Fred Harrison

The Eagle Has Landed

Home today!

We couldn't ask for a better Christmas present.

Great Report

Fred will be coming home on December 23! Helen and Katherine Wyrick met with his team of physicians and therapists this morning. The team praised his phenomenal progress. They said his fine motor skills are getting better and that his long term memory is fully in tact. Also, he passed his swallowing test today, so now he can eat anything. Once he gets home, he will continue with out patient physical therapy but overall he has come a long long way. We are amazed and thankful. He has shown great will and determination throughout his therapy. We can't wait to see him back home.

With Apologies To Frost

In reference to Fred's shopping cart comment from December 3rd, one of his admirers has worked up this bit of inspirational verse. I can't wait to hear Fred's response when he hears:

(With apologies to "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening")

"Schlepping with Cart on a Non-Snowy Evening"

By: Roberta Frost

Whose cart this is I think I know
It's not for common retail, though
It's never carried Veuve Cliquot
Or held a case of good merlot

The little cart must think it queer
To take up occupation here
It's Southern Baptist, born and bred
Yet yearns to learn to dance with Fred

It gives its metal slats a shake
To ask if dancing's a mistake
But cue the tango and it proves
It's got the wheels -- Fred's got the moves

The dance is lovely, pure and sweet
Four wheels are waltzing with two feet
Fred's leading where the cart is led
The two step is for six instead

And soon they'll leave this Baptist lair
And shouts of joy will fill the air
When Fred and Helen, at Wal-Mart
Buy chips, then salsa with a cart

Practice

Using a walker today and practicing getting in and out of a car.

Doing Great

Eating solid food, walking with a shopping cart ("getting ready for Wal-Mart," he said), speaking clearly, and making amazing progress!

X-Ray Results

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.

More Good News From Rehab

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.

Rehab Is Going Well

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.

Rehabilitation

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!

Another Good Day

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.

Resting

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.

Swallowing Test

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.

Remarkable Improvements

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.

Right Foot

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.

Right Hand

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.