Vickie kept her appointment with her Dr. today. Everything seems to be under control, so no significant changes in her medication or treatment. This is the first time she has traveled since returning home two weeks ago. She made the trip without any problems.

An enchilada and a piece of apple pie were on Vickie’s menu for dinner tonight. The change in her behavior from before the last hospitalization is almost startling.

It was a regular day for Vickie, no new problems. She is eating more quantity and will rely less on the tube feeding as she progresses.

Vickie spent a little time outside in the warm sun this afternoon. She had her first shower in over a month this evening. She is adjusting back to the situation she was at before the last crisis, only without the constant problems that plagued her then.

Vickie ate two small meals while sitting in her wheelchair today. It’s the first time she has been out of her room since she returned home twelve days ago.

Vickie’s pleasant day was capped off with a visit from her two youngest grandsons.
Still no new problems. It seems now that some of the recovery we were hoping for over the last year, could still happen.

Vickie stood up next to her bed for a short time this afternoon with plenty of assistance of course. This weekend after some more practice sitting up and standing, she will use her wheelchair briefly. We also intend to begin giving her more opportunities to eat regular food on a limited basis.

The therapist that can give the ok for Vickie to resume eating wants her to have more extensive tests to determine her ability to swallow. We probably will forego such tests and gradually begin to give Vickie food as long as it doesn’t appear to create a problem.

Vickie has been home one week now and it’s been four weeks since she was hospitalized the last time. The constant nausea episodes have not returned at all. She has a much more relaxed mood now and she is much more aware and responsive.
Our short term goal is to have Vickie eating normally and using her wheelchair so she can get out to experience life again.

We are getting anxious to have Vickie eating and not spending all of her time in bed. The therapists and Dr. will have to determine when she is ready to advance. She seems to be ready now.

Three sisters took turns caring for Vickie today. She was in a good mood for most of the day.

Breaking with the Dr.’s instructions, Vickie had a small snack and a small amount of juice today. She is supposed to be fed with the pump and tube only, but she said she was hungry and thirsty. Eating or drinking doesn’t seem to be a problem for her.

Vickie has been home for three days now without any setbacks.
She is still bedridden due to the extensive surgery of three weeks ago.
Her mental abilities are as good or better than they were before the latest hospitalization.

Vickie had another quiet day with still no new problems.
Visiting nurse and a therapist are seeing Vickie at home to help with her care.

Vickie had a sleepless night and was very quiet during her first day at home. We are still adjusting to her new feeding procedure and her different medication and care regimen. So far, none of the nausea problems that plagued her before have reoccurred.

Vickie was transported back to her home this evening.
The VNA helped with the new pump feeding system, similar to the type used in the hospital and other chores that are new to us.
Vickie seems content and relaxed. She was away from her home for three weeks.

Vickie slept much of the day. She seems to be back to her old schedule of staying awake at night and sleeping during the day.
Vickie will probably return home tomorrow evening if there are no new issues.

Vickie was able to spend some time in the courtyard this afternoon; she thought it was warm out. She is getting bored and says she wants to leave.

Vickie slept much of the day and was otherwise very quiet.
There were no new developments or problems

Despite what many believe, the medical system does not always operate like a finely tuned machine. Vickie will remain at LEH until Monday. There were no new problems with Vickie, just poor communication between staff.
Whether Vickie returns to Rest Harbor is in question now. Unless some major financial issues are resolved, it’s possible she will go to another facility.

The overseers at Emanuel have determined that Vickie has stayed at their center long enough. She is to be discharged tomorrow as soon as a skilled nursing facility is able to accept her. She will probably return to Rest Harbor where she spent the last part of 2004.
As a little bit of irony, it was one year ago today Vickie arrived at Rest Harbor. It won’t be the same this time.
As of today all of the anti-biotics ended. She is still being fed with the tube.

Again just when we think we have everything figured out, something unexpected happens. Vickie was tentatively scheduled to have her temporary shunt replaced with a more permanent one today. The Dr. ordered a CAT scan this afternoon to ensure everything was as it should be. The test showed, in the Dr.’s opinion, Vickie didn’t need the shunt; the natural drainage system was working fine.
The importance of this turn of events can’t be stressed enough. Since it’s quite possible the shunt that was inserted last summer was the cause of Vickie’s constant nausea problem.

Vickie was much brighter today, more talkative and alert to her environment.
Possibly, the shunt replacement procedure could be tomorrow.

Sleepy at times and somewhat agitated at other times bests describes Vickie’s day.
Still no definite date for the shunt procedure.

Another quiet day. Vickie is still experiencing some discomfort from her surgery. The tube feeding is going well.
Sometime this week, the shunt replacement is expected.

No significant changes for Vickie today. Still using the tube feeding. She spent much of the day watching TV.

A quiet day for Vickie. She no longer receives nourishment by IV. All feeding is thru her tube. Still not allowed to eat normal.
She has new foot splints to prevent bedsores on her feet, a new problem.

Vickie was alert and responsive today. She was able to sit up in a special hospital chair for half an hour this morning.
The tube feeding is doing better now. Hopefully she will be allowed to feed herself soon.

Vickie seems to be recovering from her ordeal. This evening she watched TV from her bed and made comments on the news. She is able to talk a little so we know we haven’t lost anything.
The medical issues are still unresolved, but that is subject to change as her condition stabilizes. Next week will be the most important since that is when the shunt replacement is tentatively scheduled. We haven’t heard from the financial overlords yet, but we know they are hovering impatiently.

Vickie was able to sleep well today, something that has eluded her during this latest hospitalization. The tube feeding has started and so far no negative reactions. When she was awake we had glimpses of her old self.

Vickie continues with pain medication. She is being fed thru the PEG tube, at a slow rate to see if she can tolerate it.
She is experiencing several minor complications due to inactivity and confinement to the bed.
Vickie still has lung congestion, when she tries to cough; it causes discomfort in the area affected by the surgery.