Sunday afternoon Vickie visited at a Nieces home for a family reunion. Vickie was quiet and didn't interact with others very much. Everyone was happy to see her anyway.

Vickie was rather quiet today during her trip to the Dr.'s office for her monthly vitamin injection.
The infection that flared-up a few weeks ago seems to be under control at least for now.

Vickie spent Friday afternoon in the MHMC emergency department. Her caregiver suspected the ongoing UTI had suddenly became worse.
Vickie was given a powerful antibiotic intravenously.
She returned to her residence in the evening. She will take another antibiotic for 10 days.
Vickie handled the hospital visit well. The Dr. that treated Vickie remembered her from when she worked at the hospital years ago.

Today marks five years since Vickie was stricken with her life changing injury.
Vickie's condition has changed little in the last several years. She has had several bone fractures of her left arm and leg that were related to the total paralysis of her left side.
The ongoing infections seem to be under control with medication, most of the time.
Vickie's mental abilities are still limited and are not expected to improve. She experiences psychosis episodes regularly in which she is not responsive to others in the room.
She will remain in Foster care, where all of her needs are meet as long as possible. The personal attention she receives there is preferable to the larger professional care facilities.

Today Vickie went to MHMC. Her feeding tube was replaced with a new one. The old tube fitting was leaking and had been a problem for some time. The procedure was done quickly and it was not stressful for Vickie.

Vickie had a routine checkup with her regular Dr. this afternoon. Some medication dosages will have minor changes. Her BP was 120/80, can't get much better than that.
During the ride back to her residence Vickie had some unusual lucid moments. She asked how old she was. When she was informed she was 60 years old, she responded "I thought I was 18". She asked what had happened to her. The brief explanation along with the rest of the conversation were soon forgotten and the situation returned to what is now, normal .

Vickie visited her Dr.'s office Wednesday morning for her monthly B-12 shot. She made the trip without any problems.

The latest X-Rays of Vickie's broken leg show the fracture has plenty of new bone growth. It should be good as new in a few weeks.

Better, follow-up X-rays show that Vickie's leg fracture is healing properly although not rapidly. More X-rays will be done in 2 weeks to check the progress.

After reviewing today's X-rays of Vickie's fractured leg, it looks like the injury may not be healing properly. She will have more x-rays next week to check on the situation.
Vickie also visited her regular Dr.'s office to receive her monthly vitamin shot.
After a busy afternoon she was tired and ready to take a late nap.

Vickie's brother Kurt passed away today from the cardiac arrest he suffered Saturday evening.

Vickie will wear an immobilizing splint until her fractured leg bone heals. She was unusually alert and talkative during the office visit this afternoon.

Vickie was alert today as she went to MHMC to have X-rays on her severely injured leg. It was confirmed that she does have a fracture in her left leg. Thursday she will see a Orthopedic Dr. to determine the best treatment.

Vickie was alert and smiling for a few moments when her toddler grandniece visited this afternoon.

Vickie's visit to her Dr. this afternoon for her monthly vitamin injection was without problems.
Since there have not been any changes in Vickie's condition in the last weeks, the posts here have become less frequent. When there are significant events or changes they will be noted.

Vickie handled the trip to her Dr. this morning for her monthly vitamin shot.
A week ago she had another x-ray to determine the healing progress of the fractured elbow. The splint will not be needed anymore. She will wear a sling to protect her left arm from now on.

Hazardous driving conditions forced the postponement of the traditional family get-together this Christmas eve.
This is the first time Vickie was not present in her original family home for Christmas eve.
This evening Vickie wore the colorful pair of socks and stayed warm under the matching blanket she received from her friend.

Vickie visited her son's home for Thanksgiving. Her three young grandsons don't remember their grandmother as she used to be but they were still excited to see her.

Vickie returned to the Orthopedic Dr. this afternoon for follow-up x-rays of her broken arm. The x-rays indicated the injury was healing rapidly. She will have more x-rays in a month.

Because Vickie's Dr. is on vacation this week another Dr. in the same office filled in on a quickly scheduled appointment.
A new medication was prescribed.
Vickie had some additional lab work at MHMC.

Previous X-rays and new ones taken this afternoon indicated Vickie has a fracture in her left elbow. A removable splint was placed on her arm to support it and protect it from further injury. Other than follow up X-rays no other action is planned.
Since Vickie has no control of and very little sensation in her left arm she is mostly unaware of any pain or discomfort due to the injury.

Thursday afternoon Vickie kept her Dr. appointment. The purpose of the visit was to address some new problems and some ongoing ones.
She had x-rays to examine an injury to her left elbow and to check for the cause of some respiratory issues.
Vickie tolerated all the exams well and returned to her residence early in the evening.

After a visit to the Dr.'s office for her monthly vitamin shot Vickie went to the local pizza house to celebrate her birthday with family. She stayed alert, enjoyed pizza and some of her birthday cake.

When Vickie was asked if she knew the name of the song starting on the 70's rock station her radio was tuned to, she responded by silently mouthing the beginning lyrics, a few seconds before they were played on the radio. Sometimes she remembers details from forty years ago, but very little of what has happened since.

Vickie's condition has not improved this week.

Vickie was quiet today. Often she asks to be taken home. When pressed as to where home is, she responds with the address of the house she lived in when she was a child. For the most part Vickie doesn't have any short term memory but she can recall some aspects of her life 30 or 40 years past.

Vickie seems to be experiencing her psychosis episodes more often and with more intensity. The caregiver responds to the situation by increasing her medication dosage and frequency.

There have not been any changes in Vickie's condition or behavior since last week.

Although she didn't comprehend the significance of the date, Vickie enjoyed some of the chocolates she received for her 40th wedding anniversary Saturday.
The caregiver is increasing the dosage and frequency of medication used to calm Vickie when the compulsive episodes occur. When she is in one of these moods she is oblivious to anyone in the room.

There are no changes or improvements in Vickie's condition.
A sister who lives in Eastern Oregon sent Vickie a card and a note about their projects and preparations for the winter. Although Vickie wasn't able to read the card herself she made some comments when it was read to her.

There just isn't any improvement in Vickie's condition. Occasionally there are snippets of coherent conversation but they are becoming less frequent and for a shorter time.

This afternoon Vickie kept her Dr. appointment. She received her monthly Vitamin shot. The Dr. checked her feeding tube and determined that there was no infection related to it. She will have a little less food intake to help control her weight gain. Lab tests will indicate if there is any improvement in the ongoing infection battle.

Vickie seems to be more agitated lately. The caregiver is giving her medication to calm her much more often. The psychosis episodes are causing her to have a raspy voice due to the constant loud talking. Sometimes it's possible to talk her down but not always.

Monday evening Vickie joined family at the pizza pub. A niece and her two daughters are visiting this week from So. Cal. This is not the same niece that visited Vickie Saturday.
Vickie ate a little of the pizza and drank some of the root beer she requested. She was fairly alert and responsive most of the time.

Saturday Vickie's niece visited and brought her infant daughter. The visit went as well as could be expected. When Vickie goes into her psychosis mode where she rapidly calls out names over and over it's entertaining to the little girl.

Vickie's condition is for the most part still unchanged. She seems to be gaining a little weight or she is retaining fluid, not sure which. She doesn't complain about any unusual discomfort or pain.

Late Saturday afternoon Vickie attended a wedding reception for one of her nephews. She saw old friends and many members of her family. She ate a little of the cake and had a little refreshment. By the time Vickie returned to her residence she was tired and ready for bed.

This photo of Vickie was taken a few weeks before June 16th 2004.





Vickie cruised her residence neighborhood in her chair this afternoon with the help of her sister and niece. The fresh air and sun were probably good for her.

It’s hard to grasp the concept that it has now been four years since Vickie’s life was dramatically changed in just a matter of minutes and without any warning.
Hopes for a recovery that would allow her to return to her life as it was before June 16 2004 are diminishing. The best outcome would be that Vickie is able to maintain the mental facilities she still possesses.
Vickie’s physical health is reasonably good given that she gets most of her nutrition from liquid supplements and that she is unable to do any meaningful exercise.
Vickie is being treated for an ongoing infection that is resistant to most anti-biotics. She just started using a new medication last week and we are running out of options for one that will offer successful treatment.
The psychosis episodes occur often and seem to interfere with Vickie's eating and normal conversation. Most of the time she is unaware of her situation and what is happening around her.

Vickie had an appointment with her DR. Monday afternoon. There will be lab tests to determine if the treatment for the ongoing infection is having any positive results. The visit went well.

Vickie joined her sisters for a birthday event at a sister's home this afternoon. She seemed to enjoy the company and she ate well.
Vickie stayed responsive and aware most of the evening. She was calm on the trip back to her residence.

There has not been any significant changes in Vickie's condition since the last post.

Vickie joined family members at a local restaurant Thursday evening. Although the reason for the event was to honor the second anniversary of her older sister's passing, Vickie was unaware of the significance of the day.
Vickie was in a good mood, ate a little and with some assistance held her newest grand niece for a few moments.
During the trip back to her residence Vickie remarked that it was good to have the family get together and that she had enjoyed the evening.

Lately Vickie seemed to have lost what little appetite she had. The Dr. has her again taking the anti-depressant that had been stopped a month ago. Today her appetite was good. We won't know if there's a connection or just coincidence until a few days have passed.

Vickie's condition remains the same. She appears to be recovering from her recent medical problems. The new feeding tube is still functioning properly.
As always, visitors are welcome, the best times are late afternoon and early evening.

The results of a test from Vickie last Sunday revealed she has an infection more serious than previously thought. The antibiotic prescribed last week is not effective against this resistant variety. Today she will begin a more aggressive treatment, using large dosages of vitamin C and a prescribed medication.

Vickie now has a new more high tech feeding tube. Hopefully it will last longer and be more reliable than previous ones
Vickie was alert and aware during the hospital visit. She recognized some of her former coworkers and knew their names even though she had not seen them in nearly four years.
On the trip back to her residence she stopped at a Burgerville to have a burger and an order of fries. Seeing a special on strawberry milkshakes advertised on a billboard next to the drive-up-window she asked for one and drank it with her meal. Getting Vickie to eat regular food has been an issue for some time now.

Wednesday, Vickie will return to MHMC to have a more permanent feeding tube put in.
She seemed in good spirits today.
Andy Griffith was on the TV this evening and she knew all the character's names and even chuckled about Barney.

Vickie made an unscheduled trip to MHMC Sunday afternoon. She was diagnosed with a rather aggressive UTI and will have a new medication to treat it.
She also had a new feeding tube put in to replace a problematic one.
After the usual tests and probes she was discharged and returned to her residence.
She handled the entire event very well

Vickie went to her Dr. this morning for her monthly Vitamin shot. The trip was quick and without problems.
Vickie snacks on candy and cookies but she still won't eat regular food.
There are no changes to report.

As usual there are no developments to report. Vickie is still doing OK and without any new problems.

Vickie was visited by her youngest grandniece this afternoon. She held the 4 month old for a few moments.
There are no noticeable changes or improvements in Vickie's condition.

The new year started pretty much the same as always for Vickie. There have not been any new developments or changes. Her condition remains relatively stable, which is good news.

Vickie spent Christmas eve at her childhood home, now owned by her sister.
Vickie was good company until she passed her bedtime and despite the commotion from all the family she had a difficult time staying alert.
She will stay in her own home until late Christmas day before returning to her current residence.

Vickie kept her Dr. appointment this afternoon. She was not all that cooperative, she was in one of her obsessive moods and wouldn't stay focused enough to respond to questions or commands.
Friends from work visited Monday afternoon and seemed to catch Vickie at a good time. They were pleased with the way she interacted.

This evening Vickie had Chinese food brought by her sister. At times she is eating much better, but not consistent enough to eliminate the tube feeding.

Vickie had Thanksgiving dinner at a sister's home Thursday aftenoon.
She had a chance to visit with family including two of her grandsons that she rarely sees.
Vickie ate quite a bit, at least for her and she even had a little wine.

Vickie continues to enjoy her snacks and small portions of fast food provided by visitors. Her overall condition is good considering the situation. There have been no changes.

Vickie's latest feeding tube also turns out to be defective but adjustments will be made and it will be used as it is.

As usual with Vickie, nothing seems to be as it should. The new feeding tube is defective and will be replaced Thursday.

Vickie received her new feeding tube this afternoon. The procedure was quick and without problems.
On the return trip to her residence Vickie requested a hamburger, some fries and a coke. After a stop at the Burgerville drivethru, she ate both the fries and the hamburger. The ironic part of this, if we could get her to eat like this regularly the tube wouldn't be necessary.

Vickie will go to MHMC Friday afternoon to have her feeding tube replaced. This is a non-emergency routine procedure that her Dr. agreed to do without delay. She should be able to return to her residence within hours.

Vickie had a good visit with two of her former coworkers this afternoon. She ate some of the French fries and drank the milk shake they brought for her.
Visitors other than her regular ones seem to make Vickie more responsive at least for a little while.

Sunday evening Vickie joined family at a local restaurant for a small birthday event. Since she was the birthday girl she was on her best behavior.

Because Monday was Vickie’s actual birthday, several sisters and friends visited her at her residence this afternoon and brought presents and cards for her to enjoy.

Vickie has not changed since the last post. She is still unable to feed herself. The obsessive episodes continue.

Vickie attended a family picnic at a sister’s this afternoon. She was introduced to the two latest additions to her extended family, a new grandniece and a new grandnephew. She did well although she became tired in the evening.

At her latest appointment, Vickie’s Dr. noticed a possible problem with one of her ears so an examination by an Ear, Nose and throat specialist was suggested. The E.N.T. determined there was a perforation in the eardrum. No treatment was necessary other than some antibiotic to ward off any possible future infection to the exposed inner ear.

Last week Vickie’s 39th wedding anniversary passed without fanfare.

Vickie’s overall condition remains stable.

There are still no changes in Vickie's behavior.
Saturday Vickie visited a sister's home during the afternoon.

Vickie's condition and behavior has not changed this week.

Something interesting has been happening this week. For brief periods of time Vickie will come out of her ever present obsessive mood and talk without prompting. Much of what she says is a little less than completely sensible but it's a welcome change.

It's been one year since Vickie left her home and moved to an Adult foster care facility. While her condition has not improved, she is well cared for and all her needs are met.

Vickie still nibbles on snacks but will not eat a meal or anything close to one. Her overall condition remains unchanged.

Vickie seems to have a little better appetite at times, although she only eats snacks such as small candies and cookies, and only in small amounts. It's possible the new medication is helping her relax and lessens the obsessive behavior.

Vickie has not experienced any change in behavior or condition since the last entry. She is still in relatively good physical health.

Except for a slight increase in appetite, Vickie's condition remains unchanged. She has started taking a new medication intended to help her with anxiety.

Vickie was out Saturday evening to help celebrate a sister’s birthday with friends and relatives. There were some very brief moments when she showed some of her personality from days gone by.

June 16th is also the day Vickie’s life was critically changed three years ago. The lives of those close to her have also been dramatically different since then. Initially the focus was based on a full recovery or at least a partial return to a normal life. It now seems, baring a profound medical discovery or Devine intervention, Vickie’s condition will remain the same as it has for many months.

Everyone agrees that Vickie’s medical and personal needs are excellently met and that she receives wonderful attention as a person where she is now living. The intermittent posts here reflect the fact that Vickie’s condition is stable with few changes one way or another. Thanks to everyone for your ongoing support and kindness.

This week Vickie is still the same. She still refuses to eat or drink on her own. The interaction with others is sporadic at best.

Vickie's condition remains unchanged. There are brief moments when she seems lucid before falling back into her obsessive behavior.

On Memorial day Vickie spent the afternoon at a sister's home. She had a pleasant and uneventful visit.
There have not been any changes in Vickie's condition or behavior since the last post.

There have been no changes in Vickie’s condition to report. We are at the point where “no news is good news” or so it seems.
She is well cared for and all her needs are met.

Vickie’s condition seems to have stabilized with no noticeable improvements. Her behavior changes from being fairly responsive to an obsessive state in which she ignores all that is around her. The different moods can change in a matter of minutes or less without an apparent cause or reason.
Everyone is pleased with the care she is receiving at her current residence.

Vickie has returned to her previous behaviors. She will eat at times, but refuses to more often than not. She does have times when she will communicate more than before.

Vickie was listless today, managing a barely audible whisper. She was able to leave the hospital late in the afternoon. Her anti-seizure medication dosage has been increased to prevent a reoccurrence of the problem.
After Vickie settled in at her residence this evening she was offered some regular food, which she proceeded to eat using a fork. This is something not seen in many months. She was able to speak at her normal volume. Not sure why this happened, just hope it continues, there have been too many disappointments.

Early this morning, while staying at MHMC, Vickie suffered a seizure. After some time it was brought under control with medications. The cause was probably the interruption in her normal medication routine due to the absence of the feeding tube Sunday. She will be in the hospital overnight for observation and should be able to return to her residence Tuesday afternoon if she recovers completely from the ordeal.

Vickie went to MHMC early this morning to have her feeding tube replaced after it came out unexpectedly Saturday evening. The procedure didn’t go as well as hoped with several unsuccessful attempts during the morning, but it was accomplished surgically this evening. She will stay at the hospital over night and then return to her residence Monday.

After having her hair professionally trimmed this morning by hair stylist/daughter-in-law, Vickie traveled to a sister’s home to spend the afternoon. All went well.

Test results showed no problems after Vickie’s Dr. exam Last week.
Although Vickie’s condition remains unchanged, everyone seems pleased with the care she is receiving at her new residence.

Vickie kept her appointment with her Dr. for an annual exam Tuesday; there were no extraordinary problems.
Depending on the time of day one visits her, Vickie’s behavior can be at one extreme or another. Sometimes she is not at all responsive; at other times she will converse a little and also eat some of her meals. There doesn't appear to be any consistent reason for the changes.

Vickie has returned to her regular behavior. Less interaction and communication with others. She does seem more calm much of the day.

Vickie is still eating more than she has in recent months. She is communicating a little more at times.

Today Vickie was more alert, talking and responding to others. She also regained some of her appetite.

There is no discernable improvement in Vickie’s condition.

So far Vickie seems to be adjusting to her new surroundings. Her room is slightly larger and is more secure than the previous one.

Vickie successfully moved to her new residence this evening. Besides the change in location, she will also have a change in caregiver attitude and a change in diet.

Vickie kept the appointment with her neurologist this afternoon. No changes will be made with her medications. She was very responsive during the visit, much better than in previous meetings.

At the end of the week Vickie will move to another adult foster home.
A philosophical difference in how best to care for Vickie prompts the change.

Vickie returned to her home for the weekend. It went well.
Due to unusual and unexpected issues with her caregiver, some major changes are going to be occurring concerning where Vickie will reside in the future.

Since the last post there has not been any apparent change in Vickie’s condition.

Vickie has not shown any improvement for the last several days.

Vickie was very alert and interacting this evening. She filled several notebook pages with her shorthand notes. She is the only one who can decipher what she wrote. Much of it seemed to be repetitive but it’s still better than when she stares at the ceiling and refers to unseen people. She made several comments about the program on television so she was paying attention and trying to understand the subject matter. As she grew tired of the activity she returned to her more obsessive behavior.

There was no apparent change or improvement today in Vickie’s condition.

This afternoon Vickie was slightly more alert and responsive. She even commented about a Mattress World commercial airing on TV. It’s unusual for her to show any signs of awareness about such things.