Rehab Soap Opera

Forget the soaps on TV, just tune in to the daily saga of Howard's room at Town Center Rehab. Don't believe me?  Here is a typical day in room 145:  Norma arrives for the morning shift to find out she's been assigned to the other side of the rehab section, but she sneaks over to Howard's room anyway, just to wake him up and make sure he's ready for the parade to breakfast.  She knows what she's risking to give her special morning greeting to Howard....a tongue lashing from the supervisor for being out of her section and dirty looks from the aide who finally got her chance to get Dad ready for his day.  

Within a few minutes, another staff member comes by with pictures of her children to show Dad.  Howard is careful to ooh and ahh equally for all the photos he's shown but he has a special spot in his heart for a young aide who recently confided in him that she uses her breaks to pump for her infant at home.  Too personal you say?  This same young lady takes pride in giving Howard a full "shower" in his bed, without getting his hands or feet wet, but successfully scrubbing and polishing him so he almost sparkles.  

It's not long until the youngest of the aides slides into Howard's room to see if he needs anything and then proceeds to stand just out of view of the hallway traffic to send a few text messages.  She chats with Dad while texting, demonstrating her multi-tasking abilities.  Dad is pretty sure this texting young'n is getting to be more than friends with the strong young man who lifts him in and out of bed to his wheelchair.  They make up Dad's favorite lifting team.  It seems the only time she smiles is when she's in room 145, and Dad's pretty sure it isn't just his charming personality that makes her happy....  

The nurses qualified to give medicines usually get Howard's best flattery, as he is quite proud of his ability to talk them into an extra pain killer or sleeping pill when it's needed.  ALL of the meds nurses think Howard likes them best!  If they ever stop and compare stories, Dad's drug supply may decrease dramatically.  

We didn't even tell you any roommate stories on this post...stay tuned for the next episode of Rehab Soap Opera.  

With this ring I thee wed

The wedding ring has returned to its place.  Yesterday Mom slipped Dad's ring back on his finger.  It was a sharp contrast to the day Mom received the ring from a young orthopedic surgeon - handing it to her carefully in a plastic ziplock bag - who seemed to understand the significance of this ring which had not been off Dad's hand for nearly 60 years.

Several times during Dad's recovery he would ask about the ring - worrying that it had been cut off his finger.  But as Mom placed it back on - with the grooves worn only on one side - there was a look between the two that showed the love built with so many years together and perhaps a memory of that first day when she slipped it on.  Dad began to play with the ring like a new groom does.  It won't take him long to get use to it again.  

NEW BOOTS AT LAST

Sophie did such a great job reporting on the trip to see the surgeon who did the surgery on the hip that visiting the foot surgeon is almost a replay.  A few more of these trips will give us new friends among the EMT's.  This time we got to see the new OHSU building on the riverbank.  Joe and Kathi saw the parking garage and a beautiful lobby.  Howard and I were with the ambulance and entered via the loading dock and mail room.  They had a gurney waiting in the doctor's office so that transfer was easy.  Craig, one of the crew gave us his card so we could call him directly when ready for a pickup. 

Then it was time to get down to business and watch the removal of the casts so they could take xrays.  The little battery operated saw doesn't cut, it just vibrates and breaks a smooth cut the length of the cast on each side.  We saw the 8 inch incisions and the smaller incisions on each foot.  There are metal plates to hold it together in both feet and one reinforcing the ankle and lower leg in one of the feet.  So often Howard (when he was still on serious drugs)would ask each of us to measure his feet so he could get a new pair of boots.  Now he has new boots, the big black padded ones and he tells me they are a lot of trouble as he must keep them on 24 hours a day.  Dr. Veri said the boots can be removed for a shower occasionally but never put any weight on them.  After we saw the xrays we understood why.

Howard wanted to celebrate by eating outside at the center so Kathi trekked to Arbys and picked up sandwiches and milkshakes that we consumed out in a parklike area behind the rehab center.  By then he was more than ready to be put back on the bed for a nap and dismissed all of us.  We are encouraged by the healing in his body and his mind even if he orders us around.  His sense of humor is better than ever.

We are so grateful for what God is doing !!!

The big field trip

The big thing today was Grandpa's doctor's appointment at OHSU.  The whole thing started at about 11 am when Aunt Kelli and I taxi-ed Grandma to Town Center Village (the rehab center) to make sure that he was all ready to go.  Everyone was helping him get lunch and get dressed up all nice for the big excursion, and then the paramedics came for his "luxurious" transport.  They were so great -- it was the easiest move that Grandpa has ever had from the wheelchair to the stretcher!  Slicker than a whistle, as he would say.  From there, we piled into Uncle Joe's truck to follow Grandma and the ambulance to the hospital, and we got up to the office, right on time, only to wait.  Grandpa always says that we have to wait, and we did today - even in the hospital.  Once we got in to see the very nice physician's assistant, it all went pretty smoothly.  She was very helpful, and her bedside manner was great!  She leaned on the side of the gurney that he was laying on and explained all about what's going on with his hip and pelvis.  He got x-rayed, and we could see really how big the titanium hip piece is and how far it goes into his bone!  I guess the next time he goes through airport security, he and Uncle Jim, with the titanium rod in his arm, can beep together!  Because they only addressed the hip today, Grandpa only got one of his four big questions answered, but that was very helpful.  The pain that he feels is due to some bone matter that has formed around the titanium piece and that rubs and disrupts the tendons and nerves around there that go up and down his leg.  It doesn't do any damage, though, and the pain will lessen as the body adapts to it.  The rest of the information will be given tomorrow when he goes there again to see the doctor who operated on the feet and wrists.  In a conversation with Aunt Kelli, Grandpa talked about having expectations that often set us up for disappointment, and despite some of the unmet expectations of today, we did get some very valuable information as to Grandpa's healing process.  We even learned about the "Hover Mat," which is like an air mattress with handles that should make hoisting Grandpa from bed to chair much easier!

After we all got back to the rehab center and got Grandpa all settled again in his bed, with yet another set of very great paramedics, all he wanted was a Jumbo Jack and "the biggest milkshake you can get!"  We happily sought out to find the local Jack in the Box, and he was very satisfied!  When we left, Grandpa and Grandma were chatting over their Jumbo Jacks and drinks.  Throughout the day, Grandpa was very much himself - with his quick wit - and he was upbeat all day!  It's hard to leave tonight when everything is going so well, but we'll be back soon, and we know that Grandpa is continuing to heal!  The rest of the saga continues tomorrow, including more answered questions and more reassuring, encouraging news about Grandpa's amazing progress thus far!

~ Sophie : )

Bone Checkin' Tomorrow!

Today, the main topic of conversation with Howard's visitors was his field trip tomorrow to OHSU.  I think he is looking forward to busting out of the rehab center for a few hours and getting some answers to questions about his recovery, along with a glimpse of what the future holds for the long road back to his house on Huron St.  Transportation arrangements were a bit of a challenge, since he needs to travel on a stretcher.  Joe offered to throw him in the back of his pick-up truck, but Howard agreed that a medical transport might be a better idea. 

Howard has written out a small list of questions he has for the doctor and the rest of the family will be coming along with lists of their own.  The doctor may be a little surprised when the Shepherd Clan arrives tomorrow.  The goal of the appointment is to check his rate of healing and most importantly, find out the next steps for physical therapy at the rehab center.

Howard's mental clarity continues to improve.  He's remembering specific details from previous conversations over this past week.  Tonight, we all noticed when Howard finished a sentence for Kristi when she couldn't find a word!  He also signed off on quarterly taxes for his clients and enjoyed talking about each of his clients who have become friends over the many years of Shepherd Accounting. (Thanks to Kristi for keeping his business in action!) 

I'll update the blog tomorrow after the "bone-check'n" field trip.  Thank you for your prayers and support.   

You can't eat Jello laying in bed.

The last time I saw Grandpa was the weekend of my birthday more than a month ago, and seeing him at the rehab facility today was like visiting Grandpa any old time - like "normal!"  He was talking about all different things and making jokes, complaining and admitting that he is grumpy sometimes...  We also learned that you can't eat Jello laying in bed - it just falls all over your shirt.  Next time, maybe we'll try it with a straw.  I did like the fancy plastic silverware, though - I had to look twice to see that it was actually plastic!  Overall, it was a very fun visit!  The amount of progress that he has made is just incredible - just think: his first shower, reading books in his bed, eating as much ice cream as he likes, saying funny things that only Grandpa can say, and moving around (almost) comfortably in his bed!  I can't wait to see him again tomorrow!  And it's so funny that he's so excited about his big field trip on Monday to OHSU!  He's going to get dressed up and everything!  It's always good to have something interesting and exciting to look forward to!  

~ Sophie : )

Things are really clicking!

It's always been good advice to celebrate the good days....so get out your dancin' shoes for today! Howard's day was full to the brim, with therapy, watching a war documentary with Brian, a REAL SHOWER, and lots of conversations with visitors!  Not only is Dad's sense of humor back in full swing, he's better able to join in conversations and sustain the same topic over a longer period of time.  Mom, Brian and Kelli joined Dad for dinner tonight in the dining room and I think he would have had us spend the whole evening chatting, but WE were too tired!   

Truly though, the highlight of the day may have been the shower.  Thanks to Kathi's long-range planning, Dad was able to tell us in full detail about sitting in a PVC pipe chair in the shower stall, wearing the plastic cast protectors she purchased and enjoying the warm spray of water all over his body for the first time since May 14th!  Maybe we should all appreciate our next shower a little more?

While the rest of Portland melted in 90+ degree heat today, Dad's air conditioner seemed to have a mind of its own and we found Dad shivering under 3 blankets when we arrived.  Not a bad way to beat the heat.  

Brian saw Dad today for the first time in a month and he says, "Visiting with Grandpa today was like talking with him in his black chair in the living room, including the jokes!" It's been a day worth celebrating, but I think we will wait until the sun goes down to do the dancing! It's too hot!  (Kelli)

What a difference a few days make!

I wish Dad had my perspective on his recovery journey....He would be so proud of himself!!!!  After my 3 week absence due to an anniversary trip to Italy/New York, I arrived in Portland to see Dad in new digs at the rehab center and experienced a bit of "shock & awe" at his progress!!  When I said a tearful good-bye to Dad at OHSU before our trip, he had feeding and oxygen tubes in his nose, his arms and legs were in casts, he slept most of the time due to heavy sedation and he was still confused about who we were exactly.  Just 3 weeks later, I drove only a short distance to a rehab center by the mall, was greeted with, "Hey sweetpea!  How was your trip, Kelli Jack? Is Brian here?" from a Dad who was sitting up, wearing real clothes and eating real food with wrists protected only by fabric splints!!!  My amazement continued as we sat together discussing his progress and my trip until it was dinner time.  Dad invited me to join him in the dining room where he ate a full plate of food and had room for ice cream for dessert!  Amazing!!!

We enjoyed a few days together, visiting and playing a few games until I had to leave again for a 3-day conference at the Portland Marriott.  Today, as I stopped by for a quick visit with Dad after the conference, I was again pleasantly surprised by Dad's progress!  His ability to carry on our conversation for two hours, sharing his thoughts, feelings, concerns and questions with clarity was incredibly heart warming.  He sent me on a few "fact finding missions"at the rehab center, as he is beginning to advocate for his needs with the staff.  Dad's ability to charm his way into getting what he wants is working it's way back.  He is well liked by nurses and the staff for his sense of humor and it also helps that he tells the nurses how good they are at their job or how pretty they are!  Works every time! 

I'm so proud of my Dad.  He's beginning to embrace his new future with challenges he never imagined he would be facing.  Resting and healing is a full time job at this point, and he's working hard to keep a positive attitude when the boredom is overwhelming or the constant pain wears him out.  He appreciates the prayers and letters, but he is most grateful for the love and concern everyone has shown Mom.  That's my Dad....taking care of his family, even when we are trying to care for him!  It's a long road, but every single day he gets better and stronger...I just wish he could see it for himself!!!

PEOPLE FILLED WEEKEND

It was a people filled weekend for sure.  Kelli and Brian returned from Italy and Kelli came for time with Dad,  Brian will be joining us on thursday.   Howard's sister Jan and Loyd Englehorn came from Boise for a visit.  Kristi came to do business things for Howard's clients and Abbie came along to cheer us up,  she can also do a great French toast breakfast.  We took turns visiting Howard at the rehab center.

Exciting call from Howard tonite!  He was operating a wheel chair by himself and Kristi and Abbie found him traveling around the halls and dining room.  His overall goal for rehab is to learn to get himself into a wheelchair.  He has had a roommate the past few days and neither of them seem to be happy about that.  Personality conflict?

This writer has been strongly encouraged to get more rest by the children so perhaps I should get started on that since Howard has already called to say goodnight.  An encouraging bit has been that the replacement car is legal, insured and parked in the driveway.  Howard is pleased about that. 

MAIL FOR HOWARD

Howard is relearning skills every day.  Had been having trouble with the sequence of numbers but Kathi's coaching is helping him get a handle on more of that.  He does well with eating meals in the dining room and his appetite is improving.  He can hold and use the utensils with his hands for most foods but is a whizz at eating dixie cups of ice cream from the snack food cart that comes around three times a day with treats for both patients and guests.  This ought to help him gain back some of that lost weight.

Visiting this week has been his sister Jan and brother-in-law Loyd Englehorn from Idaho.  Kelli is here also with stories to tell of her and Brian's trip to Italy.  We take turns showing up for visits as the long expected roommate arrived yesterday.  Our family had been putting the extra space to use for noisy visits etc but must now share the room with another man and his family.

Good news for anyone who wishes to send cards and letters directly to Howard.  We have an address for him that will be listed here.  He will be surprised to have mail coming in to him instead of me pulling it from my purse.

Howard Shepherd  Room 145

Fountains: 8607 S E Causey Avenue 

Happy Valley OR    97086

SOCIAL LIFE

Howard and Kathi had a date for dinner this evening but since Deb and Anna were my drivers today we were all in the room when dinner time came.  Howard graciously invited us to stay as well and became a very gracious host.  We trooped to the dining room together and the hostess seated us at a large table and gave each a menu. This is a class act and the food is good. We ordered the creamed asparagus soup with a salmon sandwich on the side.  We had a fun time together.

Howard is improving day by day and getting really anxious for those bones to heal so he can use those feet again.  Someone on the staff told him it might be a year or two before he can walk so he was checking with me to see if that was true.  I told him that the foot surgeon had said three to six months minimum and it may be a year.  He is frustrated of course but determined to do every thing he can to hurry the process which means eating more food for the nutrients to help build bone.  Also needs to gain some weight but isn't interested in sweet things.  He also found out how easy it is to call me for a chat from his bedside phone so he feels more in touch with home.

Anna saw a poster on the wall that told about the weekly bingo game on thursday so she made a date for them to go together.  He wasn't sure about that but her enthusiasm is carrying them along.  They may win big or not.

IN A BIT

When you ring the bell for the nurse she comes to ask you what you want, after you tell her she says "In a bit".   When you ask if it is time for dinner she says, "In a bit".  When you call to a staff member as they are going by your door they say, "I'll be back in a bit".   Howard had a whole list of things that is responded to with "In a bit".  Actually they seem pretty quick to return but I wonder if that administrator part of him is emerging again and in an attempt to organize his routine, "In a bit" only works sometimes.  When Kris and I arrived this evening he and Kathi were working on his recognition of the basic schedule that the staff follows.  He said he was relieved that he didn't have to be responsible - he would just wait.  Actually Kathi was helping him with therapy that the speech therapist asked her to do.  He is still having a hard time remembering the sequence of things and wonders if he might have to go back to OHSU again.  We assured him that he is in the very best place for now.   It is a much closer step to home.  The staff in this rehab is doing a terrific job for him.

He asked Kris how his clients are doing and for us to bring a really good book for him to read before he goes to bed.  That is something he has done for years.   It should be comforting for him to slip into an old routine.  He described his old favorite schedule to a tee.  Perhaps, in a bit, he will be able to follow it.

Independence. Only in America.

We took the Grandpa-led, 45-minute, dime tour of the rehab facility today.  We have decided that it is in his, and everyone else's, best interest for him to become the resident billiard shark/bookmaker of Town Center Terrace.  The pool table is at the perfect height for Grandpa in his wheelchair and we observed no shortage of potential marks as we wandered the grounds.  We are confident that he will do very well there.

Kathi has been his acting roommate for the past couple of nights and has observed that Grandpa has been having some trouble sleeping.  He is no doubt experiencing these difficulties as he is contemplating the various advantages and drawbacks associated with hosting a regular, high-stakes card game in his suite.  Tonight, however, all such planning will be put on hold as he will be administered a dose of Ambien ostensibly to help him sleep.  It seems to me, however, that the administration has gotten wind of his hijinx and is trying to subtly nip his shenanigans in the bud.  I bid them good luck.  They have no idea who they're dealing with!

Tonight for dinner: crab.  Tomorrow night: leftover crab.  By this time next week Grandpa will no doubt be enjoying filet mignon paid for with the proceeds of illicit activities.  Only in America!

As we celebrate our national independence, the scheming continues.  Soon the patriarch of the great Shepherd clan will own the Town Center Terrace Rehabilitation Facility.

Jon, Sarah, Andrew, and...... and........ and......... oh yeah, Anna!

On to REHAB!

So the events in the post yesterday entitled "The Native is Restless" actually happened on Monday, June 29th.

I note this because June 30th was his OFFICIAL MOVING DAY to the Rehab Center! We have to mark this one on the calendar and say a prayer of thanks! Mom gets a call on Tuesday morning from Dad saying that "I am moving today." Mom hustles down to the hospital and by the time she arrives, he doesn't want to go. He says he wants to stay with all the nice nurses. . .

But guess who comes to Mom's rescue - "3 of the tallest and handsomest EMTs that I have ever seen." Where are Anna and Sarah when things like this go on? Mom says they swooped in, surrounded the bed and said, "Mr. Shepherd, you ready to take a little ride?" They even offered Mom a ride. And they packed up and took all of Dad's things with them. Mom just had to take her purse and meet them there. She met them again in the ambulance bay, and they lowered the stretcher, so she could give hugs and kisses.

When she arrived in his new room, they had him all settled, and he was making friends with one of the nurses and 2 of the nurses' aids. Mom settled in with him for a bit, and they even served her snacks and dinner. His room is right across from the Physical Therapy area, so it will be a quick trip. He has had a few rides in a wheelchair - a bit uncomfortable because of the hip - but okay. Mom tucked him in, and he was in good spirits. He had a small adventure with staying in bed just after Mom came home, and Kathi got worried and decided to stay the night with him through his first night. Apparently, he did some moving and some talking, so Kathi must have need a nap.

Mom has discovered that they bring around a snack tray in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Dad's favorite so far is jello!

To life at REHAB! It was a big day - a day to celebrate - and now the work begins on all those muscles.

Kris