Thursday, May 31, 2012

Professional help

We are impressed with the help received during Margie's recovery.  Yesterday the Faith Community Nurse Transition Support Team person came to help us as Margie left Rehab and is home to receive further care from  Home Health.  It is wonderful to have such competent people interested in our well being. Please continue your prayers for Margie as physical therapy at home will start soon. We appreciate your help in prayer.Margie had a very good night.  She is happy to be home.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

First night home in 21 days

Margie left Rehab at 10 yesterday morning and had her first day and night at home . She did well last night and slept well.  There are several adjustments to be made.  She has enormous difficulty rising from a sitting position. This has nothing to do with her shoulder surgery.  It is the condition of her inoperable knee caps that make it so difficult. She is doing well however and things so far are going well.  A volunteer nurse is coming today to evaluate her situation and offer any help needed.  We are blessed to have such loving help on every hand.  Joy was to have a dental appointment but we haven't heard the results.  Thanks for praying. We need it and appreciate it. 

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Discharge Day

Today Margie should come home.  It takes about 2  hours for checkout we were told.  Then at home we will have the Home Care crew take over and that will take several hours.  When they determine Margie can do required routines on her own (with my help), they will transfer her therapy to a local firm in Ferndale where I will take her twice weekly.  We know it's going to be a long haul.  Margie is gaining strength and we are grateful for this.  Joy also goes today for a dental exam.  A nurse will accompany her to help because Joy cannot hear or communicate with words.  Joy is not walking now like they want her to. Please pray they will be given wisdom to know how to correct this.  We thank each of you for your prayer support for these concerns and Margie's continued recovery.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Last minute details

Today Rawlie and Nathan are installing a grab bar in the bathroom which requires some expertise to accomplish.  I appreciate so much their help.  I have just about completed putting one on the garage to family room door. I go this morning to get a special transfer tub bench according to specifications. I must get all in order now because for the next number of days I cannot leave Margie alone.  The Occupational Therapist and Social services worker strongly emphasized this.  Yesterday Margie did experience some pain but it was less than other days.  We are thankful for that.  She had visitors.  Margie walked down to see Joy, accompanied by a therapist on both trips.  Joy had her fingernails clipped.  We watched in awe as the nurse did this.  Before Joy would never have allowed anyone to "mess" with her fingers.  The nurse with great skill completed the job.  We wonder if Joy knew that the reward for cooperation was a glass of chocolate milk.  At any rate it was great. Please pray as tomorrow Margie comes home, Lord willing, and Joy goes to the dentist.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Countdown

The countdown is on but we surely don't have much to count.  Monday is Margie's last full day.  As time permits we are getting the final touches done to the house so Marge can come home.  As mentioned before, the  Occupational Therapist who inspected our house, made some rules for us and we are doing those things. Thankfully our son and grandson are here to help as well.  Joy seemed quite content yesterday.  They have switched to puree now and she is eating all her meal instead of picking and choosing what she wants. She has always had trouble chewing making it extremely difficult at meal time.  Thanks for praying.We all need it.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Discharge date

Yesterday we received confirmation that Margie's discharge will be May 29.  That is the day she comes home.  We are grateful for the few extra days given her in Rehab.  Another blessing is Home Care which will be given us for several days after which we start physical therapy in Ferndale.  In between time spent with Margie at Rehab, I am endeavoring to get all the requirements done around the house which the Occupational Therapist requested when she did a home visit this week.  There is never a dull moment that's for sure.  As mentioned previously, Joy will have a dental appointment the day Margie comes home.  Please pray as they try to determine her problem of not eating as well as she previously did. Thanks for praying for Margie and me as I get the house in order for her. Most of this involves installing more grab bars and removing all throw rugs and doing several other things for her safety's sake. We thank you.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Delayed

Margie's discharge was delayed because the home evaluation revealed some things that should be done before she is able to return. Besides this, she is working on climbing steps.  This is difficult for her and we have two steps to get into the house.  Long ago we had given thought to a ramp but never did it.  This is because her inoperable knees make it very difficult and extremely painful.  So now with not being able to use her right hand for anything, makes it hard to go through these maneuvers. We heard yesterday unofficially, that Group Health was giving her one more day.  If so, that means today is the last.  But we don't know yet. I am buying the material to install even more grab bars. You can't imagine how many we ALREADY have. I am waiting word how Margie did last night.  If any thing changes I will edit this report and publish it.  Thanks so much for praying. It means so much to us.  We do have a major concern with our daughter Joy.  She has stopped eating like she customarily does.  She will have a dental appointment next week.  Her blood work also indicated some deficiencies.  Please pray as they try to determine what sort of discomfort she is experiencing.  Her not being able to talk makes this very challenging.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

45 minutes at home

Yesterday the Occupational Therapists followed our car to our home and did a home visit to determine how things were for Margie's ability to function when she comes home.  It was pretty favorable. She was impressed with all the grab bars we had installed for her safety.  She gave other ideas which we will implement as soon as we are here long enough to work on them. Margie had visitors yesterday and also a lady from a group associated with the Christian Health Care Center who make personal calls to patients after their discharge. She arranged her first visit to our home to help Margie.  So it was a busy day and Margie was plenty tired out by the time we returned to the Rehab.   I saw Joy several times during the day.  They are working on her tryihng to determine just what is going on.  She is not eating normally, which for her is very unusual.  Please pray.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Transfer

We are learning new terminology about this rehab business.  Yesterday Margie was taken to our car in the Christian Health Care Center parking lot and did a "dry run" on getting into and out of the car. It is called "transfer".  That went well. It has been my great concern.  Today the Occupational Therapist will follow us to our home in Ferndale and do a "walk through" our house to see how Margie does in the different areas.  One thing I was not able to install before she came was a handrail from the garage into our family room.  There is a handicap item which will do it but I haven't had time to order it and get it here and installed.   (Margie just called and for the first time in 13 days at Rehab, she had a sleepless early morning.  The nurse gave some medication and she finally went to sleep.  I have made all arrangements for Margie's therapy here in Ferndale when she comes home.  We start next Tuesday morning.  Please continue to pray she will get the motion in her arm needed for complete recovery from this delicate surgery. Thank you.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Discharge around the corner

Yesterday we met with Dr. Woo, Margie's surgeon and he gave her a good report.  He also signed authorization for further physical therapy in the facility of our choice in Ferndale. In the afternoon we met with a committee to evaluate Margie's progress in their Rehab Center.  They concluded she is doing quite well.  There are still issues with her entering and leaving our car and house which will have to be worked out.  They questioned us about hand rails into our house.  I said we only had one which was built for me when I had knee replacement surgery and it's on the right side.  Margie needs one on the left side. So, we will work on this. In this meeting we were told that insurance would pay for Margie's care through Thursday of this week.  Friday, Lord willing, we will bring her to our home. Please pray that all these details will be worked out satisfactorily.
The Christian Health Care Center nurse in charge of Joy communicated their concern with Joy's health.  They are doing some tests on her.  She is not eating like she did before and we know this is not normal.  Please pray they will be able to help her.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Post surgery check-up

Today Margie sees Dr. Woo, her surgeon, Bellingham, Washington.  She will be taken there by the Christian Health Care Center special van. I am thinking of going with her in the van and not drive our car. (If they will permit this) Yesterday Margie had a good day.  She received some new therapy techniques which she said were very favorable.  We went to the Activity Center in the afternoon to hear our friend Grace Stowell play classical music. She did an excellent job and everybody applauded. I am waiting word now to find out if Margie had a good night last night.  I trust she did. (She just called and had a good night) Thank you for praying.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Ups and downs

We are thankful Margie had a good night.  Yesterday was very hard on her.  The pain level was severe and she could have no more medication for pain.  A skilled physical therapist came with a special stimulation machine and with that and some teaching points and massage her pain subsided.  It was a blessing.  They have increased her pain medication so that it will remain at a constant point, thereby eliminating the ups and downs on the pain level. Please pray as they carefully get the motion into her shoulder.  It is a delicate process and painful.  Thanks so much for praying.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Better report

Margie just called and we are so thankful she had a good night.  They had changed her medication and she was concerned about sleeping.  She did well. Yesterday she did well in her therapy as well. The therapist had her walk quite a distance down to see our daughter Joy, without using the Hemi -walker.  That was quite a walk.  In the afternoon she asked the therapist if I could accompany her down to see Joy and she gave permission.  She did well using the walker.  Margie had several visitors yesterday, including our pastor and today more are coming. We meet with the Margie's surgeon Monday morning and in the afternoon we have a conference at the Rehab Center to assess Margie's progress and layout the plan for future days of rehab.  Please pray with us about this.  Margie's inability to use her right hand to help her in the maneuver to get into our house, is what is keeping her in Rehab.  But we admit this place is the BEST for that.  They have helped her so much. Thank you for praying.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Much pain

I felt so sorry for Margie yesterday.  After therapy she started having pain which increased to the point of tears. With medication it was subdued a little but continued all the rest of the day.  She feared she had undone something of the surgery.  The nurses assured us this is typical with this type of surgery.  That gave some relief but Margie was having to suffer. She called this morning and said she had a good night. We are so thankful for this. Joy was better also.  They just started some medication on her because she was having some sort of discomfort in the shoulders or neck.  Because she cannot communicate, it is hard to know what she is feeling. When I entered her room to visit, she broke out in a beautiful smile and just kept it up while I was there.  Thank  you for praying for Margie and Joy.  Margie has her post operation appointment Monday morning.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Back on track I hope

If you missed yesterday's blog it was because I wrote it AT NIGHT, due to a laptop problem. You can always read any of these blogs because they are all listed.  I hope we don't have a repeat of that episode.  Margie had a good day yesterday for which we are grateful.  She also had visitors. It appears her ability to rise from a seated position is improving and the therapist said her walking is doing well.  The arm movement which is the most critical is going okay also. They have to be so careful in therapy because some positions are forbidden in the first days and weeks after surgery.  That's why her arm is in a sling and that's why we are happy she is in a Rehab Center that specialized in these things.  Thank you dear friends for you prayer support.  We appreciate it so much.  Please pray for Joy.  They are going to give her some over the counter medication to see if they can relieve an apparent pain or disorder in her shoulders and or neck.  If she could speak we are sure she could let us know the intensity of the discomfort. I visited with her in the afternoon and when I entered the room she smiled sweetly.  It is such a blessing having her near us.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Computer problem

A computer glitch prevented me from publishing this early today.  I will do another in the morning and remind  folks to look back to this one.  Margie had rigorous therapy and in the afternoon suffered quite a bit of pain.(on Tuesday)  They finally got it under control for which I am thankful.  I was with her all day.  Thanks so much for praying. It is past 7 pm. when I am updating this so I don't believe many will see it.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

A day at a time

Physical and occupational therapy is such an important part of recovery.  After Margie's surgery and because of very poor knees which cannot be corrected surgically, the therapist knew she could not release her to go to our home.  She needed professional help beyond my abilities.  We certainly agree now that she has been in the Rehab Center at Christian Health Care since May 11.  She has a dedicated group of therapist and staff persons who care for her so well.  We are impressed.  We do not know how long she will be there. At this point she cannot stand from a seated position without help.  And I should emphasize that they do not want ME to be the helper at this point.  In other words, Margie has to get stronger and I have to learn the technique of helping. Thank you all for your prayers and please continue.  I believe we have a LONG road ahead before going home.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Busy Day

Yesterday was a busy one. Margie had several very nice visits from friends.  We appreciated it.  Also, what I mentioned in yesterday's blog, it was special to photograph our children Rawlie and Joy with Margie, the first in 45 years on Mother's Day.  Margie had a good night last night.  The night before she had quite a session with pain, but medication took care of that. I am preparing now to go to Lynden to be with her for the day.  I help her in walking because she likes to get the exercise. I go out each noon for lunch at a nearby restaurant.  I also get extra things for Margie to eat.  As some know, after surgery one sometimes does not have a great appetite. I pick up salads for her at the deli and she really enjoys those.  Thanks for praying.  We have no idea how long this therapy may last but Margie is still unable to stand from a sitting position by herself.  She needs help and they say I cannot help her yet as she needs a professional.  We appreciate your support so much.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Happy Mother's Day

I think Margie had her best day yest (while in the Rehab Center).  Her therapists were very good and Margie didn't seem to experience as much pain going through the routine.  they are also medicating her better so the sessions won't be as painful.  This is a good thing.  A couple of visitors came to see Margie.  It was a very warm day so I got a fan for her window.  That helped a lot.  I visited Joy twice during the day.  After lunch when I visited, she smiled so beautifully, expressing her delight with my presence.  It is indeed rewarding. How amazing today to have Joy and our son Rawlie together in Margie's presence.  This will be the first time in many years.  I believe the last time this happened would have been when Joy was 8.  She is now 53.  Thank you all for your prayers.  We are confident God is answering and Margie is improving.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Transfer

At noon yesterday Margie was moved by van to the Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, Washington.  She was placed in room 507.  It is a private room and very nice.  Those caring for her are very fine people.  She had two therapy sessions yesterday.  She is having quite a time with nausea.  She called this morning and is not doing well with the food.  I am going to take some things to her to see if she can get back on a better schedule of eating.  Her allergies are unique and require special treatment.  Please pray we will be able to get that under control.  Thanks so much for praying.  We certainly need HIS guidance and help in special ways these days.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Not ready

We were saddened by the fact that Margie is not able to go home.  She is not strong enough to climb the two steps during therapy.  Her therapy on her arm is also slow.  We urge you to stand with us in prayer that she will get stronger.  Yesterday's treatment left her with nausea and much pain.  It was concluded she could not return home yesterday.  We were given the choice what to do and Margie agreed she needs more professional help before going home.  We chose the same facility where our daughter Joy resides, Christian Health Care of Lynden.  The Lord is so good and we will be able to see Joy more often now.  I went to a local medical supply company in Bellingham and got another kind of "cane" called a Hemi-walker to aid Margie in her therapy.  Thanks dear friends for praying.  We deeply appreciate it.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Hopeful

I haven't touched base with Margie this morning because at this moment they are in the "switching of the guard"(nurses) and I will wait until later to get a report.  Based on Margie's general condition yesterday, I believe she had a good night.  She had two therapy sessions yesterday and I was there for the second.  I learned from the therapist the routine Margie will need to do get strength and movement back into her right arm.  I know it will be a slow process and many "interesting" days lie ahead.  We appreciate your prayers about this as I, her caregiver, can do everything properly for her good. After a certain healing time, she will then start therapy in one of the approved places right here in Ferndale.  Margie claims she gets to come today.  Please pray as we work through this therapy routine and all the other related "challenges" with Margie's recovery.  We surely do appreciate your support.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Day after surgery

Yesterday went as well as can be expected.  We are impressed again at the organization of things at the hospital.  Margie's surgery went well, according to Dr. Woo's report to me yesterday at about 4:45 p.m.
Margie is in room 305 at St. Joseph's.  I stayed with her until about 8:20 last night and had to get home. I had been there over 10 hours. She was in quite a bit of pain when I left.  I hated to leave.  I was feeding her ice chips because she was thirsty.  Then I ordered gluten free chicken broth and was feeding that to her just before I left.  The doctor ordered morphine which was in the IV drip.  Unfortunately she was still experiencing a high level of discomfort.  I hope and pray she had a better night.  I dare not try to call this early ( I have been awake since 4:30)  Thank you friends for praying.  I know the Lord answered our prayers.
L A S T   M I N U T E   -  Margie did NOT have a good night. They FINALLY got her pain under control but it was only after she had called them MANY times.  They said there was an emergency and could not come.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

This is the day

May 8th is here.  Margie did not sleep real well and you can imagine why.  We leave this morning  for the hospital to check in at 11.  Surgery will be 2 pm. Dr. Woo is the surgeon.  She will have a complete right shoulder replacement.  It has been a long wait and Margie is to be commended for the way she has prepared for this day.  We thank each of you for the prayer support and please continue.  We are pretty sure that recovery will be slow but sure and we need the Lord's help in this too.  We thank you for your help in prayer.

Monday, May 7, 2012

No sleep

Yesterday morning in church Margie's arm was paining severely but she toughed it out to the end.  In the afternoon she rested because of lack of sleep the night before.  Last night she didn't sleep.  She lay down earlier this morning and actually fell asleep.  I am glad.  She is still sleeping. Last night she was very concerned because she seemed to have the start of a cold and was feeling warm.  We ask you to pray that if it is the Lord she won't get a cold and have to reschedule surgery.  I know that would be such a disappointment to her.  Thanks for praying.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Until 3 a.m.

Margie slept pretty well until early this morning -then it was all over.  Too many thoughts and preparations for May 8 surgery came into her mind and she could not sleep.  I certainly understand this.  She does plan on going to church this morning.  She will probably take a nap this afternoon.  She rarely does this but tiredness prevails and she will have to rest. We sincerely thank you followers of our blog.  This is so much easier than sending thousands of emails each day.  And this way only those who really want to hear, tune in to the blog.  We are grateful to be able to blog this way.   Thanks for remembering us in prayer.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Sleep

Margie had a good sleep last night.  We are so grateful.  Yesterday she spent quite a bit of time making preparations for her time of surgery.  She wanted to prepare a casserole that we can use.  It is special because it is gluten free.  I spent part of the afternoon installing a toilet seat riser that uses the regular toilet seat.  It looks so much better and is better for Margie who developed an allergy to the plastic material of the old one. She needs it because of her great difficulty in rising from a seated position. Her inoperable knees are the culprits and that's why we got the riser chair for her also.   Well surgery date is close.  Please pray. 

Friday, May 4, 2012

Better

Thankfully, Margie had a better night.  Yesterday we went into town to take care of more matters regarding her surgery next week.  Needless to say, she anxiously awaits that day with the pray her pain level will drop considerably. I continued my writing for our book and Margie proofs them.  Yesterday we also got the clothes washed and Margie folded them.  Today either she or I will iron.  Thank you dear ones for your faithful prayer support.  It means very much to us.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Looking

Yes, we are looking forward to Tuesday, Margie's surgery.  She will be so glad when it is over.  Her nights have not been good at all.  She is following rigidly the countdown orders from the surgeon relative to her surgery.  There are so many details, it is amazing. We visited Joy yesterday and she was pleased to see us as evidenced by her nice big smile.  Again we thank you for your prayer support.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Poor night

The night before last it was choking.  Last night it was sleeplessness. If it's not one thing it is another, as the saying goes.  We pray each night she will be able to sleep, but the Lord does not always want it that way. She was going to try to sleep in this morning but that didn't happen.  Today, Lord willing, we will visit Joy.  We look forward to that. We never tire of thanking you for prayer support.  It means so much to us.  Margie  looks forward to the surgery and even though recovery is reported to be a long time, she is hopeful the pain will be greatly reduced.  Thanks so much.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Horrible night

I was awakened early this morning by Margie not being able to get her next breath.  It is a horrifying experience through which we have gone so often.  Finally after taking the only known help she has found in these many years, things were under control and she got back to sleep.  We both slept in this morning.  Yesterday she had a very strenuous day because we had to wait over an hour in the doctor's holding room because he was so busy.  She had MANY questions regarding what medications she could continue and which ones to skip in this countdown week before surgery.  Perhaps this added to the problem although we have never really been able to discover the triggering factors of these breathless spells. There is one thing for sure, we thank you sincerely for your help to us in prayer.  It means so much to us.  Thank you.