2/22 update

Hi folks -

Sorry for the delay. I've been a bit swamped since my last visit, and I didn't have a chance to have a real conversation with Mom and Dad til yesterday.

 There's really nothing new to report. Dad's still been having therapy at home, but that may change after next week.  He will be seeing his new primary care doctor and his neurologist next week, and his therapy may move from home to a local wellness center.  He continues to improve physically and cognitively. Today happens to be my birthday, and Mom and Dad sent me a card with a nice note from Dad in it. He clearly wrote it himself.  I took a picture of his closing for you....

Most days Mom and Dad do some errands, see Aunt Jean, and try to get some things done at home. Mom's been able to get in touch with some folks Dad had connected with before the stroke to hang a new ceiling fan and valances in the living room and some new strip lighting in the kitchen. I know she feels good about finally getting back to some of these things they started when they moved in October.  I've asked her to get some pictures of Dad in action while they're out and about during the day, so I will hopefully have some to share with you soon!

2/10 update

Well, it's Sunday, and my luck has finally run out. I'm at the Fort Myers airport waiting for my flight to Boston. It was nice to have a couple of extra days to hang out with Dad without having to worry about all the therapy and doctor appointments.  Dad is extra emotional these days, particularly when we're leaving, so it was hard to say goodbye today.

The past few days have been interesting. After his procedure to remove the feeding tube on Thursday, Dad became very "fuzzy".  It was like he regressed back to where he was a month or two ago mentally. This continued Friday and Saturday, but thankfully seems to be cleared up today. His visiting nurse told us on Friday that this can happen to people with brain injuries, so we just waited it out, hoping it would improve. I'm glad to report that it has!

Yesterday Dad got to visit with his cousin David and his wife Donna, who spend part of the winter just north of Mom and Dad's place. He didn't interact with them too much, but he was still very fuzzy then. I do know he appreciated them coming to meet us all for lunch.

Today before we left for the airport, Dad and BJ spent some time trying to get Dad's old car up and running. I don't think they were successful, but it was great to see Dad out there working on something he really enjoys!  Here's a picture:

I don't have any more trips down here planned at the moment, but I'll do my best to keep you updated with info I get from everyone else!

2/8 update

Well, I was supposed to fly home today, but my flight was cancelled!  Too bad for me, right?  I'm "stuck" here in sunny Florida until at least Sunday.  Thankfully I have some fantastic friends and neighbors who are taking care of my pets and clearing up the snow for me!

Dad has had a really busy week.  He had his feeding tube removed yesterday.  He was definitely concerned leading up to that procedure, and I know he's glad it's finally over.  He's feeling good physically, but we've noticed a bit more confusion yesterday and today.  I'm guessing it's due to the effects of the anesthesia   Hopefully that will clear up soon.

Today he saw the neuro-ophthalmologist.  He said Dad's double vision is only partly due to the stroke.  The bigger problem is he needs cataract surgery in both eyes.  I'm not sure if/when that may happen, but I don't expect it will be in the very near future.  We may be able to help the situation with some new glasses.  We'll be working on that over the next few days.

BJ and Heather arrived a little while ago for the weekend.  BJ hit the big 4-0 yesterday, so we're all looking forward to having some of mom's famous chocolate cake and ice cream tonight!

Hope all of you who are in the path of Nemo stay safe and warm these next couple of days!  Here's a pic of our view tonight :)

2/6 update

Happy Wednesday all!

Well, Dad is one busy guy.  Lots of therapy appointments and doctors appointments, and many ventures out to do errands with Mom.  On Monday, when I arrived, he had a nurse at the house checking in on him, as well as visits from his speech, physical and occupational therapists.  All those visits (and activity, because they work him pretty hard!) wear him out, and he is exhausted by the end of the day.

On Monday I showed him some videos I took of him over the past few months.  He was pretty surprised that he couldn't remember any of them, except the last ones that I posted a few weeks ago.  But I think it was encouraging for him to see how far he's come since the stroke happened.  At the beginning he didn't have the strength to sit up on his own.  Now he's walking all over the place and going up and down the stairs a couple of times a day!

Tomorrow he (finally!) gets the feeding tube removed.  It requires a trip to the hospital and some anesthesia.  He's definitely looking forward to getting it over with.  On Friday he goes to see the neuro-opthamologist because of the double vision he's experiencing.  I know he'll be happy to see better than he can now!

I'm supposed to fly home on Friday, but I heard this morning about a big snowstorm moving into the Boston area that day.  Oh darn....I may have to stay in the 85 degree weather a little longer.  Maybe Dad will come sit by the pool with me for a while! :)

Afternoon update: Dad DID come sit by the pool with me. Here's a pic for you!

2/1 update

Happy Friday everyone!

Well, Dad's been home for the past week and is doing well.  He gets around the condo pretty well, and has been out and about quite a bit.  Lots of doctors appointments this week, and more to come next week to get a few things sorted out.  He saw his neurosurgeon on Monday, and he said Dad is a walking miracle!  Today he saw the GI doctor in preparation to have the feeding tube removed.  That will happen next week sometime. He'll also be seeing an ophthalmologist who will hopefully help straighten out the double vision Dad's been experiencing.

 While he is doing well, Dad is still adjusting to being home and needs to relearn things like how to use his cellphone and the remote control for the TV. He has trouble staying focused, particularly when he's on the phone.  Its going to be a while before his brain remakes all the connections he lost. But it really does get better with each passing day. It has been amazing to see the changes in him every time I visit.  The neurosurgeon said we need to look at this as a marathon rather than a sprint. One year from the date of the stroke will be the point when we have an idea of what, if any, deficiencies Dad may have to deal with on a permanent basis. We have a long way to go before then and at the rate he has been recovering I believe he will conquer all of the difficulties he currently faces.  So if you talk with him and he doesn't seem quite himself, don't worry; it's only temporary!

I'll be heading down for a visit on Monday and will get some pictures of Dad out and about to share!