day off

Hi folks,

Today was Dennis' day off from therapy. He spend the day with his friends from Vancouver, watching them play X-Box. He's ready for his big week and counting down the days to going home.

e

slated for discharge

hi folks,

Dennis' strength continues to increase and he is slated for discharge on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 - pending he meets his discharge goals. Dennis continues to work really hard but has many physical and cognitive limitations. He will continue with therapy at home until his is ready for outpatient therapy. It will be a long journey to recovery.

e

Sunday update

Hi folks,

Dennis is getting stronger each day and continues with his physical progress. He is managing a few steps without his walker. He is still have some edema in his legs but they are getting less swollen and less painful.

Dennis continues to have issues with his short term memory. He is frustrated with being in the hospital and would like to return home. He does not remember the recent past and is confused as to the reasons behind his current hospital stay. It will be some time before we see him plateau in his condition - mentally and physically - in the meantime, we are working hard to get him there with lots and lots of encouragement.

e

getting more exercises

Hi folks,

Dennis is getting stronger each day and is tolerating more and more exercises. His therapists have increased his gym time by another hour (he was already in there for 2 hours per day). He is working hard and knows the harder he works the better chance of getting out of the hospital.

He has been loosing fluid again (yeah!) and is feeling much better.

Preparation are in the works for his arrival home. From grab bars to wheelchairs to new shoes, the therapists are looking at all of his needs. It will be a little time yet before he gets to go home but it's never too early to start planning.

I will be decreasing the #'s of times I post on the blog to twice a week. I will provide updates every Wednesdays and Sundays - likely in the evening.

e

retaining water

Dennis was back to exercising on Tuesday after a full day and night of sleep.

Dennis is retaining a lot of water. The rehab unit has consulted the cardiac and medical staff to help them to determine the next steps. They are uncertain if his water retention is related to his heart or whether it is due to his kidneys. In any case, they are actively working towards removing the water so that it he does not go into respiratory distress.

Dennis says he's tired of being in the hospital and would like to go home. Although he is not ready, he continues to ask. Hopefully in a few weeks.

e

beyond exhausted

Hi folks,

After being awake for 5 days straight, Dennis is beyond exhausted. He is skipping out on all his therapy and sleeping this morning.

He's had a rough weekend. He is currently retaining lots of water and his kidney functional status has been borderline, therefore, they have been unable to remove water from his body. He started to have heart palpitation yesterday. His oxygen stats are slightly down, therefore, he has been put back on oxygen. We are watching him closely to ensure he does not go into respiratory distress again. He seems a bit better today but his having difficulty staying awake. Rest is in order for the day and he will be catching on some needed sleep.

e

update

Dennis has not been sleeping well for the past few days. He has been on some heavy medications for the pain in his lower back and butt from his fall. Needless to say this is making him very confused. He also has general swelling in his body, therefore, the staff are working towards decreasing his body fluid.

Otherwise Dennis is doing well. He is working hard on his exercises and even though he is in pain, they keep him going.

e

fall

Dennis had a fall last night while getting up to go to the bathroom. Nothing broken but he is pretty bruised and having lots of pain. He's on some heavy painkillers. He now has a bed alarm system and each time he tries to get up, the alarms go off. His rehab has taken a little turn due to his accident but he should be up and running again soon (not literally).

e

Dennis is not online

Dennis had a poor night of sleep so, he was a bit more confused today than he has been over the past couple of days. Otherwise, he had a full day of therapy.

Just in case you are wondering ... it often appears that Dennis is online on MSN. My mom and I are utilizing his phone, therefore, when we have it on, we have noticed that his MSN signs in. Sorry for any of the confusion, but please do not write to him as he is not getting the messages.

Thanks, e

working out at the gym

Well today was Dennis first day of full therapy and it was busy. He went from 1 activity to another and even walked to the gym to do his exercises. Although his body is still weak, he is regaining strength each day. His memory is also getting better and he is starting to recall events of recent past.

e

no rest for the weary

Hi folks,

Dennis was surprised at his rehab schedule yesterday and commented to the Dr. about when he would get any rest up here. He will be in therapy from 8-4pm each day except Sundays with a short lunch break in between. If you are wanting to visit, please come Monday to Saturday after 4pm and anytime on Sundays.

e

Rehab

Hi folks,

We have arrived on the in-patient rehab unit at the University Medical Center. He is on the 8th floor of the Pacific Elevators. I will post his visiting hours once if find out from his nurses.

e

struck with Gout

Hi folks,

Sorry it's been a couple of days but nothing really interesting has been happening with Dennis. A couple of days ago, he was able to walk out of his room to take a look around. He walked about 20 feet and returned to his room. Since then he has been struck with gout. The pain has been intense and he has not been able to walk since. His ankles and knees are feeling a bit better today.

The plan is for him to move to the rehab center on Monday. He will be doing 7 hours of therapy daily to get him really going - physically and mentally. They anticipate he will be there for 4-6 weeks. He will be allowed visitors on the unit but it will be limited to evenings and weekends. Once I find out his detailed therapy schedule, I will post what times will be best for visits.

e

Open for visitors

Hi folks,

Dennis is doing well and is in good spirits. He may move up to the 8th floor sometime next week to get started on his rehabilitation. His short term memory is still poor but with some cognitive rehab this should improve.

He is open for visitors. He is currently on the 5th floor of the Cascade Elevators. Make a left once you exit the elevators and ask the staff at the nursing desk the directions to his room. My mom is living with Dennis in his room. Her name is Kathy. Please remember that his short term memory is poor, therefore, you may need to remind him of your name and where you know him from. He may seem a little confused or mix up his words or appear to be thinking about what he is trying to say. You will need to be patient with him as he tries to express himself.

I am traveling back and forth from Vancouver, BC now so, I may or may not be at the hospital during your visits. I hope I get a chance to meet you all but if I don't, have a great visit with Dennis and my mom.

e

taking his first few steps

Dennis was up and taking a few steps with a walker today. Painfully slow but made it to the washroom (sorry ... restroom). He's taken his first shower in 7 weeks so, he's feeling clean and smelling better! He was seen by the rehab center Dr. on the 8th floor and it looks like he will start some extensive rehab in a couple of weeks.

e

exercising

Hi folks,

Dennis is on the ward, actively exercising to get himself on his feet again.

He has had a throat scope done today to see if this is causing his breathing issues ... nothing discovered - I guess that's nothing new.

e

on the move again

Dennis is doing well today and feeling stronger. He is eating and sleeping well. He's on the move to the ward this evening.

e