At last the halo came off! Oh happy day! The right leg looks good, and the neck is healing--not healed but healing. Timothy now has a collar which we expected, the right leg has a "boot" to keep the foot from drooping, and the left leg continues to have a brace. His "nursing" care is down to a dressing on the right leg (just for a short time), the bone stimulation treatments each morning, and pills. Therefore, I will not be spending all my time at his house. He is steady enough on his walker that we don't fear that he will fall, and he can take care of his basic needs. He will still need someone to cook food, wash clothes, and clean house--not too much different than before the injury! As for food, we have had some wonderful meals brought to us this week. Thanks neighbors!
We will never be able to thank everyone enough who has supported us through this ordeal, but we do appreciate every act of kindness and every caring deed. Thanks everyone for keeping up with us. This will be my last blog entry. Please come see us, drop us a note at PO Box 376, Oregon, MO, 64473 or e-mail us at cdannar@ofmlive.net.
We have come a long way, and the journey will continue as Timothy mends and surgery is completed on the left knee in the future, but I think in time he will make a full recovery.
I feel that your prayers and mine were answered.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
May 23 at 11:25 a.m.
Looks like therapy will by twice a week on Tues. and Thurs. mornings at 10:00 for an hour. We are looking at Wednesday as being a big turning point. Hopefully, the halo off and good news about progress of Timothy's right leg. No more IV antibiotics after Mondy. Taking only one pain pill each day now.
Timothy and I seem to be in a routine of getting the medicines down, the IV taken care of, the bone stimulator treatment done, and the exercies accomplished.
I have begun to leave him alone for a few hours now and then. He is o.k. with that and keeps his phone nearby at all times. He is able to do more and more on his own, and that pleases him. He is anxious to be independent, and I don't blame him.
Timothy and I seem to be in a routine of getting the medicines down, the IV taken care of, the bone stimulator treatment done, and the exercies accomplished.
I have begun to leave him alone for a few hours now and then. He is o.k. with that and keeps his phone nearby at all times. He is able to do more and more on his own, and that pleases him. He is anxious to be independent, and I don't blame him.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
May 20 at 7:30 a.m.
We went to our first out-patient therapy yesterday afternoon. The physical therapist determined that there isn't a lot she can do with Timothy until he can put more weight on his right foot. Also, she thought it best to save some sessions for when he has the surgery on the left knee. Insurance only pays for so many each year. She will give us some exercises that he can do at home on Thursday. I was not surprised. It didn't seem like that the PT was doing very much even at Madonna. The occupational therapist will continue working with Timothy's right arm twice a week. We go back Thursday at 10:30, and hopefully we'll have a definite schedule after that session. There is not a speech therapist on staff at this time so OT will incorporate some memory exercises with their work.
Timothy is gaining strength each day. His appetitie is very good, and he is walking with his walker more every day. We had no trouble transferring from walker to suburban or wheeling through the therapy suite. He enjoyed getting out yesterday to St. Joseph and eating at the Sonic. He just sat quietly and watched the traffic for a long time. Finally he said, "Boy its good to be out of the hospital."
Timothy is gaining strength each day. His appetitie is very good, and he is walking with his walker more every day. We had no trouble transferring from walker to suburban or wheeling through the therapy suite. He enjoyed getting out yesterday to St. Joseph and eating at the Sonic. He just sat quietly and watched the traffic for a long time. Finally he said, "Boy its good to be out of the hospital."
Saturday, May 16, 2009
May 16 Sat. morning
We are home! Paper work, last minute good-byes, pictures, exchange of contact info. with friends, last minute instructions--CPR with a halo vest of all things as we were escaping down the hall. I told Faye, the nurse, a sweetheart by the way, "This just won't happen today. I couldn't deal with it if it did!" She said, "O.K. I just have to tell you about it just in case." And finally at 10:00 on the dot we were driving away! Madonna Good-Bye--Home here we come! We were so excited!
Trip home was cold, wet, and drippy or pouring down rain. First glitch was the pharmacy. I had Timothy's insurance card but not the prescription one (didn't realize there was a difference. Mine is the same one.) They delivered stuff later--lots and lots of pills. Luckily home health arrived around 5:00. She had a pill box and helped me sort everything out. She found a glitch in the mg of one that didn't agree with what Madonna had written down. Got that straightened out with about four phone calls.
And then came the IV. It is so simple that the home health person couldn't believe it. And to be fair, Faye couldn't picture the concept of no pole, no pump, etc. either. So she had sent some tubing and extra tubing just in case. Home health person kept questioning and calling to make sure we were getting it right. We were; it worked--nothing to it.
Then came supper--I was determined it would be home-cooked. I had brought sacks and sacks of stuff in preparation. First thing I needed--a potato peeler or even a paring knife--not to be found in Timothy's bachelor dwelling. He did have steak knives. About to lose it, I sent husband home for some essentials for cooking a meal. Luckily, we live about a mile away. Finally around 8:00 we sat down to a meal at home. Not too bad, the potatoes got a little scorced as I was making the gravy, but they were eatable.
We had some visitors in the midst of all these goings-on which I loved. Made Timothy's return special.
Everyting is better today. I'm rested. I've done all the things for him that I am supposed to do at least twice, and I feel more at ease with being a "nurse."
I do not know therapy schedule yet. We go Tuesday at 1:00 for our first visit. It may be just paper work and evaluation.
Trip home was cold, wet, and drippy or pouring down rain. First glitch was the pharmacy. I had Timothy's insurance card but not the prescription one (didn't realize there was a difference. Mine is the same one.) They delivered stuff later--lots and lots of pills. Luckily home health arrived around 5:00. She had a pill box and helped me sort everything out. She found a glitch in the mg of one that didn't agree with what Madonna had written down. Got that straightened out with about four phone calls.
And then came the IV. It is so simple that the home health person couldn't believe it. And to be fair, Faye couldn't picture the concept of no pole, no pump, etc. either. So she had sent some tubing and extra tubing just in case. Home health person kept questioning and calling to make sure we were getting it right. We were; it worked--nothing to it.
Then came supper--I was determined it would be home-cooked. I had brought sacks and sacks of stuff in preparation. First thing I needed--a potato peeler or even a paring knife--not to be found in Timothy's bachelor dwelling. He did have steak knives. About to lose it, I sent husband home for some essentials for cooking a meal. Luckily, we live about a mile away. Finally around 8:00 we sat down to a meal at home. Not too bad, the potatoes got a little scorced as I was making the gravy, but they were eatable.
We had some visitors in the midst of all these goings-on which I loved. Made Timothy's return special.
Everyting is better today. I'm rested. I've done all the things for him that I am supposed to do at least twice, and I feel more at ease with being a "nurse."
I do not know therapy schedule yet. We go Tuesday at 1:00 for our first visit. It may be just paper work and evaluation.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May 14 at 5:30
Timothy had the last of his therapies and consultations today. Social workers are still trying to co-ordinate our follow-up visit to Madonna. It will probably be sometime in August.
We took a four-block wheelchair walk today. I was talking and pointing out different things. When we left the Madonna grounds, the sidewalk had two or three rough places along the way. When I ran into the first one, Timothy said, "Mom, quit talking and pay attention to where we're going." After the third rough ridge he said, "This wasn't a very good place to go." Finally, I replied, "We aren't always going to have smooth Madonna sidewalks. We've got to learn to deal with all kinds of rough patches." As we reached the Madonna turn-in, Timothy seemed to be holding onto his Halo. I asked him, "Are you shading your eyes from the sun or holding your Halo on?"
"A little of both!", was the wiseacre reply.
So with everything we've been through, Timothy still has his sense of humor. I think I'm ready for the next chapter titled "Back Home Again!"
We took a four-block wheelchair walk today. I was talking and pointing out different things. When we left the Madonna grounds, the sidewalk had two or three rough places along the way. When I ran into the first one, Timothy said, "Mom, quit talking and pay attention to where we're going." After the third rough ridge he said, "This wasn't a very good place to go." Finally, I replied, "We aren't always going to have smooth Madonna sidewalks. We've got to learn to deal with all kinds of rough patches." As we reached the Madonna turn-in, Timothy seemed to be holding onto his Halo. I asked him, "Are you shading your eyes from the sun or holding your Halo on?"
"A little of both!", was the wiseacre reply.
So with everything we've been through, Timothy still has his sense of humor. I think I'm ready for the next chapter titled "Back Home Again!"
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
May 13 at 4:30
Not much happening today. I am trying to tie up loose ends; Timothy continued with his therapies. We went on a long walk this afternoon. Timothy is wheeling his wheelchair more and more by himself and getting stronger all the time. We are saying our good-byes to the staff and the patients and their families who we have become acquainted with while here.
I had instruction on the IV procedure. Think I can handle that.
Just counting down the days and now the hours!
I had instruction on the IV procedure. Think I can handle that.
Just counting down the days and now the hours!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May 12 at 2:30
The highlight of Timothy's day was to go to WalMart with Brooke (OT) and shop for a hand-held shower hose and suction cup soap and shampoo holders. Then we bought take-out from a McDonald's in WalMart. Timothy finally got his French fries.
Making all kinds of arrangements to go home. I will learn about IV procedure tomorrow. Therapy sessions and home health care are being scheduled through Heartland in St. Joseph.
Timothy is "walking" more and more with his walker. Arms and legs are all getting stronger each day. Next step is to get rid of the Halo--maybe May 27.
Some of you following this blog have asked for some contact info. for later.--You can send notes to PO Box 376, Oregon, MO 64473. That's Timothy's mailing address. My e-mail is cdannar@ofmlive.net.
Making all kinds of arrangements to go home. I will learn about IV procedure tomorrow. Therapy sessions and home health care are being scheduled through Heartland in St. Joseph.
Timothy is "walking" more and more with his walker. Arms and legs are all getting stronger each day. Next step is to get rid of the Halo--maybe May 27.
Some of you following this blog have asked for some contact info. for later.--You can send notes to PO Box 376, Oregon, MO 64473. That's Timothy's mailing address. My e-mail is cdannar@ofmlive.net.
Monday, May 11, 2009
May 11 at 5:00
Timothy and I just returned from seeing the orthopedic surgeon at St. Elizabeth's. He said everything looked good; that Timothy was a quick healer. The bones are beginning to close together, and the alignment is acceptable. We had absolutely no trouble transferring from walker to suburban and back. When we finally left the Dr.'s office, we took off looking for fast food. Timothy said, "This is my first meal away from Madonna." The Taco Inn was a satisfying change. We will continue our search for Burger King and French fries, however, another time.
We are still scheduled to leave Madonna this Friday around 10:00 a.m. Yahoo!
We are still scheduled to leave Madonna this Friday around 10:00 a.m. Yahoo!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May 7 at 4:30
Timothy had his first bad experience at Madonna today. His community outing centered around a trip across town to a museum. It took 20 min. to get everything organized and Timothy and the one other participant hooked down safely in the van. It took another 20 min. to get to the museum. When we arrived, it was very chaotic with hundreds of noisey school children on a field trip. The two attendents had not brought enough money for them all to get in (they didn't seem to know it would cost). Jessica was with Timothy and offered to pay his way, but they decided to just take the other gentleman on a "tour of the grounds." Brandi, Courtney Jean, and I came in another vehicle so we paid our way in. Then we were told we had only 30 min. to look around before we had to meet and start back. We could hardly find a path to take the wheelchair with all the kids, parents, and supervisors. Besides all of that the two women in charge cannot drive a van very well or competently operate the equipment!
Timothy and I talked and decided he could be using all of this time to better use--lifting weights, practicing walking with his walker, almost anything. Next week we won't be going on group community outings.
Other than that everything is going smoothly.
Timothy and I talked and decided he could be using all of this time to better use--lifting weights, practicing walking with his walker, almost anything. Next week we won't be going on group community outings.
Other than that everything is going smoothly.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May 6 at 3:30
Today we practiced getting Timothy in the suburban again--just he and I with no help. We did all right. On Monday, Madonna is planning on me taking Timothy across town to see Dr. Swanson (leg surgeon) by myself. As I am the one who will be carting him back and forth to therapy sessions in St. Joe, I need to be knowledgeable and confident in how to manage Timothy, the wheelchair, the walker, and the ins and outs of the vehicle. Please wish me luck as we will both be a little nervous.
The highlight of our day was an outing to a local grocery store. We were transported by a Madonna van. Timothy wheeled himself across the parking lot, through the store doors, and down the aisles. He was to locate four items by himself by reading the aisle signs and reading the shelves. He had to make the most economical choices for all items. When we returned, he and the other patient were to date the food items and store them away properly in the "kitchen."
Timothy was excited. He kept saying, "This is the first time I have been "out" since coming here".
The highlight of our day was an outing to a local grocery store. We were transported by a Madonna van. Timothy wheeled himself across the parking lot, through the store doors, and down the aisles. He was to locate four items by himself by reading the aisle signs and reading the shelves. He had to make the most economical choices for all items. When we returned, he and the other patient were to date the food items and store them away properly in the "kitchen."
Timothy was excited. He kept saying, "This is the first time I have been "out" since coming here".
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
March 5 at 5:30
Great news--we'll be coming home May 15! Today the PT took him to my vehicle, and he helped Timothy in the first time, and then I helped him in by myself a second time. I went to Penneys and bought him a pair of sneakers (he has had no shoes this entire time). We are ready to roll.
Goals are for him to walk 15 feet with a walker by then, and be able to navigate his wheelchair by himself before we leave. Tomorrow they are going to start him on what they call "re-entering the community." He and another patient will be taken to places of their choice here in Lincoln. It can be the Harley Davison shop, Wal Mart, park, etc. They will be expected to navigate curbs, sidewalks, doorways, etc. by themselves with maybe a little help at first. They will also be "cooking" one day a week.
The infection doctor arranged for his IV antibiotics to be given only twice a day for 1 1/2 hours each instead of three times for an hour.
Out-patient therapy will be arranged at Heartland in St. Joseph, Missouri and will begin May 18.
I'll post therapy schedules when I know them because we sure want visitors when we get home. We'll be setting up camp at Timothy's house. Thanks again for all the prayers and caring acts of kindness. We couldn't have come this far without you.
Goals are for him to walk 15 feet with a walker by then, and be able to navigate his wheelchair by himself before we leave. Tomorrow they are going to start him on what they call "re-entering the community." He and another patient will be taken to places of their choice here in Lincoln. It can be the Harley Davison shop, Wal Mart, park, etc. They will be expected to navigate curbs, sidewalks, doorways, etc. by themselves with maybe a little help at first. They will also be "cooking" one day a week.
The infection doctor arranged for his IV antibiotics to be given only twice a day for 1 1/2 hours each instead of three times for an hour.
Out-patient therapy will be arranged at Heartland in St. Joseph, Missouri and will begin May 18.
I'll post therapy schedules when I know them because we sure want visitors when we get home. We'll be setting up camp at Timothy's house. Thanks again for all the prayers and caring acts of kindness. We couldn't have come this far without you.
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 4 at 6:00
Timothy had a great day. When I arrived Butch and Jennifer Prussman were visiting with him, and before they arrived, the doctor had taken his trach out. His voice is a little breathy again, but that should end in a day or two. Therapies went well, and the psychologist visited with him a little. He had answers for all her questions. He is telling everyone who visits to be sure and wear their seatbelts. So he did learn something from this experience. He is really enjoying visits from friends.
So now Timothy just has the Halo, the pick line for the IV antibiotic, and a brace on the left leg. Yeah! Yeah!
He and I went to visit with Carl today. He was able to wave and make eye contact. He is starting to come around. Hurrah! Hurrah! Good news all around.
If anyone from home is coming this way by Thursday, we need a favor. Timothy has the UP laptop at his house, and UP has his. Mike can make the exchange Thursday if I have it by then. So if you're coming this way, just call father Tim at home. If this doesn't work no worry, we'll take care of it the next half. If I had known just a little sooner, I would have brought it up with me.
We will learn the new exit date tomorrow!
So now Timothy just has the Halo, the pick line for the IV antibiotic, and a brace on the left leg. Yeah! Yeah!
He and I went to visit with Carl today. He was able to wave and make eye contact. He is starting to come around. Hurrah! Hurrah! Good news all around.
If anyone from home is coming this way by Thursday, we need a favor. Timothy has the UP laptop at his house, and UP has his. Mike can make the exchange Thursday if I have it by then. So if you're coming this way, just call father Tim at home. If this doesn't work no worry, we'll take care of it the next half. If I had known just a little sooner, I would have brought it up with me.
We will learn the new exit date tomorrow!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
May 2nd at 7:00pm
Today Timothy was re-evaluated by all three therapies. Zach, Jeremy and Lisa are spending the weekend in Lincoln with Timothy. Jason Vavara (a railroad buddy) and family came by to visit and brought several magazines for Timothy to enjoy. Otherwise, it has been a pretty quiet day. Timothy's right leg continues to hurt some but otherwise he is pretty comfortable.
Friday, May 1, 2009
May 1 at 3:30
Timothy is back at Madonna. He is in great spirtis, ready to get back to work and to get home. This morning a woman came and brought an ultra sound device that is to promote bone healing. It is to be attached to the site of the bone fracture once a day for 20 min. for several weeks.
To Timothy's railroad friends and others: Timothy has a cell phone now, but not his old cell numbers. So if you haven't heard from him and think you should have its because he doesn't know your number. Give him a call.
Madonna is great but we are all anxious to get home and back to a semi-normal life.
To Timothy's railroad friends and others: Timothy has a cell phone now, but not his old cell numbers. So if you haven't heard from him and think you should have its because he doesn't know your number. Give him a call.
Madonna is great but we are all anxious to get home and back to a semi-normal life.
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