Monday, March 31st, 2003
Late update
Sorry I haven't posted any updates this weekend, folks. This is the first time since Dad was hospitalized that I've missed even a day.
Dad's health is still good, and he's continuing to recover his strength. He's started using the computer again, too, but he's not on it for very long at a time.
I'll write more later, but I ask that you please continue to pray for Dad and our entire family.
Posted at 11:18 am by Tony :: link
Thursday, March 27th, 2003
More details from yesterday's doctor visit
Dad slept very well again last night, as he has ever since Marty got his MS Contin dosage back to him, and felt really good this morning. So, it looks like rest won't be such an issue for Pop any more.
Mom shared with me some more detail about how well Dad's appointment with Dr. Diffee went yesterday. She said that when Dad had talked about not getting stronger, he was a referring to what Dr. Misulis had told Mom and Dad on his last visit back in February. Dr. Misulis had said that though Dad would probably recover more strength and mental acumen, he would never return to where he was before all this occurred.
As Mom recalls, Dr. Diffee said later that he would like to have a list of all the medication Dad is taking now, and Dad handed him a printed list. Dr. Diffee said, "who typed this?" Of course, Dad had. Mom said Dr. Diffee's response was, "Johnny, a month ago Dr. Misulis would have said that you'd never be able to do that. Don't put too much stock in what doctors tell you that you can or can't achieve. If God wants you to get better, you'll get better." That's good advice for anyone.
Posted at 9:40 am by Tony :: link
Wednesday, March 26th, 2003
An encouraging visit with Dr. Diffee
Dad had a very good visit with Dr. Diffee today. He was very pleased with Dad's progress, and very encouraging about his potential for continued improvement. Dad told the doctor that he didn't understand why (in Dad's view) he wasn't getting his strength back, and said that Dr. Diffee gave him "a whole new perspective on it" by telling him "Well, Johnny, it's gonna take a while!"
It seems that while everyone around Dad can see that his progress has been amazingly rapid, it seems painfully slow to him. That's understandable, but it still gets him a little down if he starts to dwell on it. When we remind him of how much progress he's already made in a very short time, he becomes much more upbeat.
Dr. Diffee told Dad that he wants to see him again in a month, and sent him on his way. Overall, it was a very encouraging visit, both for Dad and for Mom. Thanks again for all your continuing prayers, folks—we know who is responsible for all this and has so generously answered all our requests on Dad's behalf.
Posted at 4:58 pm by Tony :: link
Continued improvement, doctors' appointments
Dad has slept better for the last two nights, since his WTTC nurse restored his MS Contin dosage. It provides a very tiny timed-release dose, equal to about one milligram of morphine sulfate per hour, but apparently it's enough to make Dad comfortable. When he's comfortable, he sleeps well, and when he's sleeping well, he feels a lot stronger and healthier. As a result, Dad says that he feels better now than he has since last year.
Dad's appointment yesterday with Dr. Misulis was rescheduled for two weeks from now, since he hadn't been able to rest well over the weekend and didn't feel quite up to it yet. He has an appointment today, though, with Dr. Diffee, and he and Mom are planning to keep it. Please pray for Dad that he handles the trip and the visit well, and that he continues his remarkable improvement.
Posted at 11:18 am by Tony :: link
Tuesday, March 25th, 2003
Continued improvement, and a special day
Dad continues to do better. Marty has got his MS Contin medication back to him yesterday evening, he slept very well last night. Discomfort and lack of rest has been Dad's biggest problem during his recovery, so this will go a long way toward letting him regain his strength and health. He's getting more active all the time, and I think he's just about recovered from the stress of the move back home. Please continue praying for him and Mom.
On a more personal note, today is my third wedding anniversary. Christie and I were married on March 25, 2000 in Stephenville, Texas. We even had a wedding website to keep all our friends and relatives informed and connected, and I've put it back online to mark the occasion. I hope all of you get to meet Christie someday. She's an absolutely wonderful girl, and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect person with whom to spend the last three years, or the next three hundred.
Posted at 6:01 pm by Tony :: link
Monday, March 24th, 2003
Dad's recovery continues
Dad's continuing to do better. He tells me that he had more strength today than he's had since he left the hospital. Marty, his nurse, came out to check on him and verify that he was getting all the medication he was supposed to, and found that they hadn't included MS Contin in his take-home meds. MS Contin was what finally allowed him to sleep well when he was at Transitional Care, so that may explain why he hasn't rested as well since he got home. They were bringing him that medication tonight, so he should be sleeping better even now.
Thanks for all your continuing prayers, folks!
Posted at 11:41 pm by Tony :: link
Sunday, March 23rd, 2003
A weekend of rest
Dad's taking a while to recover from the move and get his strength back up, but he's doing very well considering what he's been through. Mom was attended services this morning with the Madison County Church of Christ and later planted a row of Irish potatoes, and Dad was fine by himself during both outings. (Mom's legs are doing much better, by the way.)
Dad's not consistently sleeping well at night yet, and that may take a while. Hopefully when he resumes his physical therapy sessions this week, it will help him to rest more easily at night. Please continue to pray for Dad and Mom that their health continues to improve.
Posted at 11:28 pm by Tony :: link
Saturday, March 22nd, 2003
Weekend update
Dad's recovering from the stress of the move home. He slept poorly Thursday night, and was very tired all day yesterday, but slept much better last night. Though he's feeling better today, he still feels "pretty rough."
He was too tired yesterday to do his exercises—actually, he was asleep when the physical therapist came by, and had asked Mom to tell him that he wouldn't be able to work out. The therapist said that was fine, and they'll get it done next time.
Marty, Dad's nurse, wasn't able to come by yesterday but said she'd come later. That's all well and good, as Dad needs the rest. He's napping a lot today, and seems to feel better after every nap.
Please keep praying for Dad that he can rest well and regain his strength quickly, and for Mom that her health continues to improve.
Posted at 1:15 pm by Tony :: link
Friday, March 21st, 2003
First night home
Mom says that Dad's first night went pretty well. He was a bit restless and got up a couple times, but he'd promised Mom that he'd stay in the house and not try to walk out onto the porch or anywhere like that. As for Mom, she "slept like a log." They both got up and had breakfast together about 6:30am, which was great.
Marty, Dad's nurse, will be coming out this morning to check on him, and his physical therapist will come by this afternoon to work with him a bit. They won't be making daily visits, but they just want to make sure that he keeps up the routine of exercise, diet and medication that's gotten him this far.
Thanks for your continuing thoughts and prayers, folks!
Posted at 8:03 am by Tony :: link
Thursday, March 20th, 2003
DAD'S HOME!
After 54 days of hospitalization, surgery, ICU care, hospice and rehab, Dad finally went home early this afternoon. He's already settled in there, where we hope that he will continue his recovery through diet, exercise, medication and lots of prayer.
Dad says that he was surprised that the trip tired him out as much as it did, but it's been almost eight weeks since he's gone anywhere sitting upright, so that's understandable. He's in his favorite recliner now, feet propped up and remote control in hand, catching up on the events overseas and thrilled to pieces to be home.
Mom had her appointment with Dr. Diffee this morning. He examined her, x-rayed her legs and read her tea leaves, and decided that it wasn't arthritis or rheumatism. Instead, he thinks it's either tendinitis or bursitis. He gave her something that would clear it up and sent her home. She's also been using an emu-oil gel on her legs, and she says that it helps a lot.
Ain't God GOOD!!! Thanks so much for everyone's continued prayers and support!
Posted at 3:19 pm by Tony :: link
Wednesday, March 19th, 2003
Tomorrow's the day!
Lord willing, Dad will be going home Thursday afternoon. Mom's taken most of his things home already and gotten the room ready for him. Dad's all smiles about going home, and so are we.
Mom has an appointment tomorrow morning with Dr. Diffee to see about the pain she's been having in her legs. Please pray for her and Dad that all goes well.
Posted at 11:41 pm by Tony :: link
Tuesday, March 18th, 2003
No news but good news
There's been nothing exciting to report today, at least on the level of yesterday's news. Dad's done very well, and his spirits are understandably higher at the prospect of being well enough to go home. Mom's getting everything ready for his arrival, and Dad's continuing his physical therapy exercises, which he'll keep on doing after he goes home. He's had lots of visitors, and all of them are tickled pink about Dad's news, with the exception of staff members who say they'll miss Dad and his family a lot when they've gone home.
Everyone's in a state of bliss right now, considering that our prayers are all being answered in ways we hardly dared to hope for. Thanks so much for all your prayers and support, and please continue to keep Mom and Dad in your thoughts and prayers as they tackle this next transition.
Posted at 11:17 pm by Tony :: link
Monday, March 17th, 2003
Great news—Dad's going home!
Pat Bard came in today to visit Mom and Dad, and talked with them about Dad's progress. They said they were looking forward to Dad going home, and Pat said she'd expected as much, considering Dad's vast improvement. Pat said that if they were ready, she would arrange for Dad to go home on Thursday! That way, she could come out and check on him on Friday and make sure that he'd taken the move okay. Mom and Dad were so pleased to hear that news!
Of course, it's going to be an adjustment for both of them, but hopefully it will be a manageable one. Lord willing, I'll be heading there on Friday afternoon to try and get some errands and chores done around the house over the weekend.
Please continue to pray for Mom and Dad, especially considering how well we're being heard!
Posted at 6:44 pm by Tony :: link
Sunday, March 16th, 2003
Happy 73rd Birthday, Pop!
Dad is 73 years old today, and he's looking and feeling better every week. How many of us can say that?
Christie and I had a little service with him this morning. We had a Bible study in 2 Peter, communion, and several songs and prayers. Mom brought his requested birthday dinner (fish from Long John Silver's) and we all sang to Dad and ate together.
Dad's had several visits and phone calls today, and several have sent cards to home and the clinic, and emails to johnny@tonyc.com. Hazel Johnson brought a pecan pie and a banner that says "Aged to Perfection - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" which we hung on the wall. The staff brought him some balloons, and Autherine from Housekeeping sang him a special birthday song.
Dad's been up and about several times this weekend, and we've taken two trips around the outside of the building in the wheelchair. Speaking of which, Dad's had some bad luck with medical equipment this weekend. They've had to replace his wheelchair and his bed! His chair was missing a handhold yesterday, so they swapped it out for a new one with all the parts in place. Then today, they changed the sheets on his bed and the air mattress went flat, so they had to give him a new bed too. Happy birthday, Dad!
He's doing better all the time and we're so grateful for all the prayers that are helping to make it happen. Thanks, everybody.
Posted at 3:44 pm by Tony :: link
Saturday, March 15th, 2003
First trip outside
Dad's doing quite well today. He went outside this afternoon, the first time since he came here that he's been out! He got out of bed on his own power and ensconced himself in the wheelchair, and we toured the facility inside and out. The sun was out and the temperature was in the high 60's—a great day to return to the outdoors. Dad enjoyed it a lot, so we're planning to do it again tomorrow.
Dad's been walking around a lot more in the past week, and his feet are looking better than they have in a long time. He's made an amazing amount of progress these past two weeks, and the prospects are for continued progress.
Thanks so much for all your prayers, and thanks be to God for answering them.
Posted at 6:57 pm by Tony :: link
Nothing much to report
Dad's had a pretty good day today. His physical therapy session went well, and he had several good visits and phone calls from friends and loved ones. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.
Posted at 10:22 pm by Tony :: link
Thursday, March 13th, 2003
Wheeling around at WTTC
Dad had a late workout today. Mike, his physical therapist, wasn't able to work with him until this afternoon. He gave Dad "a real workout" though. Dad walked with a walker and without one, and also did some knee bends and leg lifts.
They've been taking him to and from his rehab sessions in a wheelchair, and after today's session Dad told Mike he'd like to try wheeling himself back to his room. Mike was okay with that, and Dad made it fine. Still, Mike shadowed him all the way to the bedside just to make sure that Dad made it okay.
Dad and I had a good long talk this evening. He's still a bit agitated in the evening, and it seems to be because things quiet down in the room then, and he's left alone with his thoughts to worry about things. The staff and we have told him that he needn't worry about anything except relaxing and letting himself get better, but there's a great gulf between saying it and doing it. I mentioned before that Dad might have a touch of "sundowner syndrome", which is pretty common in older folk who are used to living at home and then have to spend time in a medical facility. Younger folk experience the same thing except we're agitated all the time, and for no particular reason.
Another historical note:
I've neglected to mention what happens this weekend—Dad's 73rd birthday is on Sunday. If you have a card lying about, or would like to drop him an email, I know that he'd appreciate either. Your prayers are always welcome, and much appreciated!
Posted at 9:25 pm by Tony :: link
Wednesday, March 12th, 2003
A good walk
Dad's doing well today. He went to physical therapy and handled it very well. One of his exercises was to walk with a walker as far as he felt that he could. The therapist said that Dad walked farther—and handled it much better—than he had expected.
The red area on his leg is still there, and still tender. The nurses are applying cold packs, and keeping an eye on it.
Posted at 2:59 pm by Tony :: link
Discomfort, healing
Dad has started "not feeling too good" every evening for the past few nights. The staff checks on him each night and his vitals are always fine, so they're not really sure what's making him feel that way. He was feeling "fair" this morning, but now he's feeling better.
His leg is looking and feeling better, too—thanks so much for your prayers.
Posted at 10:12 am by Tony :: link
Tuesday, March 11th, 2003
A safe trip, a sore leg
Mom got back okay from her trip to Memphis, and said she'd had a "Wonderful!" visit with her mother. Mom said they hugged and cried when they saw each other. Since they've been mother and daughter for over 71 years, you'd think that they would have worked all that sentiment out of their system by now, wouldn't you?
Dad has had a restful day, and skipped his exercise session because of the problem area on his left leg. They put a heating pad on it for a while, then applied a cold pack, to see if the alternating heat and cold might relieve it. I talked to Dad a few minutes ago and he said it hasn't really helped much yet, so please keep him (and specifically his left leg) in your prayers this evening.
Posted at 4:19 pm by Tony :: link
A restless night
I talked to Dad this morning, and he said that he didn't get to sleep until around 10:30pm last night, then woke up again at 1:30am and didn't sleep again until about 5, after Mom had gotten there. So he's pretty tired this morning, and hopefully will be able to nap a lot today.
Mom didn't sleep well either, and she attributes that to the fact that she's going to see her mother today. Lessie Reaves lives with Mom's sister Avis in Germantown, Tennessee, just outside of Memphis. She lived by herself in Middleton at the old homestead until fairly recently when her health made it impractical for her to live alone. She's done well though, considering that she'll be 99 years old on May 16th!
Mom and Dad used to drive down to Memphis every week to see Grandma when Dad's health was better, but it's been over a year since they've been able to do that regularly. Today she's riding down with Cheryl, and that'll give Dad some time to make up for his restless night.
Please keep Mom and Cheryl in your as they travel, and Dad as he continues to recover.
Posted at 9:06 am by Tony :: link
Monday, March 10th, 2003
Better late than even later...
Dad had another pretty good day today. This morning he had an area about six inches long down to the inside of his left knee that was very tender, though, and Mom and his CNA both said that the area was very red. Mom said it looked like a cat scratch, as if a vein there were inflamed.
Anyway, the physical therapist came for him later in the morning and examined the spot, and didn't see it as a cause for special concern. Dad did his usual exercise regimen, then was returned to his room for lunch and a much-needed nap.
I spoke to his nurse Leslie a few moments ago, and she said Dad's resting well, and didn't need any extra pain medication tonight; after he took his medicine, he said he was "just ready to go to sleep."
This is Leslie's first night with him, and she liked him immediately. She said "He's a sweet little man!" You know, I'd have never thought to describe him that way in a million years—he's always seemed ten feet tall to me.
Posted at 11:22 pm by Tony :: link
Sunday, March 9th, 2003
Dad relaxes, Mom rejoices
Dad had a great night's sleep last night. For the first time in months he slept until after 7:00am, waking up only twice in the night: once to go to the bathroom and once to take his medicine. He felt much better this morning than he has in a while.
We've been talking about spiritual matters, quoting scripture to each other and otherwise having a good Sunday morning visit. Dad's been very lucid and communicative all weekend. He has also told us that he is now pain-free! He says that his feet are tingling some, but that the 'old pain' that he's experienced for several years is finally gone. The medical staff here has been very diligent in determining the right medication and dosages that would allow Dad to be comfortable without affecting his mental ability, and it seems that they've succeeded in a big way.
Mom was able to meet with the church this morning for the first time since Dad's surgery. I know that she's being joyfully welcomed, as is everyone who comes to the Madison County Church of Christ. Of course I'm biased because I love them all dearly, and for good reason.
Thanks, folks, for your continuing prayers.
Posted at 9:27 am by Tony :: link
Saturday, March 8th, 2003
...And the good news keeps on coming
Dad's had a very good day so far. He wore himself out a bit yesterday, but has gotten some rest today (they only do his exercise sessions on weekdays). He's going to the bathroom without any assistance now, and is sitting up a lot. His voice, grip, and thoughts are strong.
Dad told me about yesterday's visit with Dr. Tygart, who referred him into the Hospice program three weeks ago. Dr. Tygart had only good thing to say about Dad's progress up to now. He said that, looking at the record of all that Dad had gone through these last few months, he would not have expected for him to ever have recovered even as much as he has already. He told Dad that he should continue to get stronger under his current program, but that when Dad decided that he was ready to go home, Dr. Tygart would sign his release. Dad was surely glad to hear that, and hopes that within a couple of weeks he'll be strong enough to go home and manage some things for himself.
Folks, thanks so much for your support and prayers. Please pray for Dad's continued improvement and strong spirit.
Posted at 4:21 pm by Tony :: link
Friday, March 7th, 2003
Good spirits, bad aim
I just talked to Dad, and he's doing well and is in good spirits. He's had quite a few visitors in the last couple of days, and they have all given him a great deal of encouragement.
Dad's strength seems to still be improving, as does his stamina. He had his regular exercise session today, and it included a group session which involved tossing a basketball through a hoop. Dad was the only one with a perfect score, he says—all misses! I told him I was sorry to hear that, and he said, "Well, I was sorry to hear it too! I'm sorry to even think it!" Much laughter ensued.
Thanks for your continued prayers that Dad's health, strength, and free-throw percentage all improve.
Posted at 12:45 pm by Tony :: link
Thursday, March 6th, 2003
More exercise, and a daughter visits
Dad's had a good day today. He went to his rehab session before lunch and came back a little more tired than he was yesterday, but they gave him more exercise. He seems to be doing pretty well. We believe that their biggest concern right now is Dad's feet and legs, and exercise is the only thing that can help there. They're going to continue with the daily rehab regimen every day that Dad feels good enough to do it.
Sheila (my brother Wesley's wife) came to Jackson yesterday to visit her mom, and to help Mom and Dad as well. She came to Transitional Care about 4:30pm and sent Mom home, where she was able to finally get a few things done and get some rest. Sheila stayed and visited with Dad for the rest of the evening, and she's coming back this afternoon to throw Mom out and do it again. Yes, as sisters-in-law go, she's pretty great.
Thanks again for keeping up with the news, and please continue the prayers that have gotten us this far!
Posted at 3:36 pm by Tony :: link
Wednesday, March 5th, 2003
Good news continues
Dad's continuing to do well. He started his exercise program today with a thirty-minute session. They took him down to the rehab area and worked on exercising his legs a bit; Dad said that it went very well, and Mom said he seemed fine and not too tired afterwards. Overall, it's been a very good day.
Things are beginning to look a little brighter, aren't they? Please keep Dad in your prayers!
Posted at 3:14 pm by Tony :: link
Tuesday, March 4th, 2003
First solo night goes well, and a positive visit
Dad stayed by himself last night for the first time since he entered the hospital. The nurses said he did very well, and Dad told me that he did just fine alone. Mom slept okay, too, but she was back early this morning to check on Dad and spend the day with him.
Pat Bard came in today as planned. She talked to Mom and Dad and reviewed his first two weeks at Transitional Care. She believed Dad would be all right to start some rehab exercises, to see if they can build up his strength some. They plan to start those tomorrow, and work him slowly into it. It seems that they are now tentatively shifting the focus back to recovery.
Dad will be doing the bachelor thing again tonight, resting up for tomorrow's light exercises. Please pray that all goes well for Dad, and that the best decisions possible are made for his care.
Posted at 4:51 pm by Tony :: link
Monday, March 3rd, 2003
First solo night, upcoming visits
Dad had a pretty good night last night. He's told Mom that he believes he'd like to try going solo tonight. Kenneth Ross, who sat with Dad last night, told Mom that he believed Dad would have been fine by himself last night. Kenneth said Dad only called for a pain pill once, around 11 or 12pm, and other than that it was quiet all night. So at his request Mom is going to leave Dad to sleep by himself tonight, with a little extra checking by the nursing staff, and she'll be back bright and early in the morning.
Pat Bard, the Hospice social worker, will be up tomorrow to talk to Mom and Dad about how his first two weeks in hospice care have gone. Pat also said last week that Dr. Tygart will be coming up soon as well, though she didn't specify when. Mom has several questions to ask Dr. Tygart, so I'll probably have a lot to post after that meeting.
Thanks to everyone who has written notes to Dad at johnny@tonyc.com; he's really enjoyed and appreciated them. And thanks to all who have offered, and continue to offer, support and prayers.
Posted at 12:55 pm by Tony :: link
Sunday, March 2nd, 2003
Sunday morning comin' down
Dad had a full night last night. He was very uncomfortable early in the evening, and Mom asked the nurse for some Vicodin to ease it a bit. He had some trouble getting to sleep later, so they gave him a Benadryl, then I sat with him and read some poems of Robert Service, whom we both dearly love. That brought more than a few smiles to Dad's face as he lay listening. We prayed together for a while after that, and soon thereafter he was happily snoring away.
Dad felt pretty good this morning, and seemed well rested. He ate a good breakfast, and has since been napping. He continues to have a very good appetite, a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. Please continue to pray for him, folks.
Posted at 9:46 am by Tony :: link
Saturday, March 1st, 2003
The weekend continues
Dad is doing okay today. He's had some visitors, including former county commissioner Tommy Gobbell, a good friend of Dad's. They visited for a while and talked about some county issues of concern to him and Mom, and except for having to grope for some words and concepts, Dad was able to hold up his end of the conversation pretty well.
Dad is still getting out of bed to attend to some things, which is good in that he has the physical strength to do so, but it seems to be very hard on his legs and feet. He seems exhausted to the point of trembling after each trip to the bathroom, but it's something that he wants to do. As long as the medical staff is willing to go along with those wishes, I think we will too.
We sincerely appreciate your continuing prayers for Dad, his caregivers, and our family.
Posted at 6:32 pm by Tony :: link