Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Update # 202
8.5 years
After 107 days with Jeff, I returned to Illinois yesterday. When I told Jeff the number of days, he said, “let’s not do that again” and I completely agreed. But we were so thankful that I’m retired and could be with Jeff and also that Ken retired a year early which provided the freedom to come when needed plus spend every weekend (in MO/IL) with Jeff.
There are a couple of medical things I have not discussed before. When Jeff was transferred from Barnes to Mercy Rehab, he was still getting insulin shots due to sometimes high blood sugars. The doctors backed off as much as they could but the blood sugar was still higher than expected since the medicine which caused the problem had been stopped for awhile. Dr. DiPersio’s nurse practitioner mentioned to Jeff the possibility that his critical condition may have triggered him to become diabetic. Thankfully, a few more weeks of lowering insulin, trying a pill instead of injection and testing, showed that Jeff is not diabetic. We are very grateful.
At Jeff’s May 11th appointment with Dr. DiPersio, they discussed resuming some normal meds Jeff took before this RSV. When discussing the eye meds, Jeff commented that his eyes seemed to be doing better – not as red or dry. Dr. DiPersio said that sometimes the upside of being in critical condition is -- it tends to slow down GVHD – interesting. Maybe Jeff’s eyes and lungs get a reprieve for who knows how long.
Monday the 18th was to be Jeff’s first physical therapy session. When Jeff checked in, they said his appointment was for Tuesday the 19th. He at least took home the paperwork to fill out for the next day. Tuesday he met his therapist who suggested 18 sessions – 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The first two weeks, Jeff had to be fitted into open slots so only went twice a week to therapy. These next four weeks are 3 times a week. It looks like Jeff should be finished around July 1st.
Therapy sessions are 30-45 minutes. He works on arms, legs, and core. In addition to exercises in the therapy room or gym, sometimes he goes outside for them to see how he is doing. One day Jeff had a balance test which was fairly good. Last Thursday the 28th, Jeff graduated from using a walker to only needing a cane. Great improvement!
Jeff had been doing a little driving. Once he got the cane, it was easier for Jeff to get in and out of the car and station building. So last Friday, it was back to normal for getting to/from work on his own – no assistance necessary.
Full-time work days for Jeff resumed on Monday the 25th. He definitely is enjoying being back in his booth directing his 6:00 and 10:00 newscasts. And I was thrilled to sit on their couch in the condo and watch those newscasts!
At home, Jeff had stopped using the walker inside. Plus he eventually tried the 13 stairs to the basement. Jeff commented that neither leg felt weaker than the other. By the time I left, Jeff had done the steps a couple of times during one day. He was very glad to be able to do it but that was about enough times. Strength is rebuilding.
I don’t plan to write another update since Jeff is progressing as expected. When therapy ends, it will be 5 months since this RSV started. Jeff will continue to work to get back to his 100% normal. We so appreciate all your words of encouragement, acts of kindness, gifts, visits, and especially the prayers. Everyone’s love and support have daily been felt. Thank you for continuing to remember Jeff. We thank God that each of you is in our lives.
with grateful thanks for the gift of today,
Marcia