This past week, Paul visited his doctor back at Evergreen and everything continues to be healing very well. He took about 5 steps on his walker at home. He informed me that Tuesday he should be able to put 65% of his weight on his left foot and the following Tuesday he should be able to put 100% of his weight on it. This should allow him to start working more with the walker. He will still continue to wear his walking boot. His Physical and Occupational Therapy should start up again this week. He is still not sure if he will go to the hospital or if they come to his home for the therapy.
His IVC Filter is scheduled to be removed on Friday.
He is looking forward to seeing his new home in Palm Desert and is hoping to make it there by the end of the month.
Because so many people are still reading the blog for updates, I will continue to update the blog over the next couple of weeks and let you all know how Paul's recovery is going.
The following message is from Paul. He asked me to post this from him this afternoon.
Kathi and I would like to thank all of our friends and family for your thoughts and prayers during my rehabilitation. The blog has pointed out to us what a wonderful and diverse life we have had. Our hope is that each and every one of you share the same love of life that Kathi and I now share. Please stay in touch so that all of you do not become strangers. May your days be full of sunshine and roses!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
10:00 pm Update
Paul had a restful weekend at home. He has been feeling much better and has been keeping most of his food down. Paul and Kathi believe that the nausea he had previously been experiencing was from a certain medication that needs to be taken with food.
During the day he goes back and forth between his favorite chair and hospital bed that is set up in the living room. He watches plenty of television and usually makes it out to the patio in his wheelchair for a few minutes each day. Nurse Kathi sleeps on the couch next to him at night. He does not like his new hospital bed (not as comfortable as the air mattress in the hospital) and is having a hard time sleeping well at night. At least he has plenty of time to take cat naps during the day.
His spirits continue to be good. He understands there is alot of hard work ahead and in his words is prepared to "gut it out."
I spoke with Kathi this evening and she mentioned that Paul wanted to post something to everyone that has been following his blog. She thinks he will be do this in the next couple of days.
During the day he goes back and forth between his favorite chair and hospital bed that is set up in the living room. He watches plenty of television and usually makes it out to the patio in his wheelchair for a few minutes each day. Nurse Kathi sleeps on the couch next to him at night. He does not like his new hospital bed (not as comfortable as the air mattress in the hospital) and is having a hard time sleeping well at night. At least he has plenty of time to take cat naps during the day.
His spirits continue to be good. He understands there is alot of hard work ahead and in his words is prepared to "gut it out."
I spoke with Kathi this evening and she mentioned that Paul wanted to post something to everyone that has been following his blog. She thinks he will be do this in the next couple of days.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
8:40 pm Update
Paul made it home today around 3:00 pm. Today has been a really tough day for him. He has been really tired and not feeling very good. He is having a hard time keeping any food down. This could all be from his numerous medications or possibly anxiety from going home. I will update again on Sunday night.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
9:00 pm Update
If everything goes according to plan, Paul will be coming home tomorrow. He had a hospital bed and a few other necessities delivered to the house today. I also understand that a ramp was built today from the garage to the living room so Paul will be able to get in and out of the house in his wheelchair.
Paul had the pins removed from his left foot today. Everything looks good, but he can only put 10% of his weight on that foot for the time being. In approx. 2 weeks he should be able to put 25% of his weight on that foot. Because this foot can still bear no weight, Paul will do his Physical Therapy at home for a couple weeks on his own. He knows all the exercies he has to do. He has been doing them every day for over 2 weeks now. He will resume outpatient Physical Therapy at Evergreen Hospital around May 1st. He will then be able to hopefully put some more weight on that left foot and work on learning to use a walker.
I will update everyone tomorrow and let you all know how the big day goes.
Paul had the pins removed from his left foot today. Everything looks good, but he can only put 10% of his weight on that foot for the time being. In approx. 2 weeks he should be able to put 25% of his weight on that foot. Because this foot can still bear no weight, Paul will do his Physical Therapy at home for a couple weeks on his own. He knows all the exercies he has to do. He has been doing them every day for over 2 weeks now. He will resume outpatient Physical Therapy at Evergreen Hospital around May 1st. He will then be able to hopefully put some more weight on that left foot and work on learning to use a walker.
I will update everyone tomorrow and let you all know how the big day goes.
Monday, April 16, 2007
9:00 pm Update
Still waiting on a date/time for those pins to be removed from the left foot. As of right now, it is still unknown. We are all still hoping for tomorrow.
Paul is getting restless and ready for a new setting, preferably at home. He was a little grouchy this morning. He told his case worker that Evergreen makes the worst breakfast ever. He also told his nurse "no more blood draws" when she came in this morning to get her daily draw. He has definitely had his fill of those.
Other than that, same routine...Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy every day. He has even been using weights on his legs to build muscle. He is sitting up so much more and looks so much more comfortable. He continues to make great progress!
Paul is getting restless and ready for a new setting, preferably at home. He was a little grouchy this morning. He told his case worker that Evergreen makes the worst breakfast ever. He also told his nurse "no more blood draws" when she came in this morning to get her daily draw. He has definitely had his fill of those.
Other than that, same routine...Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy every day. He has even been using weights on his legs to build muscle. He is sitting up so much more and looks so much more comfortable. He continues to make great progress!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
1:00 pm Update
Tomorrow morning the surgery schedule should be out and Paul will find out what day/time his pins will be removed from his left foot. This should still happen Monday or Tuesday at the latest.
The last couple days during Physical Therapy Paul has stood at the parallel bars on his right foot for a few seconds. This morning he told me he was able to get into the wheelchair on his own with no help. This is teriffic news and one of the things that needed to happen before he can be released from the hospital.
He is really happy with how much strength he is gaining every day. His spirits are up and he is looking ahead to his next goal....going home!
The last couple days during Physical Therapy Paul has stood at the parallel bars on his right foot for a few seconds. This morning he told me he was able to get into the wheelchair on his own with no help. This is teriffic news and one of the things that needed to happen before he can be released from the hospital.
He is really happy with how much strength he is gaining every day. His spirits are up and he is looking ahead to his next goal....going home!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
2:30 pm Update
Paul finally took his first shower this morning in over 5 weeks. He said it felt good, but was amazed at how tired he was after it was over. He looks great and continues to improve every day. His doctor mentioned this morning that they will be changing his blood draws from every day to every other day since all of his numbers are looking so good. This is great news for Paul as he really has no veins left to work with. He said his blood draw is one of the worst parts of his day.
He had another EKG for his heart this morning (or late yesterday) and everything looks real good. The doctor had mentioned that he had no reason to believe that is heart would ever return to A-Fib (irregular heart rhythm). This is great news also.
It looks like surgery to remove the pins from his left foot is set up for Monday or Tuesday of next week. Paul is really looking forward to having those pins removed. He knows the longer those pins are in there, the longer his stay is at the hospital.
Needless to say, he is still really looking forward to going home! Today completes his first week at Evergreen Rehab. Initially, when Paul arrived someone had mentioned a possible 3 week stay, but I have heard other people talk of earlier departures. I think at this point it is too early to speculate how much longer he will be there. What I do know is that he is working as hard as he can to get home as soon as possible.
He had another EKG for his heart this morning (or late yesterday) and everything looks real good. The doctor had mentioned that he had no reason to believe that is heart would ever return to A-Fib (irregular heart rhythm). This is great news also.
It looks like surgery to remove the pins from his left foot is set up for Monday or Tuesday of next week. Paul is really looking forward to having those pins removed. He knows the longer those pins are in there, the longer his stay is at the hospital.
Needless to say, he is still really looking forward to going home! Today completes his first week at Evergreen Rehab. Initially, when Paul arrived someone had mentioned a possible 3 week stay, but I have heard other people talk of earlier departures. I think at this point it is too early to speculate how much longer he will be there. What I do know is that he is working as hard as he can to get home as soon as possible.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
9:30 pm Update
Today was supposed to be a pretty eventful day for Paul, but turned out to be more uneventful.
His IVC Filter was supposed to be removed at 5:00pm, but as they were preparing to do this they found a blood clot in the filter. This is actually good....the filter is doing it's job. The filter will remain in him for a few more weeks until the blood clot is gone. They will then attempt to remove the filter again. As I understand it, the filter can remain in him for approx. 2-3 months, but they like to remove them as soon as possible. Once the filter is removed, the coumadin (oral meds) should prevent any other blood clots from forming. He was finally able to eat his first meal of the day around 6:30 pm once he got back to his room.
The pins in his left foot were not removed today as originally planned. The surgeon that is supposed to do this surgery is on vacation this week. We are not really sure why we are just finding this out today. It sounds like the pins will be removed next week when the surgeon returns.
His IVC Filter was supposed to be removed at 5:00pm, but as they were preparing to do this they found a blood clot in the filter. This is actually good....the filter is doing it's job. The filter will remain in him for a few more weeks until the blood clot is gone. They will then attempt to remove the filter again. As I understand it, the filter can remain in him for approx. 2-3 months, but they like to remove them as soon as possible. Once the filter is removed, the coumadin (oral meds) should prevent any other blood clots from forming. He was finally able to eat his first meal of the day around 6:30 pm once he got back to his room.
The pins in his left foot were not removed today as originally planned. The surgeon that is supposed to do this surgery is on vacation this week. We are not really sure why we are just finding this out today. It sounds like the pins will be removed next week when the surgeon returns.
Monday, April 9, 2007
9:30 pm Update
Paul is still working real hard every day at rehab. His ribs were really hurting him today. He thinks it is because the Occupational Therapist worked him so hard yesterday. Sounds like he even had to work on Easter!
The IVC Filter was not removed today as originally planned. No worries, it should happen in the next day or two. As I understand it, they have to make sure there are no clots, take him off of the coumadin and let the blood thicken up a bit before they can remove the filter.
As of this afternoon, the doctor's were still planning on taking his pins out of his left foot tomorrow, but as we are learning everything is always subject to change. Once the pins are out of his foot, he should be able to put a small amount of weight on that foot.
Kathi said he had a lot of visitors tonight. One visitor was Dan from 21 Central who brought him a T-Bone steak for Dinner.
Will update tomorrow and let you know if any of the procedures happened and how they went.
The IVC Filter was not removed today as originally planned. No worries, it should happen in the next day or two. As I understand it, they have to make sure there are no clots, take him off of the coumadin and let the blood thicken up a bit before they can remove the filter.
As of this afternoon, the doctor's were still planning on taking his pins out of his left foot tomorrow, but as we are learning everything is always subject to change. Once the pins are out of his foot, he should be able to put a small amount of weight on that foot.
Kathi said he had a lot of visitors tonight. One visitor was Dan from 21 Central who brought him a T-Bone steak for Dinner.
Will update tomorrow and let you know if any of the procedures happened and how they went.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
7:00 pm Update
Day 4 of rehab for Paul and he "wants the hell out of this place." He is tired of being sick and really tired of hospitals. He thought he might have the day off from rehab since it was Saturday, but he was not so lucky. He continues to be really tired from Physical Therapy, but is still working hard!
On Monday they are going to remove the IVC Filter they put in to prevent blood clots. He currently has no blood clots and the Coumadin he is taking should prevent any from happening.
Tuesay they are hoping to remove the pins from his left foot.
He is still loving all of the visitors that have been stopping by to see him.
On Monday they are going to remove the IVC Filter they put in to prevent blood clots. He currently has no blood clots and the Coumadin he is taking should prevent any from happening.
Tuesay they are hoping to remove the pins from his left foot.
He is still loving all of the visitors that have been stopping by to see him.
Friday, April 6, 2007
10:00 pm Update
Day 3 of rehab for Paul and all is going well. He is working very hard. He shaved off half of his mustache and beard today and then his new electric shaver that Kathi bought him ran out of juice. Hopefully tomorrow he can finish the other half.
He continues to improve every day and we are all amazed at how great he looks considering what he has gone through. He is still really enjoying visits from friends and family. This is great medicine.
Thanks for all of the continued support from everyone!
He continues to improve every day and we are all amazed at how great he looks considering what he has gone through. He is still really enjoying visits from friends and family. This is great medicine.
Thanks for all of the continued support from everyone!
Thursday, April 5, 2007
9:30 pm Update
Day 2 of rehab for Paul today. He sat up and had breakfast this morning. He also got dressed today for the first time in over a month.
They did an ekg today and results showed his heart is back to normal rhythm. Great news!
Tomorrow morning they have plans to help him shower and shave his 70's porn mustache off. He also has requested a ranch burger for lunch.....appetite is definitely back!
He has absolutely loved and really appreciates all of his family and friends that have stopped by the hospital.
They did an ekg today and results showed his heart is back to normal rhythm. Great news!
Tomorrow morning they have plans to help him shower and shave his 70's porn mustache off. He also has requested a ranch burger for lunch.....appetite is definitely back!
He has absolutely loved and really appreciates all of his family and friends that have stopped by the hospital.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
9:00 pm Update
Paul had his first full day of rehab today at Evergreen Hospital. I think he did a total of 2 hours of occupational therapy and physical therapy combined. He will usually do a total of 3 hours combined, but since this was his first day and he had a few visitors they went a little easy on him.
Visitors are now welcome after 4:30pm. This will let him get all of his therapy done during the day without being too tired from visitors.
His spirits are high and there is no place like home.
Visitors are now welcome after 4:30pm. This will let him get all of his therapy done during the day without being too tired from visitors.
His spirits are high and there is no place like home.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
9:50 pm Update
Paul arrived safely to Evergreen Hospital around 4:30 pm today. He has his own private room in acute rehab.
He looks great and is very excited to be back home.
Paul and Kathi are looking forward to seeing all of their family and friends soon!
He looks great and is very excited to be back home.
Paul and Kathi are looking forward to seeing all of their family and friends soon!
Monday, April 2, 2007
8:30 pm Update
This just in....Paul is finally making the great escape!
It is true, Paul is coming home to Kirkland tomorrow. He will be flying to Sea-Tac on a medical airplane and then from there to Evergreen Hospital in an ambulance. He will be residing in the acute rehabilitation unit at the Hospital.
Kathi is celebrating her last night in the recliner in the hospital room where she has been sleeping the last 6 nights with Paul.
Please try to limit phone calls to Paul and Kathi over the next couple days and no visitors while he gets settled and learns his rehab schedule. We will let you know as soon as he can have visitors. Paul is as anxious to see you as you are to see him!
We will update the blog daily and let everyone know how rehab is going.
Both Paul and Kathi are so excited to come home and be with family and friends.
See you all very soon!
(Posted by Jen)
It is true, Paul is coming home to Kirkland tomorrow. He will be flying to Sea-Tac on a medical airplane and then from there to Evergreen Hospital in an ambulance. He will be residing in the acute rehabilitation unit at the Hospital.
Kathi is celebrating her last night in the recliner in the hospital room where she has been sleeping the last 6 nights with Paul.
Please try to limit phone calls to Paul and Kathi over the next couple days and no visitors while he gets settled and learns his rehab schedule. We will let you know as soon as he can have visitors. Paul is as anxious to see you as you are to see him!
We will update the blog daily and let everyone know how rehab is going.
Both Paul and Kathi are so excited to come home and be with family and friends.
See you all very soon!
(Posted by Jen)
Sunday, April 1, 2007
8:00pm Update
Good Evening,
Paul continues to improve and looks stronger every day. He went outside today in the wheelchair again for about a half hour.
As we stated yesterday, tomorrow should be a big news day for travel plans to an acute rehabilitation facility. Hopefully by the end of the week he will be in a new location.
Paul continues to improve and looks stronger every day. He went outside today in the wheelchair again for about a half hour.
As we stated yesterday, tomorrow should be a big news day for travel plans to an acute rehabilitation facility. Hopefully by the end of the week he will be in a new location.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Saturday March 31st 10:00pm Update
Paul sat up in bed again today. No wheelchair today, but Sarah said he is looking so much stronger. He even had a few smiles.
He is finally off of all drip medication.
Great TV Day for him....Final Four and Golf.
Monday should be a big news day for travel plans.
He is finally off of all drip medication.
Great TV Day for him....Final Four and Golf.
Monday should be a big news day for travel plans.
Friday, March 30, 2007
9:57 PM Update
Went outside for the first time in almost a month! Sarah & Kari wheeled him outside into the nice sunny weather. Didn't seem to enjoy it as much as was hoped because his ribs were hurting.
Hopefully off of the heperin IV and will begin oral blood thinner (cumadin) starting tomorrow.
Chest x-ray taken today to clear him for travel...results back tomorrow.
Travel date and plans are still in the works...many phone calls were made today to try to set things up. Stay tuned.
Paul continues to work, gets very tired but he's hanging in there...as is Kathi who is spending her 3rd night in a row with him (in a not comfortable recliner).
Shawn, the boys & I are off to San Diego for a weeks vacation (planned a year ago). We will visit Paul tomorrow evening and take Kathi & Sarah out for dinner--Kari will stay with Paul. Jen will be updating the blog.
Thanks All!
Julie
Hopefully off of the heperin IV and will begin oral blood thinner (cumadin) starting tomorrow.
Chest x-ray taken today to clear him for travel...results back tomorrow.
Travel date and plans are still in the works...many phone calls were made today to try to set things up. Stay tuned.
Paul continues to work, gets very tired but he's hanging in there...as is Kathi who is spending her 3rd night in a row with him (in a not comfortable recliner).
Shawn, the boys & I are off to San Diego for a weeks vacation (planned a year ago). We will visit Paul tomorrow evening and take Kathi & Sarah out for dinner--Kari will stay with Paul. Jen will be updating the blog.
Thanks All!
Julie
Thursday, March 29, 2007
8:55 PM Update
Stitches came out of his left foot. Has a soft cast on until April 23rd when pins will come out of the foot and then he will be able to put weight on it.
He has a new splint on his right hand for his "boxer break."
Catheter came out--can now "pee freely."
Sat in a wheel chair for a half hour. He felt a little dizzy at first but toughed it out. Hoping to wheel him outside tomorrow. Has cabin fever BAD.
Kathi, Sarah & Kari (again) are working hard to keep his spirits up. Everyone please say your prayers and send positive thoughts for Paul, Kathi, Kari & Sarah~~they are going on a month now and can use all the positive energy they can get.
Thank you to Jim & Donna for the cookie basket--Joanne for the goodie basket & Marty Mel for the encouragement!
He has a new splint on his right hand for his "boxer break."
Catheter came out--can now "pee freely."
Sat in a wheel chair for a half hour. He felt a little dizzy at first but toughed it out. Hoping to wheel him outside tomorrow. Has cabin fever BAD.
Kathi, Sarah & Kari (again) are working hard to keep his spirits up. Everyone please say your prayers and send positive thoughts for Paul, Kathi, Kari & Sarah~~they are going on a month now and can use all the positive energy they can get.
Thank you to Jim & Donna for the cookie basket--Joanne for the goodie basket & Marty Mel for the encouragement!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Wednesday, 3/28, 8:00 PM
Good evening all. Shawn here, posting for Julie who is out tonight. Here's the latest from Sarah:
- Paul's vitals are good
- Kidney function continues to improve
- As part of his physical therapy, he was moved into a wheel chair for a time today. Even managed to stand on his right leg briefly.
- They have decided that Paul will receive no more morphine to control pain because it makes him feel too "loopy." They are now managing pain just with oral medication (Sarah didn't know which one.)
- Paul made Kathi stay with him last night so she could experience the "ambiance" of a hospital room after hours. As one would guess, Paul is getting pretty fed up with being waken so frequently during the night for vitals, blood draws, etc. (I suggested he request a higher dosage of Ambien at night. From personal experience, I can attest to the fact that sleep deprivation is one of the hardest parts of an extended hospital stay. I eventually got a high enough dose that I slept through my blood draws during the night.)
Kari returned to San Diego today. Sarah says they are still hopeful that Paul will be moved to Palm Springs next Monday.
Thanks to everyone for the continued thoughts, prayers and good wishes.
(written by Shawn)
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