Road to Recovery

G & G

2010-05-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

Spring Update; progress report

2010-04-13T14:16:00.001-07:00

We appreciate all of you who continue to ask about Dad's progress and apologize for not keeping his blogsite as up-to-date as possible. I wanted to take a few minutes to update you on Dad's wonderful Resurrection - Easter Celebration with the family! Also, I wanted to update you on Dad's pain episodes in his left hip, and round 3 Botox therapies.

Resurrection-Easter Sunday!
Dad was able to attend worship services @ Parkway along with some of the family members. Ruthy shared that Dad "sang" and "shouted out some strong AMEN's" to the Preacher! Afterward, Ruthy had invited all the family to her place on Tyler Parkway. They had the traditional Easter ham (honey-baked) and BBQ -- two of our Dad's favorites. Sharon's potato salad is another one of Dad's favs and many other treats were brought to share in the Easter Dinner. It was a beautiful day and everyone enjoyed being out on the deck.

Round 3 Botox Therapy - Tuesday, April 6th
Ruthy and Donna took Dad with the help of a transportation service to Audubon Hospital. It was another beautiful day. They shared with the Doctor that Round 2 injections seemed to have very little positive effect. The Doctor wants to see Dad again on April 30th for a follow up to Round 3 injections. New PT orders were requested of Dr. Bhupalam, and he said he'd leave that up to Dr. Dhaftary, at Parkway. A couple of Dad's good buddies, Tommy Slusher and Corky Gollar were waiting for him when he returned from the appointment. Dad enjoyed some hot tea and banana bread that I'd sent to him. Of note, Dad was in considerable pain in his left hip during the injections. It was not the injections, but the standard left hip pain he's been enduring for many months.

Left hip pain: Last Friday, April 9th Dad was able to see his original Orthopedic Surgeon, who did his right hip replacement surgery in August 2008. This Doc determined that it is NOT arthritis pain (as originally evaluated by the doctors, through Parkway) -- but, it is "tendinitis of his hip abductor". He is to have ultrasound treatments for ten (10) days and to be seen again. Ruthy is the key contact to get updates on Dad's hip pain situation. We are trying to stay vigilant.

Again, we thank everyone for continued prayers for Dad!
We are thankful that his hip may be feeling much, much better after this ultrasound treatment. Stay connected! - Love, Kathy

New photos

2010-03-13T17:22:00.000-08:00

Donna took some great new pictures of Grandpa on Wednesday at dinner. Since the weather was so nice, she grilled some cheeseburgers for dinner and took them to Parkway. After dinner we sat outside for a bit, which Caleb and Grandpa both loved.

Dad & Mom Celebrate their 55th Anniversary

2010-02-19T17:54:00.000-08:00

Today is the 55th wedding anniversary for Herman and Janet Karrer! May God Bless you both on your special day -- An anniversary is a celebration of the love you pledged to each other, the faith that holds you together, and the promise that lies in all of your tomorrows. Congratulations, Mom & Dad!

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends - I Corinthians 13:7-8"

I look forward to seeing BLOGSPOT posts after you celebrate this special anniversary with all the family members who can make it this weekend. Bloggers - please post!

Dad receives Botox (Round #2)

2010-02-01T12:42:00.000-08:00

I think it is absolutely fascinating that BOTOX can be used to relieve SPASTICITY (a condition where the muscles tighten as a result of the stroke and inability to move them normally).

Dad received Round 2 Botox injections last Tuesday, January 26, 2010. Donna shared an email among the siblings and this is an excerpt for all BLOG readers. Please, please pray for everyone involved here to help Dad after Round 2 Botox....this opens Dad's benefits to include MORE PHYSICAL THERAPY, SPEECH THERAPY and OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY. He should be very busy with his days filled with all these therapies, as well as each family member should be working with him individually. Call it a "divine feeling" or "divine encounter" -- I have a divine feeling that Round 2 Botox is going to bring our Dad to a new level of recovery -- we're going to see much more movement, mobility and miracles!!!! Please read the excerpts of Donna's update (below) and please pray with us!

Donna and Mike were able to get Dad to his Botox injection visit at Audubon Hospital Tuesday morning (1/26/2010) @ 8:30 AM, despite the ice on the roadways! Dr. Blupalum was happy to see Dad again; but, a little concerned about the spasticity in his left arm. His arm was very tight against his side with his hand turning inward. So, the arm got most of the Botox attention. Dad did get one syringe injection for the muscles just above his left knee. Most amazing -- after the injections Donna and Mike could actually see the relaxation of Dad's arm! It's still contracted somewhat; but, hopefully with therapies, and stretching it will relax even more.

Donna further asked that everyone who visits with Dad help with the stretching of his left hand, fingers and arm. She went on to share with each of us that we should "slowly stretch until we meet resistance; then relax" his left hand/fingers/arm. Each time we make the stretch, the part you will be able to stretch should become a little more relaxed each time. Slowing - stretching - resting - and repeating. We do this until we see a relaxing/stretching difference; or until Dad tells you "that's enough"....

John also called me on Saturday night so I could talk with Dad. It was great to speak with both Dad and John. John was working on the stretching with Dad at that time. Dad did share unfortunate news that Parkway had NOT followed through with his therapies earlier in the week. That was extremely disappointing to him (and to me), and he said Rich was going to follow up on that on Monday morning (today).

Dad also shared that Louisville received about 6 inches of snow...yikes!

Just wanted to share all this great information regarding the use of BOTOX for Dad's stroke-affected body. I'm so grateful that Dad is a great candidate to receiving this form of medical treatment. Now, he has big work to do, and everyone who can learn a few new things as to how to help him will be a part of this most important recovery!

Best to all,
Kathy

Moving Right Along

2010-01-11T05:50:00.000-08:00

With the new blogs from Sharon and Kathy and now myself, I feel we have all had a new boost in morale. The larger room makes room for movement. As I understand it, Rich and Dad had a conversation about moving around in his chair. If you take the right leg rest off of the wheelchair Dad can move his chair. He actually moved out of his room all the way down to the nurse's station. According to Dad, he did this twice on Saturday. When Matt came to visit on Sunday Dad showed him how he could move himself around the new room. This is exciting because it definitely gives Dad more freedom. It also strengthens his core, hip and leg muscles. It may be the boost Dad needs to move forward in his continued recovery. This is awesome to me. Keeping praying! It's working!

A New View

2010-01-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

Dad seems to like his new and much larger room. He told Mom, Bill and me last night that maybe we can "put a hibachi out on the balcony". We said "Let's do it when the weather gets warmer". It will be great when the temperature rises to open the sliding door and let the sun shine in!
Visits will be a lot more comfortable in his new room, too.
Another good thing about the move is that Geneva is his aide again. She had moved to the other side and I know I missed her. Now we have her back!!! She was very happy to see "Daddy" in his new room, too.

A New Year, A New Room for Dad - Hooray!

2010-01-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Dad was moved to a larger semi-private room at Parkway. He's now in Room 324. On 12/30/2009, we discussed our continued desire to have Dad moved to a larger semi-private room. This is an answer to prayers! Dad's part of this room now has a window overlooking Eastern Parkway...a much improved view, and the end rooms at Parkway are "oversized". So, the better view and more room are both blessings!

It was such a blessing to be in Louisville, Kentucky for the Christmas/New Year holidays! I was there December 21st thru January 1st. Many days, I'd walk over from Ruthy's residence in Tyler Park area and take Dad for our little walk route. It was pretty cool, but we'd bundle up with beanie, scarves and gloves and get moving! I loved it, and Dad told the aides "my daughter from Colorado loves to walk"....every time I asked Dad if he wanted to go, without hesitation - he said "yes!" I love the conversations we have on these walks!

Dad will be seeing the neurologist next week (January 13th) to discuss addition BOTOX injections and associated Physical Therapy for his left side. We ask for your prayers over this.

Additionally, Rich and Dad were able to demonstrate the way Dad "kicks" that left leg for the Parkway staff in the meeting on 12/30. They seemed genuinely pleased at what they say. The head of Physical Therapy said Dad is "working harder for us, as he's perhaps more vested in our relationships, than he does for them". Dad keep working hard, no matter who's helping/watching! Never, ever give up!

Happy New Year and glad to have a little light shine on Dad's room situation.
I hear it is COLD and SNOWY in Louisville....don't worry; warmer weather is on the way!
Love, Kathy

Is this Dad's favorite time of the year?

2009-12-17T13:01:00.000-08:00

I received a card from Aunt Marge this week, and she said Gabe, Brenda, Cooper and Dalton were in to visit Dad when they were here at Thanksgiving. They had also been there in October for a visit. They were so impressed with Dad's improvements -- much more alert and initiating conversations! Dad told them "this is his favorite time of the year -- he loves it because of the football and basketball on TV". That sounds like something our Dad would say - what an avid sportsfan! Over the months, it has been good to see his interest in sports increase again! I can remember last year at this time, he was not nearly as interested in sports.

Well, it was good to see Aunt Marge's update from Gabe's family visit with Dad. By the time I arrive next Monday, it will be just over 5 months since my last visit. With all the good updates from others, I know I'm in for a treat when I see Dad and the improvements.

I agree with you Dad; what a wonderful time of the year for us all! Love, Kathy

Thanksgiving at Steve and Cathy's

2009-12-04T11:21:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was held at Steve's this year and was a much better holiday than last year's. Dad and of course Mom were able to be back with us this year. We again held hands around the table and gave thanks for all of our blessings. We have this tradition as many families do of each one of us saying what it is we are thankful for. Even the little guys have something they want to give thanks for. I love it. We played Thanksgiving Bingo. It was a really cute little game, but the best part was Jack helping Grandpa Karrer cover his card. We even got Grandma to play.(in spite of her hating games) Dad won three times in a roll. This may explain why Mom hates to play. Hay, I guess I just had to figure that out. Why play when Dad always wins. Steve and Cathy's house looked beautiful. They have a beautiful home in the woods and it is decorated beautifully in a country charm style. Cathy also had lovely Fall decorations throughout the house and enough seating for all who were there. Again it was a very nice holiday. It rained most of the day and was a very cold rain, so no one spent much time outside. Dad said he had never eaten so much in his whole life. Thanks to all the cooks and the host and hostess. Thanks also to all who came it was wonderful to see everyone who could make it. Love to all, Ruthy

Dear Dad, from the Snowy & Sunny Mountains!

2009-11-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

Dad, I'm glad Sharon called on Friday evening so that we could hear each others voice again and give each other a quick life update! I love hearing your voice, Dad -- and since it's now been over 4 months since I saw you last, I just want to tell you again how I can "hear" the healing in your voice! You are still recovering from this awful stroke. I met a wonderful speech therapist on Saturday as a group from our church headed into downtown Denver to help with a homeless outreach day. Jaime was encouraging to talk with about your recovery. She said the medical industry is learning more and more about the LONG-term recovery for stroke survivors! While they once said the early progress was "as good as it might get"; and the "1 year milestone" is a good indicator of how much you'll recover -- new thinking, new science, new and CORRECT information supports a much longer period of recovery and amazing improvements can still be made! Dad, you are in this group. You are continuing to recover and we so admire that you are still returning to us. Mom told me last week about Rich's work with your left-side affected arm. Rich says he gives you a command to "pull" or "push" and he can feel it. Dad, that is AWESOME!!!! Keep it up...

As the title to this blog reads, I'm in the Snowy and Sunny Rocky Mountains here in Colorado. I'm at my beloved timeshare in Avon, Colorado for my annual trip. We had a quick storm push across the state Friday - Saturday - Sunday and I waited for the sun to come out to begin to melt off the main roads. I drove over Sunday afternoon from about 2:00-5:00 PM. Dad, I was like a "kid at Christmas" as I listened to my Praise and Worship Music and took in God's absolute unending beauty as I drove through the snowy, and sunny winding highway to my destination. I hope you can envision this as you hear about this trip. I remember driving with you, Mom and my kids over here many times. I'm thankful I have this place to come to at least annually, if not more! It is inspirational, rejuvenating and overwhelmingly beautiful. I always feel the closest to God when I'm here. His natural beauty simply draws me closer to Him.

I'm finishing up a little lunch and heading out to walk around Nottingham Lake and remember your wonderful story that you told Kim and I about the first time you saw mom when she came into your 6th grade classroom (the new student) and you took one look at her and said you wanted to make her yours! I always treasure that memory made on Nottingham Lake here in Avon, Colorado. I wish you a blessed week. I'll look forward to our next conversation.
Love, Kathy

Message to Dad: 1 year milestone in recovery!

2009-10-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Dad, 10/24/2009 is the anniversary of your devastating stroke and a milestone none of us would wish upon our worst enemy! But, you made it to this milestone and you have many more to look forward to. I was so thrilled to hear that you participated in the local breast cancer 5K last Sunday. The Colorado prayer warriors had been praying for beautiful weather and perfect conditions so that you could do this! Thank you, Lord for those answered prayers! I thought it was kinda funny when you told me on the phone on Monday "that of course you didn't walk it" -- but, being pushed in the wheelchair for 5K is a HUGE achievement, too! Most of all, I'm so proud of you, Dad for having the DESIRE to participate. And, look at all the little blessings you got to see along the way, on the Louisville riverfront and across the bridge to Indiana and back! Not to mention the wonderful walk time you got with Michelle, Justin, Ruthy and Abby -- Wow! I'm so proud of you, Dad. And, I'm so thankful to them for taking you.

I thought it would be nice to put up a message at your 1 year milestone for the stroke recovery. While it's not something we necessarily think of CELEBRATING, it is to be CELEBRATED!!!! It is abundantly clear to me that God still has plans for you (as He does for all of us). He has given us the precious gift of YOU over the past year. And, God still has mighty work to do with YOU and all of us for the future. People are watching our family, Dad. They see how we interact with each other, with you and with other people. Dad, you and Mom have served an incredible purpose in building this family. Here we are today, celebrating a new birth with your grandson, Mark and Amanda's new bundle of joy born today "Marcus Jeremiah". Your legacy continues to grow.

Dad, it has now been three months since I saw you last, and I can actually "hear" the improvement when I've talked with you on the last several phone calls. You sound more and more like you have always sounded to me in our treasured long-distance calls. I love to hear your voice, Dad. I also hear of your improvements in the left side-affected stroke arm and leg. I hear you can not only "lift" your left leg, but now you can KICK it. That is fantastic. Also, you are "touching" with the left arm. Dad, keep doing these things -- everyday, as much as possible. Dad, my 1 year message to you is CELEBRATE what you have already achieved, and NEVER, NEVER EVER GIVE UP ON YOUR OWN RECOVERY!!!!! God has great plans for you and miraculous healing is still prayers and breathes away. NEVER, NEVER EVER GIVE UP, DAD .... Love, your oldest loving daughter, Kathy

Grandpa at a Breast Cancer Walk (Huh?!!)

2009-10-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

Grandpa seemed to really enjoy himself on Sunday for the Making Strides against breast cancer walk. Justin was excellent in getting Grandpa in and out of the car and wheeling him around the 3 mile walk. Grandpa called it a “Sunday Stroll”. We had beautiful weather and the walk went across second street bridge (or Clark Memorial, whichever name is preferred) so Grandpa was able to see up close the construction on the new UofL arena as well as a great view of the Ohio River. After a short break of apples and water to replenish Abby wheeled Grandpa for our additional hike to the car over at Slugger Field, where Grandpa had more apples on the ride home, man he loves those things. IT WAS A GREAT DAY!

Michelle L Karrer

SEMINAR: After the Stroke (Mark McEwen)

2009-10-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 9/27 (Mom's Birthday) I saw a small advertisement in The Denver Post with the large, bold print: STROKE SURVIVORS -- Meet Mark McEwen, former CBS "The Early Show" anchor, and author of AFTER THE STROKE: My Journey Back to Life. He was speaking in 2 days (9/30) at a church in Denver. I felt the Holy Spirit tug at me "you need to go to this one". So, I cut out the small ad, and placed this on my calendar. Wednesday morning I drove to Denver to attend this event. It was hosted by: Colorado Neurological Institute and held at a community church. There were many booths (health fair style) at the event. I visited with most booths, having divine discussions with many kind, loving people who even said they will be praying for our Dad and my neighbor Jim's recoveries. Then, I found my way to a table, where I sat down next to a nice man named "Homer". After brief introductions, Homer shared that he himself was a stroke survivor. I have to tell you, he didn't look like he had suffered a stroke at all. The only sign that I saw of this was when he spoke with emotion, I saw that same look we see on Dad's face where he is "overcome with emotion, almost to the point of tears". Homer had that! When I see that, it brings incredible compassion and emphathy toward the person displaying that raw emotion. In addition to Mark's fantastic speak, I was surprised to be able to hear Haven Moses, former Broncos/Super Bowl star. I had read an article on Haven's stroke recovery in the newspaper about 6 weeks ago. I highlighted many points and mailed it to Mom & Dad's house. Mom had seen the article, and when I reminded her about it after seeing Haven, she said she didn't remember. I reminded her that we had spoken about it, after I sent it, and she read it. I had asked her to please take it to Dad and read the article to him to encourage him. I encouraged her (again) to please find the article, and to please share it with Dad! Haven is a 6 year stroke survivor, and an avid golfer. He looked fantastic, too. He is a man of faith and his strong words included. "Things DO happen for a purpose...there is a reason....he has learned FAMILY - FAITH - FACING ADVERSITY are the main things that have brought him through his stroke recovery."

Next, Mark McEwen was absolutely wonderful to hear speak....when he opens his mouth, I see the CBS anchor again! When he stands at the podium and tells you he suffered a MASSIVE and DEVASTATKING STROKE, it is really hard to believe. His right hand is still mildly-effected, but otherwise, he stands strong and speaks eloquently! His smile is absolutely restored! He says when he gets tired, the stroke-effects are more obvious; but, I can't tell you how impressive he is to see. Mark's moving, encouraging words for stroke survivors, care-givers and the support family are "NEVER, NEVER, EVER GIVE UP". Mark went through ONE YEAR of THERAPY, at the University of Alabama (in 2006). There were a couple of updated statistics about stroke that I wanted to share with everyone reading this:
1. STROKE is the 3rd leading cause of DEATH and DISABILITY in the USA.
2. ANNUALLY, over 750,000 strokes strike people in our country.
3. STROKE is the leading cause of adult disability.
4. RISK FACTORS for STROKE include:
A. High Blood Pressure B. Heart Disease C. Diabetes D. High Cholesterol E. Smoking F. Alcohol use G. TIA (or prior stroke)
5. STROKES CAN BE PREVENTED: Modify/Manage your risks in #4 (A-G). And, focus on:
A. DIET (eat more fruits, vegetables, lean meats such as chicken/fish, low-fat, low-sodium items, limited egg yolks, FIBER-rich foods (30 mg per day).
B. EXERCISE -- minimum of walking!
C. SMOKING -- SMOKING DOUBLES YOUR CHANCES OF HAVING A STROKE! Quitting smoking will significantly lower your stroke risk. (since it also causes cancer; 2 reasons to STOP)

So much good information at this seminar, I wished everyone reading this could have seen and heard it first-hand. I did ask Mark (when he was autographing his new book for Dad and Jim) if he was planning to do something like this in Louisville, Ky. He said "he'd sure like to". I would like to request that someone take the lead on contacting a "leading Kentucky neurological group" to see if they could arrange something along these lines for your area. I'm sending information your way to follow up! Love, Kathy
PS - www.markmcewen.com -- check it out!

Sunday Morning

2009-09-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad are still going to Church together every Sunday. This is a picture of them from about two weeks ago.

Ava Learning to Dance

2009-09-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

Labor DayPictures

2009-09-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

Lindsey, Stevie, Sharon, Kaylee and more

2009-09-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

Labor Day 2009

2009-09-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

Labor Day Pictures 2009

2009-09-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

More Labor Day Pics

2009-09-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Where we are Today

2009-09-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

The one year anniversary of this awful stroke is coming upon us. We have been through so many things since then. There is no way I could comment on all of them. But one thing I do reflect on is how far we have all come, especially Dad. This Big Fat Karrer Family has tremendous love and caring for each and every individual in it. There have been difficult, sad, and even scary days. However, Dad is doing very well under these strained circumstances. When I came into his room last night he looked it me with this beautiful smile. Really only half of his mouth turns up to smile, the left side stays kind of flat. But he was looking at me with bright beautiful brown eyes and smiling because he was glad to see me. He is still limited to the wheelchair or bed and cannot do anything to take care of himself so he remains at Parkway. We have established many freindships there and Parkway has become an extension of our home. I feel so much gratitude for all of the things I have learned through this experience, though I would not wish it on any family. More later. . . Love to All, Ruthy

Labor Day at John and Pam's House

2009-09-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

Magee Night at our house!

2009-09-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

Instead of eating at Parkway for dinner last night, Mom decided it was time to bring Grandpa to our house. He hasn't been to our house since long before the stroke. So Mom, Joe, and I went to Parkway and loaded Grandpa into the car. A nice aide named Wendy helped us with this.
We took Grandpa home, and my Dad backed his wheelchair up the porch stairs. It worked quite well with Joe and Mom supporting the chair from below. Finally we sat around the dining room table and ate Lasagna. It was the best dinner because it felt normal and relaxing. It was so nice to be able to have Grandpa in our home.
Of course when we got back to Parkway we got a talking to from the Nurse Manager about loading him into the car. If it was up to the people at the Nursing Home, he would never leave, but we are not having that. I don't care if it is a liability to them. Grandpa thrives when he is away from that place. We can't wait for the day when he gets out of there for good!

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

Ken, Seth, Hannah and I went to Louisville this weekend. We got in Friday night. Went by Parkway to see Dad. He looked good. He was already in bed but still awake. We had a small visit and then went to John and Pam's. Saturday we went for our visit. He got a haircut when we first got there to see him. He was looking very handsome. Not long after his haircut his lunch came. He ate it all. He was then ready for a nap. We helped put him in bed and left for a little while so he could get a little rest before the U of L game!!! We came back at around 4 and he was still asleep. We had went and got Mom on our way back too. So we got him up and got him back in his chair. Went out on the patio for a while with some of the others who stay there. Had some grapes and watermelon. It was a pretty day! Went downstairs outside for a while.
Ken and Hannah went to get pizza so we could have supper. Ruthy came and asked if we could watch the game in the dining room. It was not being used so we had our on tailgate party with dad. It was a good time. Pizza, coke(no beer) maybe next time. At halftime Ruthy got the cards out and we played 21. We watched the game until around 9:30 and Dad wanted to go back to his room. We got him ready for his shower and left. He told us he got to watch the last of the game. We had a real good time watching the game with Dad. He had a good time eating too!
Ken went to church services with Dad on Sunday. Ken took Dad back to his room and came back to John's to help get ready for the party. He went back to get him at about 2:00. It turned out to be a wonderful day. We had a real good time. The food was great! The time we got to spend with our family was special. You couldn't ask for a better day. Thanks John and Pam for having us all.
We took him back to Parkway and put him in bed. He told us it was a good day.
Monday we went to see him before we got on the road. He was tired. sleepy day for him. We stayed a minute. Said our goodbyes and left. We love you Dad!! Work your leg and arm.
Love, Carole

Magee Night

2009-08-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

Last night we had Chicken Penne pasta with Grandpa. It was a new recipe that Mom tried and it was delicious. It's definitely a new favorite! Grandpa's favorite part were the juicy red tomatoes that Kim's father gave us. Mom also tried something for dessert called Neiman Marcus cake and it was to die for! Also a new fav. for us over at Magee night.
Caleb ran around playing with cars as usual, but he did sit down long enough to eat some banana and of course, some cake!
It was a low key night, and always a nice thing for Grandpa. Aside from dinner, he doesn't like Wednesdays because it's shower day!

Brotherhood Picnic

2009-08-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

Pam and I took Dad to the St.Martins Brotherhood Picnic this evening. He mentioned it in conversation last night so Pam and I said we would get him there. We saw lots of friends and members at the picnic. Dad enjoyed a fried chicken dinner there. It was great for Dad to get out see so many of his friends at one place. We returned to Parkway at 8:45 for a good nights rest. Good night Dad.

Love this Weather

2009-08-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last of the scheduled doctor appointments for Dad. Dr. Rao, the urologist, said that there was no need to run the test that he had scheduled. After reviewing the results from the urodynamic (not sure of the spelling) test from last week everything looks good. He told Dad "let's not put you thru any unnecessary discomfort." He said "whatever you are doing, keep doing it. The plumbing is working just fine."
After the visit, and checking with the transportation company that got us to the appoiontment, John and I decided to walk Dad back to Parkway. It was another great weather day and the walk was good excercise for me and John, who did all the work. I just followed beside them. We all know how much Dad enjoys the walks. Thanks John for going and pushing the chair!! Great Teamwork!!

Botox Procedure

2009-07-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Donna and I took Dad to his botox procedure at Audubon Hospital today. There were 8 injections (5 in the left arm and 3 in the left leg) and took about 15 minutes. Dr. Bhupalam said that the only change in Dad's regular routine was to re-introduce Occupational and Physical Therapy. I verified with nurse Andrea that this was already ordered. This is great news and welcome news! Good luck Dad in this new phase of therapy.

I want to share with everyone that as we were leaving Audubon we were reminded of just how small this world is and that angels do walk among us. Donna and Dad were waiting for me to bring my car around from the parking lot. When I got there and came around the car to them, a young gentleman asked if he could help us get Dad back into the car. He said "my Dad had a stroke and I know how hard it is to get him in and out of the car." Then he said "I don't know if your Dad had a stroke, but I would guess he did". Donna and I gratefully accepted his help. I asked him when his Dad had his stroke and he said "the week of Thanksgiving", then he said he had been at Frazier. I asked him what his Dad's name is and he said "Stafford". I said "Mr. Hanford Stafford?" - and he said "yes". I told him that Mr Stafford was at Parkway with Dad and we spoke for a few minutes about each of them. He said that his dad had the botox treatment 3 weeks ago, too. He said he was at Audubon for a doctor appointment and was excited to go tell him that he had met our Dad today. He shook Dad's hand and Dad told him that "your Dad is a fine man". I was so happy that we ran into this man today. We often talk of Mr. Stafford and wonder how he his. It was good to find out that he is doing well. He is going to Frazier now as an outpatient. His son said that he, too, needs the use of the lift.
I said to Dad in the car "that didn't happen by accident" and Dad said "Angels put him there" at that moment in time.

Dad enjoys the great outdoors & toy therapy with our kids

2009-07-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

Since my arrival from Colorado, it's been my goal to get Dad outside of Parkway as often as we can. Each day when I arrive at the facility I ask Dad if he wants to go for a neighborhood walk, and he says "yes". It hasn't mattered if it was 90 degrees with sticky humidity -- it's not been too hot or humid for Dad. Dad loves the sunny, warm weather. It reminds me of Dad's trips to Colorado, where he has been able to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! The sidewalks can be pretty bumpy here in this older neighborhood, with its old and huge tree trunks moving the earth below; but Dad has been so engaging on these walks that it's worth the effort it takes to get outside for these 30-45 minute walks. Occasionally, we've walked with other family members (ie. Chase, Rich, Ruth, Matt, Luke, Ava and the four-legged friends Zoey & Bailey--Ruth's dogs). But its usually just been my alone time with my Dad, where we can be outside enjoying God's great creation together. Dad seems to sit a little stronger (maybe he's bracing for the bumpy sidewalks, where once we created a flat on the wheelchair that I was able to fix on the walk); but I think it is more than that. It is his body relaxing and stretching out a little in the great outdoors! It's Dad connecting with his community and nature. It's healing power!!!

Also, Dad's formal physical therapy that was begun when he started moving his left leg about 4-5 weeks ago has once again ceased. These start/stops to formal therapies are frustrating for Dad and for us all. Dad teared up when he told me his therapy with Stacy on the 2nd floor Rehab Unit had stopped again last Friday. I told Dad we have a "new plan" for his therapy. This new plan will require organization, planning and discipline for each of us to help assure Dad is getting moving! I will take the lead in creating the written plan (described/prescribed by Stacy in the Rehab Unit). We'll all want to check the Big White Binder in Dad's room daily to see who has helped with our Family Therapy Plan. It will be on the back side of the Daily Sheet that we keep for visitors and family to review each time we visit Dad.

One of the exercises of this Family Plan is our "toy therapy" with Dad. Last night, after our Fried Chicken Dinner in the main dining room, we brought all the grandkids/great-grandkids forward to work with Dad on this therapy. We are having each child stand in line holding a toy on Dad's left side, just out of reach. Dad needs to turn to the left and tell the child what he sees them holding. Then, Dad reaches with his strong right hand/arm to grab the toy and toss it forward into a basket. Riley and Cameron were especially enlightened when helping Dad with this exercise. But, even the littlest ones as Kaylee grinned with delight in doing this exercise. Dad loved doing this with the kids and the kids loved helping with this important therapy. Dad needs to do this exercise everyday.

It has been such an overwhelming 3 week visit with my entire family! We've had many dinners shared with Dad; attended church services on Sunday with Dad and family members at the facility; and especially enjoyed spending this visit with my Mom. We stayed at Mom & Dad's house the first 10 days, or so; then we went out to Sharon & Bill's place while they enjoyed a vacation on the Gulf Coast of Florida. We've thoroughly enjoyed our time together. We've had some wonderful talks, much quiet and solitude, enjoyed little walks and visits to shops and occasional restaurants. Mom was able to get her first ever massage; and it has triggered a neck spasm that is going to need some follow through attention. But, just being in the company of my Mom has been such an uplifting and memorable part of this trip.

Our family will be together on 4th of July at Steve & Cathy's -- we're taking Dad out, as we did on Father's Day! It will be a 4th of July to remember forever! Love, Kathy

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Ruthy and Daddy in front of our house on Schiller Ave.

Welcome back, Kathy

2009-06-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

Kathy is in Louisville for an extended visit with her family. She arrived on Tuesday and Sharon picked her up from the airport. Her first visit, after picking Mom up, was with Dad at Parkway. This was Kathy's first visit after Dad has been moved to the third floor. Dad and Kathy share a special bond and he was overwhelmed with emotion because she is "home". Wednesday night, Kathy, Ruthy and Abby came to "Magee Night". We had chicken burritoes which have become a favorite of Mom and Dad. After dinner, while Caleb was entertaining everyone with his cuteness, I worked with Dad's left leg, lifting, stretching and massaging. Kathy got to see the movement in Dad's leg in person. He lifted his foot off the floor about 4-5 inches. It's happening! Praise God and pray for patience!

WORK IT BABY WORK IT

2009-06-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

I noticed Dad's left hand was drawn up last night. He did not have the plastic splint on and eventhough it is ackward, it does keep his hand from drawing up. So if he is not wearing the splint I hope someone is massaging or working on each of his joints in that hand and arm. Otherwise, put the splint back on. You can cross the strap on the bottom to attach in the middle and the strap on the top to also cross in the middle. This gives the splint a better fit. Remember, wear the splint or work the joints and massage the arm. Even Lexie was working on this last night. Love to all, Ruthy

My Visit on Friday, June 12, 2009

2009-06-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

I visited Dad on Friday after work. He was sitting in his wheel chair. We worked on the stepper for about 20 minutes and I saw some movement in his left leg. It is easier these days to bend the knee and lift this leg. Previously it has been so stiff and not as moveable. He also had dinner while I was there of a turkey sandwich, potato chips and cole slaw. I left for a meeting around 7:00 PM and went to get Mom. She and Tessa visited Dad until 9:30 when I came back to pick them up.

Sunday's Birthday Parties

2009-06-09T18:19:00.001-07:00

Wow! Isn't it great when there are so many invitations on the same day. Sunday was a day like that. Matt picked Mom up on his way to get Dad from Parkway to take him home for Nicholas' 7th Birthday party. I met Matt at his house and helped get Dad out of the car and into his house. Dad was happy to see the beautiful work Matt and Beth have done on their kitchen and dining room areas. It is lovely.
We spent most of the day on the deck under a tent that was set up to shield everyone from the sun. It was perfect. The kids enjoyed playing in the pool, having a water balloon fight and playing with Nicholas' new gifts. After this party, we got Dad back into the car and headed over to Sue and Joe's house for Teri's 40th Birthday party. Again, an outside event, around the pool. The day was perfect. "A Beautiful Day" as described by Dad.
The best part was that Dad was able to be outside for many hours with lots of family. Thank God for beautiful summer days!

SLOPPY JOE'S AND RUFFLES POTATO CHIPS

2009-06-09T05:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to feed the craving and Dad was craving sloppy joes and ruffles potato chips. So when I got home from work yesterday I made some sloppy joes, macaroni and cheese and we went to Parkway for supper. We also had dill pickles, sliced cheese and crackers, green beans, and derby pie, peach tea and of course ruffles potato chips. Tessa, Grandma, Abby, Adam, myself and Dad had a nice picnic at the table on the third floor. For folks going out on the balcony the temptation was very great as they passed us. Dad offered to share with a few of them and we loaded up plates for them too. Dad was very friendly to those that passed us. I had not seen too much of that but he was his usual friendly self last night. We had a nice dinner together and went back to Dad's room afterwards. One of Mom and Dad's nightly rituals has always been watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. This continues to be something they enjoy doing. So when Abby, Adam and myself left for the evening this is what he was going to do. Peace Out, Ruthy.

To Clarify PT's Involvement

2009-05-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

PT's involvement at this time will be the E-Stim. They did not commit to actual physical therapy at this time. We need to continue what we are doing ourselves in the way of "therapy". Work with Dad's legs and arms, put the step-n-stroll in front of him and put his feet on it. Let's keep up the good work and let Parkway fall in line as directed by Dr. Daftary. Baby Steps!!!!!

Additional Information

2009-05-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

I also spoke with Sharon and heard about Grandpa's good news! I just wanted to add to Ruthy's post. Sharon says that along with the E-stimulation he's going to get Physical Therapy, something we've been asking Parkway to do for a while now.

Also, I asked Sharon about the botox and she said that it will help his arm become less stiff. It will do this because it will temporarily paralyze the muscle in his arm, which is hyper-toned. It is so toned that it barely moves at all. From what I understand the botox should loosen the muscle so that they can work his arm more in therapies. Maybe some arm movement will come from that.

Yay for Grandpa!

Good News from Friday Morning Meeting

2009-05-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

This Morning Sharon was at Parkway to Meet with Dr. Dhaftery about Dad's latest progress. During my conversation with Sharon, I heard a new energy from her. This Road to Recovery has taken a toll on not just Dad, but the people that love him. Praise God for he IS listening.

Dr. Dhaftery saw Dad move his left leg. She has ordered E-Stim (Electrical Stimulation Therapy) and that will start next week. She told Sharon and Dad that she is happy . She said this is Good, this is Very Good. There is an awakening. She looks for improvement during the first three months, but she never puts a limit on the time progress can take. We will capitalize on the new movement. Another therapy the Dr. has ordered is Botox Injections. This is a medical procedure to inject Botox into the effected joints. We will know more when this is to occur.

This may have been said before, but Dad has been back in Speech Therapy for the last two weeks. He is leaving too much food in the left side of his mouth. He can not feel it there and has to be reminded to check that and sweep the inside of his cheek. This could cause choking issues.

I would like to take this time to celebrate the Good Things happening here. Thank you, Lord!

Block Party on Caldwell

2009-05-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

We had a good time last night visiting Grandma and Grandpa's neighborhood for the Block party and cookout. To see pictures, click on the link below.
Block Party Photos

I also wanted to share the new white board message with everyone. Joe S. wrote this up a few weeks ago and Grandpa got a kick out of it.

Thank You Team Herman

2009-05-28T05:02:00.000-07:00

It is always a comfort and a great joy to see so many people who love and care for Dad. It is also amazing to me where this love and support come from. Of course, Janet, our Mom, who has devoted her life to loving and caring for her husband and children and grand children. She is certainly Dad's biggest fan. But, there are others and you know who you are that have been a tremendous blessing to Dad. Thank you is not enough. But Thank you and love to each of you.

Videos of Grandpa

2009-05-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

On Thursday Mom, Joe S., and I visited Grandpa and took these videos. In two of them you can see his left leg movement (He can actually go higher than he does in the video!). You can also hear his new roommate in the background. He is quite the talker AND singer. Well, he doesn't sing in the video, but apparently he's been serenading Grandpa for days. Ha!
The last video is of Grandpa's power chair practice in the parking lot. Grandma and Sharon were up there at the time too.
Enjoy!

Great news!

2009-05-19T18:05:00.001-07:00

Grandpa was lying in bed and moving his left leg up and down today! Sharon was at Parkway to witness the amazing event!
He told Sharon that he was feeling soreness in his left knee and told her "That's new..." She said that they could put a pillow under it and he began to bend his leg at the knee and put it down, and repeat. She said he did it at least 10 times. This is some of the best news we've gotten in all this time! He is progressing and it is great.

He had a good day and was very talkative. Donna spent time in the parking lot with him this afternoon so he could ride his motor chair around in the sunshine.

This morning Joe S. visited Grandpa and told him that he was going to get a haircut once he left Parkway. As many of you know, Joe's hair was past his shoulders. When he told him that he was going to cut his hair, Grandpa said, "You know what happened to Samson when he cut his hair, don't you?"
Joe said, "No... what?"
Then Grandpa said, "He lost his strength."
It sure didn't make Joe feel better about his hair being cut off, but it did make him laugh. (Joe's got a buzz cut now, by the way!)
Grandpa is always a funny man, and I love hearing stories like this, so I thought that I would share. :)

May is Such a Busy Month

2009-05-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

Dad's Birthday, Derby, Mothers Day. And thats just the first 10 days. There is still much more to come. I had the family over to my house on Mother's Day to celebrate our beautiful Mother, Janet, and the rest of the Mothers in our great family. Mom looked beautiful. She has an amazing smile. Ask her to show you. Steven and Josh brought Dad from Parkway and it was simply awesome how they got him from car to the deck without a single hitch. I asked Dad if he wanted to go into the house and he said no, he was content to be on the deck and out in the sun. It was a glorious sunny day. We grilled steaks (thanks again Josh and Steven) and had barbeque along with many side dishes and desserts for the clan. When Dad's hips got sore, Steve helped him up along with John and he stood a bit by himself. He is still not putting any weight on his left leg and that is very important that he do so. Sharon got Dad a stepper for his birthday and hopefully with much practice (he needs much practice) that left side will continue to wake up. Dad is making much progress and there is still much to do. Continue to pray and don't quit until you see the miracle! Love, Ruthy

Morning with Mr. Karrer

2009-05-11T15:47:00.001-07:00

This morning I visited with Herman and he said he enjoyed his breakfast and that he had eaten well. Soon after Marge came in. She told us that Kate is in the hospital but she is doing ok. It's crazy how fast problems can occur, I last saw Kate on Thursday morning just a few hours before she started feeling bad. Apparently she was feeling weak, and the doctors told her it was a case of Bronchitis.
A Parkway doctor came in (I forgot his name), and was telling Herman that he is going to try to decrease the morning doses of pain medication so that he won't be as drowsy throughout the day. He also told him that he thinks his attitude has become a lot more positive since their last meeting, and that he believes he has improved physically a bit as well. I noticed that when Marge was telling Herman about Kate being in the hospital and he was starting to get upset that his left leg was twitching and he moved it slightly up and down & side to side. Donna had also noticed left side movements last week, which is great news because it is the side with paralysis from the stroke.
This morning was very nice and Herman was very awake and talkative. I hope that the rest of the week will be the same!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

2009-05-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

Today was the big 75 for Grandpa!

His day started off with biscuits and gravy that Joe S. (my boyfriend) brought in for him. He scarfed them down even though Joe said he had already eaten the Parkway breakfast. He really enjoyed that.

At 6pm we had a great party! Lots and lots of family members came, which was wonderful. Grandpa got choked up to see so many people clapping as Richard rolled him into the dining room.

We had lasagna, salads, bread, 4 different types of cake, ice cream, and cookies.
Oh, and some fried chicken too!

Thank you to everyone for coming and celebrating 75 years with Grandpa. He really does enjoy the visitors and the encouragement. He can have some low moments, but being around people lifts him up.

Please try to visit him on regular days too! He really needs it. My mom said that she saw movement in his left arm and left leg recently, and if we could just keep his mind going, maybe we can get those limbs moving. He needs stimulation. Wake him up. Don't let him sleep during the day. Please, you really are helping him by waking him, not hurting him. He can always sleep once you're gone.

If you don't know what to talk about, here are some ideas:
-the news
-sports
-family
-yourself
-ask him questions about anything... the past, the present, the future
-something you read
-something you saw on t.v.
-a story you heard
-the construction around Parkway
-the weather

I'm not being sarcastic. I have heard many of the grandkids say that they don't know what to talk about when they visit. He really needs your time. Trust me, if you visit, he will talk and start conversations. I like to ask him about Grandma & Grandpa when they were young, myself. I really value the bond that I had with Grandpa before his stroke, because I think it makes my visits easier, but it's not too late to strengthen your relationship with him. Joe S. has been visiting my Grandpa, and they are connecting even though they knew each other for less than a year.

You are his family! He loves you and needs you! Visit, visit, visit!

Or you could always be proactive when you visit and help him stretch out his arms and legs!

Oh, I also want to mention that Ruthy and her family brought the finished Healing Hands blanket and it looks great! Way to go!

Happy Birthday Dad!!

2009-05-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Dad's 75th Birthday. We have big plans for a family dinner around 6:00 pm. We will update after the party!
We love you Dad!

Grandpa's Day Out

2009-05-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

There couldn't have been a better reason to get Grandpa out for the day but Kentucky Derby 135. Going to Dolly's Derby party is something that Grandma and Grandpa have done every year for a long time. Grandpa's wish was to go to the party and so we made it happen. He was very anxious to get going, so my Mom & Dad had to rush to meet Sara's family at Parkway and get him going.

It was such a great day. He kept drawing horses that won races throughout the day, and he even took 2nd during the Derby race.

Grandpa was well fed and content. He was emotional at times, but in a good way. He was happy to be out of Parkway.

I think it was good for all of us to see that it is possible to do this with Grandpa. It was refreshing to get to decide on what terms we interact with him, and that it didn't involve a tiny bedroom. It was like old times and it felt very wonderful. I hope that Grandpa enjoyed it. I know he did. We all did.

A Day At the Dentist

2009-04-25T21:11:00.001-07:00

Mike and I picked Dad up on Wednesday to take him for his dentist appointment. We got to Parkway around 11:30 to pick Dad up and he was ready and waiting. We got him into the front seat of the Fusion and off we went to the dentist who is a block away. The girls in the dentist were ready for dad as soon as we got to the office. They were happy to see him and commented on how good he looked. Dad got a thorough cleaning by two dental hygienists sitting in his wheelchair. Dr. Fuchs came in and took some impressions of dads teeth. Dr. Fuchs said that when the partial comes in he will fit it in dads mouth at Parkway. Dad did have a cavity so he will have another dentist appointment within a couple of weeks. We need a couple of big strong arms to help dad into the dentist chair for this procedure.

After the dentist, dad and I called mom to see if she wanted to visit. We rode over to pick her up. On the drive over dad commented on the dogwood trees and how beautiful they were. I thought it was a perfect day for a ride around the neighborhood. When we got to thier house dad and I waited in the car for mom to come out. She came out of the house with a huge smile on her face. I asked dad if he thought she was practically skipping because of seeing him in the car. He said she looked like a school girl. We met Mike at Parkway and he helped dad out of the car and back into the wheelchair. Sharon brought Mom and Dad lunch and they had it at the picnic table on the 3rd floor.

Later that afternoon the Magee's had the usual Wednesday night dinner with dad in the main dining room. He said the food was delicious as always. Kim brought a yummy turtle cake and ice cream for dessert.

House on Schiller Avenue

2009-04-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

Last night while I visited, Dad told me about thinking he was on Schiller Avenue. He is somehow trying to understand why he thinks he is on Schiller Avenue and said Parkway owns that house now. I asked him to describe the house to me and tell me what it looked like. He said we had three rooms and a kitchen. I said do you mean including the kitchen, he said no, three rooms plus a kitchen. I said you guys had six kids before you moved from there, where did everybody sleep. He said everywhere. I asked him what the living room looked like. He said it had a couch and a bed. I asked where the TV was, he said it was in the living room. He said the couch pulled out to make a bed. I said where did you and mom sleep. He said we had the bedroom and a baby bed was in there. He then said we always had a "little guy" in our room. I thought that was precious. You know sibs, each of us was that "little guy" in their room at one time. Love to all, Ruthy

Photo

2009-04-16T20:54:00.001-07:00

Mom asked me to crop this picture, so here it is.

Updates

2009-04-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

Mom spent the afternoon with Grandpa and when I picked her up I learned a lot of new things.
She said that Grandpa was very strong today. She was proud of him because he was helping when being moved to and from his chair. She took him outside to find some sunshine. He was having an active day and needed to rest so he got into bed.

Many people know that he was having trouble getting his teeth in the other day. The dentist, Dr. Fuchs came in and discovered that the teeth were bent. He said that it looked like someone had stepped on them because he didn't think a mouth could bend them so much. He will need a dentist appointment to get some new teeth. Grandma is setting that up and someone will need to take him. My mom and dad are going to try to do that.

He got the pain patch and had it on his elbow when I went in this afternoon.

Also, his roommate, Mr. Habich is leaving Parkway. He is moving to a nursing home off Breckinridge Lane. Mrs. Habich couldn't remember the name of it when Mom asked.

That's all I know. Maybe if Mom has more to say she will post something later.

RRS THERAPIES

2009-04-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

RRS means Restorative Rehabilition Services. Before Dad was moved to the third floor we were told therapies would continue there, but in a group setting not in the therapy room. Well, we hadn't seen much, so I called yesterday and Kathy Klapheke, the Physical Therapist checked out my concerns and called me this morning with a few resolutions.

1. She has requested a pain patch for Dad's left elbow (per my request) and Dr. Marker has ordered one.
2. Dad will be included in the RRS therapies scheduled at 1:00PM on the 4th floor for thirty minutes a day for three - five days a week. Several other residents will be working in this group therapy time.
3. Bill, from PT will work with Dad after RRS for 30-45 minutes a day with the motorized chair.

I expresssed to Kathy that I feel Dad gives a lot more when we are around encouraging him, she has invited any of us to be there for Dad's motorized chair work.

I encourage all of us to be the best advocate we can be for Dad, because eventhough we were told these things would take place before his move not very much of this was actually happening.

Please ask questions and do not hesitate to speak up for Dad. Thanks to all for everything you are doing. Love, Ruthy

Dinner with Grandpa

2009-04-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

We had another Magee night dinner with Grandpa Wednesday. Mom fixed lasagna and oatmeal fudge. It was delicious. Last week Kim had spontaneously prayed for Grandpa, and she led the prayer again tonight.
It makes him very emotional, but he says Amen very loudly.
Abby, Adam, and Ruthy were there along with Grandma, Grandpa, Mike, Donna, Andrew, Kim, Caleb, Liz, & Joe S. Sharon left just before dinner.

To see photos from the night, follow this link.

Easter Sunday - A Perfect Day

2009-04-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning I wake up and have plenty of time because mass at St. Therese was not scheduled until Noon. I was so excited. Dad was going to church. The sun was already shining early, so I grabbed Zoey's leash and she and I started out on a walk to Parkway. I had seen other dogs visiting and I knew she would be a good girl. It is one mile from my house to Parkway, so there and back would be a good distance for both of us. Zoey had a blue bandana around her neck and was "stylin'" as she set out on her walk. When we got to Parkway, we got on the elevator and rode up. Dad was sitting near the nurse's station and was having a breakfast of pancakes, bacon, eggs, and juice. Dad has always been fond of Zoey, talking to her and rubbing and petting her everytime he sees her. He asked me if she would eat from his hand and he fed her some of his bacon. She checked out Miss Betty and Miss Kathryn, two other residents of the third floor. Miss Kathryn smiled real big. I'm not sure if she can speak. Zoey laid at Dad's feet as he finished breakfast. I was lovin' it. I told him we were going to leave and I would see him later. He said, "I think I need a jacket for Church" so we called Mom and she got out a sports coat for him to wear. He already had on a nice black shirt and some black pants. The sport coat would look good with that. I picked Mom up a little later and when we got to Parkway to deliver the coat, Ken and Steve had Dad downstairs and were getting ready to put him in the van. Everything was going smooth as silk. As Carole mentioned in the previous Blog, it was so wonderful to see all of our St. Therese family welcoming, hugging, shaking hands, and talking with Dad. It was a beautiful thing. As many of Dad's kids and grandkids came as could make it along with Mom of course. I thank Ken and Steve for all that they did on Sunday to make this happen not just for Dad but for everyone. God is good.

Our time with dad

2009-04-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

I thought I would put some of my thoughts on Easter weekend on the blog. We got to Louisville Fri. and spent a couple of hours with dad. He was sitting up in his chair and waiting on us. It was great to see him. He really looked good to us. As you know not living there and just seeing pictures it is just not the same. So to get there and see dad sitting up and so alert was great for us to see him like that. Saturday was a quite day. We got there just after noon and Todd and Holly alone with the girls had just left. Richard was still there. Todd brought back the grooming kit for Richard to spruce dad up. So we went to get a little lunch and find Hannah a Derby shirt. I am not sure if we are coming back but, Hannah wanted her shirt. When we got back to Parkway dad was sleeply. We watched the Masters with him as we had done Fri. too. It was a quite afternoon. We stayed until about 7:00 and went out to Steve's where we were staying.

Steve and Ken got up Sunday morning got ready and went into town around 10:30. Mass wasn't until 12:00 but Ken and Steve wanted to make sure they had lots of time. I was so glad we had got to come to louisville for Easter and that we were there with Dad at Mass.

It was a wonderful day. The sun was shining. It was PERFECT!!

Steve and Ken arrived right on time with Dad. He looked AWESOME! His eyes were so bright and he was glad to be in Gods House. The best things is all the people coming up to him telling him how they missed him and how good it was to see him in church. I think that was the best thing for Dad. He was Handsome in his jacket. I surely hope that this could be the start of a good thing. It would be great if someone could come and get Dad each week or even every other week and take him to mass. It was wonderful to see him in such high spirits. I think it would be great for him to go to Dollys for Derby. I think he would enjoy it. I know all of you think it is easy for me to say these things since I don't live there but, We need to keep dad going. He really enjoyed being out Sunday. He kept saying it was a good day. And it was perfect. I hope all of you had a good Easter dinner. We had to leave right after mass. Ken had to leave early Monday morning to take a trip to Arkansas. He gets back late Fri or Sat. It was great to see all of you. Love,Carole

Holy Saturday

2009-04-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

I had a message on my answering machine on Saturday from our good friend Judy Magre checking to see if in fact Dad would be going to church on Sunday and would not need her to bring communion to the Nursing Home. I'm thinking oh wow, how is this going to work out. Last week apparently Dad had mentioned to her that he was going to church. On Friday Sharon had said to me Steve and Kenny were planning to take Dad to Church. I'm again thinking this is a bad idea. Well after the phone message, I called Steve. I was going to tell him, maybe he probably shouldn't do this. I was going through all the "what if's" in my head. Steve said, "Ruthy, if Dad wants to go to church on Easter, I'm going to do what I can to make that happen". So there you go. I called Judy back and told her Dad was going to church. Then I let it go. I said to myself God is in charge here, and I got out of the way. (I got out of the way after I mentioned to Steve how much Dad hates to be late and how sometimes Steve is not always early, then I got out of the way) (I did)

Good Friday.

2009-04-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful Easter. It started for me on Friday afternoon when I got off of work early. (Thanks, Howard) Dad was anxiously waiting for the Ken Karrer Family to get there. He was also waiting for Bill from therapy to bring the motorized wheel chair for some practice. When I got to Parkway, Dad was already with Bill for practice. I went to look for them and followed along as Dad worked. Bill said this was by far the best lesson Dad has had. I think it might have been because I was telling Bill the story of Dad teaching me to drive many years ago. (It was a nightmare, there was yelling and tears and maybe a little exaggeration of me nearing killing a man) We laugh about it now, but when I was 16 and Dad was my teacher, I didn't see anything funny about it. I do however, attribute my keen parallel parking skills today to my Dad. I hope Dad continues to focus on that story and works hard each time he is driving. After driving Dad went to the rehab room to work on the pedals. He sits in a chair and pushes up and down with his feet on these two pedals on the floor right in front of him. Up and down for twenty minutes. I didn't think he did very well with his left foot. It is certainly not as strong as the right foot. But of course, the right foot was not effected by the stroke. I tried to encourage him to give more effort with his left foot, but I didn't see any more strength. After therapy we went back to his room and he enjoyed a melted Frosty I had brought him from Wendy's. Ken, Carole, Seth and Hannah came later that afternoon. Dad was interested in how Seth's car was doing and how Seth's driving was going. Seth is doing well with his driving, while his parents are keeping a watchful eye on him. I left after visiting with the Ken Karrers for a while. I will blog again later, I have another wonderful story about the Easter weekend. You don't want to miss it! Love, Ruthy

Magee Night

2009-04-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

Last night Mom, Dad, Kim, Andrew, Caleb, Scott, Cassidy, Joe, Grandma, Grandpa, and I ate dinner in the dining room downstairs. We had cheesy broccoli and chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, rolls, and rum cake. Kim also brought some chocolate chip cookies. Grandpa loved it. Ruthy was there to visit and Sharon had been with him & Grandma when we arrived. It was a nice dinner. He didn't want to leave the dining room after dinner but he needed to use the restroom, so he went upstairs with Scott and Cassidy.
My Dad bought Grandpa a handheld finger exerciser with springs to strengthen his right hand and an arm weight that straps on. As a joke he also got Grandpa a bell to ring for the Parkway staff.
We enjoy our Wednesday nights and I know that Grandpa does too.

Quick Update

2009-04-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

Since Dad's move to the 3rd floor I have noticed some good changes in him. I think he is more alert and awake. I don't know if anyone else sees the same things I see. I suspect that one reason for the better awareness is the medication schedule. The times for the meds has changed a little bit. Also, and I am not totally sure about this, but I think that on the 2nd floor, when Dad asked for pain meds, they usually went to the Darvaset first. I am 100% sure that on the 3rd floor Tylenol comes first. And they start with only one Tylenol. This tells me a couple of things: the pain is lessening and he is not so dependant on the meds.
I think he is stronger, too. When anyone helps transfer him from bed to chair or chair to bed HE works harder. He seems to want it more. Many of the aides and also Nurse Christy has commented on his effort being stronger. I also see him trying more to use his right hand to help his left. Once reminded he works on his arm exercises. He has asked for the trapeze over the bed like he had before and they assure us that they will get it for him. But, it as been several days and it still isn't there.
Some of the aides on the 3rd floor have taken a liking to Dad and come in for their "daily hugs". He is happy to oblige. Geneva (a big hugger) is very friendly and is also very helpful. We are lucky to have her as his aide. There are others, but she is special to me. Anyone who makes Dad smile is a hero in my book!!
This goes out to the grandkids: Where are you???? Many of you haven't been around for a while. Your Grandpa needs you!!!

Dinner with Grandpa

2009-04-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had dinner with Grandpa again. It was very nice, and I'm sure that he loved getting out of his small room.
We had chicken & stuffing casserole with egg noodles, broccoli, corn, salad, and bread rolls. Dessert was cottage cheese and peaches. He ate a lot of it with his sweet iced tea and said it was good. The whole gang showed up again and our conversation ranged from protests in England to the exorbitant salary of UK's new Basketball Coach. We always have a lot to talk about.
As always, Grandpa had a great sense of humor. Cassidy said, "I keep seeing something I want to eat."
To which Grandpa responded, "Seafood Diet. See food, eat it." He had a big smile and everyone laughed. Of course Caleb was entertaining too, and he loves running around the dining room. Chase was also there, as a welcome addition to the family meal. Caleb was trying so hard to say Chase's name when they were playing peek-a-boo.
We stayed in the dining room longer tonight because his new room is way too small to fit all of us. When he decided he wanted to go get into bed around 7:30, some of us had to leave. Grandma, Chase, Donna, and Mike, as well as John who had just come in, stayed with him.

Dad's New Room

2009-03-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

Dad's move went very smoothly today. He is now in room 313-B.
After waiting anxiously all morning the move took place at 1:00 this afternoon.
All was well when I left to pick Mom up to take her for today's visit. When we got back Dad was resting in his new bed. He needed to get into bed after sitting in his chair from 9:00am until about 1:30pm. During the wait we had a good visit with Aunt Kate, Steve and myself.
The nurse manager Andrea Bauer was very attentive to Dad and made sure to introduce him to the full time aide Mary and Andrea's assistant Linda.
Nicole from the 2nd floor told Dad that he would love his roommate because he sleeps all the time.
I guess we will all learn our new routine for visits on the 3rd floor. We are told that there really aren't any real "visiting hours" because people's schedules are very different and they don't want to restrict any visits.
Dad loves the company, so don't hesitate to stop in to see him.

Magee Night

2009-03-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

We had dinner with Grandpa last night. This time the people there were Sharon, Grandma, Grandpa, Donna, Mike, Cassidy, Scott, Kim, Andrew, Caleb, and me.
Mom asked Grandpa what he had been craving to eat, and he said hot dogs and baked beans. To go with those dishes, mom made chilli. Grandpa had eaten his Parkway dinner because he had been hungry, but he also ate everything we fixed too. He had sort of a belly ache after that, so he went back to his room.
Ruthy came by when we were still visiting him. I think it was a nice dinner. He was zooming around in his motorized wheelchair and sometimes bumping into things. The joystick is very sensitive to his touch and he is still getting used to it. I think it'd be difficult for anyone to learn to maneuver in such a small space (his bedroom).
On Monday Grandpa will be moving from the Rehab floor at Parkway to the third floor. This means he will get less therapy, but we hope it's not the last stop for him. He will have a roommate, and won't be allowed to have overnight visitors. It's important that we still get up there to visit him. He loves sharing a meal in the dining room downstairs, in case more families want to do this with him!

Thursday to Friday Update

2009-03-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

When I got to Dad's room Thursday night he was sleeping soundly. Not a good sign for a "good night's sleep" since it was about 7:00pm.
Dad is having issues with itching, but with no rash or signs of why he is itching.
So when he woke up at about 9:15pm, the itching was starting to take over. I brought a bottle of Sarna lotion, at the recommendation of Nurse Kathy. I put some on his back, which is where it usually starts and he was satisfied for about 30 seconds. Later, Rich put some on his arms and he was OK for a while. After Rich and Theresa left we watched ball games until Day 1 of the NCAA tournament coverage ended. We were awake until about 2:45am trying to take care of the itching with lotion, scratching and finally medication.
Friday Morning arrived and the breakfast tray was brought in at 7:30am. Soon after, Dr. Daftary came in and asked Dad to wake up. I jumped up and told Dr. D about the late night and the problems with the itching. I asked her about the possibility of introducing iron to Dad's daily meds being the cause of the itching, because I have been told that it "probably isn't the cause". The reason I ask is that the itching started about the same time that the iron started. She said it is an "absolute possibility" and that he probably doesn't need the extra iron any more. She was going to mark the charts to stop the iron to "give it a try" for a few days. She also said that it could be the soap or the laundry detergent, both things we thought might also be the cause. She told me that Dad is "a very patient patient" and that she would keep an eye out for a resolution to the itching.
Dad got dressed in UofL attire and was ready for the day. We went to PT and Claudia got him started on the stepper to "warm up" for test driving the motorized wheelchair. Bill (therapy guy) drove the chair in and got Dad settled on it. Dad drove up and down the halls, practicing driving straight for about 30 minutes. He has trouble driving a straight line. I'm sure it is not very easy driving with a joystick instead of a steering wheel - I have never tried this. Bill said that because of the weakness on the left side he has a tendency to veer to the left. He kept having to stop him and get him moved to the right. Practice will fix this.
I left to pick Mom up from the funeral for Ray Roth at St. Therese church. We then went to the Hill Street Fish Fry and picked up lunch for the three of us. We had Fish, pan-fried oysters and rolled oysters. Dad was very happy with his lunch. He said it was "too good" to pass up.
I left Dad in Mom's good hands to go home to take a nap.

Good Bye, Dear Friend, You'll Be Missed

2009-03-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was a sad day for Dad. His longtime friend, Ray Roth, passed away in Room 215 at Parkway Medical Center. Ray was a childhood friend, a Ford Motor co-worker, a pinochle buddy, a St. Martin's Brotherhood member and St. Therese Parishioner with Dad. Our prayers go out to Ray's wife, Sandy and their children.

Liz & Donna's Report

2009-03-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

We had Magee night with Grandpa again last night, although it was a smaller group. It was just Grandpa, Grandma, Donna, Mike, Joe S., Caleb, and myself. We had pork roast with gravy, red potatoes in butter, green beans, carrots, bread rolls, and apple pie. Grandpa said it was very good, and had sweet iced tea to go with it. He ate 100%. He loves home cooked food so much, especially when lunch two days ago was fruit and cottage cheese. That's a good snack, or side item, but not a meal.
After dinner Grandpa wanted to go up to his room. We watched a bit of the news before the station started covering the NCAA basketball tournament. It was mostly predictions of course, since the games hadn't started. He told me he filled out a bracket and had Louisville going all the way. (I think we're all wishing for that!) We talked about Kentucky having so many teams in the tournament this year: Western, Morehead, & UL. I asked lots of questions about teams and Grandpa was quick to answer.
Me: Where is Villanova from?
Him: Pennsylvania.
Me: And Duke?
Him: North Carolina.

Richard came in later and Joe and I left. Donna stayed the night with Grandpa.

Today, she said that Grandpa was very sleepy today. She didn't know why. He "graduated" from Occupational Therapy, but not really in the way we had hoped. They have ended most of his therapy in preparation for his move to a non-Rehabilition floor in Parkway. Claudia still does some Physical Therapy with him, but mostly they are training him to use the motorized wheelchair.

He has been having moments of confusion about the move, I think. He wants to know how he will leave Parkway to go the the "other Parkway." Grandma and Richard are very good at getting him focused again, but he did have that question a few times.

New Wheels

2009-03-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Lee just called me and told me that Dad is test driving a motorized wheelchair. She said he is being trained by Bill (the therapy transport guy) and is doing just fine. I'll be up soon to check on things and report later.

Magee Night

2009-03-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

The Magees had dinner with Grandpa again tonight. This time we had sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls. We also had rum cake for dessert. Grandpa declared the meal to be "delicious" and had second helpings of kraut and cake (though not at the same time).
He had been resting in bed when we arrived because of his colonoscopy procedure today. He got a clean bill of health from that. Grandma and I watched the aides set him up in his wheelchair and took him down to the dining room. Caleb was waiting with Mike, Donna, and Joe S. He said "Papa! Hi Papa, Hi Papa. Hi Mamaw." Grandpa justs love seeing the young ones, and he became wide awake.
Scott and Cassidy showed up as we were eating. Andrew and Kim came soon after. Grandpa wanted to go back to his room to lie down, but he asked for company. Joe and I wheeled him up and got the aides to put him in bed. He dozed off very soon afterwards. The heat was pumping in the room because Grandpa was cold. He also used two blankets.
Mom is staying the night with him. The rest of us stayed for a while, but he slept through most of it. I think the procedure wore him out.

Another Wedding Photo

2009-03-06T09:23:00.001-08:00

I found this in the basement, and had never seen it before, so I wanted to share!

Thank Heaven For Friends

2009-03-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

I think it is important that we take a few minutes to thank Dad's friends for their visits, since the early days at Audobon Hospital to the current days at Parkway and all the days in between. It has been a joy to visit with the many Ford buddies and St. Therese friends, neighbors and the card player friends in Dad's life. I am sure there is a pinochle game in the making.

Many of you know that one of Dad's best friends Ray Roth is now his next door neighbor at Parkway. Dad is in room 217 and Ray is in 215.
I am hoping that Dad and Ray can spend some quality time together and push each other forward in their therapies. God bless them both!

The Karrer Family thanks all of you for your continued support!!! Your visits mean so much to Dad and to all of us.

Memories

2009-02-27T18:02:00.000-08:00

Aunt Kathy asked me to put up some thoughts that Dolly and others had shared through e-mail about Grandma and Grandpa's Wedding Day. I wanted to include some more photos too.

I think that this photo is one of my all time favorites. It's Grandma and Grandpa's grade school class! I love this photo. Can you find Herman and Janet? Hint: They are sitting next to each other!

Here they are!

Here is another photo of their big day.

Did you spot a young Sue in the front seat?

Now for the Wedding Day memories.

I was only 4, so what I remember was breakfast, I think at Bauers on Brownsboro Rd. I really don't know where it was, but I had fried chicken. It was real sunny.
I wasn't in the wedding. Too young to be. I bet I stole the show though.
I also think this was when Rich (Skeeter) cut his hair in the front. One bald spot right in front. Who let him get the scissors anyway?
I remember the presents that came to the house. Lots of kitchen things.
When Janet and I go shopping on Saturday to the thrift stores, we often pick up something that she remembers getting as a wedding present. Glasses, casserole dishes, toasters... things that are long gone now.
But one thing remains, their love and dedication to each other. Happy Anniversary!
(Aunt Dolly Meyer)

I remember what trouble Richard (Skeeter) got into because he cut his hair before the wedding and he was going to be the ring bearer. Cut his hair right across the front.
I remember it and also another memory is that I cried myself to sleep on the fold out couch that Janet and I slept on because she wasn't coming home that night. (Aunt Sue Winters)

I was eleven at the time of the wedding. Don't remember much except for some reason I remember the beautiful white wedding gown. I suppose this sticks out in my mind because I can recall how excited my mother was about being there and her talking about the wedding and how I should be quiet and watch my manners. It was my first time being in a Catholic Church and I remember being in awe of the building and the formality of the wedding.
(Richard Royalty, a first cousin)

What a beautiful day it must have been, and what a legacy that Grandma and Grandpa have created!

Dinner With Dad

2009-02-26T20:28:00.000-08:00

Well, Magee night was moved this week from Wednesday to Thursday because of a prior engagement for the Magee's. The move was temporary and we'll go back to Wednesday night next week. Liz prepared "yummy" chicken burritos, corn, chips, queso and salsa for a mexican fiesta. Kim supplied a turtle pie for dessert. This is one of mom and dad's favorite meals. Just like last week, we held the dinner in the main dining room. Caleb loves this space because he has room to run. Dad enjoys getting out of Room 217 for an hour or so. The dinner guests included sister, Kathy, (who is here from Colorado) and Sharon, as well as, the Magee clan and mom and dad. Ruthy and Abby and John and Richard came in later for their nightly visit with dad. We played a sports trivia game after dinner and as usual dad had most of the answers. I think these dinners are the next best thing to eating at home for dad and so, he seems to enjoy them!

Our Wednesday afternoon

2009-02-26T11:42:00.000-08:00

Mom, Caleb, and I spend Wednesday afternoon at Parkway with Grandpa. We took some pictures during his occupational and physical therapies. They were in the afternoon because PT finally moved into the remodeled room and they did the moving in the morning.
When we arrived he was sleeping on the job in OT. Caleb woke him up and Grandpa stayed alert for the rest of the afternoon. I think he really likes to entertain kids because I heard that he was very alert for Walt too. Grandpa smiled a lot when Caleb was there. I'm just sorry that none of the pictures really show it.

Here are some photos from Occupational Therapy

Here is a snap of the new PT room

When we left he was finished with therapy, but up in his chair and flipping t.v. channels. We picked up Grandma from her house, dropped her off at Parkway, and then went home.

This is supposed to be a smile.

2009-02-23T16:00:00.000-08:00

I took this photo of Grandma & Grandpa today, to have a new picture on the blog. I asked Grandpa to smile for this photo and this is what he gave me. We all know that Grandpa can give a smile, for instance when he makes a joke. Maybe someone can capture the real smile one day. I put the camera back in his room, so if anyone gets him in a really good mood, please do try to snap a photo.

Grandpa should be smiling big because he stood for 12 minutes today! That's a new record. I asked him if he felt stronger, and more positive. He just shrugged. I guess not. He seemed to be in a funk today.

I read in the binder that Grandma and Grandpa got a 50 cent parking ticket in front of a coffee shop on their wedding night on the way to Spring Mill. I asked them about it and they nodded. Grandma said, "Well we never paid it, so we can't go back there." I thought that was funny.

We talked about all kinds of things today. Grandpa tuned in and out. He wanted to sit in his chair until dinner, but he held his head in his hands a lot. I asked Grandma what it was like to have 11 kids, and if she was scared before delivery or got used to it. "I was never scared," she said. "It hurt... but I was never scared about it." I think this stuff we're finding out, about the family, and their past, is so interesting. It makes me just want to sit down and interview them.

The only smile I got today was when I mentioned something about my Great Grandma Lillian and Grandpa said, "How is she doing?"
I said, "Well, she passed away last year, during the summertime."
He said, "Oh. I guess she's not doing." Then he gave a half-smile and said, "Sorry." He's definitely got a sense of humor, I just wish that I could pull it out of him more!

That's all I can think of from my visit. Good evening!

More Good News

2009-02-21T15:35:00.000-08:00

To add to Liz's earlier blog - and I apologize for taking so long to write - there is more good news to report about Dad's progress. Remember those 4 pounds that he lost from two Friday's ago to last Friday? He was at 171 lbs and then down to 167 lbs. Well, he found them. As of yesterday morning he weighs 172.4 lbs! The tube feedings and the fabulous family meals (not to mention CAKE) packed on the pounds this week. This is great! Family...keep up the good work.

Dad is having a good day today. He's had a nice amount of visitors to see him. When I got there Rich, Sara, Steven, Chase, Lexie and Stevie were there. Mom and Dolly soon followed. Everyone was watching the UofL vs Cincinnati basketball game and Dad made a lot of comments about the game. Usually (lately), when I watch the games with Dad he is only a little bit interested, but today he was paying closer attention. It was good to see. It is too weird when he doesn't make comments because we all know how he has always been about UofL sports. A lot more vocal!!! He "got in the game" today.

I heard from Sara that Dad did very well in therapy and Karen (OT) told them about the tough day we had yesterday, due to Dad being so tired from not being able to sleep Thursday night. They decided that it was my fault and that I am fired from therapy. I told Dad this and he smiled. He said next Friday we will "do what we have to do". I thought that was a pretty sharp comment for him to make.

Keep praying for steady progress!

Good News

2009-02-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

I called Sharon yesterday while she was with Lee and Grandpa in PT. She said Grandpa was about to stand in the box. I told her to tell him to stand for a long time!
Later she called me back and said he took my challenge and "Stood for a record 10 minutes!" I was so glad to hear this news. She also told Mom and me that he was discharged from Speech Therapy and doesn't have to do it anymore. Basically, he graduated from it and doesn't need it. Yay!
Two good things!

It Was a Beautiful Spring Day

2009-02-19T23:15:00.000-08:00

I had the priviledge of waking dad up on Thursday morning, to start, what appeared to be a cloudy, cold winter day. The news said that Louisville got a dusting of snow overnight but when we looked out the window, it just looked grey. Not a snowflake anywhere in sight. When I asked dad if he knew what day it was he didn't hesitate, he said, "It's my anniversary." Not, it's Thursday, not, it's February 19th, it's my anniversary. When Angelique brought in the breakfast tray, he told her it was his anniversary. When she returned to get him ready for his shower, 45 minutes later, he told her again. When we went to occupational therapy and saw Karen and Josh, he told them. Everyone he saw, he proudly told, "It's my 54th wedding anniversary". After OT, we went to speech therapy and Diane, a student therapist working with dad this week, asked dad how his day was going and he said, "very good, it's my anniversary." After congratulating him, she then asked him, "why would anyone want to get married in February?" She said she thought it was way too cold and far too gloomy, and on this particular Louisville morning, we couldn't really argue with her, but dad just shrugged his shoulders and said he didn't know why. I asked if their wedding day was cold and gloomy, I can see some of their wedding photos in my mind and it looks like winter, no leaves on the trees, no grass on the ground, of course the photos are all black and white. He said, "it was a beautiful spring day. Not cold at all." We continued with the usual morning routine, but dad seemed to be just a little more awake and a lot more talkative and I think he enjoyed reminiscing about that beautiful spring day in February.

After I sat with dad while he had lunch, I went to pick up mom. We had lunch together and while we were sitting there having our bowl of soup. I told her how dad was telling everyone it was their anniversary. She smiled and said, "you know, it was a beautiful spring day."

HAPPY 54th ANNIVERSARY DAD & MOM!!!!!

2009-02-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

Today, I pray you are blessed as you remember your commitment to each other given 54 years ago! Mom and Dad you pledged your lives to each other when you said "I do" on that February day! I often wonder if you could have imagined that you would have this big ole family as your "life work" and "living legacy"?! You have been through so many memories together -- with the full range of emotions. I hope you can spend time today reflecting and sharing many of those memories with each other and with anyone you see. May you have a very blessed anniversary! See you soon. I hope you feel so loved today, Kathy

Mr. Sanford went to Frazier

2009-02-19T07:08:00.001-08:00

I saw my friend Joyce last night. She's a nurse at Frazier. She was telling me about a patient they had just received from Parkway. As he was settling in, he was telling her about a man he had met at Parkway who told him the food was really good at Frazier. He mentioned Dad by name, Herman Karrer and that he had a lot of kids. Joyce said, "I know that man. I know exactly who your talking about". I thought it was kinda funny what a small world it is and how God puts people in and out of our lives that way.

Ruthy at Magee Night

2009-02-19T07:05:00.000-08:00

Magee Night: I left work yesterday planning to stop by and see Dad. I first stopped at the eye doctor and picked us my new glasses and I wanted to show them to Dad. So when I got to the nursing home I found out about Magee Night. It was my good luck to be a part of it. Thanks, Donna for allowing me to be a part of it.

Magee Night

2009-02-18T17:52:00.001-08:00

Every week my parents, brothers, nephew, and all of the significant others get together for a family dinner. We've done this for months and have dubbed it "Magee night." Last week we decided to switch our dinner night to Wednesdays, which are my Mom's night with Grandpa, and take food to Parkway to have dinner with him.
Tonight was our first dinner. We ate in the main dining room on Parkway's 1st floor and it was a hit!
We brought everything from home: plates, napkins, ice, cups, drinks, and food. It was more enjoyable than I had anticipated; almost like a family dinner at home.
Ruthy and Grandma Karrer were there to eat with us, and Matt's family showed up later.
Grandpa ate very, very well. He had two plates of chicken and rice casserole ("Grandma's Chicken & Vegetable Rice Bake from Stouffer's frozen meals). He also had 3 dinner rolls, 2 cups of ice cream, 2 brownies, and some iced tea. He really scarfed it down.

Some notes about his day:
In Physical Therapy he stood in the box. He also used the bicycle pedals.
In Occupational Therapy he used the stepper.
He said that someone fell down the steps while he was in therapy today and it was craziness after that.

He also has a cough again today.

Blog Comments

2009-02-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

Some people have told me that they have trouble commenting on the blog, so I changed the comment settings and it should be easier now. If you don't have a blogger username or OpenID, just click the "Anonymous" button and write your name within your message.
Hope this helps.

Would You Eat It If You Didn't Like It?

2009-02-14T15:26:00.000-08:00

OK, so it isn't a gourmet restaurant but the food at Parkway is not good. There, I said it. Dad said it, too. The problem is, because of this, Dad is not eating well and he is not getting the nutrients he needs to stay strong. Luckily, his hydration numbers are good, so we can get him turned around and jumpstart the eating issue.
Debbie Harper suggested today that Dad be put on tube feeding again, until his appetite returns. She said that "maybe we run a tube feeding starting at 8:00pm and stop it at 6:00am." I said that if he is fed all night, when breakfast comes at 7:30 in the morning, he will not eat it because he won't be hungry. Remember, we had this same discussion at Frazier. After some "negotiating" we came to a first step of a tube feeding of one can in the evening (around 8:00pm) and see if it keeps him satisfied until breakfast. If not, changes can be made. This is to build up his strength so he can continue to actively participate in therapy in this recovery process. Debbie wants it very clear - THIS IS NOT A SETBACK - THIS IS JUST A BUMP IN THE ROAD.
There has also been a medication change. I did not write down the name of the medication (it starts with an R), but Kathy (nurse) said that it is a double duty medication. At the dosage prescribed, it can treat depression and is also an appetite stimulant. At this stage of the game, it looks like a good fit.
I heated up some lasagne and breadsticks and Dad did eat about a 1/2 cup of it at around 4:00pm. He said it tasted good.
I think the key is to keep him interested in the food he is getting. Parkway isn't making that happen so maybe we can keep him interested with OUR cooking. I'm willing to try anything. We talked about some foods he likes yesterday and I am going to make a pot roast with potatoes and carrots for him. He also told us that he loves blueberry muffins so Lee is going to take care of baking those for him this weekend.
Suggest drinking water when you are with Dad. It is just as important. There is always a pitcher of ice water on the medicine cart and I try to make sure that he drinks a cup every time I am with him. You can always get ice from the kitchen, too.
We are his cheerleaders, his cooks, his lifeline! Let's get him through this "bump in the road".

Another note

2009-02-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

In Occupational Therapy today (Thurs.) he practiced putting the polo shirt in his picture on the left side of your screen on with his right arm. :)

NEW BED!

2009-02-12T20:14:00.001-08:00

Mom also had a roll-away bed delivered. Yahoo! Sleepovers welcome.

Wednesday's Happenings

2009-02-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night, mom felt like Grandpa looked flushed and sick. She went up to check on him during the day Wednesday because she thought that he was going to be having a bad day. He didn't eat much of his lunch, and she brought him a McDonald's cheeseburger because he loved it the last time that she brought him one. He took two bites and a couple of fries and that was all. He didn't want any more.
He sat dozing in his chair until it was time to go to physcial therapy. Donna and Grandma (who was with her) thought that it was going to be an unproductive day.
In PT, Claudia quickly set him up with the pedals. Another gentleman in PT had the pedals and he was steadily going back and forth, back and forth. Mom said that he was walking pretty fast, and the man said, "I want to get out of here. The quicker the better."
Then he started up at almost a running pace. Mom turned to Grandpa and said loudly, so that the man could hear, "Now he's just showing off."
He said, "You brought attention to me, so I've gotta look good."
With that, Grandpa's pace got a little bit quicker. A competition of sorts began, even though that gentleman is further along in his PT than Grandpa.

After this exercise Claudia asked him to hold out his legs, starting with his left. Just stretching him and seeing if he could hold it. He was moving his left leg (at the hip) more than the knee or ankle areas, but he was moving the left. His right leg is getting stronger too. After 30 minutes of this tedious stuff, Claudia asked if Karen in Occupational had had him stand up in the box.
Grandpa said, "No." So, Claudia said that they were going to do the box.
With the ice storm and the recent weeks, Grandpa had been getting weak. The therapies during that time weren't as strenuous and now he is finally getting some good work in.

Claudia took him to Occupational Therapy's room where they have the box. Josh (an OT) helped to get Grandpa standing up. They were surprised at how easy it was to get him standing because aides had switched to using a mechanical lift to move him. This was because of an incident recently where he ended up on the floor. He wasn't hurt, but the aid and Mom hadn't been able to keep Grandpa up because he wasn't helping. That was the time he didn't make it into the shower chair. (It happened last Thursday.) So Claudia and Josh were surprised that Grandpa seemed strong and was easily moved without a mechanical lift.

As they got Grandpa out of the chair, he took a right foot step into the box and his left leg held his weight.
The box has an arm rest and there are walls on both sides. They slide a padded wooden slat behind your hips and it helps you to stand inside. There is no room to slide down because your knees are against wood and your backside is braced in. You are "boxed in." However, you can get weak and feel like you have to pass out. They test Grandpa's blood pressure during the process and watch for physical signs of fatigue.
They also listen to hear if he will ask to sit down. About a week ago he got white in the face, broke into a sweat, and his blood pressure dropped during this exercise.

Yesterday, he stood proudly in the box with square shoulders, head up for five minutes. They were only going to do 4 originally, but they let him do more. He was determined and focused on a nail head in front of him. He didn't need any encouragement.
Mom had been so afraid that it was going to be a bad day, but it was one of his best days that she had ever seen.

Karen, his personal Occupational Therapist came over and looked at him. She patted him on the back and said how proud she was of him. She said that he beat his own personal record (though Sharon swears he did 10 minutes one time). It was a great thing to see. (I wish that I had been there!)
Mom was sorry that Liz had the camera at the time because it would have been an excellent picture. Grandpa looked so proud of himself.
He slept good Wed. night, and he had earned it.
When I went to visit around 9pm he was out cold.

Thursday morning when Mom and Grandpa woke up, he had a good breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. Also V8, which he loved.
He still complains about lunch and dinner. They aren't satisfying taste wise.
Sara, Grandma, and Donna all got to see a repeat of his therapy today (Thurs.) and he stayed an extra minute in the box. He was complaining about it more today though. Grandma put a picture of a Christmas wreath over the nail head for him to look at. Mom said it was almost Valentine's Day, so they decorated the wreath with heart and love stickers.

He went back to his room and took a nap. He had been tired before his therapy even started and he worked hard.
Mom came home for the day.

A good visiting time for people would be between 11:00am-1:00pm. It's after his Speech and Occupational therapies. He eats lunch but then he wants to sleep. They want him to stay up in his chair so that he'd be good for PT at 1pm. A lot of times he's alone from 11a-1p.
Weekend daytimes are another good visiting time.

February 9, 2009

2009-02-10T06:47:00.000-08:00

Hi Fam: It was my night with Dad last night and I wanted to give all an update. I got there about 8:45 PM and Sharon and Rich were there. Dad was sound asleep. They left around 9:00 and I settled in to my spot on the Chair-Bed. The aide came in at 10:00. Dad was awakened briefly to get his meds and to be moved. He barely woke up during this process. I said hi to him and asked him how he was doing and he said he was good. He was awakened again at 12:00 to be shifted again. Something I've noticed is Dad doesn't snore very much anymore. He did however, have a very nasty cough. It's full of phlegm. He did a lot of coughing through the night, as did I. He slept all night. When I left this morning, Dad was awake. I asked him how he was and he said good. I told him I was leaving and touched his arm and kissed his face. He hugged me and asked me to be careful and have a good day. I told him the same. When I got to the nurse's station I told Carla I thought Dad needed a breathing treatment and that he may have felt a little warm. She grabbed her stethoscope and thermometer and headed to his room. I have called them back this morning after getting to work and Sherry at the second floor desk said his Oxygen Stats were good. He was given a breathing treatment, but Carla said she felt like the cough was more nasal than chest related. I heard some wheezing, but I'm okay with Carla's comment about more nasal than chest and I am glad she checked this out.
Thanks love you all Ruthy

Tastes Like Chicken

2009-02-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like you eat the same food all the time? Well, Dad does.
Yesterday, when I lifted the cover from the dinner tray we found a chicken salad sandwich, cream of chicken soup and applesauce. Dad ate all of the sandwich and all the soup and asked what was in the small cup. I thought it looked orange, but Mom said it looked like applesauce. Dad said "seems like it should be chicken something". Mom and I laughted and I thought how great it is that Dad has his sense of humor. He said "the tea sure tastes good today". It was the thick tea. Yummy!!!
I was happy to see that he had a good appetite. It was the first time he finised 100% of his dinner in a long time. 100% !!!!! He said it tasted really good.

By the way.......he looked great too!!!

Winter Storm

2009-01-30T09:31:00.000-08:00

Because of a huge winter storm, most of our family members have no electricity. Luckily Grandma does. I am staying in a hotel with my dad. Currently, I'm at my brother's house in Shepherdsville because they have power and Internet!
Parkway also doesn't have electricity, so poor Grandpa doesn't have television. They are hooked up to generators, but it isn't putting light into their rooms. They spend most of the day in the Hallway with other residents and the staff. Their schedules are messed up at Parkway, so he doesn't get the same amounts of therapy either. On Wednesday, my mom, dad, boyfriend Joe, and I spent most of the day with Grandpa. Mom had spent the night Tuesday and we came around noon Wednesday. We bought some lunch at Parkway and ate there. Then for the rest of the afternoon we played trivia card games. One was sports trivia, and Grandpa did really well. Then we all played Kentucky trivia, and the questions were very hard! We had a lot of laughs because we don't know much about KY!
Today we visited him at lunch. We had to hurry over to Andrew's to babysit Caleb, but Grandpa was grateful for the visitors. His lunch was fish, fries, and stewed tomatoes. He ate a few fries and most of the tomatoes, but only about two bites of fish. He also ate 2 Oreo cookies.
He said Rich & Theresa had been there this morning, and Ruthy had stayed the night but had to go to work.
I might not get back to the Internet, but we are going to keep checking on Grandpa.

You can check out our local paper, The Courier-Journal to read more about our weather woes.

A Restful Night

2009-01-27T13:46:00.000-08:00

I got to Camp Herman yesterday at about 6:45pm to find that Dad had had an episode that scared him and made him somewhat emotional. He had a headache that "didn't feel like any headache I have ever had before. I can't describe it", he said. The nurse was brought in and she propped up Dad's feet (I don't know why) and after calling the doctor gave him nitro under his tongue. Dad, being as sharp as he is and putting 2 and 2 together, thought that the doctor thought it might be heart related. Richard came to check on the situation and calmed Dad down. He has a wonderful way of doing that for Dad.
I still don't quite understand the feet propping and the nitro, but it seemed to do the trick. Dad's blood pressure is GREAT and his heart rate is GREAT and his pulse rate is GREAT, his color is GREAT so there really is no reason to think anything is wrong with his heart, but the doctor ordered an EKG. Due to the forecast for the winter storm, this was weather permitting for this morning. Just to reassure everyone......DAD IS OK. After Richard settled him down, Dad had no other symptoms all evening.
I brought Aunt Sue's vegetable soup that she was so gracious to make for Dad to him and Mom, Dad and I ate it together. Rich, you missed out. It was delicious as it always is.
Mom left for the evening and Dad and I watched the UofL ladies basketball game on TV. Not such a good game, but we watched it nonetheless.
Donna came for a visit after her class and brought Dad a double cheeseburger, fries and strawberry shake for a late night snack. Dad quickly ate the cheesburger - finally a good one after the bad ones they make at Parkway. Thanks Donna for restoring Dad's love of cheeseburgers.
After watching TV until about midnight, we turned the lights out. Dad was snoring away within moments and slept until 6:30am. When he woke up this morning, he said "I slept good". We also awoke to about 4 inches of snow on the ground with more wintery precipitation expected.
He started with PT because the OT folks were trying to get to Parkway in the snow. He had ST and lunch with the group. The lady arrived in the middle of lunch to do the EKG so we had to take a break to go to his room to get that done. It only took about 5 minutes, but was just enough to interrupt the daily routine. Back to the lunch group and then back to his room because neither therapist were ready for him. This is what I don't like, because the longer he sits waiting, the more of a chance that he will start thinking about pains.....and the pain came. By 1:00 he was doing the "ouch, ouch" song and it was back to bed. Karen from OT helped aide Sara get him situated and comfy. Pain meds were given. Claudia fixed him up with the good heating pads on his hips and the TENS on his shoulder. Karen said she would be back after his nap to do some therapy while he is in bed this afternoon. Claudia also was going to come back for some bedside therapy.
I left after 2:00 because the rain was coming down and all the Parkway folks said "you want to get out of here before this freezes". I hated to leave but he was resting well.
Donna is on to stay tonight. I hope it goes as well as it did last night.

PS....no one read and reported on the EKG before I left. We need to check on that.

Oops, I almost forgot!

2009-01-24T22:56:00.000-08:00

Two things I forgot to mention on my last report:

First thing, Dr. Fuchs, (Dad's dentist) came by to see Dad on Wednesday with tools in hand. Dad had been having trouble getting his top dentures in place at least for the amount of time he had been at Parkway. He has lost a lot of weight and I know some of us thought maybe the partial didn't fit anymore. Well, they still fit, according to Dr. Fuchs. He didn't need any of the tools he brought with him. He reminded dad that the dentures have to be placed onto his back right gold crown before the front teeth and then snapped into place. He had them in his mouth and smiling pretty within a few minutes. Dr. Fuchs says he's just around the corner and to call if he's needed for anything else.

The second thing, was about the Neurontin, (the medication given to stroke patients for pain management) that was started, at the minimum dosage level, about two weeks ago. Debbie, the nurse manager, told dad, that she had a call out to Dr. Daftary, to discuss, slightly increasing the dosage to see if that would help dad manage the deep pain he is experiencing in his left hip, left shoulder, and left elbow, usually after therapy.

Wednesday night/Thursday Day with Dad

2009-01-24T00:31:00.000-08:00

Wednesday evening, I received a call from my sister Sharon at about 6ish. She was wondering what I was doing. I told her that I was just about to sit down to dinner with Mike, Scott, Liz and Liz's boyfriend Joe. I had made a meatloaf, (just like I remember mom making, with the egg, crackers, salt and pepper) fried potatoes, corn and rolls. Sharon said that dad hadn't eaten much for dinner and could I please make him a plate and bring it with me when I came (it was my overnight with dad). I was sorry I hadn't fixed something better. But Dad was happy with it. I think any home cooking is better than hospital food. I'll have to remember to bring more home cooking.
When I walked in Dad, Sharon, Richard and Theresa were all listening to the Louisville game on the radio. They had a ballgame on the television but Parkway didn't have the station that was broadcasting the Louisville game. Dad was having a very good night. He looked good, he was alert and oriented. Richard had him smiling and silently laughing at times. After the Louisville game went off, the Kentucky game came on. Richard, Theresa and Sharon left for the night and Dad dozed off. I turned the TV off and I heard it. "Oh boy". Dad now has two things that he says all the time, especially in the quiet of the night. I think he says it without even realizing it. One is "Oh boy" and the other is "ouch". Sometimes the ouch is real and there is something that hurts but there are other times that you ask him what hurts after hearing him say "ouch, ouch" and he says, "nothing hurts". The oh boy on the other hand, I think is just a precursor for, here we go again, not again or something of this sort. Dad will say this at 3 am when the aide, Carmen comes in to change the bed sheets. We have a laugh with dad about Carmen, who is the sweetest person and very likable. She is very stout and we say she picks dad up with one hand and changes the sheets of the bed with the other hand and he always smiles at that. Dad asked for the urinal twice through the night with success on both occasions and quickly went back to sleep. Breakfast came and went about 730 am. I am sorry to say I slept through this and I think Dad did as well because I heard Sara the morning aide say to Dad "your not very hungry this morning" and he said that he wasn't. Sara took Dad away for his shower. He gets a full shower twice a week. Once on Sunday and another on Thursday. I got myself together and was looking forward to spending the day with Dad in the different therapy sessions. He came back just in time to go to Occupational therapy at 9am. Karen was dad's therapist in Occ. and she had him standing at the kitchen sink for two separate 3-5 minute intervals. First, she had dad scoot his hips forward in the wheelchair, then she had him pull up on the sink with his right hand to the standing position. I was on his left side only as a support in case he started to lean (he did not). She was on his right. She asked me if I helped him up and I told her I did not. She said he did it on his own. After that she had him on the mat where he sat on the side of the bed and did some balance exercises. His balance was wonderful. No leaning or falling over. We played ball and threw a balloon back and forth. He mentioned that Stevie and Lexie would have liked the balloon toss. After the balancing act Karen did some stretching and flexing of the left arm. Dad started to point to his shoulder every so often to let Karen know that he was experiencing some pain. From Occupational therapy we went down the hallway to Speech therapy at 10 am. Speech therapy consisted of tongue exercises, sticking it out, pulling it back in, moving it from side to side and strengthening his swallowing by saying k sound and g sound words. Problem solving games were next, things like "can you name 8 mountain ranges" or "name 8 Georges." These are the type of "problems" that speech therapy use to help work the brain/speech pathways. Sometimes Dad gets things pretty easily. Other times he's too tired to play or if he's having any pain he's not able to concentrate on the game. We went back to his room to wait for lunch group. Lunch group is where he eats lunch and the speech therapist will evaluate his swallowing to see if he's having any problems with choking, coughing, storing food in his left jaw, (could cause him to choke later). Dad asked for his meat to be chopped up, he said he liked it better that way. They said it wouldn't be a problem and that he would continue to get the thin water with the lunch. His tray came, it was pizza and he took two or three bites and didn't want anymore. They brought him another lunch it was beef stroganoff, again three or four bites and he was finished. The therapist mentioned to dad that she felt like his appetite had decreased in the past few days and wanted to know if he knew why. He said he just wasn't very hungry. We took his ice cream and cookie back to his room and watched the news. I also read to him some of the guest book entries from the 'Road to Recovery' Blog.
His last therapy of the day was the physical therapy and Claudia was waiting for him at 1pm. Dad started out his therapy with the steps. He is sitting in the wheelchair and she puts the steps down in front of him. He just steps back and forth, right moving the left along with it. Each time he steps down on the right the left goes up, gravity brings the left down, right goes up. This goes on for about 15 min. Then the rocker. He was falling asleep and I asked him if he was getting tired and he said that he was. I said Dad you know this is the part of the therapy that you really need to be awake for. They are just preparing you to walk. Walking is what is going to get you home. Walking and moving around will help get rid of your pain. Dad says he hates this the most. I don't really know why. It's a wood rocker. He places his feet on the rocker and its up and down, up and down, again for about 15 mins. All of this is just warming him up for, you got it.....WALKING. They get him up every day at about 1:45pm (you have to be there to see for yourself) There are three therapists helping dad with the walker. One on his right side, one on his left side, and one in front of him on a rolling stool. Dad is standing with his forearms resting in armrests of a standing walker. He will move his right foot on his own. The therapist on his left side will move his left foot forward. (He is slowly getting some movement of the left foot and ankle) On this day he walked about 12 to 15 feet. Claudia said, "Herman tell us when your getting tired". He said, "okay". She said, "Herman are you getting tired"? There wasn't any response. She said, "Herman you are tired. Let's stop". He didn't want to stop. Claudia and the other therapists put dad back in the wheelchair and I took him back to his room. He was very tired at this point. He wanted to get in bed. I called for the aide. When she came, I helped her get him in bed, it's getting easier to transfer dad, because he's getter stronger every day. Spending the day with dad was my honor.

Liz's Report

2009-01-22T12:50:00.000-08:00

I meant to post yesterday, but the time escaped me. I visited Grandpa yesterday afternoon. When I arrived he was in physical therapy. Lee and Sharon were already with him. He was rocking a board back and forth, but kept falling asleep. It was pretty boring. Lee had to leave, so Sharon and I stayed and tried to keep Grandpa awake and moving his right leg. They had electrodes on his left leg to stimulate the muscle.
His back was very sore, so Sharon massaged it as he worked. After the leg exercise, Claudia and two others got Grandpa ready to walk. He seemed weak or something, because they did most of the work for him. He only went about 4 feet before he was tired and had to sit back down.
Next he went to Occupational therapy. Karen was really good. Grandpa likes her. She had him sit and stand, sit and stand, from his wheelchair. Josh and Karen again did most of the work.
They transferred him from his wheelchair to a mat at about bed height and he sat up on his own very well. For the most part his balance was superb. Only once did he lean too much on the left and Karen had to straighten him. She had him do some things that required him to keep him balance. He had to take clothespins and reach to clip them onto a pole and some bars on a plastic thing.
Next he had to take plastic shapes across an arch from right to left and then left to right. Both of these exercises had him reaching and balancing his body. He did very well. It was about 4:30pm when he finished that, and he was sore and tired. Usually they do the occupational in the morning.
So that was Wednesday.

Today I visited Grandpa with Caleb. Donna was there and they were headed to physical therapy. I think that Grandpa liked having a young visitor (Caleb's 18 months), and so did the other residents. He was talking and jabbering while they were working their legs. Grandpa was doing a step machine. He had some really good pushes with his right leg, but his back and hip were sore. He also said the repetition of the stepping was "tearing up his knee." They gave him the electrode stimulation on his left arm and leg again. His next exercise was to rock the board again. I think he dislikes this exercise because he also fell asleep.
Caleb and I had to leave around 2pm because Caleb needed a nap really bad.
Mom stayed with Grandpa.

January 21, 2009

2009-01-21T05:34:00.000-08:00

I stayed with Dad on Monday and it was a pretty good night. When I got there Dad was watching TV and laying quietly. He said he had a good day of therapies and had been visited by the Magre's. He had been visited by a long time friend, Fred Blocker on Sunday.

Dad had pain in his hips and in his left arm. Pain meds helped some along with the heating pad. He slept pretty good. Not great, but pretty good. I left early on Tuesday morning.

Today's thoughts

2009-01-18T16:03:00.000-08:00

I visited Grandpa from 3-5pm today. Uncle John and Sue & Joe Winters were there. Sue and Joe left soon after I arrived, and around 4-ish John left. Grandpa was having a lot of pain in his left arm, especially the elbow. He kept saying, "Ouch. Ouch." He had me call for the nurse. The nurse and aide came to rearrange him, and another nurse came with a pain pill in ice cream.

While I was sitting alone with Grandpa, studying the details of the past few days in the binder, I thought about how hard our family is working to get Grandpa going and it made me proud. I know that we could all do a little more and think about him more often. A lot of people are feeling that we aren't doing enough, but I think if we forget to thank each other for each commitment, big and small, we can get dispirited. Remember that everything you do is appreciated by Grandpa and other family members.

It reminds me of the quote pinned to the bulletin board in Grandpa's room from Vista M. Kelly that reads, "Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together."

There was a conversation in the room that made me think about our family and our strength.
Grandpa asked me who would be staying tonight and I told him it was Steve's night. An aide, Cathy, said to him "It must be nice to have someone stay with you every night."
"Sure is," Grandpa said. "It sure helps."
He appreciates us so much. Just think of the people who don't have family or loved ones with them every day, so focused on their care.
So whenever you think that you aren't doing enough, chin up and know that our family is strong, our love is strong, and we are going to get Grandpa through this. Everything is appreciated.

Don't focus on what hasn't been done, but what can be done now.

Thursday Evening

2009-01-15T18:32:00.000-08:00

After dinner Mom, Grandma, Joe S., and I visited Grandpa. He was "miserable" with pain in his hip. Joe, Mom, and I rearranged him. When Sharon arrived he wanted to be rearranged again, so Mom and Sharon did that.
Uncle Joe had written a note in the binder that he was there after 5:00pm and was with Grandpa for dinner. He didn't eat much.
He had slept very well when Mom stayed with him Wednesday night.
Once Richard arrived this evening Grandpa dozed off. Joe and I left around 9:00pm.
Sharon, Richard, Grandma, and Mom were still with him.

Donna's report

2009-01-15T11:17:00.000-08:00

Mom had this to say about today:

As of Speech Therapy at lunch today, it was discussed between the therapist and dad that he would be given meat in it's whole form starting Monday. Because of this change, they will be giving him thick liquids again. They only want to change one variable at a time, so that it something does cause a problem, they will know which thing it was. Meaning, that if he aspirated after Monday, they would know it was the meat now instead of the thin liquid because the thin liquid will have been removed from the equation.

Family Meeting Notes

2009-01-15T11:07:00.002-08:00

Please see the notes below from Ruthy.

My perspective
The team meeting this morning was informative. Here is what I heard.Dad is working very hard with or without a family member present. He should drink his water very slowly. Tilted head downward to swallow. The threat of him aspirating is still real. He still struggles withbalance. The pain meds they started him on Monday have been very helpful. If they need to be increased they can be as they have started him on a low dose to begin.

They see at least 6 to 8 weeks of Dad at Parkway. As long as he is progressing. He has good days and he has bad days. Bad days are anormal part of the process. We should not be alarmed with them.

G-tube removal would mean he would have to be taken to a hospital. At this point they are not ready to do that. You never know, it may have to be used again. (Too early to say, even though Debbie did not thinkit was likely) The medicine in the g-tube Sunday was not a problem. They still have not talked to the nurse that did this (Debbie Harper hasnot talked to the nurse) but she really didn't see this is a problem.

The fatigue Dad experiences is common with stroke.

They did a skin check and found his heels to be very red. They have ordered a medicine to really toughen up the skin on his heels.

Dad's last weigh in was at 169. This is a significant loss from his weigh in back in October before the stroke. This is why his teeth don't fit. A dentist could look into this.

If Dad doesn't like the meal there is always, an alternative. He is doing better at sweeping the left side of his mouth as food gets left there. Again with the liquids. He was doing a lot of hacking with thenectar thick liquids per Dana the Speech Therapist. Sometimes he's good with thin, sometimes not.

He says he is thirsty all the time. But we need to remind him to drink.

He is oriented, his oral motor skills and swallowing are at the low to moderate level. This is per Dana the Speech Therapist.

His hydration level was 28. That is ok. Good levels are 10 - 26. Some patients are much higher, but again Dad's level was 28.

The Occupational Therapist, Karen, says Dad's range of motion is better.She is doing slight massage for swelling. He has arthritis in leftelbow. He has no movement with left hand. Working on sitting balance.He can maintain balance, but we must remain alert as not to let him fall. He neglects the left side, working on reaching left.

Kathy the Physical Therapist talked about synergies. These areautomatic postures with fatigue and pain. The neurotin (med) will helpwith the pain. When he walked, the effort on his part was 50/50.

Grandpa has moved rooms

2009-01-15T11:07:00.001-08:00

Please note that he is now in Parkway Medical Center: Room Number 217

Address:
Herman Karrer
Parkway Medical Center
Room 217
1155 Eastern Parkway
Louisville, KY 40217

January 6-13, 2009 Visit with Dad

2009-01-14T20:43:00.000-08:00

I was honored to be able to spend as much time with Dad as humanly possible during this week of vacation from my job in Colorado. I had not seen Dad since I left on November 10th. At first sight I was overwhelmed at so many improvements. First of all, his "eyes" were so much clearer; less foggy! Secondly, his movements -- why he can lift his head and really move his left leg/foot. Next, his speech/emotions are operating. He's eating, drinking, talking, now standing and even took his first steps while I was on a plane on the way back to Colorado! I burst into tears and my sister Donna told me about the "first steps" since the stroke. God has his hands all over our Dad! I told the staff/therapists that I can actually "see and feel" the healing occurring. It gives me goosebumps! There is a major emphasis and focus on the physical recovering/rehab of his left arm/leg right now and even those areas were dramatically "waking up" from the time I arrived to the time I left town. It was truly amazing to be a part of this road to recovery up close and personal last week. I was able to attend Dad's therapies with him, and help with encouraging words and a ready smile. Dad starts his day with breakfast in his room and checking in with the news on the nice big, flat-screen TV in his renovated private room. He is eating a good breakfast now. He then is assisted as he dresses and gets in the wheelchair. His first therapy begins between 9-9:30am in Occupational Therapy. This therapy is focused on helping Dad resume daily living functions. Lots of spacial, hand-eye coordination, balance and massage/manipulation of his left arm/elbow/shoulder occurs. Then, he's off to Speech Therapy where Dad EXCELS at sharing answers to questions from local events, to naming "8 things" by a variety of categories, such as "8 athletes", "8 things you put on hamburgers", "8 Presidents", "8 Georges", etc. Then there are paperwork exercises stretching Dad's problem-solving skills. It is fascinating to see how Dad's brain is working -- and, really how intact it is. Dad's brain is recovering! Then, he has lunch -- where he progressed to liquids, from thickened liquids. A welcome improvement as Dad LOVES fresh H2O! There's usually a short break and then he's off to the harder, physical therapy where they are working on his feet/ankles/calves/knees/legs/hips -- all exercises to regain strength on the right side, and to recover his impairment on the left side. To see Dad stand at the 'walker" (with help of therapists); and then hear that he took his first "6 steps" is truly miraculous! I have no doubt that God is working on all of Dad -- body-mind-spirit! Dad is firmly on the road to recovery!

If you are reading this blog, please ask yourself what you can do to participate in our Dad's road to recovery! Can you visit him at Parkway Medical Center? Dad "lights up" when he has a visitor -- and you can drop in anytime! All therapies occur in this cozy, smaller facility on the 2nd floor. It is convenient and easy to find him. Please drop by. Or, maybe you are out-of-town, like me. If so, can you send Dad a sports article from your local paper? Or, an encouraging card/note? Be sure to sign the guest book on the blogsite, as we'll be printing this off for Dad -- so he can receive all warm wishes that come to him via this electronic tool.

In closing this blog entry, I must mention how endearing it was to spend one-on-one time with my dad this past week. Dad is an amazing, righteous Christian man who's love for family, friends and life are evident. He wants to golf again. He can't wait to show me how he will walk in six weeks when I return. His laughter is returning. He is on his way solidly back! I love Dad and I'm honored to be his daughter. I also want to thank ALL family and friends for each and every investment they are making in Dad's recovery. John, Rich and Sharon are true role-models for all the siblings. They take every spare minute, and see Dad daily. Mom is there almost every day, too and I would ask everyone for more prayer for the entire family and support team! It takes everyone's best efforts to keep Dad's spirits high so he can do the hard work of rehab.

God is so good! He is in the midst of all of this. Praising our Heavenly Father's work here!
Love, Kathy