The Native is Restless

What amazing improvement today. And with that improvement comes the frustration of being in a bed for 6 weeks. Restlessness is a nice, quiet way to describe his constant motion to get comfortable or just the sensation of doing something! Restless is an understatement - the man can slip from one end of the bed to the other, trying to get comfortable!

Mom received a call on her cell phone - while we were shopping for pots and bird baths - from Dad, wondering when we were arriving. To someone from the outside, that seems like a normal action, but to us, it is absolutely great and represents so much. We hustled to the hospital and found him with the cast off his leg for a brief time while they removed the stitches. No more stitches - just tape and a regular cast. We watched in amazement as they made the new cast right while he was in bed.

The goal now is getting him set to go to the rehab center, but he must prove that he won't try to stand on the feet, and he needs to eat more. They don't want him coming back to the ER because he has fallen. Before he leaves the hospital, they will x-ray the feet to check the mending process, and this will help determine when he will be able to put any weight on them.

Meanwhile, he needs to exercise in the bed. I had him doing yoga breathing and movements. He enjoyed the motion for a bit and stayed so focused.

And the other good news of the day - he knew he had called Juan "Dominic" and was so sorry! Another big thing as we are watching the brain heal.

What is a 39?

What a treat to see Dad this afternoon.  As I said hello and gave him a kiss on the cheek - he looked behind me to see who else had come with me.  He was ready to see all the grandchildren!  They were to arrive later for an evening visit.  So he had to be content with me.  We talked for a while about whatever he wanted and I answered questions about hospital bills, insurance . . .  the boring things.  But then he wanted to go for a ride.  He was just wanted some different scenery.  The great nursing staff helped get him into his big chair and we went for a stroll. Actually the chair is made out of solid steel I think and weighs a ton to push.  But I knew he was safe in it. He also wanted to go 55 - maybe possible but not with me driving. The nurse said we could go anywhere so we hopped on the elevator and went to see the tram and the gorgeous view of Mt. Hood.  He has taken this trip with Kath and Mike and just enjoys it so much.

And now the funny line of the day.  The nurses were helping get him settled back into his own bed when they asked me how many children he had.  I said 5.  How many grand children? Etc. The questions went on until a sweet nurses aid named Juan (Dad calls him Dominic and likes him very much) said, "Excuse me, may I ask a question?  What is a 39?"  So I filled Juan in on the farm story of old #39 and the mention of the poor thing every time the beef is tough. . .

Juan was relieved to know that 39 is part of the real world and to find out that Dad was a dairy farmer.  He smiled a sweet smile at Dad and said thank you to me.

Kris

He is planning for the future

Howard was so happy to see Anna, Andrew and Bonnie today.  He was so happy to have someone to talk to, didn't remember I was there yesterday but soon drew us in to his latest escape plan.  Anna and Andrew were really good about asking questions that brought out the problems so he moved on to other things.

He requested that we bring his real reading glasses and something to read so Anna will deliver those tomorrow.  The nurses want him to have the TV on part of the day hoping that will help focus his thoughts more.  He does have a nice VCR in the room so I will find some tapes he would like and that might help with the boredom.

For the first time that I have heard he wanted to talk about individual clients and told us he plans to ask the young woman who took over his tax practice if she will take certain ones as clients.  It shows that the logic in him is still working.  He asked specifically about other clients and when I told him that Kristi was taking care of them and she is doing good work.  He was pleased.

Progress in small ways

The first of this week brought changes for the better with Howard.  He seems less confused, for the most part and interacts with the nurses as they care for him.  He still insists that he must get off the bed and walk coming up with a new scenario each time for assisting him in the escape.  I wonder if the prospect of not getting on his feet for a few more weeks or months is an idea he just can't take in right now.  No matter who restates the reality he doesn't take it in.  

Yet today when Jan and John McDonald (our friends) walked in his door he knew them rightaway and told the nurse their names visiting with them just as he does here in the neighborhood.  John asked him if he is getting along with the nurses and he replied with this,  there are a lot of beautiful nurses here and if you lined them up together you would have one great big nurse and then laughed.  I wonder if the joker is coming back.  For his daughters it evokes memories for he used to wander by when they were watching a Miss America Pageant and tell them who the winner would be as he went off to bed.  He was always right and they couldn't believe it.

He is making progress every day.  Yesterday he wanted to talk to me about financial things such as are the bills getting paid.  He was worried because none of the car insurance people had been in to interview him.  I counted off for him which bills have been paid by which company and he relaxed a bit.  We pray he will soon be well enough to move to the rehab for a change of scene but we are thrilled with every sign of progress.

A new visitor

Yesterday Kris and I joined Kathy and Mike in an evening visit.  Kris and I got the wrong room and were confronted by the gloves, gowns, and masks to prevent infection warning signs.  We snuck around and peeked into other people's rooms until we finally saw Mike and Kathy, in a room conveniently situated across from the nurse's station.  He hasn't been sleeping well lately, so they put him on camera surveillance during the evening with a nifty hidden spy camera in the TV.  They've got him pretty well staked out there.

Since this was my first visit, I wasn't sure what to expect, mostly because it seems that every day a new improvement is made or something has changed.  But, to continue in the tradition of constant surprises, Howard took one look at me and said, "Sorry I couldn't be there to stir up the pot", referring to my college graduation last Saturday.  Grandpa was really shining through.  Happily for us, that poignant comment seemed to set the tone for the whole visit.

Howard-isms, as Anna calls them, were coming up like crazy.  "What does the vet say about this?" Howard asked the nurse, who was understandably confused by the question.  "No", we explained, "That's what he's always called Doctors".  "You're a good boy" was a popular one today, even with the nurses, who smiled at the compliment.

Howard mentioned to the nurse that I'm my way to be a Doctor and seemed very proud.  While the nurse was working Howard asked me, "Is he doing this right?  Is he a good one?"

"Of course he is", I said, "he's a good one.  You should trust him".  Maybe the extra motivation helped him swallow two large tylenol pills with water---a big step and advancement from what I had heard about his eating habits even a week ago.  The young nurse was very patient and kind with all of us.  Howard was full of sass for him, but the nurse was pretty quick and was able to keep him on track with the daily nursing routine. 

Lots of winks and smiles came my way today, showing me that the real grandpa is starting to re-emerge.  He seemed to be in high spirits overall and was more smiles than winces.  He was able to wiggle toes on both feet and could feel the nurse touching his toes.  

From what I've seen from my time at the UW speech clinic, he's doing incredibly well.  He recalled the name of Kris's bakery (though he said it was Chinese food), knew that he went to college at U of I and knew it was 2009.  He quickly recognized us and knew our names.  His brain is obviously churning hard with thought and working overtime to recover from 5 weeks of non-use.  He does particularly well when we stay on topic, especially with things he cares about, like his clients or the family.  Jumping around too quickly trips him up, but he gets there if we give him enough time to respond.  

I think a time will come soon that the dynamics of the situation will change for the better.  Today, he was more often than not in the present moment.  Getting over the hump of regaining orientation is tough, but once that happens we'll be able to start working on the little things and have longer, more meaningful conversations.  

It was a good visit and we'll back back a few more times before we leave.  Here's to a speedy recovery.

---Sarah

"I've got to get out of here."

Howard was in his prime today! He had several plans for escape and one was actually a little sneaky, but it didn't quite work in his favor. It went a little something like this:

Howard: "Granny, take my hand."

Bonnie: "Okay, here it is."

He then proceeds to reach for my hand (almost smacking me in the face). We thought he was just being sweet...we should have known better. 

Howard: Determined, he sits up. "Now, here we go."

Me: "Ummm...yeah, I don't think so." (in a very sweet voice of course) ;)

Every few minutes, there was a new plan, or just a "Where are my clothes? Time to go." We're taking this as a very good sign! We're hoping this attitude will get him out of the hospital that much faster. The nurses seem to like him and enjoy his feistiness. 

There is good news to report!

1. His feeding tube was removed (by him, which is not so surprising, but the doctor decided that he didn't need it anymore, so they left it out). Apparently he even had a bite of a blueberry pancake this morning. 

2. As a result of #1, no more restraints!!! Two funny stories that must be told--about a week ago, we came in the room and he had his restraints on, held up his arms and said, "Joe, did you bring your Leatherman knife?" Then a few days ago, we walked in the room and he greeted us by asking, "Did any of you bring some scissors?" He is now happily waving his arms around every which way and we really have to watch out for them--especially the casted hand.

3. They are hoping to have him transferred to a rehab/care facility in the next week or two, so keep praying that he really gets eating. At this point, they're just waiting for his digestive system to get back on track.

4. The swelling has gone down in his hands significantly.

5. He is off of the oxygen and wasn't connected to any IVs!

6. He's started physical therapy, which understandably is not enjoyable, but is good news nonetheless.

Howardisms that are resurfacing:

"Anna Marie, you're a good boy."

After being greeted by the nurse. "Nobody's home."

Our whole family is grateful for the cards, flowers, thoughts and prayers. I read several cards to Howard today and he recognized many of you and the messages brought a smile to his face. Thank you for being a wonderful support system!

~Anna

Physical Exercise Day

If yesterday was ice cream day then today must be physical exercise day.  About midday the occupational therapist, the physical therapist and two assistants came to help Howard sit on the side of the bed and "dangle" his legs over the side.  Howard wasn't in favor of it but being outnumbered he hadn't a lot of choice.  Moving from arms to legs and neck they gently moved and stretched each joint.  When Howard realized he really was sitting on the side of the bed he really looked surprised but a little pleased too.  When he was back lying almost flat on the bed with the legs again elevated he was exhausted and settled in for a nap.

We are finding our way to his room again and he really does have a view out the windows of the top of the glass walkway (interesting) that leads to the Veterans Hospital from the main hospital as well as the forest and some sky.  

It was a day for ice cream!

Yes - Dad had ice cream today.  The speech/respiratory therapist was testing him for the ability to handle food.  YAH!  She saw great improvement and we think he will be enjoying solid food soon.

As Kris and I entered the room - set to ask questions about Howard - three lady doctors were gathered around Dad's bed.  We got a chance to ask them many questions.  Here is what we heard.  First, they are happy with his progress.  Right now is a waiting game as he gets his wits about him again.  Conversation is very good for him - even to prompt him to repeat the entire dialogue again.  This will help immensely with the recovery.  I guess it is sort of a memory game. When he is tired with the effort of this - he just dozes off and rests for a while.

The doctors were loving Howard's funny lines and were charmed by him.  

We asked if he really had a broken pelvis - they are going to get back to us on that one. They said the list of broken bones was pretty long. . . 

According to the sweet nurse that took over this afternoon - he will be moved from the drab room to a nice single room with a window - perhaps even tonight - after another patient is released.  The nurse is really great with him and wants to make sure he is comfortable.

He had a little "rehab" with Kris.  She was moving his arms and loosening up the joints a bit.  She gave him a soft back rub and then did some more exercises.  I think the movement made him feel a bit better.  

We learned that this floor (thirteenth) is a part of the trahma department and basically means each nurse is responsible for 4 patients instead of two.  Looking forward to seeing his new room tomorrow.

The Room with a view didn't last

The lovely room with a view was like a quick vacation.  Now he has been moved up a few floors to a blah room.  But with some urging, he will likely be moved again tomorrow.  And to think he doesn't like moving . . .  Hospital moving requires quite a procession of people, single file behind him on his big bed following the nurses' orders and each of us carrying some of his orthopedic props and the various decorations from his room.

As you remember, yesterday Kelli was playing the role of me in Dad's mind.  This continued today when both Kelli and I walked in at the same time.  He looked up with a big smile to see who was visiting and then a puzzled look came on his face.  He wasn't sure which one was his wife.  He didn't say anything.  He just watched as we both walked across the room.  I took his hand and Kelli started to explain she was Kelli.  He finally focused in and Kelli got a  "Kelli Jack" and clutched my hand so tight - he wasn't going to let go.  As Brian came through the door - he recognized him right away and by name.  What a nice Bon Voyage gift as they are set to celebrate their 25th Anniversary in Italy beginning this week.

Kath and Mike arrived and they joined the group as we prepared for the move out of the luxury suite. . .   Joe, Deb, Anna, Jon and Andrew arrived just after Howard was settled in the new room.  We said our goodbyes and let them have a nice visit.

Hey, you're the good lookin' one!

Howard has moved into his new room in the Kohler building at OHSU.  With the new room, he seems to spend more time awake, happy to chat with nurses and family.  He still has a natural eye for beauty, just like he did years ago when he'd see the Miss America candidates on TV, pick the winner and go to bed.  We'd watch the whole pageant and the winner always turned out to be the one he picked!  So today, when a cute little nurse walked in, he pointed at her and said, "Hey, you're the good lookin' one!"  

Howard is keeping us all entertained with snippets that appear to be from the past and moments of clarity in the present now and then. We were kept laughing for several hours Saturday with jewels like this:  twice he looked right at us and said "Kenny, I need you to help me" (Kenny, of course, was laying sod at his house in Seattle and was nowhere near the hospital); we had a ball game on tv and Howard said "now just how much is ol' Cal making this year?" (we think he was referring to Cal Ripken Jr., who retired six years ago and wasn't being shown on tv. At least he got the sport and the issue right!); his new hospital room is "an uptown place"; and when we were encouraging him to say his wife's name he smiled and said "she's a mighty fine woman" (which, of course, she is!).  He laughed, giggled, and made countless other mannerisms which encourage us to believe that he's really on the way back! We can't wait for today's visit!

Room With A View

Howard moved into the orthopedic wing this morning and really seemed to enjoy the move says Mike who was on one of his early morning visits and got to help settle him in his new digs.  There really is a fantastic view eastward over the city from a wall of windows.  This afternoon he was talking more though it is sometimes difficult for us to understand what he is saying.  But we knew the old logical side of his brain is getting better when he asked Joe if he had his leatherman with him and held up the restricting ties that keep him from reaching and dislodging the feeding tube in his nose.  He is looking more and more like himself these days as swelling goes down in his neck and face.  There were no head, neck or spinal injuries other than those to the neck skin by the seatbelt strap and that has healed. 

His whole demeanor changed when Anna walked in the door today.  He knew her and he just lights up at sight of a grandchild, then told her that her eyes are really so beautiful.  Can't wait to see if he has a similar reaction to Andrew's identical eyes.  These are such encouraging things for all of us.  When Joe and I left Anna pulled a chair close to the bed and the two of them looked cozy as Anna had a book to read and he wanted to hear it.

I'd rather see it on TV

I visited Grandpa for the first time a few weeks ago during Memorial Day weekend when I came down with Mom.  It was hard because I had never seen someone so close to me laying in a hospital bed and creasing his forehead, trying to figure who people were.  I said it then, and I'll say it again, "I'd rather see it on TV."  It's so interesting to see the intriguing cases in hospital shows like ER and Grey's Anatomy, but it's different when the patient is someone you know, especially your grandpa.  The changes in the couple weeks between my visits was very encouraging, though!  When I saw him the first time, he was still trying to figure things out, like who Grandma was and what we were saying; now, he can speak more clearly and make jokes like Grandpa is supposed to!  He's becoming more himself now, which is great!  Grandpa is supposed to be sitting in his big green duct taped recliner wearing his yellow-brown house slippers, and making jokes and faces!  Seeing him yesterday reassured me that eventually he'll get back there.  He may have to work hard to recover, but he'll get there, especially surrounded by all the people who love him, encouraging him the whole way!  After seeing Grandpa the first time with Mom and Uncle Mike, I wasn't sure I wanted to see him again this time.  I'm glad I did, though, even if it was still pretty hard.  He was groggy and going back and forth between being awake and being asleep.  He was more aware this time, though, recognizing us more.  I also saw more glimpses of the old Grandpa too: snoring, chuckling, making funny jokes, and saying funny things - even more funny things now that he is on pain medication.  You just can't help but laugh at some of the nonsensical things that he says!  To know that we are all in this together is very helpful too: shoulders to cry on, people to give big hugs to, and lots of love!  We all missed him at my birthday party yesterday, but we all know that he's in very good hands, and he'll be back soon!  I still would rather see something like this on TV, though!    ~Sophie : )

When is the Surgery?

Grandpa is going to have surgery today on his other foot and maybe a wrist. It was supposed to be at 11:30 a.m., and of course that changed to 2:00 p.m.. First Dad drove Grandma to the hospital, thinking it was at 11:30 at the time. When they got there, they found out it was going to be at 2:00. Later, Aunt Debbie visited and still is there. 

I am so happy that everything is going well! Yesterday, my family and I went to visit Poppy/Grandpa. He was asleep most of the time, but every once in a while talking. It was funny because sometimes he would just fall asleep for 30 seconds and then wake up. Once or twice, he would look like he was really awake but then would conk out! The nurse he had yesterday was very nice and cares about him! I just like the hospital because everyone seems so nice, friendly and caring - I then know he is in a great atmosphere!

~Kate Drake =p, (the granddaughter of Howard and Bonnie, and daughter of Kristi and Kenny)

Rental Shoes

Rental shoes.  This is the new name Howard has given for the fancy casts on his feet.  He did wonder how long it would be before he could take them off . . .  

He sat up for a long time today and enjoyed being able to look outside and see trees and sky.

Kelli and I had a nice visit with him.  He enjoyed the conversation, chuckling from time to time and gaining ground on longer conversations before he needs to rest.  He even dared asked how much all this was going to cost.  When told the first bill has been received - he wanted to know how much it was.  $22,000 was the answer.  He said "That's okay." And then he changed the subject.  Good idea.

As each day brings good news - we continue to laugh and joke together.  It is a wonderful way we can cope with all of this.  Here is the latest funny one.  We were thinking about how long it has been since Howard has eaten.  And Mike said - you know - the next time he says, "I'm hungry.  I haven't eaten for month."  Well, now it is really true.  Time is coming closer for "real food".  He will enjoy that.

The family gathered at home for Sophie's birthday. Much laughter of course.  We all had cake and ice cream for Sophie and Howard!

Tomorrow is the surgery for the other foot.  We will find out early in the day if the schedule is still that same.  We sure hope so.

Sitting up and lookin' out the window!

Okay, so not quite sitting up, but Howard was moved to a chair-like bed for 3 hours today that was facing toward the window.  We asked him if he could see the trees and cloudy sky, and he clearly responded, "Yes."  We were able to have several conversations with him today, although  not for very long.  He told Kelli he wants to watch M.A.S.H with Amy, and that she needed to find a really big pie for Mom...with lots of ice cream.  

Speaking of food, he continues to get nourishment from a feeding tube, but a therapist has come in the last two mornings to give him small drinks and tastes of pudding, to see if he is getting closer to being able to eat on his own.  

It really wears him out to sit up and concentrate hard enough to converse.  So when we left, he was sound asleep, back on his comfy airbed. 

With his surgery for his other foot/ankle scheduled for Monday, we are enjoying these short bursts conversation before he is once again heavily sedated.  But our hopes are high that he'll soon be out of ICU and be about the work of recovering so he can come home.  It was a good day.

Things are looking up!

The theme for today....OUT!  The breathing tube from the Thursday's surgery....OUT!  The chest tube that's been in his left lung since the beginning....OUT!  Stitches in his right arm where a plate was put in....OUT!  Staples from the hip surgery incision....OUT!  

We requested to see a surgeon to ask about the status of Howard's feet.  Again, the helpful staff contacted one of the orthopedic surgeons and he answered our questions.  He explained a little more about what they did on the left foot and gave us more information regarding the upcoming surgery on Monday to work on his right foot and ankle.  We have a better idea of the healing and physical therapy it's going to take to get him walking normally.  

Yesterday's surgery inserted a plate of sorts in Howard's foot that will serve as a stabilizing surface to which the bones will attach.  His foot will essentially become a single bone, with no joints. With time and rehabilitation, he will be able to walk again.  He may need to use a walker or other supportive device to stabilize himself until he gets used to walking with his new single-boned feet. We assured the doctor that Howard is a man of determination and we know he will be up and walking sooner than we think.

When we left today, we knew he would sleep peacefully tonight. Without so many tubes and hoses, we really saw Howard/Dad/Grandpa sitting up in that bed.  We are all grateful for this kind of day.  We have hope that tomorrow he may be able to talk to us.  Things are looking up.

  

Promises, Promises.....

Well, we were promised that Howard would be first in line for surgery today.  But since this hospital is the biggest trauma center in the state of Oregon, by 7AM he was 4th line!  So, the waiting began.  But waiting wasn't a bad thing.  We talked and listened to Howard reminisce.  As Howard was escorted to surgery, Joe and I grabbed some food and proceeded to the 9th floor waiting room.  We found this new waiting area fascinating.  The tram takes off from this floor and the view is expansive.  We settled into comfy chairs which became a grandstand view of the approaching weather that overtook Portland with a tremendous storm.  We heard there were tornadoes in the area so we walked to glassed in walkway to try and catch a peek.  We did some see pretty spectacular lightening strikes!

The surgeon came to talk with us and explained what had been done in today's almost 3 hours of surgery.  They removed both of the external fixators from his feet and inserted a plate in his left foot that will be permanent.  The doctors will fix the other foot next Monday along with his left wrist.  They just found that break this week and it will need a plate as well.  Next time he flies in an airplane, everyone at the security station will know he is made of steel.

Thursday is the day !

Joe got a face to face meeting last night with the head of Howard's surgical team.  He assured Joe that his dad had been kept waiting much too long so they would definitely put him on the schedule for thursday.  When I arrived this morning I was told that Howard's foot surgery would be the first on the schedule at seven a.m.  He was feeling so good this morning that he whistled at me when I walked into the room.

They have discovered another injury too.  It must be the wrist or near there because the new cast covers part of the palm of his hand and reaches to his elbow.  So much for a quick return to the computer.  There is an odd foam brace between his lower legs.  We always thought that contraption was to hold the feet but actually it keeps his legs lined up straight as the pelvis break heals.  We are learning interesting medical trivia as we go along.

He has been sitting up in a cardiac chair which is really a gurney that bends in many places.  He appears quite comfortable there awake or napping.  He can be turned toward the windows and see that the hospital buildings rise right out of the forest on Marquam Hill.  It is a pretty drive just to get up there as well.  The nurse (Jen) has been exceptionally helpful to him.  She gives the greatest toothbrushing I've ever seen

Will let you know when the repairs to his feet are done.  

Things Happen Or Not

A call to Howard's nurse this morning gave us the info that his surgery had once again been bumped by another person whose need was so much greater.  Some of us went to the hospital hoping to continue the conversation but he had been sedated in order for them to put in a new port so he would have fewer needle pricks.  

 

Soon they will reschedule the foot surgery, but in a big trauma center like this one never knows.   We had a bit of the Howard we all know and love and we want more.  He talked, laughed at Jon's jokes, ate ice chips and even sassed the nurse yesterday.  Today he slept peacefully and that is good too.  Tomorrow will be a new day.