Acute Rehab, Day 1

Mom moved today, and we got her settled in to her room in Walnut Creek. The therapy schedule they're starting her on is very intensive, so she's going to be exhausted every night.

If you're wanting to visit or send flowers, Mom has her cell phone with her, so you can give her a call and work things out with her. Just be prepared for the probability of a short visit, because of her therapy wearing her out.

They prefer to not have visitors around meal times or during therapy, so visiting times will be pretty limited, probably 7-9 pm every evening. If it's an American Idol night, you'd better be willing to watch it with her, and chat during commercials. =)

Rehab, Day 23

Mom didn't sleep well last night, and she's been nauseous, so she chilled today, prepping for the move.

Rehab, Day 22

Rick and I checked out the two acute rehab facilities today, and we've all decided that Walnut Creek would be the best place for Mom, so she should be transferred there on Friday. She was rather nauseous today, so she didn't do physical therapy or eat very much, but hopefully that will be stopping soon.

Rehab, Day 21

Mom got her trache out today! She looks great, and sounds great. Her nausea is still around, but not as strong, and she's been managing her pain well. The odds are that she will be moving to an acute rehab facility this week, most likely in Walnut Creek or Castro Valley. The theraphy she receives at the new place will be intensive, around three hours a day, which will be exhausting, but great for her recovery. Cards can still be sent to the house, and will be brought to her to read. Comments on here and e-mails to her e-mail address will be seen by her when she gets home (should be soon!), so please keep her in your prayers. She still needs your strength. =)

Rehab, Day 20

They did a brain scan today, because a neurologist has been called in to consult. The nausea, as well as a couple other things, are saying that it could be something neurological, so they gave her contrast and put her through. She really hasn't been resting well at all, and this whole situation is just miserable for her. We're hoping it shows something, because this plateau of progress is frustrating for all of us.

Rehab, Day 19

Mom actually had a little physical therapy, which was a pleasant change of pace. She did pretty good, pushing through the nausea.

Rehab, Day 18

Her sister was in for the morning, but then had to catch her plane back home, so Mom kicked back the rest of the day. The nausea is really kicking her butt sometimes, and the pain from her ostomy isn't helping any.

Rehab, Day 17

Mom had some physical therapy and some nausea, we're hoping that the reduction of pain medicine will help with that, but still keep her out of pain.

She also had a surprise (well, surprise to her) visitor! Her sister Chris was out from Iowa, so that was a huge boost for Mom.

Rehab, Day 16

The talk now is that the trache will be coming out on Monday, because the fluid around her lungs looks like it's not changing. There was concern about taking it out because of Mom's nausea, but they've lowered the amount of pain killer they're giving her, so that may help with the nausea. The nurses are also getting better about staying on top of things, and anti-anxiety medication takes the edge off, so a balance is being worked on.

When the trache comes out, they'll watch her for three days, and then probably send her on to an acute rehab facility where she can get more intensive physical therapy, and the hope is that she'll be going home within a couple weeks from entering the new place. So there's a little craziness happening, but it's just like all the other transfers she's had, where there was anxiety beforehand, but once settled in, she was fine.

Rehab, Day 15

Her appetite is getting stronger, but she's not sure where to stop sometimes before feeling too full, since it's been so long since she's eaten a "normal" sized meal. Otherwise, status quo.

Rehab, Day 14

Things are still status quo today.

Rehab, Day 13

Some more physical therapy today, and hasn't slept very well recently, but that may be due to pain. Trying to figure out what to do about that as well.

Rehab, Day 12

A little physical therapy today, surprise surprise, but she threw up a little bit during it. Otherwise, a good day.

Rehab, Day 11

Kick-back day. A little nausea, but she's working on figuring out what's causing that.

Rehab, Day 10

Another pretty kick-back day caused by nausea. No physical therapy on weekends, so it should be a kick-back weekend too.

Rehab, Day 9

Mom wasn't feeling too good today, she was nauseous, so she kicked back today and rested.

Rehab, Day 8

More physical therapy today, and Mom wasn't nearly as nausious as she was yesterday. She's loving her American Idol, and watches it every night it's on.

Rehab, Day 7

Turns out, there's some fluid around her right lung again, so they're waiting to take the trache out to see if that fluid is indicating an infection. She was pretty nauseated today, so she didn't eat much. She did go outside as part of physical therapy though, so that was nice. She got to feel the cool air again.

Rehab, Day 6

Mom didn't get her trache out yet, so that should hopefully be happening tomorrow. Physical therapy had her walking with a walker, and she did a couple pretty good lengths with that. She is also eating more.

Rehab, Day 5

Another pretty kick back day. =)

Rehab, Day 4

Mom had a hard time sleeping last night, so she slept this afternoon. There's no physical therapy on weekends, so it was a kick-back day.

Rehab, Day 3

Things are still about the same. Physical therapy, solid food, upbeat and awake. =)

Rehab, Day 3

More progress! Mom is probably going to get her trache out on Monday, she was sitting in a chair a lot today, she's getting settled into her room, and her appetite is growing. She was nauseous today, but kept things down.

Rehab, Day 2

Mom had solid foods today, and she's requested fresh fruit with every meal. She's eating more, which is wonderful, so she can get and keep her strength up, and get better and come home. She's staying awake pretty much the whole day now, not sleeping all the time, so her body is saying it doesn't need as much rest, another good sign. Keep your prayers up, she's not home yet, but she's a lot closer now. She's impressed all of her medical staff and care givers, wherever she's been, with how rapid and strong her progress has been.

It has been recommended to not have any personal items where she's at, at least not until she can get more settled in, so any cards should be sent to the house, and we'll be sure she sees them. Thank you for all your love and prayers. =)

Rehab, Day 1

Mom was moved today to a rehab facility that specializes in patients needing help with respiratory rehabilitation. They can also help her with getting up and around, and eating, so this is a step in the right direction. She got the plug put on her trache today, so she's getting oxygen through her nose.

They're very strict at this new place, and are allowing immediate family to visit, but that's about it. It's looking like the next step from here will be home, although she could go to San Ramon before, there's nothing definite yet.

Upstairs, Day 1

Mom moved out of ICU!!! She's upstairs now, and doing fabulously. She drank some water today, and didn't seem to have problems with that, so she's making more progress. There's talk about taking the trache out soon, because she can get oxygen through a nose thing if she needs it, and she's not having problems swallowing.

If you do come visit her, please be mindful of the visiting policies, as she still needs to do more recovery. She is also very sensitive to smells, so don't bring anything that has a scent to it, or wear any strong smells. She may not be in this hospital for very long, as there's talk of transferring her to a rehab facility that would be more specialized for her.

ICU, Day 38

Another great day. We watched the Super Bowl, and hung around. She's eating more food now, and getting her appetite back. She also walked some with a walker today, so she's getting stronger. It's so wonderful to hear her voice again. It was a long month of head nods and shakes. With her being awake more during the day now, she wants to play games to help pass the time, another good sign. =)

ICU, Day 37

Mom was up and talking a lot today. She's awake a lot more often, and remembering a lot more things too. She's wearing her valve a lot now, because she knows that she has to wear it to get rid of the trache. She doesn't like it, but she knows it's best.

ICU, Day 36

*happy dance* Mom had a great day! She had the valve on for four hours this morning, she's talking stronger with it on, she stood up during physical therapy, and even took a few steps! She also had dinner tonight. A few of the things looked really unappealing when they were pureed, but the chocolate ice cream and mashed potatoes were worthy of a few bites. They also added some thickener to some orange juice, so she's not limited to just apple sauce. They also took the ventilator out of her room today, because she's doing so well on the collar. Yay! =)