We happily report that Fred's nasogastric feeding tube was removed this morning after his X-Rays. Fred is still having difficulty swallowing, especially water and other "thin" liquids. So, for now, his therapists have him on a diet of thickened liquids.
Everyday he's getting better. We are all visualizing him home for Christmas.
Helen says Fred continues to make progress in rehab. His spirits appear to be up as well. During occupational therapy this weekend Fred said, "Well, it's not Jai-alai," after completing a dexterity exercise using his right hand.
Tomorrow he is scheduled for an X-Ray to see if this feeding tube can finally be removed.
Fred is on regular schedule now, with therapy both in the morning and in the afternoon. His therapists say that he is doing great. They are especially impressed by how well he is responding at this early stage. Helen says that she can already see improvement.
An overview of the rehab program can be found here.
Also, if anyone would like to stop by for a brief visit, Fred is in Room 311 at Baptist Health Medical Center. If he is not in the room when you come by, check the rehab center on the main floor. Helen says that the therapists are working him very hard so visits need to be kept to a quick hello.
Once again, we are so thankful for everyone's calls, comments, and emails. They have been an important part of this healing process. We also feel grateful for all the incredible medical professionals at UAMS and at Baptist Health. The care they have given Fred has been exceptional.
Most of all, we are thankful for Fred.
Another big step forward today — Fred is now out of UAMS and in Baptist Health Rehab Institute. He made the move early this afternoon and his physical therapist says he is doing great. Though swallowing is still an issue, this is something rehab can handle.
Also we found out over the weekend that his bacterial infection was the result of a contaminated sample. Happily we mark that off our list of concerns.
Lots to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!
Yesterday was another good day. Fred was talkative and engaged. Dr. Adada said he expects a complete recovery if things continue at the same pace.
Today we are taking the grandchildren for their first visit.
A day of rest. Some minor issues with the feeding tube this morning that were immediately taken care of by Dr. Almefty. Otherwise stable and improving.
Though things have been going really well today, Fred failed his swallowing test this afternoon. The doctors tell us not to be discouraged. He's just not quite ready yet.
Katherine just called to say that Fred is making remarkable improvements. "Unbelievable," was the word she kept using as she described her visit this morning. Today, she said, Fred has been sitting upright in bed and talking about what he can and can't remember from the past two weeks. Katherine said his speech came strong and clear. He asked about family and he chimed in on conversation. These are exciting developments.
On his schedule for this afternoon is another swallowing test to determine whether or not the feeding tube can be removed. Once Fred is off the feeding tube and over the bacterial infection, he can move to a rehabilitation clinic.
More progress today, Fred is now moving his right foot as well as his right hand. Katherine reports that his speech was stronger this evening.
Dr. Adada and Dr. Almefty both came in today. They are very encouraged by Fred's progress. They are not worried about the bacterial infection.
Fred moved his right hand for the first time today.
Fred's on an new round of antibiotics to counter a slight bacterial infection.
Helen reports that he was talking a lot this afternoon. Also he had a good swallowing test today. Hopefully the feeding tube will be removed in a couple of days.
Now that Fred is out of ICU, we are all focused on therapy and recovery. Here's the three main issues:
2 ultrasounds today, they're still keeping tabs on the internal shunt. Otherwise Fred has had a restful day. Lots of sleep. Dr. Adada says sleep is good.
With that in mind, Katherine says that Fred asked about his briefcase this afternoon.
Katherine just called. They are moving Fred into a new room today. Goodbye ICU!
Though Fred is still being treated for pneumonia, Dr Adada said, once again, that he is very pleased with Fred's progress. Adada also said that after tomorrow the threat of vasospasm decreases substantially, which is great news. If all continues to go well we should be seeing him out of ICU in a couple days.
I forgot to mention yesterday's removal of an intra-arterial line. This line constantly monitors blood pressure in acute care settings. Since Fred's condition is improving, this type of critical monitoring is no longer needed.
Today Dr. Almefty said that we are moving out of the critical stage. Though we are not out of the woods, at least now we can start concentrating on recovery and rehabilitation.
This week Fred will be transfered from ICU to a new hospital room.
At this moment, there is no time table in place but we expect recovery to be a long and gradual process. As always we are optimistic and confident that things are moving in the right direction.
Thank you everyone for your wonderful emails and support.
The respiratory doctor says it sounds like he is improving today.
More antibiotics to counter a slight case of pneumonia.
The CT scan today shows that the internal shunt is working as it should.
Just a note to say that starting tomorrow room 680 will not be available for us to use. If you are coming to UAMS to visit, go to the general waiting room on the 6th floor (turn right when you get off the elevator and you'll find everyone).
Fred is starting a round of antibiotics today to counter a recent build up of fluid in his lungs. This fluid is unrelated to drainage from the internal shunt.
Neurologically, the doctors are very pleased with Fred's condition.
Dr. Adada said today's CT scan looked good.
Another CT scan this morning. Fred was moved from his bed to a recliner for physical therapy. The therapist said that aneursym cases this serious can take several months of work. We are taking everything moment by moment. We move forward with hope.
Surgery this evening was a success! Fred went in at 6:30 and by 8:00 they were done. Everyone is elated. This shunt will hopefully relieve the pressure on the brain which is thought to be the cause for the labored speech and the weakness in the right side of the body. Once again, we are so very very thankful for this amazing team of physicians. Everyone involved has been so kind and respectful.
Another point for clarification: they are moving Fred off an External Ventricular Drainage or EVD system today (I called it a ventriculostomy drain).
Another procedure this afternoon, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt will replace the ventriculostomy drain currently in place. The ventriculoperitoneal shunt runs inside the body and moves excess fluid from the brain into the abdomen where it is then absorbed. The doctors want to replace the ventriculostomy drain with this interior shunt in order to prevent possible infection. This procedure is extremely common in treating hydrocephalus.
Katherine has been in ICU all morning and reports that Fred is doing well. She says mainly he has been sleeping, but when awake, he has been trying to speak. Katherine said she heard him say very clearly "I want to get out of here." We are very encouraged by his progress.