October 1 & 2, 2009

What an emotional roller coaster this journey can be...yesterday was not a fun day and was such a downer I couldn't even make myself get online to write about it. But today is another day, a better day! A MUCH better day!!!!

Thursday started out with the heart doctor saying he wanted Daddy to go into aggressive rehab treatment (which they have in the main part of the hospital, just across from the Heart Center). Woo Hoo! We were so excited and knew that Daddy would be up for the challenge. But as the day progressed it was apparent depression was starting to sneak in (which is understandable and part of it - I would think).

Daddy ate a good breakfast - well good is relative when your meals are pureed - but he ate well and even started feeding himself with his left had. Lunch was not quite as appetizing, but he still ate the creamy chicken soup and applesauce pretty well. After lunch the PT from rehab came in and got him into the chair and he sat up for 3 and one half hours. This apparently wore him out, because for the rest of the day he was wiped out and wouldn't coorporate with anyone from that point on.

When the doctor from Rehab came over to evaluate Daddy it was around 5 pm and by the time he left we were convinced there would be no aggressive rehab in the near future. He felt if Daddy couldn't convince them otherwise he would have to be moved to a nursing home where he would get "soft and easy" rehab until he could gain the stamina necessary for aggressive rehab. (And that rarely happens, according to what they have all said.)

UGH!!! That was not what we wanted to hear.

Today...much better! Nelda had him up at 7 am and started working his right arm and leg! I would imagine the "talking to" she gave him during the wee hours of night motivated him to not be a slacker today! Probably reminded him of National Guard Boot Camp at Fort Hood!!! God bless her, she is not going to rest until he is back on his feet and for that we are grateful. (But we are concerned about her, too). The good news is when he is moved to Rehab she will be able to stay with Tom and Paula at night and get some much needed rest.

After being evaluated by the Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist, when the physician from Rehab came by he told Daddy that "his fan club" had been letting him know how well he had done today, so Monday he will be going across the street to Rehab!!! Woo Hoo!

Please continue to join us as we pray for healing and strength for Daddy and strength for Nelda as she is taking such good care of our Dad.