Thursday, March 4, 2010

Hello again...
So many good things to report. Jimbo has been off the vent since yesterday morning at 7am. This is huge! In order to qualify for a rehab hospital, he can not be vent dependent. He even breathed on his own with out needing additional oxygen most of today. The down turn to that though, is that breathing fatigues him. Crazy that!
The other great news is that he continues to regain muscle movement. Today he was able to touch his face with his left hand!!!!! Again, the down turn is moving, even the little bit he can, fatigues him. This evening when we were at the hospital, he couldn't do it again. He was just too tired.
The next great news is that he may be transferred to HealthSouth, a rehab hospital, Monday or Tuesday! They are feeling confident that he will not need the vent again, just maybe a little oxygen here and there. At HealthSouth he will still have 24 hour nursing, but will also have 3 hours a day of therapy. Much more intense then what the ICU does!
He passed his swallow eval and they cleared him to start eating by mouth. However starting yesterday, he feels full and bloated all the time. They changed his nutrition, and some meds, and have done a few tests. Hopefully they will get this resolved soon. He is just uncomfortable, and was pretty excited about food by mouth! But that is on hold until they can get the "verps" and bloating under control.
Our next issue is dizziness. The next step in therapy is for him to sit up. He gets dizzy every time they sit him up though. Apparently this is not unusual when you have been laying down constantly for 2 weeks. But they will keep trying every day.
The dogs got to visit this week. We took Beaver first thinking she would be the best and most appreciative. Not true. She bit Jimbo's favorite nurse. She is a bad egg. So tonight we took Crosby. He was the best and most appreciative. He had so much fun! All the nurses loved him, but couldn't go near Beaver. Crosby was so happy to see his Alpha Male, he just licked and licked Jimbo. And everyone else.
Jimbo continues to be in good spirits even though the stomach issues and dizziness are frustrating for him. He will continue to fight and loves to show off for his visitors. Come on by to say hi!
I've started working a bit this week. Trying to get into a routine. I'm not very good at it so far. But I will keep keepin' on. I know you are all on our side. We are lucky to have you all in our lives. Thank you again!
Lu

3 comments:

  1. This is great news! Please know I am still thinking of you all and sending good vibes your way.

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  2. Lucy, It is great to hear things are going well. I know that every little step is a milestone and a glimmer into your future where this will be a past memory. We love you all and are thinking of you everyday. While we can't visit, if you video tape Jimbo we would love to see him and if you think he works hard for those that come see him, watch how hard he works on camera.
    Love you!

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  3. Lucy- We just heard about Jim- Charlie, Doug
    (Williams)and myself wish him and you the best and speediest recovery. And give Wyatt a big hug from me, and a manly "Hey" from Charlie and Doug. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers. - Mary Williams

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