Getuhgrip Update - HR Long Time member and his family could use his HR friends right
- Thread starter Treeline
- Start date
TAE
All you have is now
Hey Treeline... Thanks again for keeping us up to date..
I spoke with Cherie (pronounced Sherry btw) today and yes he has had at least one stroke that has left him pretty immobile.
It is going to be a long slow road to recovery with no guarantees. He can't move his legs or arms but his hands, feet and head all are moving..because of the respirator he can't speak but he's all there mentally and is very alert.
Cherie said he enjoyed the cards and letters he has received so keep them and prayers for his recovery coming.
I spoke with Cherie (pronounced Sherry btw) today and yes he has had at least one stroke that has left him pretty immobile.
It is going to be a long slow road to recovery with no guarantees. He can't move his legs or arms but his hands, feet and head all are moving..because of the respirator he can't speak but he's all there mentally and is very alert.
Cherie said he enjoyed the cards and letters he has received so keep them and prayers for his recovery coming.
Treeline
New member
Update from Cheri
Here's another update. Frustrating, but Rick seems to be gaining ground.
Cheri Delong
12/14/15
I talked to one of Rick's doctors this morning and he was explaining that they had Rick off one of the blood thinners until they were sure the trach bleeding was under control. He is waiting for the ENT specialist to remove the packing from that area and then they plan to start the medication back up. He agreed that Rick will stay a day or 2 after starting it back up just to be certain things are okay and no issues before he goes back to Kindred Hospital Louisville. So, about 6 pm I get a call from Kindred saying that Norton has called to check bed availability so they can transport Rick back to Kindred. I told her that did not sound right to me and explained my morning conversation and I told her "I do not feel comfortable with him being transferred tonight. You need to call Norton and have them check into this further" Well, after checking reports and making a couple phone calls, Rick is not moving tonight. The ENT has not even been in to remove the packing and he has not started back on his blood thinner. They were ready to transfer him and he was in no way ready. I am so frustrated with all of the miscommunication. If I had not talked to the doctor they may have transferred him way too soon. This is what happened when they put the shunt in. Sent him to Kindred the same night and days later we find out it is not draining and he needed emergency treatment or he would die. How I wish I did not have to maintain a job and could monitor things more closely. Keep the prayers going please and thanks to all you.
Here's another update. Frustrating, but Rick seems to be gaining ground.
Cheri Delong
12/14/15
I talked to one of Rick's doctors this morning and he was explaining that they had Rick off one of the blood thinners until they were sure the trach bleeding was under control. He is waiting for the ENT specialist to remove the packing from that area and then they plan to start the medication back up. He agreed that Rick will stay a day or 2 after starting it back up just to be certain things are okay and no issues before he goes back to Kindred Hospital Louisville. So, about 6 pm I get a call from Kindred saying that Norton has called to check bed availability so they can transport Rick back to Kindred. I told her that did not sound right to me and explained my morning conversation and I told her "I do not feel comfortable with him being transferred tonight. You need to call Norton and have them check into this further" Well, after checking reports and making a couple phone calls, Rick is not moving tonight. The ENT has not even been in to remove the packing and he has not started back on his blood thinner. They were ready to transfer him and he was in no way ready. I am so frustrated with all of the miscommunication. If I had not talked to the doctor they may have transferred him way too soon. This is what happened when they put the shunt in. Sent him to Kindred the same night and days later we find out it is not draining and he needed emergency treatment or he would die. How I wish I did not have to maintain a job and could monitor things more closely. Keep the prayers going please and thanks to all you.
Treeline
New member
OK, I think I've got Rick's address out to everyone who has asked. Please let me know if I've missed you; I'm not the most organized person in the world.
For anyone who has newly encountered this thread, please message me for Rick's address and I'll get it to you.
When something like this happens, it leaves us wondering what we can do to help. I haven't got a good answer for that, but I do know one thing, and that is it must be a painfully lonely time for Rick as well as Cheri. One thing we can do is to keep reminding them that they are not alone in this and that we are pulling for them. It may not seem like much to us, but it is something and the connections we try to make can only help Rick. So let's try to do that really well.
Let's keep sending those cards - we can do one every week and so forth. If any of you finds yourself in the Louisville area, I can get you Rick's hospital address so you can visit. I'm hearing that this might be doing some good. Keep up the good work, folks!
For anyone who has newly encountered this thread, please message me for Rick's address and I'll get it to you.
When something like this happens, it leaves us wondering what we can do to help. I haven't got a good answer for that, but I do know one thing, and that is it must be a painfully lonely time for Rick as well as Cheri. One thing we can do is to keep reminding them that they are not alone in this and that we are pulling for them. It may not seem like much to us, but it is something and the connections we try to make can only help Rick. So let's try to do that really well.
Let's keep sending those cards - we can do one every week and so forth. If any of you finds yourself in the Louisville area, I can get you Rick's hospital address so you can visit. I'm hearing that this might be doing some good. Keep up the good work, folks!
Treeline
New member
An Update that Cheri posted on facebook
Let's keep the cards coming - they seem to be doing Rick some good.
Cheri Delong
13 hrs ·
12/15/2015 Update for Rick. I spoke with both doctors this morning and the neurosurgeon said Rick is much better. He sees improvement. The other doctor is going to start the blood thinner again tonight and then they will transfer him back to Kindred Hospital Louisville on Thursday as long as everything goes smoothly. My sister, Debby Boyd went to see him after work today and said he seems quite sad. Another sister, Pamela Cunningham is going up to see him now. She will call me after to let me know how the visit goes. I sure do not need him to go into a depressive state. He has to fight if he wants to get better and that means he needs to stay positive. I can totally understand that is very hard to do but it is the only way he will come home. I would still ask that anyone that can message me for our address and send him a card. He seemed to enjoy the ones he got the other day. Well, I am off to bed. I seem to be tired all the time lately. Have a good evening and please continue to pray. I want him to work at this and come home.
Let's keep the cards coming - they seem to be doing Rick some good.
Cheri Delong
13 hrs ·
12/15/2015 Update for Rick. I spoke with both doctors this morning and the neurosurgeon said Rick is much better. He sees improvement. The other doctor is going to start the blood thinner again tonight and then they will transfer him back to Kindred Hospital Louisville on Thursday as long as everything goes smoothly. My sister, Debby Boyd went to see him after work today and said he seems quite sad. Another sister, Pamela Cunningham is going up to see him now. She will call me after to let me know how the visit goes. I sure do not need him to go into a depressive state. He has to fight if he wants to get better and that means he needs to stay positive. I can totally understand that is very hard to do but it is the only way he will come home. I would still ask that anyone that can message me for our address and send him a card. He seemed to enjoy the ones he got the other day. Well, I am off to bed. I seem to be tired all the time lately. Have a good evening and please continue to pray. I want him to work at this and come home.
Sky Blue Lou
Well-known member
Card sent this morning.
Mick Doobie
Resist We Much
bump
(hope that's not against terms of use)
(hope that's not against terms of use)
Treeline
New member
Update: Rick is doing a bit better, spending time off the ventilator
Here's another update from Cheri. Rick is doing a little better.
Cheri Delong
12/20/2015 Update. I went to see Rick and he was in better spirits than yesterday. I have no way of knowing how hard this is on him because I have never been in that situation. I can imagine that it is scary and lonely. I am sure it is a horrible way to spend the holidays, just knowing that he is stuck in limbo. They had him off the ventilator for 4 hours today and he did very well. If he continues to do well they will increase the time. I feel like if he can get off of it completely that will give him a more positive outlook. Tuesday will be 7 weeks and as long as it seems for me, it must seem a lot longer for him. I plan for everyone to take turns going up to see him Christmas day. He can not lay there by himself all day on Christmas. That would really be depressing. I just keep telling him that although it may not seem like it he is improving. And he will get stronger and come home. Once again, thanks for all the prayers and support. Please keep praying....everyone have a good evening. I am off to bed.
Here's another update from Cheri. Rick is doing a little better.
Cheri Delong
12/20/2015 Update. I went to see Rick and he was in better spirits than yesterday. I have no way of knowing how hard this is on him because I have never been in that situation. I can imagine that it is scary and lonely. I am sure it is a horrible way to spend the holidays, just knowing that he is stuck in limbo. They had him off the ventilator for 4 hours today and he did very well. If he continues to do well they will increase the time. I feel like if he can get off of it completely that will give him a more positive outlook. Tuesday will be 7 weeks and as long as it seems for me, it must seem a lot longer for him. I plan for everyone to take turns going up to see him Christmas day. He can not lay there by himself all day on Christmas. That would really be depressing. I just keep telling him that although it may not seem like it he is improving. And he will get stronger and come home. Once again, thanks for all the prayers and support. Please keep praying....everyone have a good evening. I am off to bed.
Treeline
New member
Update
Cheri Delong
12/21/2015 Update. I just talked to Rick's nurse and she said he is still seeming depressed, acting like he is asleep when she goes in and just basically ignoring the staff. When I was in earlier the speech therapist was trying to get him to say "Hi". He wouldn't even try for her. I worked with him a little and he got a whisper "hi" out before she left. But I had to beg him to do it. He needs to work with them so he can build up the vocal chord muscles. He is staying off the ventilator for 3 hours at a time and doing very well. . . . Thanks again to all of you, we are blessed to have so many people who care.
Cheri Delong
12/21/2015 Update. I just talked to Rick's nurse and she said he is still seeming depressed, acting like he is asleep when she goes in and just basically ignoring the staff. When I was in earlier the speech therapist was trying to get him to say "Hi". He wouldn't even try for her. I worked with him a little and he got a whisper "hi" out before she left. But I had to beg him to do it. He needs to work with them so he can build up the vocal chord muscles. He is staying off the ventilator for 3 hours at a time and doing very well. . . . Thanks again to all of you, we are blessed to have so many people who care.
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Sky Blue Lou
Well-known member
Gotta be better than the other kind. One of the most exquisite moments of my life.
Treeline
New member
Good point. These are pulled from facebook, so they're being seen by a much larger audience than here. But I've taken your suggestion and edited out stuff that seems a bit intrusive.Getuhgrip is so going to love all these medical details being available about him forever when he comes back here....Condom style catheters.... who knew?
It's a fine line, I suppose, between trying to help out and getting caught up in someone else's drama. I know Cheri is bringing an iPod to the hospital later today so Rick can listen to the soundcloud group streams. That might help, and the more people can add to the stream by uploading a tune to the group, the better. Don't worry about whether the track is "ready" or not - I put some stuff up there that was recorded with a cellphone. This is music between friends.
Here's the upload link again: https://soundcloud.com/groups/getting-a-grippe
Treeline
New member
Update from Cheri
Cheri Delong
12/22/2015 Update. Well, Rick seemed more alert when I went in today. They had him off the ventilator and he was breathing just fine. I took some cards into him that people have sent. I think it helps knowing that there are some out there that take the time to think of him. Thanks to all that have sent things. Paula Newman-Skomski, please tell the guys from Home Recording I said thanks. He knows who all of them are. If any of them want to leave a voice mail for him that might be a nice idea. I can let him listen to them when I go in. Once again, thanks for the prayers and all the well wishes. I know he appreciates it.
Cheri Delong
12/22/2015 Update. Well, Rick seemed more alert when I went in today. They had him off the ventilator and he was breathing just fine. I took some cards into him that people have sent. I think it helps knowing that there are some out there that take the time to think of him. Thanks to all that have sent things. Paula Newman-Skomski, please tell the guys from Home Recording I said thanks. He knows who all of them are. If any of them want to leave a voice mail for him that might be a nice idea. I can let him listen to them when I go in. Once again, thanks for the prayers and all the well wishes. I know he appreciates it.
Treeline
New member
Update - Rick is breathing better
Cheri Delong
12/23/2015 Update. They are increasing the time Rick is off the ventilator. Hopefully he will soon be able to breathe without any assistance. I am taking Zayden in to see him tomorrow night for a few minutes. I think it will be good for both of them. Rick wants to see his buddy and Zay needs reassurance that Grandpa will come home. Keep the prayers coming.....we still need them. Everyone have a blessed evening and thanks to all.
Cheri Delong
12/23/2015 Update. They are increasing the time Rick is off the ventilator. Hopefully he will soon be able to breathe without any assistance. I am taking Zayden in to see him tomorrow night for a few minutes. I think it will be good for both of them. Rick wants to see his buddy and Zay needs reassurance that Grandpa will come home. Keep the prayers coming.....we still need them. Everyone have a blessed evening and thanks to all.
Treeline
New member
Christmas update from Cheri
Cheri Delong
12/24/2015 Update. I just realized I did not update last night. We took Zayden (4 yr old great-grandson) in to see Rick last night. Zay was a little apprehensive at first but he did really well. I had left a couple small presents in Rick's room earlier yesterday and when Zay was telling Grandpa that it was Christmas I told Zay that Grandpa must know because "Look, he has a couple presents for you". They got to share a couple hugs and I hope it helped Zay not to worry so much and I know Rick was happy to see his little buddy. We only stayed a few minutes but I think it was good for both of them. They kept Rick off the ventilator for 12 hours yesterday and he seemed to tolerate it just fine. When we went in last night it was at the end of the 12 hours and he was doing good. They will continue 12 hour periods and then increase to 18 and then 24. Respiratory told me if he can tolerate 3 solid days without it that is when they would take him off. He would still have the trach but he would be breathing on his own. Baby steps, and that is how we make progress. Merry Christmas to everyone and have a blessed day.
Cheri Delong
12/24/2015 Update. I just realized I did not update last night. We took Zayden (4 yr old great-grandson) in to see Rick last night. Zay was a little apprehensive at first but he did really well. I had left a couple small presents in Rick's room earlier yesterday and when Zay was telling Grandpa that it was Christmas I told Zay that Grandpa must know because "Look, he has a couple presents for you". They got to share a couple hugs and I hope it helped Zay not to worry so much and I know Rick was happy to see his little buddy. We only stayed a few minutes but I think it was good for both of them. They kept Rick off the ventilator for 12 hours yesterday and he seemed to tolerate it just fine. When we went in last night it was at the end of the 12 hours and he was doing good. They will continue 12 hour periods and then increase to 18 and then 24. Respiratory told me if he can tolerate 3 solid days without it that is when they would take him off. He would still have the trach but he would be breathing on his own. Baby steps, and that is how we make progress. Merry Christmas to everyone and have a blessed day.
Treeline
New member
Christmas update - so far so good
Cheri Delong
12/25/2015 Update. I went up in the morning and his right arm/hand is still swollen. As usual, it was not elevated. I raised it to put a pillow under it and he grimaced. I asked if that hurt and he said it did. That is the first time he has said something caused pain. I did go out and verified they will do an ultrasound on his arm Monday to be sure there is no problem. This is the arm that has the blood clot so it concerns me. He is still doing 12 hour vent wean. He seems to really be doing quite well on that. I went back up around 5pm and my sister Debby Boyd went with me. We only stayed a short time as he seemed very tired. I was very glad to have a co-pilot with me for the trip down and back. Thanks Sis. At one point he closed his eyes like he was falling asleep. I leaned down and said "you're not sleeping, your ignoring us. I know your tricks". At that he just gave a big smile.
Cheri Delong
12/25/2015 Update. I went up in the morning and his right arm/hand is still swollen. As usual, it was not elevated. I raised it to put a pillow under it and he grimaced. I asked if that hurt and he said it did. That is the first time he has said something caused pain. I did go out and verified they will do an ultrasound on his arm Monday to be sure there is no problem. This is the arm that has the blood clot so it concerns me. He is still doing 12 hour vent wean. He seems to really be doing quite well on that. I went back up around 5pm and my sister Debby Boyd went with me. We only stayed a short time as he seemed very tired. I was very glad to have a co-pilot with me for the trip down and back. Thanks Sis. At one point he closed his eyes like he was falling asleep. I leaned down and said "you're not sleeping, your ignoring us. I know your tricks". At that he just gave a big smile.
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Treeline
New member
12 / 27 Update
Cheri Delong
12/27/2015 Update. I had Zayden today so when I picked him up we went to see Grandpa. Zay is still a little apprehensive but he loves his Grandpa and gave him a hug while I held him up. He sat on the side of the bed and Rick kept holding his hand. I hope this is helping Rick, just seeing his little buddy. I told him we will be back up on Friday after I get off work. They are going to do the ultrasound on his arm tomorrow. . . . . [T]he respiratory therapist feels he will do well on an increased time [off the respirator]. If we can pass the ventilator milestone I know he would feel better about making progress. We still need prayers as he has a long recovery ahead. Thanks to everyone...so very many have made this an easier ordeal with advice and encouragement. Have a good evening and remember to always enjoy your loved ones.
Cheri Delong
12/27/2015 Update. I had Zayden today so when I picked him up we went to see Grandpa. Zay is still a little apprehensive but he loves his Grandpa and gave him a hug while I held him up. He sat on the side of the bed and Rick kept holding his hand. I hope this is helping Rick, just seeing his little buddy. I told him we will be back up on Friday after I get off work. They are going to do the ultrasound on his arm tomorrow. . . . . [T]he respiratory therapist feels he will do well on an increased time [off the respirator]. If we can pass the ventilator milestone I know he would feel better about making progress. We still need prayers as he has a long recovery ahead. Thanks to everyone...so very many have made this an easier ordeal with advice and encouragement. Have a good evening and remember to always enjoy your loved ones.