My daddy

[bearmom]

More healing thoughts being sent your way. Try to get some rest while he is. Many hospitals have some chairs that recline a bit so you can nap while staying with the patient. If your dad wakes up, you'll be right there.

 

[JackieOnLine]

draining is good; hope you can nap as long as he is asleep

 

[southernlady]

More healing thoughts being sent your way. Try to get some rest while he is. Many hospitals have some chairs that recline a bit so you can nap while staying with the patient. If your dad wakes up, you'll be right there.

Yeah, in the regular rooms...this hospital has the most uncomfortable chairs in the ICU and I think it's done ON purpose.

I stayed til 2 (they kick you out for quiet time from 2-3) and today I decided to just wait til tomorrow morning to go back in.

He isn't improved. His nurse came in about once an hour to "annoy" him. They make him wake up, shine a light in his eyes, ask him some questions, and check for responses.
He barely opened his eyes. And he couldn't focus on anything. They did get a slight reaction to the light in his eyes. When asked to hold up two fingers, he held up his whole hand. The nurse repeated two fingers and his hand dropped. And they had to pinch him to get any responses.

I do know this is NOT how he would want to be...they do have DNR.

 

[newanatomy]

Thanks for keeping us posted Liz. I wish your heart strength and peace.

 

[shann]

Oh, Liz! My heart hurts for you. When my Daddy died (at 52 - way too young), one of the things that got me through was knowing that he would have been glad to not live in a reduced state. I'm praying for peace for you and your family! Don't forget to take care of yourself through all this!!!

 

[southernlady]

Today...he's opening his eyes more and his left side is strong. His right was already compromised by the first stroke 15 days ago, BUT he was recovering from that when this one happened.

Other than the shunt draining fluid off his brain and fluids, he is not on any extraordinary measures.

We did have to put a glove on his left "fidget" hand once he discovered that his head itched from all the tape on it. It's the automatic reflex to scratch what itches! His right hand just lays there. Unfortunately they have to pinch it to get a reaction, and even then most of his reaction is from his left side.

He's hanging in, not sure if that is good or bad right now. I know he would not want to stay at this level but if he can regain much of his independence AND dignity, he may just make it to 100 like he threatened years ago!

 

[Kate]

Thinking of you.

 

[DianaCox]

It sounds like some improvement is happening, and that more is possible - he's a tough old guy, and it doesn't sounds like he's given up yet - thinking of you and your family during this difficult and confusing time.

 

[JackieOnLine]

does he get to have therapy now?

 

[southernlady]

does he get to have therapy now?

Not yet...he will remain in ICU until the shunt is removed...which should be the end of the week. Or until a CT scan shows the swelling is down considerably.
Now, PT and OT and the Respiratory Therapist have all been by...but until he is awake enough to follow minimal instructions other than "open your eyes", "squeeze my hand" and "wiggle your toes", they won't actually start anything.
PT and OT HAD started on Sat but had to stop when he slipped into this deep sleep.

 

[JackieOnLine]

nothing harder than just waiting

 

[hilary1617]

Just know we are thinking of you and your daddy and feeling for you and wishing for the best.

 

[Terri]

Be sure and take care of you! Sending positive thoughts!

 

[brooklyngirl]

Thinking of you and your family, Liz. Hoping you hear some good news!

 

[southernlady]

Prognosis is not good. We will be transferring him to hospice so his dog, Rose, can be with him.

**** this, I HATE May, esp today, lost my Mother 12 years ago today.