesday).
Good luck everyone, and remember... Team Jerry all the way!
A lot has happened over the past week, which is one of the reasons why I haven't updated the blog. We're busy trying to keep the insurance company from shipping Dad to a nursing home for his extended care. I'll get more into that and how you can possibly help in a minute, but let's get to what's most important first.
The latest with Dad's health is good. He is moving more in his extremities, even going so far as to lift one of his knees ever so slightly off the bed today. The ventilator treatment, or what treatment he has received, is working and he's responding well. Dad had a little GI tract issue and bloating late last week, but was able to overcome it once Mom convinced the doctors to back down his feeding amount to allow his system time to "catch up". Our hope is that he continues to improve and they can work with him more on his treatments. Now for how you can help!
We received word late last week that we had a week to find Dad a new facility to go to for his extended treatment. It seems the insurance company, who I am not yet naming for the sake of hoping they do the right thing, has decided that Dad no longer requires the type of care that he is receiving. Therefore, he needs to be transported to a facility that is more "equipped" to handle Dad's case. Who knew that a LTAC (Long Term Acute Care) facility wouldn't be able to handle Dad's care (in case you didn't recognize it, that's my pathetic attempt at sarcasm). So they want Dad to be placed in a nursing home that is able to handle ventilation weaning and care. One problem, there are only 4 in the state of VA. 2 in Alexandria, 1 in Fincastle, and 1 in Duffield. If you look up any of these locations on a map, you'll see that they are nowhere near Dad's family. Not to mention, the level of care is sorely insufficient for Dad's long term care, as they don't provide the attentiveness and/or opportunities for therapy that an LTAC does.
The good thing is that everyone we have talked with so far agrees, except for the insurance company. So we have started a campaign to keep Dad where he is now, enlisting the help of the GBS Foundation, the Bureau of Insurance, and Senator Mark Warner. Tomorrow, we are calling additional politicians to help in this endeavor with the hopes that the more light we shine on the problem will help lead the insurance company to the right decision. Now, I know all of you, the loving, caring family and friends that you are, are asking yourselves, "How can I help Jerry Dale"? Well....
We need everyone we can to call Senator Warner's office and/or your local congressman, both state and federal, and ask them to intervene on Dad's behalf with the insurance company. Now, if you call a federal politician, they'll more than likely use the line that it's a "State matter" and they have no influence over it. If that is the case, be sure to remind them, as I did Mr. Warner's staff today, that it became a federal matter when he voted "YES" for the Healthcare Reform Bill the President Obama and other Democrats passed earlier. This is the type of help we need and if they were for reform then, they need to show it and help us now. If you don't want to give the particulars of what's going on, or if they ask for more than you know, please give them my name and phone number and ask them to call me. I can be reached at work between 8:30 and 5:30 each weekday at 434-791-6314 (direct line). My cell is 434-203-1240.
OK... that's it for now. I hope we're able to get this matter resolved for Dad soon. According to the insurance company, his coverage for the hospital that he is in now ends on 10/20 (Wednesday).
Good luck everyone, and remember... Team Jerry all the way!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Saturday's Visit
Hi Everyone!
It's April updating today. We went to visit Jerry yesterday. He was in decent spirits. He's a bit restless in my opinion. He really wants to get better, but the only true cure now is time. He hasn't been sleeping much at night because of leg cramps. However, the doctor (whom I adored) said that his nerves are regrowing and reattaching and the cramping is a sign of this. I finally expressed my frustration to the doctor over the whole insurance situation. Very kindly and calmly he explained they lose this battle over and over again with insurance companies. Again, I was very frustrated and irritated but at least we have healthcare. I know- I'm always looking for the sunshine in everything! If you know me at all, you know this to be true! The doctor gave us encouraging news concering Jerry. Dr. Johnson had not seen him in quite some time. Dr. Johnson told us Jerry was a different man than when he arrived 2 months ago. He was pleased and just told us to give it time. Jerry is still on 11 BPMs (breaths per minute) on the vent. When asked why he was not being weaned quicker, the doctor said quick is bad. Slow is good- so we will take that explaination! Anna Leigh had fun talking to her Papa. Jerry still has not lost his sense of humor. When Todd was exercising his arms, he lifted Jerry's arm up. It was right next to Todd's head. I told Jerry to reach over and smack Todd's head- and he did! Of course we all had to laugh! Something so silly and minor was quite an accomplishment. Now that Jerry's facial muscles continue to improve, he is much easier to understand. For that- we are very grateful!
Thanks to all the cousins that recently came by! We are so grateful for the companionship and entertainment you provide to Jerry. A cousin brought up the radio broadcast of the Richlands/Tazewell football game.
Jerry is so blessed to have everyone thinking of him. Keep the cards coming. Anna Leigh loves to read them to him!
Team Jerry ALL THE WAY!!
It's April updating today. We went to visit Jerry yesterday. He was in decent spirits. He's a bit restless in my opinion. He really wants to get better, but the only true cure now is time. He hasn't been sleeping much at night because of leg cramps. However, the doctor (whom I adored) said that his nerves are regrowing and reattaching and the cramping is a sign of this. I finally expressed my frustration to the doctor over the whole insurance situation. Very kindly and calmly he explained they lose this battle over and over again with insurance companies. Again, I was very frustrated and irritated but at least we have healthcare. I know- I'm always looking for the sunshine in everything! If you know me at all, you know this to be true! The doctor gave us encouraging news concering Jerry. Dr. Johnson had not seen him in quite some time. Dr. Johnson told us Jerry was a different man than when he arrived 2 months ago. He was pleased and just told us to give it time. Jerry is still on 11 BPMs (breaths per minute) on the vent. When asked why he was not being weaned quicker, the doctor said quick is bad. Slow is good- so we will take that explaination! Anna Leigh had fun talking to her Papa. Jerry still has not lost his sense of humor. When Todd was exercising his arms, he lifted Jerry's arm up. It was right next to Todd's head. I told Jerry to reach over and smack Todd's head- and he did! Of course we all had to laugh! Something so silly and minor was quite an accomplishment. Now that Jerry's facial muscles continue to improve, he is much easier to understand. For that- we are very grateful!
Thanks to all the cousins that recently came by! We are so grateful for the companionship and entertainment you provide to Jerry. A cousin brought up the radio broadcast of the Richlands/Tazewell football game.
Jerry is so blessed to have everyone thinking of him. Keep the cards coming. Anna Leigh loves to read them to him!
Team Jerry ALL THE WAY!!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Getting to Work
Hello Everyone!
It seems like every time I open up one of these updates, I'm apologizing for the length of time since the last post. Needless to say, it's been a hectic week and I've had to tend to more pressing issues for Dad and Mom. So I hope you'll understand. OK... and now for the update.
Dad is still doing well, with a few new movements in his arms, hands, legs, feet and head. It's now becoming more clear to everyone that Dad is on the road to recovery, but it's going to be a long and winding road. Luckily, the roller coaster of events has subsided for now. Mom, Dad's personal angel, is showing him all the cards and emails that you continue to send to him and he loves it.
This week, the doctors are trying to work on Dad's ventilation therapy to get him off the trache. For now, he's set to breathe at 12 reps a minute. So they are starting at 10 and hope to have him at 8 by next week. One thing we have to keep in mind is how scary this can be for Dad. He can still remember when they had to intubate him in Topeka. Hopefully, with Mom's calming nature, Dad will be able to handle the stress on his body and mind. Of course, we need to keep encouraging him. So be on the look out for anything jovial that you can send to him about breathing, blowing hard or anything to the liking. I made a joke yesterday about him getting use to being full of hot air again and breathing it on his own for a change. He laughed and it seem to cut the tension.
As for visitors, some North Carolina cousins came by this weekend and they really seem to brighten his day. Dad's sisters and BILs also stopped by to see him, along with some of their family. He even got a visit from one of my high school friends who was passing through to go to our 20 year class reunion back in Richlands. But one person that brought the biggest smile to Dad's face was his Anna Leigh (granddaughter). Of course, "The Drill Sargent" as we call her, had him exercising and moving those extremities. I tell ya, if we could keep her out of school long enough, Dad might be back on his feet sooner rather than later (hehe).
Mom is also doing well and continues to stay by Dad's side, night and day. He's getting more and more restless, wanting to be exercised and moved around a lot more. God bless those nurses, who do as much as they can, but they can't keep up with all the requests. So Mom pitches-in when she can to help out. And of course when Liz (Dad's sister) stops by, he's got to have a foot rub, or two, or three (hehe).
As a side note, my Mother-in-Law, Gaynelle, found a very good book on GBS called Bed Number 10. It's written by Sue Baier, who herself was stricken with GBS back long ago. She describes the trials and tribulations that this condition causes for the patients and their loved ones. It's not in stores, not that we've found yet; but if you're looking for more insight on what Dad is going through, it's a great way of finding out. In fact, all medical students going into long-term care should read this book. But it's a great find for us, as it's letting us understand Dad and his condition just that much more. We're pretty lucky that Gaynelle found it, and even luckier that she's in our lives.
OK... that's it for now. I'll keep you posted on Dad's progression with the vent-therapy. Take care!
Team Jerry all the way!!!
It seems like every time I open up one of these updates, I'm apologizing for the length of time since the last post. Needless to say, it's been a hectic week and I've had to tend to more pressing issues for Dad and Mom. So I hope you'll understand. OK... and now for the update.
Dad is still doing well, with a few new movements in his arms, hands, legs, feet and head. It's now becoming more clear to everyone that Dad is on the road to recovery, but it's going to be a long and winding road. Luckily, the roller coaster of events has subsided for now. Mom, Dad's personal angel, is showing him all the cards and emails that you continue to send to him and he loves it.
This week, the doctors are trying to work on Dad's ventilation therapy to get him off the trache. For now, he's set to breathe at 12 reps a minute. So they are starting at 10 and hope to have him at 8 by next week. One thing we have to keep in mind is how scary this can be for Dad. He can still remember when they had to intubate him in Topeka. Hopefully, with Mom's calming nature, Dad will be able to handle the stress on his body and mind. Of course, we need to keep encouraging him. So be on the look out for anything jovial that you can send to him about breathing, blowing hard or anything to the liking. I made a joke yesterday about him getting use to being full of hot air again and breathing it on his own for a change. He laughed and it seem to cut the tension.
As for visitors, some North Carolina cousins came by this weekend and they really seem to brighten his day. Dad's sisters and BILs also stopped by to see him, along with some of their family. He even got a visit from one of my high school friends who was passing through to go to our 20 year class reunion back in Richlands. But one person that brought the biggest smile to Dad's face was his Anna Leigh (granddaughter). Of course, "The Drill Sargent" as we call her, had him exercising and moving those extremities. I tell ya, if we could keep her out of school long enough, Dad might be back on his feet sooner rather than later (hehe).
Mom is also doing well and continues to stay by Dad's side, night and day. He's getting more and more restless, wanting to be exercised and moved around a lot more. God bless those nurses, who do as much as they can, but they can't keep up with all the requests. So Mom pitches-in when she can to help out. And of course when Liz (Dad's sister) stops by, he's got to have a foot rub, or two, or three (hehe).
As a side note, my Mother-in-Law, Gaynelle, found a very good book on GBS called Bed Number 10. It's written by Sue Baier, who herself was stricken with GBS back long ago. She describes the trials and tribulations that this condition causes for the patients and their loved ones. It's not in stores, not that we've found yet; but if you're looking for more insight on what Dad is going through, it's a great way of finding out. In fact, all medical students going into long-term care should read this book. But it's a great find for us, as it's letting us understand Dad and his condition just that much more. We're pretty lucky that Gaynelle found it, and even luckier that she's in our lives.
OK... that's it for now. I'll keep you posted on Dad's progression with the vent-therapy. Take care!
Team Jerry all the way!!!
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