John has shown several physical improvements this week and is eager to see his friends. Physical therapy is steadily improving with an aggressive goal of getting John ready and acceptable to a rehabilitation center. He actually has physical control over the remote control now which he is extremely proud of! He is able to sit up each day for quite some time and slowly gaining strength in extremities.
Many people have been offering whatever help they could - if you have some time, the family is encouraging visitors to spend time with John. Popping in to say hello and let him know you're thinking and still pulling for his recovery would be great. I've tried to help the family cover schedule conflicts so that someone is always there to sit with John, and work schedules make this difficult. So if you've got some time, it would be wonderful if you could volunteer. Just let us know.
More later...
Thanks everyone.
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Friday, June 26, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day
I'm headed to see John this morning - Roanoke Mem Hospital, rm 884. I spent some time with John Friday night. His spirits are pretty good considering where he's at in his quest for recovery. He was pretty worn out though from the PT he endured during the day. He was able to sit up on the side of the bed for quite some time and both with help and without any assistance. He continues to amaze everyone with his physical strength and endurance - but that's the John we all know.
Rehab
As we've talked about before, everyone is very interested in getting John to a rehab facility that will enable him to get stronger and healthier faster, but also give him the medical attention he needs going forward. Although there seems to have been some difficulty finding a center, there is still hope amongst his caregivers that a Roanoke facility is still an option. The most difficult part: john must be able to endure at least 3 hours of intense physical training per 8 hour shift. So, John is working very hard right now to get ready and looks forward to the progress. So if you do drop in to see John, please encourage his progress. The movement he has now in his arms, hands and legs is a great achievement and anyone in the physical therapy or medical world should be impressed with the progress he's made.
We did have one scare Friday night. Before I left for the night, John's nurse came in to check vitals, etc. and noticed his blood sugar maxed out the device at over 500. Concerned, she discussed with John's doctor and John was given a couple doses of insulin over an hour and a half. Not sure what spiked the blood sugar count, but catching it and the insulin brought it back down to a normal level in no time. Obviously, John's nurse kept a close eye on it all night and John did not endure anymore problems.
Again, Happy Father's day everyone. I'll update later after seeing John this morning.
Thanks everyone.
Online Donation Account:
Rehab
As we've talked about before, everyone is very interested in getting John to a rehab facility that will enable him to get stronger and healthier faster, but also give him the medical attention he needs going forward. Although there seems to have been some difficulty finding a center, there is still hope amongst his caregivers that a Roanoke facility is still an option. The most difficult part: john must be able to endure at least 3 hours of intense physical training per 8 hour shift. So, John is working very hard right now to get ready and looks forward to the progress. So if you do drop in to see John, please encourage his progress. The movement he has now in his arms, hands and legs is a great achievement and anyone in the physical therapy or medical world should be impressed with the progress he's made.
We did have one scare Friday night. Before I left for the night, John's nurse came in to check vitals, etc. and noticed his blood sugar maxed out the device at over 500. Concerned, she discussed with John's doctor and John was given a couple doses of insulin over an hour and a half. Not sure what spiked the blood sugar count, but catching it and the insulin brought it back down to a normal level in no time. Obviously, John's nurse kept a close eye on it all night and John did not endure anymore problems.
Again, Happy Father's day everyone. I'll update later after seeing John this morning.
Thanks everyone.
Online Donation Account:
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
John is looking good, still searching for rehab
I finally got to see John last night after work - haven't seen him since before the Florida trip (for work)... It was great to see him and watch him show off his new tricks - He's got a lot more ability to move his arms and legs than the week before last. He's been receiving physical therapy as usual and everyone remains impressed with his continual improvement.
John is still being considered for a move to a rehab facility. There just hasn't been any luck so far. The family is hopeful to hear better news this week or at least by early next week. There is a possibility that he can receive the needed rehab and medical attention at home, although that may be as a last resort - John seems too sick for some rehab centers, but not sick enough for hospitalization. We'll simply have to wait and see how the search progresses.
John is in room 884 Mountain at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Lastly, we're always looking for ways to help John, Lisa and the family. So to all you community organizers out there, please be thinking of ways to help the family through this. As you can imagine, tough times still lie ahead so we must keep in mind that our good friends and family are in need. Please keep the ideas and generosity flowing.
Please continue to keep John, Lisa and family in your thoughts and prayers.
Online Donation Account:
John is still being considered for a move to a rehab facility. There just hasn't been any luck so far. The family is hopeful to hear better news this week or at least by early next week. There is a possibility that he can receive the needed rehab and medical attention at home, although that may be as a last resort - John seems too sick for some rehab centers, but not sick enough for hospitalization. We'll simply have to wait and see how the search progresses.
John is in room 884 Mountain at Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Lastly, we're always looking for ways to help John, Lisa and the family. So to all you community organizers out there, please be thinking of ways to help the family through this. As you can imagine, tough times still lie ahead so we must keep in mind that our good friends and family are in need. Please keep the ideas and generosity flowing.
Please continue to keep John, Lisa and family in your thoughts and prayers.
Online Donation Account:
Monday, June 8, 2009
John back in Roanoke
Greetings from Florida (again)...
John was transferred back to Roanoke Memorial Hospital on Friday last week. He remains in stable condition and is awaiting acceptance to a rehabilitation facility. Doctors believe if he can get the needed strength and conditioning that he can later go back for the needed surgery to repair his internal abdominal injuries that have thus far been unable to heal and his body has not been healthy enough for surgery.
We hope to hear very soon if John is accepted to the Carilion Rehab Center in Roanoke. Until then, John can be seen at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He is no longer in ICU and can see friends and family. I'll update everyone as soon as I know he has been accepted or if there is going to be a move.
Thanks everyone - please let me know if you have any questions.
Please continue to support John, Lisa and family as they go through this very difficult time.
Online Donation Account:
John was transferred back to Roanoke Memorial Hospital on Friday last week. He remains in stable condition and is awaiting acceptance to a rehabilitation facility. Doctors believe if he can get the needed strength and conditioning that he can later go back for the needed surgery to repair his internal abdominal injuries that have thus far been unable to heal and his body has not been healthy enough for surgery.
We hope to hear very soon if John is accepted to the Carilion Rehab Center in Roanoke. Until then, John can be seen at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He is no longer in ICU and can see friends and family. I'll update everyone as soon as I know he has been accepted or if there is going to be a move.
Thanks everyone - please let me know if you have any questions.
Please continue to support John, Lisa and family as they go through this very difficult time.
Online Donation Account:
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Seeing imrpovement
What a week... I've been stuck in a sales meeting and working into the night every day this week. I apologize for no entries thus far this week.
John's status
John has had a really good few days, dating back to last week. This past weekend I could not believe how good he looked. He was able to sit in a chair in his room again while we were there and his speech continues to improve. The medical staff that is overseeing him has been steadily reducing the amount of medications and treatments he's been receiving.
Wednesday, June 3 early AM, John actually moved OUT of ICU again. So he is now in a new room off of the ICU floor. I will post his new room info soon.
Also, two days in a row now, John has sat up on the side of his bed, feet dangling toward the floor - this is a great sign and use of the mobility that he does have. Yes he required some help, but getting him to do those things is great for his body and his mind, and he is still getting PT each day.
Today's new news comes two-fold - Believe it or not, but the medical staff in charge of John's treatment are currently also taking care of two other people with Wegner's disease. One is a mild case, the other has a more severe condition. I thought that was very interesting as well as it's a good feeling to know that John seems to have been sent to the right place and is in the best of hands.
The other news for today is the medical staff is considering moving John to a rehab facility. Although he is still very sick, John has not had an infection in quite some time, is breathing extremely well and seems to respond to all the tests they put him through. The fact remains that he requires a major surgery which the staff believes is months away - they want him as strong as possible. Now, obviously he'll continue to need medical attention and if the Wegener's remains under control, the medical staff believe it would be best for John to begin a true rehabilitation program and get strong enough for surgery in a couple months. That's the thought for today, so we'll hang tight and see what happens.
All for now. Again, I apologize for the late posting. Please continue to support John, Lisa and family as they go through this very difficult time.
Online Donation Account:
John's status
John has had a really good few days, dating back to last week. This past weekend I could not believe how good he looked. He was able to sit in a chair in his room again while we were there and his speech continues to improve. The medical staff that is overseeing him has been steadily reducing the amount of medications and treatments he's been receiving.
Wednesday, June 3 early AM, John actually moved OUT of ICU again. So he is now in a new room off of the ICU floor. I will post his new room info soon.
Also, two days in a row now, John has sat up on the side of his bed, feet dangling toward the floor - this is a great sign and use of the mobility that he does have. Yes he required some help, but getting him to do those things is great for his body and his mind, and he is still getting PT each day.
Today's new news comes two-fold - Believe it or not, but the medical staff in charge of John's treatment are currently also taking care of two other people with Wegner's disease. One is a mild case, the other has a more severe condition. I thought that was very interesting as well as it's a good feeling to know that John seems to have been sent to the right place and is in the best of hands.
The other news for today is the medical staff is considering moving John to a rehab facility. Although he is still very sick, John has not had an infection in quite some time, is breathing extremely well and seems to respond to all the tests they put him through. The fact remains that he requires a major surgery which the staff believes is months away - they want him as strong as possible. Now, obviously he'll continue to need medical attention and if the Wegener's remains under control, the medical staff believe it would be best for John to begin a true rehabilitation program and get strong enough for surgery in a couple months. That's the thought for today, so we'll hang tight and see what happens.
All for now. Again, I apologize for the late posting. Please continue to support John, Lisa and family as they go through this very difficult time.
Online Donation Account:
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