Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Good morning! I am at the hospital early this am because they found a clot in Ken's right leg yesterday. After additional tests last night they started a heavier dose of blood thinners and will be putting in a filter today to keep the clot from reaching his lung or brain and causing further damage. This type of clot development is not uncommon if you are not moving for a while similar to the clot that can develop during a long airplane ride. He had swelling in his right leg that wouldn't go away and he complained of pain when I was putting lotion on his leg. We pointed this out to the doctor which led to the tests. Continue praying and I will post after the procedure.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Well, I finally have power in the house now. The one thing I have learned in the last month is to appreciate every day as it comes. We spend so much time looking ahead that we miss the things happening around us that we should be grateful for. In the last month my husband had a stroke,and we survived an earthquake and a hurricane in the same week. To top it all off my brother, Dalas was in a car accident tonight. He is ok, just a few cuts and bruises, Thank God! He had the dogs with him and Bo and Pink are fine as well.

Ken was a little down yesterday. I think he realizes his limitations more and the storm didn't help. The nurse told me that he was worried abut me during the storm. He is the one that takes care of things. In the short time we have been married, I have come to depend on him. Took me a while to find the flashlights in the house yesterday. He was better today and we had a good conversation with the director of the stroke program, Dr. Conroy. He has some swelling in his right leg that we are watching carefully. They will be doing a Doppler test to see if there are any additional clots in his leg in the morning. Hopefully it is just a minor issue and not a clot. Because he is so young they are being aggressive in his rehab and will be doing electronic stimulation to the muscles in his right arm soon. The good thing is that he is still aware of his right side and is learning to use his left hand and leg to support the right. His speech is returning very slowly. We are seeing a new word or pattern each day but not a complete thought yet. This is probably the most frustrating thing for him. He is thinking something but can't express the thought.

Take time out of your busy lives to appreciate each day and the small joys!
Good night!

Saturday part 2

The hurricane has arrived! Luckily I had arrived at my brother's house already. The power is out here now as well. I am exhausted so I am turning in. I tucked Ken into bed before I left the hospital so he should be safe for the night. I hope this is all over by the morning. I do get to spend some quality time with my puppy so that is good
Good night!

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Still waiting on the hurricane. I have everything but the kitchen sink in my car so I am prepared to stay overnight at this hospital if needed. I probably will go to my brother's tonight and spend some time with my dog who I haven't seen in three weeks. Ken had a full morning of therapy and he is comfortably in bed now waiting on dinner to arrive. More attempts to communicate something to me today that I don't get completely. It has something to do with the rain.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Happy Friday! I missed a few days and I apologize for that but we did have an earthquake and we are now preparing for a hurricane on top of everything else. Ken is becoming more independent each day. Today he transferred from the wheelchair to the bed by himself. The hospital would prefer that he not do this because there is a risk of falling but I appreciate his independent spirit.

I have to tell you all how blessed we are. We are surrounded by people who are praying for us, helping us get the things we need, sending cards, flowers and gifts, and visiting Ken. I cannot express how grateful we are for all of this.

Stay safe this weekend !

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Well I hope you all survived the earthquake! What a shock! Ken and I are both fine. My first full day back at work and there is an earthquake. Is this a sign?? So I was able to get to the hospital early since the office closed. Ken had a pretty rigorous physical therapy session. He did very well at standing, bearing weight on his right arm and leg and taking small steps. The effort wore him out so he fell fast asleep right after dinner.

When he first had the surgery the sight of his head being slightly sunken in was very shocking. Then the swelling filled it out too much and that was hard to get used to. The swelling is down considerably now and the sunken side is a welcome sight. It means that he is healing and the more the swelling reduces the more function he will regain. He is in good spirits and I am grateful for that. Tomorrow is his treatment team meeting and we will set a potential discharge date. I am excited to see what they determine. More to come tomorrow!

Good night!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Today was my first day back to work.  I lasted an hour.  My Director is wonderful and sent me out to do something for myself and get some rest.  This was really needed.  I went to lunch and came home and took a nap.  I feel so much better.  Ken had a full therapy day today.  His swelling is coming down noticeably now.  Each day he is more alert and interactive.  Tonight was the first time I saw that his memory is okay.  The Social Worker had left me some papers earlier in the day on the nightstand and he made sure I found them before I left.  He was tired tonight so I was able to get home a little earlier.  It is funny how he tells me to go home by waving his hand at me.  Each day I see him coming back more and more.  We still have a long way to go but we will be alright!
Good night!