Thursday, April 30, 2015

Update # 200

8 Years

JEFF IS OUT!!! 11 weeks, 1 day, 3 hospitals.

He entered Covenant in Waterloo about 10:30 AM on Wednesday, February 11 and left Mercy Rehab at 10:52 AM this morning. Yes, he WALKED out using only his brand new walker. That was his goal and with your prayers he accomplished it.

I drove Jeff here to Hillsboro. He has an appointment with Dr. DiPersio on Monday, May 11th for a final check and assumes permission to return to Iowa. Jeff’s plan is then for me to drive him back to Waterloo on Tuesday the 12th. And, return to work on Wednesday the 13th! Jeff knows he will be limited in strength and movement so he will work half days at the beginning.

We were talking and noticed that this is update # 200. We had thought that number would take years to reach since updates were down to once or twice a year. But 40 updates since February brought us to that 200 number much quicker. We are truly amazed and how many people are on this list and how you respond with encouragement. love, and support.

Okay, on to the last week of Jeff’s rehab. Last Friday the 24th, Jeff had an appointment at Barnes with Stephanie, the nurse practitioner. This was a special drive from Mercy to Barnes. Jeff had just passed the “car transfer” test the day before so we were given permission to drive Jeff in our van. Jeff was having to use the wheelchair for longer distances but the 4 of us were able to grab a quick lunch between the appointment and Jeff’s afternoon rehab sessions. Stephanie was pleased with Jeff’s progress and feels the appointment on the 11th will be just as good.

Jeff continued to astound the therapists with his rapid progress. They would keep coming up with different exercises and Jeff would work until he did it. He walked farther and farther with the walker. One day he even walked between the parallel bars 15 feet without holding on. That was enough – the balance and leg strength are far from doing that again. Arm and leg exercises filled the 3 hour rehab sessions each day. Jeff did not seem to need to return to bed for a nap after his hours so we knew his body was regaining strength and endurance.

Today’s date for discharge was estimated to us a couple of weeks ago. The hospital was not certain his insurance would grant that much time but thankfully permission was given. Jeff was glad to be able to stay and continue the rehab till he could walk out the door. Yesterday was “performance” day where Jeff had to pass different tests to show he can do things on his own yet with someone nearby. His final FIM scores went from 5 to 6 and 7. For every day of staying bedridden, it’s estimated that 3 days of rehab are needed to get back to normal. So Jeff will do outpatient rehab when he returns to Iowa. He has no idea how often each week or how many weeks of rehab he will be granted. During his stay here in Hillsboro, we are going to buy a short pass to the fitness center connected to our hospital so Jeff can continue to work his arm and leg muscles.

An interesting test for Jeff was an outing to a grocery store. Two therapists went with him. He had to push the cart (they had the wheelchair behind in case his legs wore out) and select items he was going to later need. Jeff said he had to rest once during the trip. Then in the afternoon, he had to go to one of the “homebound” apartments and cook something. His chosen items were to make an omelet full of favorites.

Saturday the 25th, Meridith returned to Iowa. She and her parents are cleaning the condo and making some recommended modifications before Jeff’s return. Meridith will also complete her Master’s Degree on May 8th. Jeff and we will be having to watch via webcam but still be just as proud. The 4 of us had an early celebration on the 24th.

We have learned a new respect for RSV pneumonia. When rehab staff would ask what brought Jeff to them and he replied, they knew how serious RSV was to adults. Two cancers and a stem transplant did not keep Jeff down like this virus. Eleven weeks was totally out of our realm of thinking. But without a second thought, all of you joined with us again on another of Jeff’s medical journeys. You are all amazing family and friends!!! Words cannot express our thanks and love but THANK YOU. I think I may wait till May 16th for the next update. That will be after the doctor’s appointment, Jeff’s return home, and a few days at work. Prayers are still requested for Jeff during this next phase of rehab.

I’d also like to ask prayers for Ken’s brother. Yesterday he went in for a procedure thinking he was going to get one or two stents in his heart. The doctor found 5 blockages so he will have open heart surgery tomorrow morning for a quintuple bypass. Ken is going to Jefferson City, MO to be with him. Thanks.

Looking out our front door this afternoon, I noticed one of our bushes was blooming pretty purple flowers. I thought I had missed Spring here at home but it continues even at this date. We continue to remember each of you in our prayers.

love,

Marcia