Hey everyone!
Well, someone's been making phone calls this past week, and I'll get to more of that in a moment. There's a lot of new things happening in Mom and Dad's world, so I'll dispense with the usual intro and just get right to it.
The family met with Dad's doctors and therapists on Wednesday (1/19) to discuss his current medical status, conceivable goals, and what barriers they feel he will face in the coming months. The big news is that they think that Dad will recover to almost 100% over time, but it will take a lot of hard work on his part. Unfortunately, Dad will probably remain at this facility for a while longer than we had first hoped. Current estimates are 4-6 months. Here's a breakdown of each rehab area:
Speech Therapy - Everyone said they are very pleased with the progress Dad has made in this area. They would like for him to deflate his ventilation cuff more often during each day so he can work on talking more. This tactic will help to reawaken his vocal cords and throat muscles, which will help him to learn how to swallow again and be able to eventually eat on his own. Dad had mentioned to his therapist that Banana and Grape flavors sounded good to him, so she and her husband bought Dad some Popsicles the other day while they were at the grocery store.
As a result of his progress, Dad was able to make a few phone calls to different family and friends over the past week. Of course, it made his day to be able to talk to other people besides the ones that he gets to see most of the time. His voice is still crackling a little, but that will subside over time as he talks more.
Ventilation Therapy - When Dad came to this new facility, the ventilation machines were hard to get use to, as they are mechanically different from what he was use to in Lynchburg. But he has adapted well to the change and has started progressing towards staying off the machine more hours each day. The therapists think Dad can be off the ventilator within the next few months with continued hard work and effort.
Physical Therapy - There's been a few bumps in the road with this part of Dad's rehab, but we're working things out with the staff. The therapist wants Dad to stay out of the bed a little more each day to help with getting his body accustom to sitting up. This will also help to strengthen the muscles in his abdomen. So Dad is trying to do this each day, but is having difficultly working through the pain. To add to it, the staff is not always the best about coming back to get him into bed at the time they agree upon. It sometimes ends up being over an hour longer than what they promised, which doesn't sit well with Dad or us at all. But like I said, we're working on fixing it with the facility's management.
Overall movement in Dad's body is still showing some improvements. Mobility in his arms and legs is slowly coming back, and he's able to do a few more things on his own. Hopefully, this too will continue to progress over the coming months.
As for Mom, she is staying with Dad in Raleigh and visiting him each day. We found a place just down the road from the facility that does long-term stays. After some haggling, we were able to get them to come down on the price just enough to make it somewhat affordable. The room has a little dinette in it, so she's able to cook for herself. One of family's friends wanted to see Dad, so when he came down to visit, he brought Mom's car to her from Richlands so she can save on travel expenses. While he was there, he also gave Dad a much needed haircut, which made Dad feel a lot better.
The house in Richlands has a contract on it and we're in the process of doing the same here in Danville. As last reported, we found a house that fits Mom and Dad's needs and we're praying that the owners will accept our offer. There will be a shortfall between the price of the house here and what they'll get for the house in Richlands. But we're trying to get the payments low enough to make it affordable for Mom and Dad in the coming years. As soon as we have more info, I'll let you know.
Well, that's all for now. We'll continue to keep you posted on Dad's progress and everything else going on with him and Mom. Take care of yourselves, and thank you so much for your continued support and well wishes. They mean more to us then you will ever know.
Team Jerry all the way!!!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
New Place, New Way of Doing Things!
Hey folks!
Hope everyone is enjoying the New Year. Dad is starting to adjust to the new facility that he moved to on Jan. 3rd in Raleigh, NC. Of course there are some growing pains, such as getting everyone on the same page with Dad's care, but we're use to doing that by now. Dad is still making phone calls to people when they try to contact him, and believe, plenty are trying. It really makes him feel good when he's able to talk to people and communicate directly with them. After all, he hasn't done anything like that in over 6 months.
The family is meeting with the doctors this week to hear their plan for Dad's recovery. We're hoping that things with go smoothly and quickly so we can get him home. But we don't want to rush things either, so we are just satisfied with knowing that he is getting better.
The movement in his upper body is slowly coming back. Dad can almost touch his face with his hands. The part that is keeping him from doing it is his upper arms, which haven't come around just yet. But we know with a little hard work, they should come around soon.
We have found a place for Mom to stay in Raleigh while Dad is there. It's a mile and a half from the facility and close to restaurants and a grocery store. We talked to the manager of the establishment and was able to get a rate that is comparable with what it would cost to rent a furnished apartment. Mom also got her car delivered to her today by a good friend of the family. He brought it down from Richlands, so now she won't have to rely on taxicabs to get back and forth.
Mom came to Danville and spent the weekend with us. We went Saturday and found a house that we think will be good for them. The layout is ideal and the location is doable. We just pray that they'll take our offer.
Well, that's all for now. We'll update the blog again soon once we know the doctor's plan for his recovery to let everyone know the timeline. Take care of yourselves and keep those well wishes coming. If you want to send him a card, just use the PO Box (2364) in Danville (24541).
Team Jerry all the way!!!
Hope everyone is enjoying the New Year. Dad is starting to adjust to the new facility that he moved to on Jan. 3rd in Raleigh, NC. Of course there are some growing pains, such as getting everyone on the same page with Dad's care, but we're use to doing that by now. Dad is still making phone calls to people when they try to contact him, and believe, plenty are trying. It really makes him feel good when he's able to talk to people and communicate directly with them. After all, he hasn't done anything like that in over 6 months.
The family is meeting with the doctors this week to hear their plan for Dad's recovery. We're hoping that things with go smoothly and quickly so we can get him home. But we don't want to rush things either, so we are just satisfied with knowing that he is getting better.
The movement in his upper body is slowly coming back. Dad can almost touch his face with his hands. The part that is keeping him from doing it is his upper arms, which haven't come around just yet. But we know with a little hard work, they should come around soon.
We have found a place for Mom to stay in Raleigh while Dad is there. It's a mile and a half from the facility and close to restaurants and a grocery store. We talked to the manager of the establishment and was able to get a rate that is comparable with what it would cost to rent a furnished apartment. Mom also got her car delivered to her today by a good friend of the family. He brought it down from Richlands, so now she won't have to rely on taxicabs to get back and forth.
Mom came to Danville and spent the weekend with us. We went Saturday and found a house that we think will be good for them. The layout is ideal and the location is doable. We just pray that they'll take our offer.
Well, that's all for now. We'll update the blog again soon once we know the doctor's plan for his recovery to let everyone know the timeline. Take care of yourselves and keep those well wishes coming. If you want to send him a card, just use the PO Box (2364) in Danville (24541).
Team Jerry all the way!!!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Raleigh
It's April today. Just to let everyone know.....Jerry was moved to a facility in Raleigh, NC this past Tuesday. They immediately began to work with him and continue to move his recovery forward. On Friday, I pulled Anna Leigh out of class because she had a very special phone call....from her Papaw! She was beyond thrilled and it did this Mommy's heart good to hear her so happy! We know it hasn't been easy on any of us, but Anna Leigh probably has the best attitude about it but also struggles with it.
We visited him today and we was in decent spirits. He was having an off day but took a phone call from his brother Jim and made sure to tell Anna Leigh how beautiful she was. He sounds like himself, only a bit gravelly. We are tickled with his progress, but we all realize we still have a ways to go.
As news arises, I will continue to update the blog. God bless....thanks for the prayers!
Team Jerry ALL THE WAY!!!
We visited him today and we was in decent spirits. He was having an off day but took a phone call from his brother Jim and made sure to tell Anna Leigh how beautiful she was. He sounds like himself, only a bit gravelly. We are tickled with his progress, but we all realize we still have a ways to go.
As news arises, I will continue to update the blog. God bless....thanks for the prayers!
Team Jerry ALL THE WAY!!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
Hi everyone! Hope you are enjoying your New Year so far. We have a lot to update you on, so here goes...
First, Dad's ventilation therapy. Dad has really done well over the past couple of weeks with his vent weaning. He is up to 12 hours a day now on pressure support, which means he can probably start doing some work with the cuff. For those of you not in the know (which included me until a few weeks ago), the cuff is a mechanism that they put over Dad's trach and is hooked-up directly to oxygen. This means that he is totally off the machine and the longer he lasts, the better. So far, he's done it once and only lasted 5 minutes, but that's a good first start. Only time will tell when he can do more.
Next, Dad's physical therapy. Over the past few weeks, PT has started sitting Dad up on the side of his bed each day, and getting him out of bed so he can do some exercises. They wanted to get him to a standing table this past week, but there were some complications that prevented it. Movement in is arms, legs and feet is slowly progressing, and he is able to do a lot more than what he use to. Dad can move the mouse on a computer enough to slowly work on his Farmville, but that's about it. But with hard work, Dad will continue to get better.
Then, there is Dad's next move. That's right, Dad is transferring to a facility in North Carolina called Blue Ridge Health Care Center on or around Tuesday (01/04/11). This facility is geared to help him further with the vent weaning and his physical therapy, which are both good things. Of course, the downside is that Mom won't be able to stay with Dad while he is there. So we'll have to figure out some type of accommodations for her either in Raleigh or Danville. In addition, his insurance policy will only cover 70% of the cost for the facility, which can run about $20,000 a month. Needless to say, this will further strain Mom and Dad's financial situation. But we are looking for alternative coverage that might be able to assist with paying for this facility. If you have any ideas outside of the norm, I'd love to hear them. In all, we're trying to focus on the fact that Dad is contiuing to progress and hopefully will not be in the facility for too long before his next move to an in-patient physical therapy unit.
In case you haven't heard, we are in the process of selling Mom and Dad's house in Richlands. While they love the area and truly hate to leave their friends and family, the reality is that Mom and Dad will need our assistance (Todd, April, and Dad's family) here in Danville to help with his recovery going forward. This move will hopefully occur in the next couple of months. If anyone just has a hankering for lifting and moving furniture in the near future, let me know and I'll fulfill your need one day in early 2011. (hehe)
Finally, on behalf of Dad, Mom, April and Anna Leigh, I would just like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Words cannot express how your constant words of encouragement and prayers have kept us going over the past six months. Our hope is that none of you ever experience a hardship like Dad's; but know this... we will be there for you if such a fate should ever befall any of you. This ordeal has given us a truer appreciation for life and for the ones who currently surround us with their love and support. I am still blown away by how one man could invigorate such a constant expression of love and concern. But then again, if you know the man, you know why. Dad probably never really thought he was much more than just another hardworking truck driver who was trying to stay ahead of the bills enough so he could splurge a little bit on his wife and granddaughter every now and then. A guy, that for all intended purposes, would not be remembered for that much. But thanks to all of you, he now knows that his life means so much more and has touched so many in a good way, that he can never deny his importance in this world again.
Well, that's all for now. We'll post another update once Dad and Mom have settled into their new location(s). In the meantime, if you would like to visit the facility's website to learn more about it or directions on how to get to it, use this link: BRHCC.
Happy New Year everyone! Team Jerry all the way in 2011!!!
First, Dad's ventilation therapy. Dad has really done well over the past couple of weeks with his vent weaning. He is up to 12 hours a day now on pressure support, which means he can probably start doing some work with the cuff. For those of you not in the know (which included me until a few weeks ago), the cuff is a mechanism that they put over Dad's trach and is hooked-up directly to oxygen. This means that he is totally off the machine and the longer he lasts, the better. So far, he's done it once and only lasted 5 minutes, but that's a good first start. Only time will tell when he can do more.
Next, Dad's physical therapy. Over the past few weeks, PT has started sitting Dad up on the side of his bed each day, and getting him out of bed so he can do some exercises. They wanted to get him to a standing table this past week, but there were some complications that prevented it. Movement in is arms, legs and feet is slowly progressing, and he is able to do a lot more than what he use to. Dad can move the mouse on a computer enough to slowly work on his Farmville, but that's about it. But with hard work, Dad will continue to get better.
Then, there is Dad's next move. That's right, Dad is transferring to a facility in North Carolina called Blue Ridge Health Care Center on or around Tuesday (01/04/11). This facility is geared to help him further with the vent weaning and his physical therapy, which are both good things. Of course, the downside is that Mom won't be able to stay with Dad while he is there. So we'll have to figure out some type of accommodations for her either in Raleigh or Danville. In addition, his insurance policy will only cover 70% of the cost for the facility, which can run about $20,000 a month. Needless to say, this will further strain Mom and Dad's financial situation. But we are looking for alternative coverage that might be able to assist with paying for this facility. If you have any ideas outside of the norm, I'd love to hear them. In all, we're trying to focus on the fact that Dad is contiuing to progress and hopefully will not be in the facility for too long before his next move to an in-patient physical therapy unit.
In case you haven't heard, we are in the process of selling Mom and Dad's house in Richlands. While they love the area and truly hate to leave their friends and family, the reality is that Mom and Dad will need our assistance (Todd, April, and Dad's family) here in Danville to help with his recovery going forward. This move will hopefully occur in the next couple of months. If anyone just has a hankering for lifting and moving furniture in the near future, let me know and I'll fulfill your need one day in early 2011. (hehe)
Finally, on behalf of Dad, Mom, April and Anna Leigh, I would just like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Words cannot express how your constant words of encouragement and prayers have kept us going over the past six months. Our hope is that none of you ever experience a hardship like Dad's; but know this... we will be there for you if such a fate should ever befall any of you. This ordeal has given us a truer appreciation for life and for the ones who currently surround us with their love and support. I am still blown away by how one man could invigorate such a constant expression of love and concern. But then again, if you know the man, you know why. Dad probably never really thought he was much more than just another hardworking truck driver who was trying to stay ahead of the bills enough so he could splurge a little bit on his wife and granddaughter every now and then. A guy, that for all intended purposes, would not be remembered for that much. But thanks to all of you, he now knows that his life means so much more and has touched so many in a good way, that he can never deny his importance in this world again.
Well, that's all for now. We'll post another update once Dad and Mom have settled into their new location(s). In the meantime, if you would like to visit the facility's website to learn more about it or directions on how to get to it, use this link: BRHCC.
Happy New Year everyone! Team Jerry all the way in 2011!!!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Merry Christmas!
During a visit from his family yesterday, Jerry received get well wishes from the Richlands Blue Tornados! The entire team signed a get well wish for Jerry. He also received the sweatshirt in the photo as well! He was overjoyed to receive such a special gift from his favorite football team! In addition to this amazing gift, we all got to experience our first "White Christmas" in quite some time. From our hearts to yours, thanks again for the prayers, cards, and love you have sent to all of us.
Team Jerry ALL THE WAY!!!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Good things keep happening!
Hey folks!
Sorry that I didn't update the blog over the weekend, but I thought I would wait until some events that were scheduled for early this week happened so you could get a full report on the latest with Dad. First and foremost, he is doing well and continues to progress nicely with this rehab. The doctors like what they see and think Dad is on the verge of doing some big things.
Yesterday (Tuesday), the family and Dad had a meeting with the hospital staff to talk about some of the lingering issues that continue to plague the rehab process. A lot of things were discussed and the air seem to be cleared on some misconceptions that we had about them, they had about us, and the overall rehab plan and Dad's care. With something as complex as GBS, it's only normal for both sides of the equation to get frustrated at times and want to "give up" on certain tasks. But we believe yesterday laid the foundation for things to improve and start moving forward again.
The big news, as you can see by the picture, is that Dad sat up on the side of his bed on Monday. This task is now apart of his Physical Therapy plan and will be done 3 times a week (M-W-F), with him actually getting out of bed on the days in between (Tu-Th) and sitting in his hot-rod Harley Davidson wheelchair (thanks for the stickers, cousin Brian). Also, Respiratory Therapy, who is helping to wean him off the vent, is starting to put in a mechanism on this trach each day that will allow Dad to start talking again. Each of these new therapies is very painful and scary for Dad, but he is working through them like a champ with the help and encouragement of Mom, the Family and the hospital staff, and of course, you too via your emails and cards.
The next big thing for Dad, which will probably happen at the beginning of the year, is a move to a new facility. Depending on where Dad is with his therapies will decide which facility he will go to. I am working with his Case Mgr. to get an updated list of these facilities and will try to find one close to Danville, per Dad's request, so we can be near him to help with his rehab. Most likely, Mom will not be able to stay with him like she is now, so this will entail a lot of traveling for her going forward. If anyone has any ideas on facilities or if you've heard of one close to Danville, please email them to us, as we'll take all the help on finding a facility that we can get.
Well, that's it for now. Take care of yourselves and keep those cards and well-wishes coming in. I'll keep updating the blog as Dad's milestones continue. Thanks again for all your love and support. We truly appreciate it!
Team Jerry all the way!!!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Humor and Football helps him through it!
Hi everyone!
The past week was a challenge for Dad, as he continues his therapies for ventilation weaning and physical mobility. While the latter is still a "work-in-progress" as far as setting up a program schedule, the vent therapy is continuing to move forward. Each hour that he adds to being off the machine gets him that much closer to being off of it all together. Everyone is hopeful that Dad will be able to complete this feat by the end of the year, but there are no promises.
As with any GBS patients, there are peaks and valleys to the recovery process. While Dad did make some progress this past week, it was even more challenging due to his extenuating circumstances. Of course, just like when you or I work out (hehe... that's funny... the thought of me working out... anyway, I digress), Dad gets tired. His body is having to learn how to work on it's own again and just as one would think, the muscles that he has not used for the past 5 months are now getting a good workout each day. If you couple this issue with the fact that Dad's lungs seem to be in overdrive when it comes to being congested, well, you can just imagine at how tired he feels each day. But he keeps plugging along, because he wants to get out of that bed. I just keep telling him to do like those ol' guys from SNL, where he looks at his muscles and says, "I want to pump YOU UP"!
Lots of people have asked about Mom, and with all things considered, she is doing well. Of course, her stubbornness gets in the way sometimes when she doesn't listen to us about getting enough rest, but that's OK. As I've explained to her, when she's laying there in a bed next to Dad, I'll be able to say "I told you so" just like she use to do to me when I was a teenager. In all seriousness, Mom is really doing a great job with Dad and if it wasn't for her, there would be no recovery. She truly is the backbone of the operation there at the hospital. Along with the nurses and doctors, Mom is helping Dad back from the depths of this GBS hell that has trapped him since the end of June. Without her, I don't know what we'd do!!!
Also, people are starting to ask about Christmas gifts and what they can do to help. Well, as before, we are asking for donations to be mailed to the benefit account (PO Box 2364, Danville, VA 24541). Bills continue to mount and we are attempting to get things in line for some big moves in the near future. Chances are that Dad will be moved to a facility within the next couple of months that will handle his physical therapy once he is off the vent. This will mean that Mom will have to travel to see him, which means added travel expenses. Anything you can send, no matter how much, would be greatly appreciated.
Someone sent a lovely note the other day, talking about how they had read the news article on Dad and Mom; and while they didn't have much, they just wanted to send something. Others have sent cards saying they wish they could send something, but have nothing to give, so they are keeping Dad and Mom in their prayers instead. Please understand that no matter what you do, give money or send words of encouragement, it is your contact with Dad and Mom that matters most. It reminds them that while their predicament is difficult and the road ahead to recovery is long, the love that their friends and family share for them is greater than anything they'll ever know, and that is what will get them through this thing to the end.
On a personal note, Dad is back online with his Facebook account. To encourage his physical therapy recovery, we got him an early Christmas gift, which was a laptop from Walmart to use. It's just something simple that allows him to watch movies and get on the Internet, with the help of a special mouse that I found. So be sure to send him a message if you're on his friends list.
Last but not least, Dad is ecstatic about the fact that the Richlands Blue Tornadoes made it to the state championship game this Saturday after beating Brookville this past weekend. Unfortunately, he's not able to go to the championship game, but he will be able to hear it on his laptop. So everybody join Dad and root for the Blues this Saturday! Go Blues!!!
OK... that's it for now. Team Jerry all the way!!!
The past week was a challenge for Dad, as he continues his therapies for ventilation weaning and physical mobility. While the latter is still a "work-in-progress" as far as setting up a program schedule, the vent therapy is continuing to move forward. Each hour that he adds to being off the machine gets him that much closer to being off of it all together. Everyone is hopeful that Dad will be able to complete this feat by the end of the year, but there are no promises.
As with any GBS patients, there are peaks and valleys to the recovery process. While Dad did make some progress this past week, it was even more challenging due to his extenuating circumstances. Of course, just like when you or I work out (hehe... that's funny... the thought of me working out... anyway, I digress), Dad gets tired. His body is having to learn how to work on it's own again and just as one would think, the muscles that he has not used for the past 5 months are now getting a good workout each day. If you couple this issue with the fact that Dad's lungs seem to be in overdrive when it comes to being congested, well, you can just imagine at how tired he feels each day. But he keeps plugging along, because he wants to get out of that bed. I just keep telling him to do like those ol' guys from SNL, where he looks at his muscles and says, "I want to pump YOU UP"!
Lots of people have asked about Mom, and with all things considered, she is doing well. Of course, her stubbornness gets in the way sometimes when she doesn't listen to us about getting enough rest, but that's OK. As I've explained to her, when she's laying there in a bed next to Dad, I'll be able to say "I told you so" just like she use to do to me when I was a teenager. In all seriousness, Mom is really doing a great job with Dad and if it wasn't for her, there would be no recovery. She truly is the backbone of the operation there at the hospital. Along with the nurses and doctors, Mom is helping Dad back from the depths of this GBS hell that has trapped him since the end of June. Without her, I don't know what we'd do!!!
Also, people are starting to ask about Christmas gifts and what they can do to help. Well, as before, we are asking for donations to be mailed to the benefit account (PO Box 2364, Danville, VA 24541). Bills continue to mount and we are attempting to get things in line for some big moves in the near future. Chances are that Dad will be moved to a facility within the next couple of months that will handle his physical therapy once he is off the vent. This will mean that Mom will have to travel to see him, which means added travel expenses. Anything you can send, no matter how much, would be greatly appreciated.
Someone sent a lovely note the other day, talking about how they had read the news article on Dad and Mom; and while they didn't have much, they just wanted to send something. Others have sent cards saying they wish they could send something, but have nothing to give, so they are keeping Dad and Mom in their prayers instead. Please understand that no matter what you do, give money or send words of encouragement, it is your contact with Dad and Mom that matters most. It reminds them that while their predicament is difficult and the road ahead to recovery is long, the love that their friends and family share for them is greater than anything they'll ever know, and that is what will get them through this thing to the end.
On a personal note, Dad is back online with his Facebook account. To encourage his physical therapy recovery, we got him an early Christmas gift, which was a laptop from Walmart to use. It's just something simple that allows him to watch movies and get on the Internet, with the help of a special mouse that I found. So be sure to send him a message if you're on his friends list.
Last but not least, Dad is ecstatic about the fact that the Richlands Blue Tornadoes made it to the state championship game this Saturday after beating Brookville this past weekend. Unfortunately, he's not able to go to the championship game, but he will be able to hear it on his laptop. So everybody join Dad and root for the Blues this Saturday! Go Blues!!!
OK... that's it for now. Team Jerry all the way!!!
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