Physical therapy was resumed this morning. Vickie did well.
This evening she was able to eat more food. It may have been too much, too soon, since she wasn't able to keep it down.
Vickie has a fever again, like before, we don't know why.

Vickie was quiet or sleeping much of the day, probably due to the anti-anxiety medication she received last night. This evening she was awake and talking some.

Vickie had a session with her speech therapist. She had some soup and used a straw to drink this evening. The next hurdle is for Vickie to feed herself and be rid of the feeding tube.

While Vickie has moments when she seems completely lucid, at other times she tends to be somewhat confused about her situation. This week she has at times complained of head pain. Given her circumstance this can be an alarming symptom to us. It's difficult to determine the difference between what is really occurring and that which is the product of her mind's disorganized state. The staff wants to react to her complaints, using medication without any further investigation.

The evaluator for R.I.O. determined that Vickie is not ready for their program just yet. The R.I.O. therapy is more intensive, for a longer duration each day and much more expensive than what Vickie is undergoing now. Also a follow up plan for Vickie's care will need to be presented that's appropriate for her when she is discharged.

A strenuous therapy session for Vickie this morning.
No word on the R.I.O. evaluation yet.

Vickie had a visit with the evaluator for R.I.O. today. This is the first step to moving to Good Sam. for full time therapy. We'll get her initial opinion tomorrow to find out how much more Vickie needs to be able to do in order to make the transition.

Vickie was very tired after her triple session of therapies today. She has received authorization for 7 days to see how she responds.

Vickie had another quiet day.
No word on the therapy issue.

Vickie spent the evening sitting in front of her room passing out treats to the goblins visiting the facility for Halloween. She wore her witch hat and kept a running count of the treats she had on hand.

With the absence of infections and fever Vickie is becoming more talkative. While many of her comments and questions aren't in any logical [to us] context, she still comes up with some profound statements and quips. The change in the last two weeks is remarkable.

Vickie had another pleasant day with no setbacks. She interacted with her visitors well. Each day there is a small improvement.
The therapy issue is still in question.

Despite Vickie's speech therapy Dr.'s insistence, the insurance purveyor still insists on withholding payment for therapy.

Vickie did well today. She was awake and in her wheel chair until 9:30 pm. writing.
We have gone more than a week without any serious medical setbacks.

Vickie's speech therapy Dr. pronounced her ready for more therapy. The insurance moguls will reconsider her situation. She's ready if they do. Tonight she was wheeled down to the piano, without prompting she plunked out a one finger rendition of "Mary had a little lamb".

Thursday we have a staff/family meeting to discuss Vickie's care and future. Not sure what they can tell us that we aren't already aware of.

No crisis today. Vickie was in her chair for an extended time during the middle of the day. The subtle but steady progress is encouraging.

The Dr. was in to see Vickie this morning, he's ok with her progress.

This evening Vickie was in her chair taking a tour of the facility. When she was sitting by the piano in the TV room, she started plunking on the keys with her right hand. No concert, but music to our ears.

We now have to begin the aggravating duel with the insurance overseers, trying to persuade them to pay for Vickie's therapy.

Vickie had a quiet Sunday. No crisis today, we needed a break.
This evening Vickie asked the most pertinent question yet. She wanted to know what is wrong with her? Did she have cancer or some other debilitating disease? She was told that she had a stroke. She said she needed to ask her Dr. some questions. What should her diet be and some other relevant questions.

Vickie is becoming more aware every day now. This morning she experienced a minor panic episode while being lifted from her bed to the rolling chair for her shower. She has done this procedure often but this is the first time she has shown a negative reaction.
Later in the day vickie was talking and interacting with visitors as best she could. She has participated in several short telephone conversations in the last few days.

It's official, the financial overlords have determined that Vickie is no longer eligible for Physical therapy since she hasn't kept to their timeline for improvement.
Vickie's speech is improving along with her ability to comprehend. The down side is she is showing some frustration and she seems a little depressed at times.

Vickie participated in physical therapy this morning. She is now allotted P.T. an a one day at a time basis, providing she meets the criteria imposed by the provider. We probably should be thankful for the largesse of the provider.
Vickie is talking more now and making conversation, albeit not always in context.

Vickie was transported to Mt. Hood Medical Center this morning for tests to determine the cause of the pain and bloating she is experiencing. The tests were inconclusive.

Vickie spent a couple of hours in her chair this morning before asking to return to bed because of pain in her abdomen.
This evening she had a high fever, still don't know the cause of the fever or the pain.

After Vickie's sisters demanded more attention to the pain she is experiencing, the staff relented and contacted the house Dr. He appeared this afternoon and agreed to an ultrasound exam. The exam didn't show anything definitive that could be a source of the pain. Now we will wait for any results from the blood tests that were done today.

Vickie is continuing to talk and at times coherently.

The financial gatekeepers have decided that Vickie isn't progressing fast enough to meet their criteria for continued physical therapy and have stopped authorizing it. Just when we appear to be on the verge of a major breakthrough this comes up.

Vickie is still complaining about severe pain in her abdomen. The staff insists on treating the condition with Tylenol type medication. We suspect the problem might require a serious hands on investigation to determine the cause. The phantom Dr. is of little help so far, diagnosing by telephone or osmosis.
At noon, Vickie was whispering her thoughts to us. This evening she was speaking loud enough to hear from her bedside.

Despite bouts of nausea and the persistent fever, Vickie was able to have a good visit with three of her cousins from Washington this morning.
Although she's not speaking regularly, Vickie is still communicating her thoughts with audible whispering.
Today is the beginning of the fifth month in Vickie's recovery.

Vickie celebrated her birthday with a small group of relatives and friends tonight. It might have been a little overwhelming for her.
A new problem has come up now. Vickie says she is experiencing severe pain in her waist area. We don't know what's the cause or what to do about it.
One thing is for sure, she can now tell us what she's feeling, no more guessing and playing charades trying to figure out what's going on with her.

Thursday was pretty much a repeat of yesterday. Vickie is slowly regaining her voice, uttering an occasional word loud enough to be heard across the room. Some of her comments are profound, others are not.

Vickie actively participated in her therapies this morning. With the therapy and the fever that just won't go away, she needs to rest a lot in the afternoon. She was awake and responsive later this evening, but tired quickly.

The fever problem was still with Vickie this morning.
She spent a considerable amount of time in the wheel chair during the morning and then later this evening. Tonight she asked to be put in her chair.
We are trying to teach her to use the call button at her bed to summon the staff. It would be helpful if they would do their part in our little exercise.
Vickie's asking more questions about her circumstance. It's difficult for her to understand why she's where she is.

For some unknown reason Vickie is still having fever problems that come and go. Otherwise she appears to be doing good.
She isn't able to make the step from a quiet whisper to talking out loud yet. She has quite a bit to say even though a lot of it seems to be out of context.

There were lots of visitors today, including an aunt and cousin who traveled from North Dakota. Vickie was a good host, sitting in her chair ,writing and answering questions as best she could.
With Vickie's door closed and no noise in the room, it's now possible to hear and comprehend her whispering. Her comments and questions are another matter. They can be a bit confusing. Of course this is all understandable and acceptable considering what she's been through.

Vickie's fever was a little lower today. She was very alert and trying to whisper louder. She will be speaking soon.

Vickie participated in physical therapy despite a high fever and early morning nausea.
This evening the fever was lower and she seem to feel better.

Vickie spent a large part of the day in her wheel chair. Lots of writing in her tiny and random method. She is able to whisper what she wants to say at times. The trend is definitely up.

The fever Vickie had yesterday left as quickly as it came. No explanation.
Vickie had some potato soup today, slowly starting her on regular food.
This evening she was very "bright", alert and whispering at an almost audible level. We're getting very close now.

It was a down day for Vickie. She has a high fever, it's cause unknown. Maybe tomorrow it can be diagnosed and treated.
Vickie doesn't have much enthusiasm when she has to deal with extra problems.

We seem to have settled into a routine with no profound changes, just a slow and small incremental improvement for Vickie.

Sunday was a repeat of yesterday, only better. Good speech and swallowing therapy. Lots of self-directed writing exercise. Vickie was alert and responsive for extended times. She is now able to communicate some of her basic needs.

Vickie did good in her speech therapy this morning. She had a little ice cream and a small amount of soup to test her ability to swallow.
She managed to do a little larger writing, impressing the therapy Dr. He's predicting she could start talking soon.
She seemed alert and responsive during the day. Vickie is communicating her needs more now. Lots of writing on her pad, still difficult to decipher because it's so tiny and unorganized.

Another good session of physical therapy today for Vickie. With the aid of support equipment, she is able to stand up for a short period of time. Her ability to swallow under control is increasing, demonstrated by her eating a small amount of sherbet. At some point in the near future maybe the feeding tube will go away.

More physical therapy for Vickie today. Each session, the level of activity increases a little.
Vickie's do-it-herself writing therapy shows she is thinking more about her situation now. Her written words are getting larger and more legible. It's good she has the ability to comprehend what's going on, it's bad in that she refers to some of the negative issues she has to deal with.

Vickie resumed therapy today, all went well.
Not speaking to us yet, we'll be patient.

Another good day for Vickie.She hardly seems to notice that she's all on her own as far as swallowing and breathing goes. The therapist gave her about 1/3 of a cup of ice cream and she did great with it. Not to enthused with physical therapy today but she said she knew she needed to work hard at it which of course she will!! Keep up the good work Vickie!!! (Pam)

Around noon today the house Dr. visited Vickie. The troublesome but crucial trach tube was removed, hopefully it's permanent. Now it should be possible for Vickie to learn to speak again. She appears to have taken this significant change in stride. An important side effect of the trach is it could be the cause of some of the respiratory problems that have plagued Vickie all these months.

Vickie stayed bedridden today. She's very sleepy due to medication for the nausea episodes that started recurring this morning. The theory for the cause is a new antibiotic started Friday.
Despite new problems, the trach remained plugged. Vickie is tolerating the breathing issue better now.

The experiment with the plugged trach continued today. It was kept closed most of the day. Vickie is still unable to completely relax while trying to breathe in a normal fashion. When she has a bout with congestion she seems to panic a little.
Occasionally she will whisper words, she's still not able to control her breathing enough to speak.
Things are going so well now we've nearly forgotten how dismal the situation appeared just a week ago.

Vickie spent a considerable amount of time with her trach plugged today, although she doesn't seem to be overly thrilled with the concept yet. Baring any setbacks, the time span will be increased to 24 hours this weekend. This could lead to a major advancement in her recovery process, the final removal of the trach next week. This would end the last physical impairment to Vickie's ability to speak.

Another good day for Vickie. The trach plugging procedure is up to an hour, twice a day. She is a little anxious, but learning to relax and breathe normally. If she continues with the progress it's possible the trach could be removed sometime next week.

Vickie had a full day of physical and speech therapy,which went quite well. She had a low fever in the evening and was quite tired. Trach was plugged again for 30 min. morning and night, seems to get easier for her each day.Lots of family and friends visited today which is great! (Pam)

Vickie had her trach plugged to breathe on her own,in the morning and evening for 15 minutes each time and did great!! Her oxygen level stayed perfect! She seems to be thinking a lot about her situation and needs extra encouragement and to be reassured that with hard work she WILL GET MUCH BETTER!!I know she really appreciates all of her family and friends love and devotion..you can see it in her big beautiful brown eyes! We love you Vickie....(Pam )

Vickie writing sept. 19th 

Vickie is holding on again today. No setbacks for three days.
The impromptu writing therapy is ongoing and improving. While her penmanship is suspect,it clearly shows her thinking ability and wit are still there.
The nurses have resumed the process of shutting the trach, which forces Vickie to breathe normal for a few minutes, gradually increasing the time span until it's permanent.

Sunday was basically a repeat of Saturday's activity. Vickie was alert and trying to write before noon. She tires after a couple of hours and needs to return to her bed.
I've added a setting for anyone who wants to e-mail a daily post. Click on the little envelope under the post.

Vickie had her Saturday morning shower and then spent several hours in the sunroom, in her wheel chair. After resting for a while she began writing, without prompting. She filled a page with two or three word questions and statements. Some of it was legible despite being tiny and very unorganized. On a second page she wrote the names of relatives and friends followed by "home phone #" or "cell phone #". I said the numbers and she wrote them out very clearly. She couldn't remember the numbers including her own. We'll overlook that for now.
She still has a fever, but not as severe as it's been the last week. She was more alert and responsive than we've seen in over a week. The contrast from Friday is amazing.

No improvement in Vickie's condition today.
We are coming to the conclusion that Vickie's medical needs might be better met at Emanuel. Of course this position may put us at odds with the current care provider and their phantom physician, since they have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.

Vickie is still battling the infections that are keeping her down. She was quiet again today, not able to respond very much. She still has a fever and is receiving medication.
Today is the beginning of the fourth month of Vickie's recovery.

It was another quiet day for Vickie. She seemed more alert and responsive. She had several nonfamily visitors during the day and that perked her up. Her youngest grandson came to visit this evening and she responded to him. It looks like we might get back on track now.

Vickie is still trying to fight off her infection.Is more alert then this weekend but still not to much energy.She will stay on the antibiotic until next Tuesday and then they will attempt to see what other infection she may have and see what type of medicine can be used for that infection.Once that is under control Vickie can continue to progress with rehabilitation. (Pam)

Vickie is still struggling with the infections and spent the day resting.

Vickie spent most of the day resting. Her alertness and response were minimal today.
Besides everything else, she is now experiencing some sort of severe stomach distress that isn't helping.
There continues to be some confusion identifying the different infections and what to use to treat them.

It was a rather quiet day for Vickie today.She seemed quite tired out,but rested comfortably. No fever today which is good..maybe the infection is calming down a bit.We all are looking foward to getting back to weaning her off the trach and more physical therapy. (Pam)

Vickie continues to make progress responding and staying alert despite struggling with several infections. The process of closing the trach and allowing her to breath normal has been halted until the lung infection is cleared up.
Each day she seems more aware of her circumstance and what's going on around her.

Vickie was quiet today.
She had a very high fever during the day. It was down some this evening. Not sure what's causing it. More tests and guessing. We're back on the roller coaster.

Vickie had a full schedule today with the different therapies she's doing now. The progress is small but significant. Each day seems to build on the previous one.
Her nurse for the day did the procedure of closing the trach which forces Vickie to breath thru her mouth and nose. While this may seem simple to us, Vickie has not done this in almost three months, so it's somewhat stressful for her. They only do this for a few minutes each day, gradually increasing the time she must breathe normally until she is able to do it all the time. The nurse reported that Vickie said "Yeah" faintly, in response to a question. This would be the first word she has spoken since June 16th.
Tonight we were prompting Vickie to write on her pad. Most of her handwriting is tiny and illegible. One sentence we could read, "when do I get to go home?" Today wouldn't be soon enough.

Back to PT for Vickie today.She stood up(with much support) for 18 min today,she did great. They plugged her trach for 15 min and the nurse said she did much better today,the nurse said tonight another 15 but as of 10:15 that hadn't happened yet.The infection is still present(we were told yesterday it wasn't in error).She will be treated with the antibiotic until trach is out and healed.Fever of 100.8 tonight and had lots of stuff to be suctioned,but was in very good spirits and entertained herself by changing tv channels and turning tv off/on w remote. She did great with her speech doctor and even wrote on paper "Goodbye Robyn" when she left,even spelling her name correctly.Keep up the good work Vickie!!! We know it's hard work but your doing wonderful!!(Pam)

Vickie's trac was plugged for about 5 min today(the nurse supervised the entire time) to see how she could manage breathing through her mouth and nose on her own..she panicked some, but was able to make it through it ok.The goal is to increase the time each day,twice a day until it can be removed all together. We all will be ready to celebrate the day that bothersome (but very necessary) device is removed. Her female speech doctor said she can see some improvement since the last time she saw her,two weeks ago, as well as all of us can.(Pam=Vic's sister)

Vickie was alert today and sat in her chair for around three hours,mostly awake and aware. She had a surprise visitor,her cousin Dolores from Washington came to see her,I'm sure Vickie appreciated her visit very much. She was also happy to see Becky's son from Phoenix..she seems to remember everyone,even those she doesn't see very often..which is great to see!! She was pretty tired tonight and seemed to be comfortable and needed some rest.The results from the culture for her infection will be probably be back on Tuesday,hopefully they will be negative so she can continue to get stronger...(Pam-Vickie's sister)

We met with the speech therapist this morning. He believes Vickie has a ways to go before she can have the trach removed. We will need to be more aggressive in helping her relearn to communicate.
Tonight, when handed her toothbrush, Vickie put it in her mouth and made an attempt to brush her teeth. It's still the little things.

Therapy for Vickie was stepped up this morning. She was placed on a table that can be raised to a vertical position. She was able to be in a standing position, well supported of course, for some time. She seemed to like this new experience and didn't show any signs of distress that sometimes occur when this is attempted for the first time with people in Vickie's condition.
She continues to be very responsive at times.
Saturday morning the speech therapy Dr. will give an update on Vickie's progress and pass on the latest instructions for dealing with her.

Lots of visitors today. Vickie probably wondered what was happening this morning when half the family showed up in her room, waiting for the afore mentioned meeting to start.
One item discussed during the meeting concerned the trach and how soon it might be removed. The infection must be cleared up first and Vickie needs to have control of her ability to swallow. We are close but not quite there yet. She's a long ways from transferring to rehab at the hospital.
Some issues about staff attitudes and procedures were also debated and noted by the supervisors.
The financial aspects of the situation are becoming more important since the insurance coverage will end next week and Vickie's stay at Rest Harbor becomes self paid. The therapy will continue to be covered, so that's some consolation for us.

Vickie was more alert and talkative today than we've seen before.
On several occasions she was scribbling words and partial sentences, some of them we could decipher.
Tomorrow morning there will be a family/professionals meeting. Hopefully we can discuss Vickie's treatment and more importantly what is in store in the near future and for her long term care and recovery.

Vickie was rather tired today.Fever seems to be keeping down and less suctioning is needed.Tonight she seemed to be feeling depressed.It may be that reality is setting in and she is starting to worry about her future.Now more then ever, she needs to be reminded how far she has come, and what a strong person she is.On this Thursday, the family is meeting with the staff at the care facility to see what her care plan is going to be now that the 1st 30 days are almost completed....(Pam)

Vickie was quiet during the day and not very responsive. This evening she was alert and talking, in her own way of course.
When she was handed a card she received this evening she held it up and looked it over. Not sure if she was reading it or not, but it looked good.
The respiratory infection is still there but not getting any worse, maybe better.
And a little side matter, today is our 36th anniversary. It will be celebrated at a later time.

Vickie had a pretty mellow day today.Fever was up in the afternoon but back down in the evening. She looked rather comfortable and was even able to laugh (smiled really big) when two of us sisters had a laughing attack..it was great to have her join in like old times again!!!The antibiotic seems to be working,so everyone keep positive thoughts that it stays that way.(Pam-Vic's sister)

8/28

This update is from Vickie's sister Pam,giving Tom a night off.Rather quiet day..Vickie seems to be feeling a tiny bit better.Still very tired but very much alert and aware of everyone and everything most of the time.Fever seems to be keeping at just slightly raised.Hopefully in the next week or so her infection will be under control so extended therapy can begin.She is trying her very best at it now but tires out rather quickly(PT will be back Monday.She really needs all the comfort and encouragement all her family and friends continue to give her.

Another typical day for Vickie. Physical therapy in the morning, some time in the wheelchair and then lots of sleep in the afternoon.
The lung infection won't go away. Because of the infection she must have the suction treatment done constantly. It's obviously distressing for her.
This evening she was alert at times and wanting to communicate, mostly about her discomfort.

Vickie was alert and trying to talk to us tonight. Unfortunately lip reading is not our forte, so we end up frustrated with our inability to communicate clearly.
The therapist mentioned that if the respiratory problem would go away, removing the trach might soon be possible. This would definitely aid the communication gap.

Vickie had physical therapy this morning. No significant changes. The infection is still present and is being treated.
Tonight she was alert but seemed somewhat agitated. Don't know if it's caused by one of her medications or just the way it is.

This was a quiet day for Vickie. Limited therapy today.
Vickie has a staph bacterial infection that is now prevalent in area institutions. She is being treated for it with gentamycin. The nursing staff are now suggesting when visiting Vickie, visitors wear gloves and masks that are available in the room, for their own protection.

Vickie had both physical and speech therapies this morning. It went well, her abilities are increasing a little each time.
She was more alert today than the last few days.
The fever persists, but is being treated.
The lung congestion just won't go away, it's one of the reasons for keeping the trach tube in. We think if the trach were removed, the communication problem would get much better.

It was an uneventful weekend for Vickie. No physical therapy to get her going. This morning the speech therapist was in to see her, but Vickie wasn't very enthusiastic.
Vickie's respiratory problems are still a factor and she has been running a fever again.
We think some of the medication she's taking might be causing her to be drowsy.

One thing we all agree on, the staff at Rest Harbor is taking very good care of Vickie. From our point of view, Rest Harbor is probably the best of the facilities available to us.

It was just another typical day for Vickie. She had therapy in the morning and plenty of rest in the afternoon.

Vickie had a quiet day, no physical therapy. She was able to sit in her wheel chair for awhile anyway.
We've noticed she's becoming more aware of herself. She now scratches her nose and stomach when it itches.
Vickie has issues with her trach hose. She keeps trying to pull it off and she has succeeded several times. Her annoyance level with her circumstance is increasing.
In it's own way this is probably be a good thing.

Vickie's therapies this morning were so rigorous she slept most of the afternoon. We didn't get much of a reaction out of her during the day today. Late this evening she seemed to get her second wind and was back to listening to what was said to her and then giving and showing appropriate responses.

Vickie continued with her therapy today. There were no significant changes in her behavior. She is still making progress in her ability to respond and let us know what's on her mind.
I suspect we have reached a point in Vickie's recovery where the day to day improvements are small and unless there's a dramatic change, they go unnoticed by those of us who visit daily. We now just assume she will be a little better each day.

Not sure whether it's the aggressive therapy or if it's just the natural order of things but Vickie seems to be much more aware and more ready to communicate, albeit in her own way.
She was in her tiltback wheel chair again today for three hours and for some of that time she was outside in the sunshine.

Vickie was able to acknowledge some of the visitors she had this morning,with hand gestures and mouthing words that everyone could understand.

Today marks the beginning of the third month.

This morning Vickie was lifted out of her bed with the sling hoist and lowered into her tilt back wheel chair. It's obvious the lift process makes her very anxious. We wheeled her down the hall to the sunroom where she stayed for several hours. Awake some and then falling asleep. It was encouraging to see her sitting with her head up even if it had to be supported by the neck support and strap.
She's was a little more responsive today than yesterday. She keeps mouthing words but we can't read lips very good so it must be as frustrating for her as it is for us. She seems to have a lot to tell us but just can't get it out.

For the first time in nearly two months, Vickie had a shower this morning. Another new adventure for her, we think she liked it. Finally, we can close the windows.
She seemed less responsive today generally, but she did perk up some for new visitors.

It was an extraordinary day for Vickie. Her therapists put her in a wheel chair and brought her down stairs to sit in the sunroom. She spent nearly two hours in the chair before returning to her room to rest.
Vickie's alertness level is increasing. She's more responsive each day. When a special visitor comes to her room she can even manage a weak smile, if the timing is right.

Vickie had the first of her intensive physical therapy sessions today. Among the exercises, one had her sitting on the edge of her bed. Apparently she didn't enjoy it at all. She's been in a prone position for nearly two months now, with no activity.

Despite the increased level of activity, Vickie was still awake into the late afternoon. She had a visit from her new speech therapist. He was optimistic about her ability to regain some of her speaking skills. The family is being encouraged to take an active part in her communication therapy.

The one constant in all of this is change, Vickie was moved to room #33 this afternoon. She has a better view of the parking lot now.

Vickie slept thru most of her ambulance ride to Rest Harbor at the corner of Powell Valley Rd and 282nd. She was awake and didn't seemed to be stressed when she got to room #32 on the second floor.

She was alert and somewhat more responsive during the day. She seems to be sleeping a little less now and staying awake longer. She's also paying more attention to what's going on around her and interacting more with visitors and staff.

From our initial contact today it looks like the staff is able to provide the care and treatment Vickie will require during her stay, as well they should considering the mind boggling amount they charge.
They have promised an aggressive physical therapy program to get Vickie on the road to recovery.

Vickie will go to Rest Harbor, a skilled nursing facility east of Gresham, tomorrow before noon. We've been assured that they have the equipment and trained personnel to take care of Vickie properly. We'll see about that.
Vickie was awake and somewhat responsive again tonight. She is starting to communicate her needs and problems, but in the most elementary ways. We believe she is once again making noticeable progress.

Tonight Vickie was the most alert and responsive that I've seen in 2 weeks. She was able to write several names on a paper. She tired of this exercise after a few minutes. However her penmanship is still holding her back from that gold star.
The last of the long hair that remained after the surgeries was cut off tonight. All she needs is some purple color to complete the look.
I suspect that she will be leaving Emanuel very soon. The serious side medical issues are under control for now. We are hoping the next stage in Vickie's recovery won't be as short and traumatic as the last one.

Vickie was resting this morning. Later in the afternoon she was awake and very responsive to visitors.
She had another ct scan this afternoon, checking for sizures or problems. None found.
The Dr. of the day put her back on a Delantin type drug and the rash returned. If it isn't one thing it's another. It's starting to look like we have to start all over every third day as far as the staff is concerned. There doesn't seem to be an overall game plan.

Vickie seemed to be pretty much the same this morning. This afternoon was a different matter. Around 1:30 she had a severe breathing problem. As it turned out a blood clot from her lung had worked itself out and up to the trach canula, lodged there and caused a crisis for herself and her sister who had just came in the room. What timing. This is twice in a week that a sister has arrived just in time to call for help at a critical moment.
An X-ray of her chest was done. No results from that yet.
Vickie was back to her old sleepy self this evening.

Little change today. More tests this morning looking for the cause of the fever which has just about gone. The new antibiotics might be working, despite not knowing the identity of the organism that's responsible.
Tried to get Vickie to write with a pen tonight, she made a few scratches, not much enthusiasm yet. There will be no star beside her name for penmanship.

Vickie seemed "brighter" today. More responsive, not as much as a week ago, but better than she has been since our weekend near-disaster.
The Fever and respitory problems are still being aggresively treated.
A major side issue concerning our perception of Vickie's hospitalization regimen has perhaps changed for the better thanks to some timely intervention.

Not much change today. Still being treated for the respitory problem. Vickie seems to be trying to respond but can't quite get it out. Sister says she got a smile out of her this morning.
More tests today, won't know the results for awhile.
She gets a lot of attention from the staff, so somethings going right.

There was not a lot of change today. The respitory infection is still a problem. The staff moniter Vickie constantly and keep it under control enough that she isn't stressed by it. They keep taking samples trying to determine the identity of the bug. Today she started a new antibiotic.
I must visit at the wrong time of day, she's always asleep when I'm there, but others tell me she was alert and responsive when they saw her. Hmm?
The nursing home decision is going to be made in a day or so. Vickie will probably go to a different facility that seems to be able to provide the care she requires. It will be in a less convenient location for me but that's not so important right now.
I'm speculating she won't leave Emanuel before the end of the week, but I could be wrong.

More tests were done today, trying to find what's causing the respitory problems Vickie is experiencing. She still has the fever from last weekend.
She wasn't responsive this afternoon when I visited, but her sister said she was this morning.
The issue of Nursing facilities is still unresolved. We're exploring other options.
My opinion is they are all the same, marginally competent if you don't require extraordinary care.

This morning Vickie was resting, with no noticeable breathing problems. She was not very responsive, I think the events of the last couple of days have taken a toll on her recovery.
This evening she had another CT scan to check for unseen problems. We probably won't know the results until later tomorrow. Hopefully this is only a temporary setback.
She seemed more responsive tonight and was able to communicate a little.
We'll have to wait and see what decisions are made for her care in the near future. Some changes will have to be made so as not to repeat our experience this weekend.