Phil got Dov's happiness at being on the 9th floor on video, but after the operation which is taking place right now he will be in ICU again so they can monitor his recovery closer.
I will write more when he comes out of the surgery
View Video
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
PRE-OP UPDATE
The surgery to drain fluid off Dov's brain is now scheduled for Thursday.
The complications and risks are quite high and we are preparing for a long day of waiting tomorrow.
Dov has had a surprisingly calm and talkative day. Remembering how he likes to make omelette's with mushrooms and telling mom that "God has a plan...he is in control". He also told mom he was grateful to her and that he wasn't sure if Denise knew how grateful he was to her also.
When I spoke with him he was much quicker with answers and he made sure to remind me to "bring candy when you come"!
Tomorrow we will learn more about the extent of work needing done in Dov's head, and I hope to be in a position to report a positive prognosis.
The complications and risks are quite high and we are preparing for a long day of waiting tomorrow.
Dov has had a surprisingly calm and talkative day. Remembering how he likes to make omelette's with mushrooms and telling mom that "God has a plan...he is in control". He also told mom he was grateful to her and that he wasn't sure if Denise knew how grateful he was to her also.
When I spoke with him he was much quicker with answers and he made sure to remind me to "bring candy when you come"!
Tomorrow we will learn more about the extent of work needing done in Dov's head, and I hope to be in a position to report a positive prognosis.
Moving up
Dov was moved up to the 9th floor!
Getting out of ICU is a big step in the right direction. The danger of catching pneumonia, or other kinds of infection is higher in the tight confines of ICU not to mention the moral boost this is for the rest of the family hearing he is doing well enough to move up!
Although there is a "sitter" when mom isn't there, who has to keep him from trying to get out of bed and walking, he is no longer restrained and is able to hold things in his hands and move his arms. With the back braces on he is allowed to sit in the wheel chair and has even been taken outside for a breath of fresh air. Dov often doesn't know why he cannot stand on his leg or move without the back brace and he can be too strong physically (and willed) for mom when he gets a bee in his bonnet, but for the most part he is complying. The doctors have Dov's leg in a machine that keeps the leg in motion and flexing about 3 hours a day, and so far are pleased with the recovery he is making. When I last spoke with him on the phone as we were saying goodbye I told him I loved him and he said "Yeah...you gotta make sure that keeps working"!
Ditto Dov!
Getting out of ICU is a big step in the right direction. The danger of catching pneumonia, or other kinds of infection is higher in the tight confines of ICU not to mention the moral boost this is for the rest of the family hearing he is doing well enough to move up!
Although there is a "sitter" when mom isn't there, who has to keep him from trying to get out of bed and walking, he is no longer restrained and is able to hold things in his hands and move his arms. With the back braces on he is allowed to sit in the wheel chair and has even been taken outside for a breath of fresh air. Dov often doesn't know why he cannot stand on his leg or move without the back brace and he can be too strong physically (and willed) for mom when he gets a bee in his bonnet, but for the most part he is complying. The doctors have Dov's leg in a machine that keeps the leg in motion and flexing about 3 hours a day, and so far are pleased with the recovery he is making. When I last spoke with him on the phone as we were saying goodbye I told him I loved him and he said "Yeah...you gotta make sure that keeps working"!
Ditto Dov!
Visit With Denise
(July 1) about 2:00 Denise went to visit Dov. She took Dov a hand held electric game (Connect 4). (Sara pointed out to us that he likes to keep his hands busy.) He played with it a short time and then set it aside, indicating that he would like to have it available later.
When Denise arrived, the nurse told her that Dov had yet to finish his lunch, so she could help him with it. Denise started to feed him, but when they took a break Dov picked up the fork and fed himself.
When Denise asked Dov if she could get him anything, he said: "A broken spirit." Denise asked why and Dov said: "To get out of this establishment." Denise then told him that it seems that his spirit is strong, but some parts of his body still need mending and that is why he is still in the hospital.
Overall Dov seemed calm. He was not agitated like he was a few days ago.
When Denise arrived, the nurse told her that Dov had yet to finish his lunch, so she could help him with it. Denise started to feed him, but when they took a break Dov picked up the fork and fed himself.
When Denise asked Dov if she could get him anything, he said: "A broken spirit." Denise asked why and Dov said: "To get out of this establishment." Denise then told him that it seems that his spirit is strong, but some parts of his body still need mending and that is why he is still in the hospital.
Overall Dov seemed calm. He was not agitated like he was a few days ago.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Video Clip from the Campbells visit
I asked Dov if he would like to send a greeting. He said: "Best momentum to the people." Still struggling with the right vocabulary words, but his spirits are good. We think his intention was something like "I hope everyone is doing well." View Video
Dov enjoying the "feel" of a computer.
Dov is having some ups and downs. Much of the concern today is getting his old medical records reconciled with the current ones and making sure obsolete medications are stopped and the proper "new" ones get given asap. His medical history charts take up volumes and keeping medications straight is a thankless and time consuming chore and mom is having to slog through it alone at the moment.
Dov has had moments of calm and active awareness when he can smile and even joke although he has trouble always finding the "perfect" word for the situation. Uncle Phil got a great little video of him greeting folks, which I will try and post, but although he tires out quickly he has had some very sweet and touching moments with mom. Of course the progress so far is interspersed with bouts of extreme frustration, anger, and pain. We can't say if he truly understands the extent of his injuries or how aware he is of the time it may take to get back on his feet, but the reality is sinking in within the family and everyone is taking a deep breath in preparation for the long trip...
The doctors are tentatively planning surgery on Thursday to drill 2 holes into Dov's frontal lobe in order to drain the excess blood and relieve some pressure. This sounds pretty scary, but the hope is that by doing it now he will avoid or at least minimize the chance of having this become an issue later.
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