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!!!