A Simple Timeline

A Simple Timeline...

March 9, 2014- Admitted to St E with minor symptoms (on eve of move from house to condo*)
March 10- Guillain-Barre diagnosis and progression to full paralysis and intubation
March 12- Transfer to University Hospital NSICU
March 12-26- NSICU at UC
March 26-27- Brief stay at LTAC- Drake Hospital at Christ
March 27- Emergency surgery for bleeding trach, transfer to SICU
March 28-April 14- SICU at Christ (pneumonia and PE treatment)
April 14-19- MICU at Christ
April 19th- Transferred back to Drake Hospital (at Christ) ROOM 3083 (Easter weekend)
July 31- First time outside in 21 weeks
August 25- First meal in 5 1/2 months
October 16- 67th birthday at Drake
October 31- MICU at Christ for treatment of pneumonia and MRSA infection
November 17th- Return to Drake Hospital (at Christ)
Thanksgiving-Christmas-47th Anniversary- New Year 2015
January 17th- Hematoma (dealt with for about a month following)
March 19- 2 weeks off the ventilator! Trach capped for first time ;)
April 4&5- Baptism service and Easter
April 20- "So long" party with Drake staff
April 23- Move to Providence Pavilion rehab center in Covington, KY
May 26- June 10th- St E hospital (trach out, MRSA treatment)
June 10th- moved to Gateway Rehab in Florence, KY (feeding tube removed)
July 2nd- moved to Rosedale Green in Latonia, KY
August 8th- first time sitting in the seat of a car in 17 months
Oct 16th- 68th birthday party at Rosedale
November 26th- Thanksgiving with family+ at the Rickerts
*November 27th- first time in condo since purchase*
January, 2016- began using a motorized wheelchair controlled by head
July 10- move to HealthSouth rehab to prepare for move to assisted living
July 28, 2016- moved to Elmcroft Assisted Living in Florence, KY. After 871 long nights apart finally sharing a roof with wife again!!
August 2018- moved out of Elmceoft. Steve to Emerald Trace. Nancy to the condo.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Renewed Strength (by Nancy)

Today was another day of Steve and me talking (no spelling!) and me just bustling around the room, doing things for him. Charlie slept nearby. We talked about things that are set up in the room that we can ask staff to help Steve operate. These things, like the laser-led internet access, the Bible on a cd player with headset, and various DVDs that can play on the computer could help Steve pass the time while he waits for further healing. He has so many hours to fill each day and night and renewing his mind is so important.  

He is making decisions to hold off on meds when he is expecting me or other visitors so he can make the most of the visits. His mind is much clearer and he was able to articulate many questions and concerns to Dr. Krause in the last couple of days.

Steve sat up on the side of the bed with help for about 15 minutes, some of which he held himself.  He was able to pull himself up to erect position from leaning to the side.

The pulmonologist has given the go ahead for him to get back to the trach collar up to 2 hours per day.

Today he moved his arms side to side, pushing from his shoulders and biceps. Quite a bit of movement upper arm to his elbows. He says he practices trying to move his lower arms and hands a lot throughout the day. He gets discouraged. It’s lonely work.

All in all, two very good days as we shared many special moments needing no words and feeling like we are truly in this together.

Appointment with neurologist next Monday. Tim and Flora will be there also. Prayers please for new insight, helpful information, and strengthened hope.

Thank you!
Nancy and Steve

No comments:

Post a Comment