Steve Jonas Recovery Updates

Recovery Up-Date Dec. 6, 2009

2009-12-06T13:47:00.001-05:00

I continue to improve, but the progress is very slow. I have just started driving again. In the process, I have discovered that I don't have the strength to put my wheel chair back into the Expedition yet. I have finished with the physical therapy so now I am working on my own. My appetite is improving, which is a good thing as I have been loosing weight much too rapidly. We are now down to 270, which is about 90 pounds less than I weighted before I went into the hospital.

We are now starting to try to do work around the house as well. This will take some of the load off Sue, who deserves a break. What she has gone through these past few months isn't fair to anyone.

Steve

What a great Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T17:03:00.004-05:00

As our whole family sat around the Thanksgiving table I realized how blessed is our family. Annie, Riley, Addison, Stephen, Stephanie (his fiance), Steve and I were all together, the first time in over 10 years. Most of all we were thankful to have Steve (the old, one and only) with us. We are very thankful for all the friends and family who prayed for us during these last months. Steve continues to improve daily.

Wishing you all a belated Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah.

Sue

What a great

2009-11-30T17:03:00.001-05:00

2009-11-10T19:47:00.002-05:00

Saw pancreatic doctor yesterday. He pulled the one remaining drain out about 4 inches. We go back in 2 more weeks. He was very satisified with Steve's progress. I asked him about what was the chance of the pancreatitis coming back. He said that most patients who have as bad a case as Steve's does not have the pancreatitis come back. I asked for that in writing. Sure made us feel better.

Steve still is not up to leaving the house except to go to the doctors.

Sue

2009-11-06T19:34:00.002-05:00

Steve has been able to stay by himself this whole week. We did go to the prothesis office for Steve to be measured for a new leg - the current one is too big now that he has lost so much weight. Physical Therapy and a nurse have been coming out to see him. He continues to walk around the house with his walker. He found out that he did not have the endurance he thought he had but he continues to improve.

Sue

Steve was discharged from hospital on Monday

2009-11-03T18:41:00.002-05:00

I'm surprised that you all couldn't hear Steve rejoicing when he was delivered to the front door of Memorial Health. He felt so good that he was able to attend the monthly Coastal Amateur Radio Society meeting for about 1 hour. He is able to function pretty independently. I was able to work today and leave him home by himself. He is on oxygen, using a walker or wheelchair. His total recovery will be quit awhile. But being home is the best medicine.

Sue

Right chest tube removed

2009-10-31T10:13:00.002-04:00

Before I got to the hospital this morning, the physicans had already removed the right chest tube. This is the weekend so we do not anticipate too many more decisions to be made. But we feel like unless there are other lower priority medical issues which need investigation that Steve should be able to go home - MONDAY. Steve and I believe that he does not need inpatient rehab but having physical and occupational therapy come to the house would be beneficial. We are not pushing the physicans to go home if Steve is really not ready. We want to go home for good.

Steve did quite a bit of walking yesterday. We will continue to walk today. He feels human again with regular clothes on. He is in his smaller sizes. Can't wait to get him to a real scale (bed scales are not that accurate) and find out exactly how much weight he has lost.

We could not have made it this far without our family and friends and your prayers.

Sue

2009-10-29T20:27:00.002-04:00

Steve had another great day. He has asked for underwear, shorts and T-shirt. I have to take several sizes - he has lost quite a lot of weight and I'm afraid his most recent clothes will fall off. He walked quite a distance today without stopping and without oxygen. R chest tube fluid continues to slow down. I treated him to take-out from Carey Hilliards - boiled shrimp. He continues to amaze all the medical staff. His recovery is certainly a miracle.

Thank you for all your prayers.

Sue

2009-10-28T21:24:00.002-04:00

Steve continues to improve. He has been taken off the heart monitor. The drainage from the R lung has started to decrease. Last night Steve had some excitement. Chatham County had a Tornado Warning issued. The hospital moved all the patients from their rooms to the hallway for about 45 minutes. I had already gone home. The dogs and I were ready to head for the hall bathroon.

Sue

2009-10-25T20:49:00.002-04:00

Sunday evening - Steve is now out of the step-down unit. Trach is healing, R chest tube continues to drain, too, much to be removed. His mind remains sharp. The test for Chylothorax finally came back negative - which is good but there is still the problem with the chest continuing to drain. Anticiapte the physicans will confer on Monday and come up with a plan. He talks when needed but does not have the endurance for a regular conversation.

Sue

He can stand and he is talking

2009-10-22T19:19:00.002-04:00

Steve continues to improve. L chest tube was removed, trach capped and started eating soft food Wednesday. Today the trach was removed and he is eating solid food. His voice is a little scratchy. He is giving the nurses a hard time. Physical Therapy is amazed at the strength he still has. They still do not have the final results on whether it is Kylothorax in his R lung. He will probably be moved to a regular room soon. His recovery is truely a miracle from the Lord.

Thank you for all the prayers, cards and support

Sue

THE One and only Steve Jonas is back

2009-10-20T15:27:00.003-04:00

He may not be able to talk yet - but- the Steve Jonas we all know is back. His cheeks are rosy and he smiles and cuts up. Can't wait for him to be able to talk. He has been moved to a step-down unit. They are taking 1 of his 3 pancreatic drains out. Physical Therapy has asked me to bring his prothesis in tomorrow, they plan to stand him up. Can't go far with the chest tubes attached to wall suction. Infectious Disease physician has broadened his antibiotics.

Sue

2009-10-18T21:01:00.002-04:00

Annie went home to Riley and Addison on Saturday. Sure appreciate her being able to come. Stephen continues to keep the home going. Steve was more himself than he has been since July. Steve continues to mouth words and I'm getting better at lip reading. He is much more alert and oriented. TPN started tonight - so far so good. He may get moved to a step-down unit tomorrow. Chest tubes continue to drain as does the pancreatic drains. It is still a day at a time.

Sue

Chylothorax - New term for the day

2009-10-17T19:27:00.002-04:00

Chylothorax is what the physicians have decided is causing the fluid in Steve's Right lung and abdomen. The pulmonologist explained it to me and then I googled it. The pancreas has agreviated the main lymphatic duct which goes from the upper chest, through the diaphragm into the abdomen. It is leaking lymphatic fluid into the chest and abdomen. It is how do you get it to stop or heal itself that is the challenge. No more food even tube feedings for a while. They will begin feeding him through his PICC line with something called TPN. Fortuantely the chest tubes continue to drain or the fluid would be building back up in his lungs. He remains off the ventilator which is good. He will remain in ICU at least for the next few days. He can still on mouthed words and we have trouble reading his lips. He still does not have good brain - finger coordination so can not read his writing.

Sue

He is off the ventilator already

2009-10-16T11:44:00.002-04:00

Thursday morning at 9:30am they look him off the ventilator for a spontaneous breathing trial. Respiratory did not expect him to be able to be off the vent very long - BUT he has been off it for 24hours. They actually removed the unit from his room this morning. Last time it took more than a week to wean him off the vent. He tries to talk but can only move his lips. Hand writing is just not readable. Chest drains continue to drain. Only time will tell. Doctors are satisfied with his progress.

Sue

Steve is out of surgery

2009-10-14T17:49:00.002-04:00

In about 3 hours the doctors changed his vent from his mouth to a trach, drained fluid and put in tubes in both lungs, drained 3 liters of fluid off his abdomen, fixed an abdominal hernia, and cleaned out a lot of dead pancreas and other crud from his abdomen thru the drain track (he did not have to be opened). The surgeon seemed pleased with the surgery. He is already back in ICU. We will be able to see him in a little while. This sounds very encouraging. He will still have a long recovery.

Prayers have been answered.

Sue

Surgeyr after 2:30pm Wednesday

2009-10-13T11:19:00.002-04:00

The surgeon is not back in town but I saw one of his partner's this morning. Surgery will be after 2:30pm Wednesday. Plan is to scoop the dead pancreas out and leave any good pancreas. The time may get pushed back depending on the cases before Steve. He had a quiet night, still on good drugs.

Sue

Surery not until Wednesday

2009-10-12T17:38:00.002-04:00

Steve had the pancreatic drain enlarged succesfully today. They have him on some pretty heavy medication for pain. For what ever reasons surgery was changed to Wednesday - nothing really wrong. Will probably not update blog until after surgery on Wednesday. Please continue your prayers.

Sue

Steve had a quiet night

2009-10-10T11:44:00.002-04:00

Steve had a quiet, uneventful night. He is lightly sedated on the ventilator. Chest tube continues to drain but at a much slower rate. Spoke with the lung doctor this morning. Keep him on the vent for the weekend. Monday have an interventianl radiologist enlarge the drain to his pancreas in preparation to pancreatic surgery on Tuesday. Do not know if they will remove the whole pancreas or part. While he is asleep the surgeon will also go in through the chest tube opening and check out the lining of the R lung for any problems which would cause the collection of fluid. So we are in a holding pattern for now, praying Steve remains stable.

Sue

Steve back in ICU

2009-10-09T20:29:00.002-04:00

Before Steve could have the chest tube inserted today, his carbon dioxide level went even higher than a week ago and his oxygen level very low even with maximum support. He was rushed to IUC. He is back on the ventilator to help him breathe and reduce the carbon dioxide level. They were able to get a chest tube in and have already gotten 2 liters of fluid out. They will also need to put a feeding tube in. Doctor says he can not continue to accumulate this amount of fluid, have to get to the cause. They hope to stabilize him over the weekend - then possible pancreas surgery next week. Annie arrived this afternoon. It will be touch and go.

Sue

Not a good day

2009-10-08T19:26:00.002-04:00

Steve was not able to lay on the table long enough to complete the Cardiac Stress Test - so we really don't have much information on the damage to his heart. Chest x-ray revealed the right pleural effusion is getting bigger already. Tried putting another tube in with ultrasound guidance but not successful. Will try with CT guidance tomorrow. He is really not feeling well. Please pray for him.

Sue

2009-10-07T09:49:00.002-04:00

Chest tube is out and pancreatic drain is being removed 1cm at a time per day. Next is to investigate the damage to Steve's heart. Then it is on to rehabilitation. Lung doctor says it is imperative that Steve eat and get active. I am still staying with him at night and working during the day. We have a big survey for accrediation next Thursday.

Thank you for your continued prayers, cards and calls.

Sue

2009-10-05T17:34:00.002-04:00

Steve is in a large solarium room with windows on 3 sides. He had a pretty good night last night. Still pretty much the same: chest tube, pancreatic drain and yes he continues to eat really well for him. His body still needs protein. He did sit on the side of the bed to eat supper.

Sue

Progress continues

2009-10-04T13:04:00.002-04:00

Steve is ready to be moved to a regular room according to the pulmonlogist. He is currently eating BBQ chicken, rice, fuit cocktail. This is amazing. The chest tube has slowed draining over the last 12 hours. Hope you all have a great day - we are.

Sue

What a difference a day makes

2009-10-03T19:07:00.002-04:00

Friday 4am the nurse had to call me, Steve's carbon dioxide level went dangersouly high and had to be moved to a step down unit. He was placed a on CPAP unit and could not take it off or his oxygen level dropped dangerously low. You should have seen me trying to give him a spoon of ice. The air from the unit would blow the ice off the spoon before I could get it to his mouth. During the day we got word that one of his heart enzymes was very high, meaning he had had heart damage. This was confirmed by the cardiologist. The echo of the heart shows it is working okay so we can wait to get this breathing taken care of.

Then this morning the pulmonologist took him off the CPAP and put him on just oxygen in the nose. His oxygen level has remained in the normal range and his mental function is so much better. Then this afternoon he decided he was hungry. He has had trouble eating since August. Chest tube is still draining, pancreas drain is still draining, and he is watching the Nascar races, football and baseball games. Hopefully he will have a good night tonight.

Late Night update

2009-10-01T20:00:00.002-04:00

Steve had a busy day today. Had the CT scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis. This revealed very significant fluid on his right lung. To the point that the pulmonologist put in a chest tube and immediately drained out over 1700ml of fluid (1 liter). It is continuing to drain. If all goes well the tube will be removed in the morning. He is having trouble keeping an IV operational so they put in a PICC line. It is 8pm and he is starting to be more awake and alert. Learned today the fluid is coming from his pancreas which is below the diaphragm but the fluid finds a way into the chest cavity. Now all we have to figure out is how to stop the pancreas from creating this extra fluid.

Sue

Steve is back in the hospital

2009-10-01T06:52:00.002-04:00

Finally got him in to see a doctor yesterday. Was able to convince him that Steve was going down hill and could not breathe. He got to his room last night about 11:30pm. He has fluid on both lungs, lab values continue to be low which allows the fluid to go where it should not (lungs, soft tissue, heart, etc). He needs to eat but nothing tastes good. Needless to say he is quite sick - not up to visitors.

Please keep him in your prayers. If you need to reach me I have my cell phone with me at all times 658-3200.

Sue

2009-09-26T10:40:00.002-04:00

Didn't realize it has been so long since I updated the blog. Progress is very slow. The nurses, OT and PT are coming to the house. Steve remains very weak and is actually eating less than when in the hospital. Nothing tastes good. He lost 17 lbs over the last 2 1/2 weeks. He even tried cooking his own breakfast and it did not taste any better than the one I cook. I returned to work this week. I do have to come home for lunch and probably at least one more time each day. The pancreatic drain is still in and draining. He will have a CT over the next 2 weeks to evaluate removing the drain.

He just did a slow fall to the floor as he was getting up. Had to call MedStar for assistance to get him up. The question is what would he have done had I not been here, no where near a phone!

If you get a chance give him a call - tomorrow 9/27 is his 62nd birthday. We definitely will not be having a party. Don't know if he would even eat cake or ice cream.

Sue

2009-09-14T13:23:00.002-04:00

OT was here at 9am and PT will be here about 2pm. Friday night, Steve was having his first real tub bath on the shower chair and we heard noise on the other side of the bathroom door - thought it was Molly (the dog). Then we heard voices - Annie and Addison were here. We did not know they were coming. We had a good weekend with them. Addison really knew who Poppey and Grammie are. She was such a delight to have around.

Saturday I had found an organization that was providing wheelchair cleaning. Steve was able to do without me and both of his wheelchairs so that I could have them cleaned and adjusted. I am taking this week off to be with him. Hope that by next week he will be able to exist while I work. At least I am only about 10 minutes away from the house.

Sue

2009-09-10T17:41:00.002-04:00

Steve is slowly improving. Saw the Vascular doctor yesterday, he no longer has cellulitis in his R leg. He still has some problems but does not require antibiotics. Saw the pancreas doctor today, he cut off most of the outside end of the drain and has put a pouch over the end. No more having to flush and asperate the drain. In 2 weeks he will pull the drain 1/2 out and take more off. In about a total of one month the drain will be removed. OT was out today. Progress is slow but if I stop and compare a week ago, Steve is definitely stronger. We will see our primary care physician tomorrow. At least Steve is able to get out the house and into and out of the Expedition.

I will probably continue to be on Family Medical Leave for at least another week. Steve is not ready to be left alone. Possibly I can work some from home - we will see.

Again, thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Sue

2009-09-07T18:56:00.002-04:00

Monday, Labor Day - Our frustration with healthcare continues. Steve is about the same as when he came home. The Home Health support we were promised has not appeared. We are pretty much still on our own. Tomorrow I will begin calling physicians (The pancreas drain has about quit draining) and home health care which includes PT & OT. We did find that if Steve gets in our Craftmatic bed we can use the bottom section to raise him up high enough he can get up.

We really appreciate all your prayers, calls, and support.

Sue

Yes, we are home!

2009-09-03T15:01:00.002-04:00

We made it home. It was actually harder than we anticipated. Steve had trouble getting in his big Expedition. We made it in the house with not much trouble. But then Steve tried setting in his Lazy Boy. Fortunately, Bill Deloach was at the house or I would never have gotten him up. Bill and Steve came up with the idea of bulding a platform to raise the chair. Then Bill went about constructing it within a few hours. Steve tried the bed and he almost couldn't get out. According to Steve things are worst than he anticipated. Steve did have a good night sleep in the Lazy Boy.

Then this afternoon I was helping Steve get off the toilet when his good leg gave way and he went down in our very small bathroom. Fortunately Stephen was home, but even combined we could not get him up. Had to call 911 for help. After much effort they were able to get him up. Fortunately he was not injured. It is going to be a long, hard recovery.

Sue

Ready or not - We go home tomorrow

2009-09-01T11:33:00.002-04:00

My insurance on last Friday stated that Steve did not need to be in Rehab after Wednesday, September 2! So after the Team met today the word is we go home tomorrow before 11am. How we are going to function at home remains a question. Biggest problem is Steve getting up, once he has gotten down in the bed or lounge chair. We will have OT & PT coming to the house but only 3 days a week.

We may need to sell tickets to the entertainment once we get home. Maybe Steve will feel like getting on the radio or the computer.

Sue

2009-08-29T15:57:00.002-04:00

Today Steve only had PT once so he has had some dowtime to rest. Think it may do him some good. Finally heard from the physicians about the CT scans. Pleural effusion (fluid in the lung) is about the same - which is really ok. Pancreas is looking better - this is really good news. They are recommending not to change anything but let his body continue to heal with minimum help. Sounds good to us. Tomorow will be a total rest day unless I can get him to try going for a walk.

Sue

Eight Weeks !!!!

2009-08-28T15:00:00.003-04:00

I realized today it has been 8 weeks since Steve was admitted. Yesterday, was not a good day. Steve felt so bad he could not work that hard in therapy. But today he was able to walk 70 feet with his walker twice. He also was able to work out with more weight. He was also able to get out of his wheelchair without assistance several times. They did a CT of his chest and abdomen yesterday afternoon but we have not gotten the results yet. I am assuming that no news is good news. They are setting up OT, PT, and a RN to come to the house 3 times a week beginning 9/7/2009.

Sue

2009-08-25T18:10:00.002-04:00

The Team met today and have given Steve the tentative date of Sunday, September 6 as a go home day. He has a lot of work to do. He will still require OP therapy once he is home. They have him going to the workout area 4 times a day. So needless to say he is really tired when he gets to rest.

Not having to worry about trying to work and be with Steve is a little easier.

Thanks for all the support.

Sue

Dispite the rumors, I'm still here

2009-08-23T09:14:00.002-04:00

Sunday August 23

It has been a long and very hard road thus far but I hope the corner has been turned. PT and OT are brutal, especially when you have no strength or stamina. Today is a day of rest, if that is possible. I know I can use the day off. Yesterday we were able to walk about 80 feet with the walker. I know it doesn't sound like much but for me it was like walking a marathon. To make matters worse, I have lost weight in my body, which makes my stump smaller and my prosthesis now doesn't fit. While my body has lost weight, I have the dubious honor of having collected 46 pounds of fluid in my abdomen. That is the challenges I have in order to get out of here. The fluid is in the lymphatic system. There are ways to get it out but with my heart and kidneys having problems they don't want force the issue and put a bigger strain on both organs.

I want to thank all of you for the cards and prayers. They certainly seem to have helped. If we don't suffer any more set backs, I hope to be out of here sometime next month.

Steve

Sure is great to have Steve feeling like doing the blog.

Sue

2009-08-21T17:05:00.002-04:00

Steve continues to make progress. It seems slow to him but significant to me. He was really surprised to see Annie then Stephen came by so we ended up having a family meal of take-out from Carey Hilliards. Steve had a boiled shrimp salad. Then Thursday afternoon Stephen brought Molly and Ashbie (our 2 dogs) to visit. We were able to take take Steve downstairs for a few minutes to see his "babies". Even tomorrow, Saturday, he has a full schedule. The nurses and I continue to work with the pancreatic drain. Steve is still not interested in his phone or getting on the computer, so you know he is still pretty sick.

I finally decided that I could not continue to try to work and keep an eye on Steve, so as of today I have gone on Family, Medical Leave.

Thanks for all the cards, calls, messages, especially prayers, and support.

Sue, Steve, Annie and Stephen

2009-08-19T16:00:00.002-04:00

Steve had a good day in Rehab. I was pleased with what he was able to do. It is no where near where he was but at least he is up and going. That is not to say that he didn't go to bed when everything was complete. He did get moved to the bigger room, it is actually a double room. Much better for him to get around.

Steve will have a surprise this evening - Annie is coming! She is going to be here a few days to give me some assistance. Sorry she couldn't bring Addison and Riley.

Sue

3rd Time will be the charm - He has escaped - again

2009-08-18T17:38:00.002-04:00

We have made it to Rehab. Currently in a small room, which is a challenge for his big bed. Tomorrow he will be moved to a larger room. He is glad to be out, but definitely a little scared. He is the weakest he has been of the 3 times coming to Rehab. He has a full schedule tomorrow of therapy already. But they have already told him when he gets to tired, just tell them.

Sue

Tuesday we try for Rehab - 3rd time's the charm!

2009-08-17T17:51:00.002-04:00

All the doctors have agreed that unless Steve spikes a fever or his blood counts go up he will be going back to Rehab tomorrow. We are praying that this will be the route home. I have become the designated Pancreatic Drain Manager!!!!!!! Since he will probably go home with the drain still in, the surgeon wants me to learn to take care of the drain. The surgeon also said that at some time in the future Steve will probably require laproscopic (thru the drain hole) surgery to finish cleaning out the crude. This has kind of set Steve mentally back a little. He was able to walk about 36 feet with a break in the middle. He has lost so much of what he had gained for the short time in Rehab.

Sue

2009-08-16T11:20:00.002-04:00

Today seems to be a better day. Bloodwork continues to return to normal, drain contiunes to drain. Steve has been watching the golf matches. No decision is being made about returning to rehab. Guess today will be a day of rest.

Sue

2009-08-15T10:27:00.002-04:00

Saturday - 10:15am Steve is doing a little better. The word this morning is they are changing the drain management - What ever that means. He will be getting another unit of blood. He managed to get out of bed into his wheelchair with a lot of effort. Have no idea when he will be ready to go back to Rehab

Sue

Back in the main hospital

2009-08-14T13:23:00.002-04:00

Steve had to have a central line put in last night. He was moved back to the hospital about 10pm. Stephen has gotten really good at helping to move Steve's bed. His kidneys had quit functioning, blood pressure was low, hemaglobin low, etc. It is now 1:25pm and he is doing better. They have really pumped the fluids into him, kidneys are now working, blood pressure is coming up. They are typing and crossmatching him for blood later today. The Infectious Disease physician is reviewing Steve's records and will be making antibiotic recommendations. Things are looking up again.

Sue

Not a good day

2009-08-13T16:51:00.002-04:00

As today progressed Steve continued to get weaker. Dr just talked with us - Steve's hemaglobin is only 8.7 which would make anybody tired and weak. This has not been a sudden drop but gradual. His white count is over 20,000, so there is an infection. He will be getting a blood transfusion and they are calling in an Infection Control specialist. Don't know if he will stay in Rehab or have to go back to the main hospital. Needless to say his spirits are pretty low.

Sue

Get out date may be August 24

2009-08-13T07:51:00.002-04:00

Team met yesterday and told us Steve should be ready to go home Monday, August 24. But that was before he started running a fever. They will decide next week if he will require outpatient rehab. He is up and ready? to have another "fun" day in Rehab. He remains very weak especially when the day is complete

Sue

Rehab continues

2009-08-12T09:02:00.002-04:00

The Team will be meeting today to make plans for Steve. They are really working him out. As the Nurse Practioner told us Steve has his strength to do something maybe one time, but lacks endurance to do it more. Still working on being able to get up from a low postion which is needed so he can function at home. This is where progress is going to be very slow. He is really tired at night and hardly has any energy. Yesterday afternoon just taking a sponge bath wore him out.

Sue

Oh! His body aches!

2009-08-11T07:49:00.003-04:00

Tuesday, August 11 - 7:50am - Steve is up bathed, dressed waiting on breakfast. Oh, yes - since he had alreday bathed OT decided he could go ahead and do some arm exercises. He has a full exercise program again today. He has 2 sessions of OT and 2 sessions of PT which are 45 minutes each. Needless to say he is pretty tired when the day is over. He has muscles hurting that he had forgotten about. He continues to improve daily.

He is still not up to taking over the blog or talking on the phone.

Thanks, for all the prayers, cards and support.

Sue

He made it to rehab

2009-08-09T09:34:00.003-04:00

Sunday - August 9 - 9:30am - Made it to rehab late yesterday evening. Is in a really big room this time. He has already had breakfast, had occupational therapy oversee his bath, getting dressed and evaluation and is in the gym working with PT. Sounds like they will keep him busy and Sunday is not a regular full work-out day. He will get his schedule for tomorrow this afternoon. Both occuational therapy and physical theray will be working with him.

Sue

Hope to get to Rehab today

2009-08-08T10:07:00.002-04:00

Saturday, August 8 - 10:00am - Yesterday Steve had a bout with diahrrea which kept him from going to Rehab. Not pleasant to have diahrrea while working out on the gym floor. Diahrrea has been fixed (we think). The plans are the Rehab doctor will make rounds then begin the transfer process. Steve much more alert, talkative, and generally feeling better - me too. We both caught up on naps yesterday. Will be late this afternoon anyway before we begin the move. Still on oxygen and pancreatic drain. This we could go home with if necessary.

Our dogs are beginning to wonder if "Daddy" is going to ever come home. I had to have a talk with Molly (the black lab) this morning!!!!

Sue

2009-08-06T14:16:00.003-04:00

Thursday, August 6 2:15pm - concensous is Steve is ready to go to Rehab, even though he is much weaker than before and still on oxygen. He is currently having problems sleeping at night, nightmares, hallucinations, sun downing - what ever, therefore he is tired the next day. They have completed the IV antibiotics and he is now on oral so the PICC line is gone, again. Stephen sat with him for a while today for me to run out then helped he give Steve a hair cut. Sure is shorter. As he says it will always grow back. Don't know if it will be this afternoon or tomorrow when we go to Rehab. We are getting a little too good at packing Steve, bed and all and moving at a moment's notice.

Hope to be able to get home and get some sleep tonight.

Sue

Wednesday, August 4 - Day 33!!!

2009-08-05T09:42:00.003-04:00

We made it back to the main hospital. He is on IV antibiotics specifically for what grew in the culture of the draining pancreas. His white count is heading back to normal and he no longer reus a fever. Steve at least can eat regular food just not very much of it, his pouch has shrunk so much. His strength has surffered a set-back. Plans are to continue IVP antibiotics for a few days then send him back to rehab. He is still dependent on oxygen to quite an extent. Pancreas doctor says Steve may have the drain for many months even after he goes home.

On Monday during all the confusi0n I discovered 2 pet therapy dogs at the nursing station at rehab. They were very happy to come visit. A yellow lab and English Sheep Dog. Then later another lady knocked with another pet therapy dog, small black and white named Cleo. She was the daughter of one of the nurses I worked with for years in Radiation Oncology. Cleo was small enough to get in bed with Steve and give him sugars. He really enjoyed their visit. And so did I.

I am feeling the effects of my nose surgery and am not 100%. Thank you for all the concern, cards, and prayers. Steve is still not up for visitors or taking over the blog.

Sue

August 3, 2009 - 2:24pm

2009-08-03T14:43:00.002-04:00

PICC line is in, had CT scan abdomen and pelvis. They put in a larger pancreatic drain. Orders are he can not have anything to eat or drink and he is going back to the main hospital to a regular room. Will keep you posted.

Sue

Monday, August 3 - Prayers please

2009-08-03T10:15:00.002-04:00

White Blood Count now up to 19,000, running a fever. They are putting another PICC line in, scheduled to have CT scan this morning, maybe?.

Sue

Steve has left the building

2009-08-01T18:42:00.003-04:00

As of 5pm today Steve is in Rehab. The trip was an interesting parade. Steve went in his wheechair by ambulance from the main hospital building to the rehab building, his bed some how made the trip, and Stephen & I walked with the rest of his stuff. He has a special, large, bariatric bed and he took it to rehab with him! He is enjoying his 2nd day of real food. Needles to sy he can not eat much, but hs is enjoying it. I will spend to night with him. Progress is really being made a a fast rate. Hopefully, it will not be long before he can come home. Still has pancreas drain and is on oxygen.

Sue

Escaping to Rehab

2009-08-01T08:13:00.002-04:00

Saturday, August 1 - If all goes well - Steve will officially be discharged from inpatient status at Memorial and becaome a patient of the Rehab Hospital. He is still on oxygen and has the pancreas drain in. He is much more perky and really trying to regain enough strength so he can come home. He was up walking down the hall - a short way - with rolling oxygen.

He can really feel all your thougnts and prayers, me too. Annie will be going home to our precious granddaughter, Addison, later today. She and Stephen have really had their hands full with both of us.

Sue

2009-07-30T17:15:00.002-04:00

Thursday, July 30 - As I am writing the speech therapist is here testing Steve so he can start eating food. The feeding tube and urinary catheter are gone. He still has the pancreas drain and is on oxygen. Sure is making progress. The gastro doctor was very happy with the CT. I was out when he came by. Since he has gotten rid of a lot of his attachments, tomorrow the may try to walk a little farther with only rollling oxygen and being followed by his wheelchair.

I have been here most of the day. I did take a little nap on the cot Annie used last night. My breathing is still much better than before surgery.

Sue, Stephen, Annie

Steve has escaped to a regular room

2009-07-30T06:46:00.002-04:00

Wednesday was a busy day. I had corrective surgery on the turbinates in my nose so I could breath. I had already postponed this when Steve got sick, and if I didn't have it yesterday it would be October. Day surgery only. I can already breath so much better. I'm on my way to the hospital to sit with Steve. Annie came so between Stephen and Annie they took care of Dad and Mom yesterday.

Steve was released to a regular room yesterday. He is still not up to having any visitors. PT will be increasing his exercise program. Annie got to read the CT report last night which said "stable, same as before". Will have to see the doctors to see what that really means. He is still very oxygen dependent, pancreas draining and on tube feedings. Annie spent the night with him, but I have not talked to them yet.

Sue, Stephen and Annie

Sorry I missed a day - all is well

2009-07-28T10:58:00.003-04:00

Tuesday morning July 28 - when I came in Steve was sitting up on the side of the bed having already been put through his paces by physical therapy. He is "enjoying" a full liquid meal!!! Depending on how the oral food goes will impact how much longer the feeding tube remains. They will be doing a CT scan tomorrow to check on the pancreas. He still has a Picc line in but it is not being used, and they have quit monitoring his heart. Slowly he is getting rid of various equipmant. He still has oxygen going and will have for quite sometime.

Last night's weather prevented me from coming back to visit at 8pm. We lost power for several hours and when I tried to leave the Isle there were trees down every where, so I went back home. This morning discovered that we have lost about a major portion of the top of the pecan tree in the back yard. Did not take time to check the Hex beam, tower and wire antenna. I'll hope to get home tonight before dark to check. Our generator worked like a champ until about 6:15am. Steve has been able to tell me how to get it going.

Sue

Sunday all was quiet

2009-07-26T19:08:00.003-04:00

Days are starting to run together. I think he is enjoying the change in scenery. There were no tests being run or results to get. He sat up on the side of the bed for a few minutes. I became aware that he still needs assistance from oxygen to maintain a good O2 level. Guess tomorrow we will find out about the feeding tube. He can have some water and ice chips. The pancreas is still draining. Today was the first day I have had a recliner to sit in. I was tempted to take a nap also. He watched the end of the Tour de France and some of the Brickyard race.

Sue

He has escaped ICU

2009-07-25T19:02:00.003-04:00

Saturday, July 25 - About 2:30pm this afternoon Steve moved to MSI which is an intermediate care unit. He had passed through on Saturday July 4 for a brief time. The nurse for today had cared for him while he was in NICU and sedated. His mind is pretty much back to normal and his brain-finger coordination is rapidly improving. He is still on tube feeding and the pancreas is still draining. When I go back tonight we will be getting him up setting on the side of the bed and see if he can stand for a minute or so. Will not be trying to get him in the wheelchair!. We will not find out until Monday when he will be able to start eating food again. They are also talking about maybe some time in Rehab for strengthening. I am happy with his progress.

Steve says thanks for all the prayers and support.

Sue

Friday, July 24 8:30pm

2009-07-24T20:35:00.003-04:00

I am at Steve's bedside. He is playing with a remote control (from home) that should operate the TV's here at the hospital. He is much more alert. The trach is totally gone. He did get up once this afternoon and he quickly found our how out of condition he really is. He made it to his wheelchair but it really took a combined effort to get him out of the wheelchair and back in bed. Don't be surprised if he takes over this blog soon.

Sue

Doing even better

2009-07-23T18:58:00.003-04:00

Thursday, July 23 - Once again this morning he got out of bed pretty much on his own and was able to stand and shift weight, but not enough energy for any steps. They again downsized the trach and capped it. He is now totally breathing through his nose and mouth without any problems. Tomorrow they plan to totally remove the trach. According to the GI doctor as long as his pancreas drains they will leave the feeding tube in. There is no accurate way to tell if the pancreas has returned to normal and he can start eating again. So they want to take that step very slow. Still in ICU because the house is full. Looking forward to tomorrow.

Sue

He stands and talks

2009-07-22T20:20:00.003-04:00

Wednesday - 8:20pm - He was able to stand today with help of his walker, but could only do a tentative step. They downsized the trach and using his finger to block the air he can say a few words. He still does not consistently know where he is, what happened and how long he has been in the hospital. Doctor said he hopes to totally remove the trach in a few days. Still in ICU because there is not a bed in the particular unit the doctor wants Steve to be in. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Sue

2009-07-21T21:23:00.003-04:00

Tuesday - July 21 - Yes it is after 9pm. All is well. He is ready to move to an intermediate unit, but all the beds are curently full. He sat up on the side of the bed for 10 minutes this morning. Physical Therapy wants me to bring his prothesis and walker for tomorrow. He is more alert. Still with the trach in he can not talk. But tomorrow they are going to put another type of trach in that will allow him to talk. Good for him but I'm not sure I am totally ready.

Thanks for all the prayers, they are surely working.

Sue

Monday - July 20

2009-07-20T13:17:00.003-04:00

Steve was really awake when I got to see him this morning. He had been off the vent for over 24 hours. They have discontinued his antibiotics. Physical Therapy is talking about trying to get him up tomorrow. Pancreas is still draining quite a bit and doctor says it may still be "smoldering". But we will definitely celebrate the good

Sue

Sunday, July 19

2009-07-19T20:36:00.003-04:00

Sunday night - Steve's white count is down to 7,000 which is well within normal. He has not had any sedation and only minimal pain medication. He is awake and knows me. Obviously he can not talk and hand coorrdination does not allow him to write. The doctor said that maybe tomorrow they can put a smaller trach in and speech therapy can help him start talking. I put the golf game on TV for him today. I think he did more listening than watching.

Sue

Saturday, 3:15pm another good day

2009-07-18T15:16:00.003-04:00

Steve is more awake. He now has the "fidgits", anything he can get hs fingers on he fidgits with. I have had his hands untied today so he has kept me busy. His white count is down to 12,000, which is great. He has currently been off the vent since about 11:30 this morning and is having no problems. He has had no sedation and only occasional pain meds. The prayers are working. Thanks again for all your support.

Sue

Friday - What a great day!

2009-07-17T11:52:00.003-04:00

When I came in this morning @ 9am it took me a couple of minutes to realize Steve was not connected to the vent, he was just on oxygen. They disconnected the vent at 8:30am. It is now noon and he continues to breath on his own. If I really try to wake him he will squeeze my hand if I ask him. He has had no sedation or pain medicine since last night. The pancreas continues to drain. Maybe this is the turning point

Sue

2009-07-16T14:58:00.003-04:00

Thursday, 3:pm - The CT assisted drainage of the pancreas went well. He us back in his bed in ICU. There is a lot of drainage continuing. He of course is still not awake. Thanks for all your prayers annd concern.

Sue, Stephen and Annie

Steve day 13

2009-07-16T12:30:00.003-04:00

Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:30pm- As the doctors pointed out to me, today is day 13. Compared to a week ago Steve is no worse but no better. Time to regroup. He is not awake enough to know that I am here. The trach went well, and I can tell he is more comfortable. He will be going to Radiology at 1:00pm to have a drain put in his pancreas. That will allow them to drain, culture and if needed put a scope in to look around. His white count is continuing to rise so they have changed his antibiotics. None of the various cultures of blood, lung, urine etc has grown any bugs.

2009-07-15T13:30:00.003-04:00

Wednesday, July 15 1:30pm - Today is a waiting day. Since Steve is having so many problems getting off the vent, he will have a traheostomy done sometime today, probably after 4pm. This will allow him to get rid of the tube in his mouth and throat and be more comfortable. Unfortunately, his white count has climbed a little and he has a fever. The surgeon and the critcal care specialist are going to have a conference this afternoon. So we are just waiting.

Thanks for all your prayers and support. It means so much to me and Steve (even is he is not awake)

Sue

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 11:40am

2009-07-14T11:38:00.003-04:00

Steve is still pretty sedated. Not sure if he knows I am there or not. His white count has actully come down a significant amount. Surgeon visited this morning and has decided against doing a biopsy of Steve's pancreas. - This is good news. Still facing a long recovery. Physical Therapy is now making daily visits to exercise his legs.

Monday, July 13, 2009

2009-07-13T19:37:00.003-04:00

Today was another quiet day for Steve. He remains on the ventelator and sedated. White count is continuing to slowly come down - which is encouraging. They did a CT scan today. Will get the results tomorrow. He totally failed the ventalator test today. Please, keep us in your prayers. Thanks for all the support

Sue

Sunday, July 12 Update

2009-07-12T17:02:00.000-04:00

Sunday is still a quiet day. He had the vent turned off for 1hr and 40mins before he got too tired and had to have it turned back on. He was never really awake. The doctors are encouraged that his white count and Bands(?) are coming down. We will have to see what tomorrow brings.Could you help me set-up some kind of website/blog so I could let those interested have an update. This is going to be a long process.Thanks for all your support and prayers.

Sue