Brian still has his headache in the morning, but by mid-day it was finally gone. So happy to hear that!
He did quite a bit of walking inside the building!
His sister Nancy was there to keep him busy! Thanks Aunt Nancy for writing everything down, I have to get back to reference it all!
Becca and Taylor stopped in right after dinner and we walked around to see where the kitties were.
His short term may not be there, but little things are coming in here and there..
For instance:
Last Thursday Heath and Becca took Brian to coffee and then to walk in the park. He put his coffee in the cup holder and forgot it was there. Forgetting about Starbucks??
This Thursday (today) he brought a cup of coffee to walk around with and stopped to tie his shoes. He placed the coffee cup right behind him, tied his shoes and went right back to pick it up.
It shows that week to week there is such great progress!
Also Becca sent him a text message about Heath and his interview to see how it went. He then sent Heath a text message and asked him about it. When Becca and Taylor showed up Brian mentioned about the text earlier and Heath's interview. I was shocked, but happy!! He still couldn't remember what he just ate, but progress is progress!!!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
June 27th, 2012
Today was not the best day. Brian had a headache (behind his head) all day. He knew it wasn't one of his better days.
He did have quite a few visitors so thank you all for going!
Heath was there in the morning (as always on week days!)
Bill & Dick stopped by!
Nancy and Ken also stayed for quite some time.
Becca and Taylor dropped by after dinner and took him outside to go on a walk as he got some more medicine for his headache, but then he had a stomach ache so we went back. I didn't want to push it today. I did meet with the Speech Therapist today for the first time. So it was great talking to her to know we were doing all the right stuff!
He did recall all the visitors today so that was a good sign!!
He did have quite a few visitors so thank you all for going!
Heath was there in the morning (as always on week days!)
Bill & Dick stopped by!
Nancy and Ken also stayed for quite some time.
Becca and Taylor dropped by after dinner and took him outside to go on a walk as he got some more medicine for his headache, but then he had a stomach ache so we went back. I didn't want to push it today. I did meet with the Speech Therapist today for the first time. So it was great talking to her to know we were doing all the right stuff!
He did recall all the visitors today so that was a good sign!!
June 26th, 2012
Friends and Family: Please continue to visit Brian. On the days he has visitors he is much more alert and alive! He feels better and is more active. Please take him for walks even if just inside the building, play games with him, or work on his phone with him. He will be in the same location at least until July 9th so we ask of everyone to come and say hi. Even if for only 30min. Any day is great between 11-7, but the weekends are when he seems to have the least amount of people stopping in so please do so! Thanks for all your support!
It was May 26th when he was brought into the hospital and I can't believe it's already June 26th. At least it doesn't feel that long to Brian!
When the sun was shining Heath took Brian to Starbucks and stayed there while they drank coffee. Then they went for a walk around the fountain and Heath had Brian doing push ups on the bench and step ups! At one point Brian tried to start running, but Heath stopped him so we didn't have an accidental face plant! :)
Phil Smith stopped by for a few hours to chat!
Becca visited right after PT and talked more about his AZ house and finances.. he is doing really well with more of his long term memory.. still need to work on the short term though!
It was May 26th when he was brought into the hospital and I can't believe it's already June 26th. At least it doesn't feel that long to Brian!
When the sun was shining Heath took Brian to Starbucks and stayed there while they drank coffee. Then they went for a walk around the fountain and Heath had Brian doing push ups on the bench and step ups! At one point Brian tried to start running, but Heath stopped him so we didn't have an accidental face plant! :)
Phil Smith stopped by for a few hours to chat!
Becca visited right after PT and talked more about his AZ house and finances.. he is doing really well with more of his long term memory.. still need to work on the short term though!
Monday, June 25, 2012
June 25th, 2012
Feel free to add anymore comments on here! I don't need the only voice to be coming from myself on this blog! Just go to the bottom of each post and if it says 0 Comment or 1 Comment, click on that. It will make you log into your Gmail account or AOL account before you post, so select whichever one you have to post as. I forgot I had to create one just to start blogging! :)
Thanks Wanda for pointing this out.
Today Heath took Brian out hiking on Tiger Mountain, just like old times!
Message from Heath:
Hike was great today! It was a little cold though but luckily I had an extra sweatshirt.
I drove him to North side Tiger Mountain Trail. We did the temptation lake trail, probably 1.5 miles total (25 minutes). He did great and felt good afterward; we could have easily done more if i had some water/snacks. Brought him back for lunch by 12 and then I had to leave.
His sister Nancy also stayed awhile and played some games.
Becca visited Brian around dinner time. He remembered his sister visiting and playing some really hard and new card games! He also remembered Heath, but didn't say anything about the hike. He did say he walked more today than ever though.
He was telling me it was like something clicked today and it feels as if he woke up. He doesn't remember being in the room he is in, but he said it's like he was in a dream or something. I am not really sure what that means, but maybe the virus is finally gone. We won't find out until around July 9th though.
We also talked about his house in Arizona and I was asking him for details and he did pretty good with knowing what he was changing out and how many bedrooms, etc.. I was surprised since I haven't gotten really anything out of him about Arizona previously. Maybe he did wake up from his dream! :)
He goes in to get retested on July 5th at 10am again.
Thanks Wanda for pointing this out.
Today Heath took Brian out hiking on Tiger Mountain, just like old times!
Message from Heath:
Hike was great today! It was a little cold though but luckily I had an extra sweatshirt.
I drove him to North side Tiger Mountain Trail. We did the temptation lake trail, probably 1.5 miles total (25 minutes). He did great and felt good afterward; we could have easily done more if i had some water/snacks. Brought him back for lunch by 12 and then I had to leave.
His sister Nancy also stayed awhile and played some games.
Becca visited Brian around dinner time. He remembered his sister visiting and playing some really hard and new card games! He also remembered Heath, but didn't say anything about the hike. He did say he walked more today than ever though.
He was telling me it was like something clicked today and it feels as if he woke up. He doesn't remember being in the room he is in, but he said it's like he was in a dream or something. I am not really sure what that means, but maybe the virus is finally gone. We won't find out until around July 9th though.
We also talked about his house in Arizona and I was asking him for details and he did pretty good with knowing what he was changing out and how many bedrooms, etc.. I was surprised since I haven't gotten really anything out of him about Arizona previously. Maybe he did wake up from his dream! :)
He goes in to get retested on July 5th at 10am again.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
June 24th, 2012
Today Brian remembered a few things that showed his continued progress with his memory!
When he saw Matt he said he remembered something about a mustang and called him the mustang kid. This was so great because he did not know this prior to the virus!
We took him on a walk around the fountain again and looped it 3 times. He is walking faster now and has a lot more energy. I took a picture of Taylor holding Grandpa's hand! So cute!
When he saw Matt he said he remembered something about a mustang and called him the mustang kid. This was so great because he did not know this prior to the virus!
We took him on a walk around the fountain again and looped it 3 times. He is walking faster now and has a lot more energy. I took a picture of Taylor holding Grandpa's hand! So cute!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
June 23rd, 2012
What progress Brian (my dad) has made in the past 4 weeks!
He texted me before I stopped by and he asked me to bring his toothbrush and that he was looking forward to seeing me. I texted him yesterday that I was coming to see him today and taking him to get his hair cut & shave. He could have looked at his phone as a reminder, but that's ok! He is using his resources so that's a big step from even last week! When I got in he was on his IV and I asked him what we were doing today and he patted his head. I said what does that mean? Then he said I think getting my hair cut and shave!!! I couldn't believe it! I asked if he just wanted a trim on his beard and shave on his neck, but he was ok with taking it all off and according to him, "starting over."
So around 3pm I took him to Weldon's in Issaquah to get a shave and haircut.
Here are some pictures of the pampering he got today! He got a scalp massage, warm towels (4 times) a great hair cut, eyebrows trimed, and beard shaved. He looks like a new man!
See for yourself!
Of course then we had to stop by Starbucks. When we got back his place he somehow got my drink and drank it all! He couldn't stop talking about how good it was and different than what he remembered. Well after I got to my car I found out why! I had his drip coffee and he had my toffee nut latte! ha!!
He texted me before I stopped by and he asked me to bring his toothbrush and that he was looking forward to seeing me. I texted him yesterday that I was coming to see him today and taking him to get his hair cut & shave. He could have looked at his phone as a reminder, but that's ok! He is using his resources so that's a big step from even last week! When I got in he was on his IV and I asked him what we were doing today and he patted his head. I said what does that mean? Then he said I think getting my hair cut and shave!!! I couldn't believe it! I asked if he just wanted a trim on his beard and shave on his neck, but he was ok with taking it all off and according to him, "starting over."
So around 3pm I took him to Weldon's in Issaquah to get a shave and haircut.
Here are some pictures of the pampering he got today! He got a scalp massage, warm towels (4 times) a great hair cut, eyebrows trimed, and beard shaved. He looks like a new man!
See for yourself!
Of course then we had to stop by Starbucks. When we got back his place he somehow got my drink and drank it all! He couldn't stop talking about how good it was and different than what he remembered. Well after I got to my car I found out why! I had his drip coffee and he had my toffee nut latte! ha!!
Friday, June 22, 2012
June 22nd, 2012
Well we thought this might be his last day at the skilled home, but the results came back positive. He still has Encephalitis so he will be there for another two weeks at least staying on the antibiotics 3 times a day.
We really don't know what this means yet except for he will now have two more weeks of Physical Therapy (6 times a week), Occupational Therapy (6 times a week) and antibiotics (3 times a day). This should be good to help with his recovery and keep him in a familiar place (even if he doesn't realize it consciously).
Thank you for your continued prayers and visits! Keep the cards coming as we enjoy reading them to him. It's always good to give your background on how he knows you as then he tends to remember more often.
We will continue his daily journal of food, activity, and visitors so please encourage him to write it down while you are there!
We really don't know what this means yet except for he will now have two more weeks of Physical Therapy (6 times a week), Occupational Therapy (6 times a week) and antibiotics (3 times a day). This should be good to help with his recovery and keep him in a familiar place (even if he doesn't realize it consciously).
Thank you for your continued prayers and visits! Keep the cards coming as we enjoy reading them to him. It's always good to give your background on how he knows you as then he tends to remember more often.
We will continue his daily journal of food, activity, and visitors so please encourage him to write it down while you are there!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
June 21st, 2012
In the morning Mary came in to do an assessment on Brian. She said it was the quickest one she has ever done! The assessment needed to be completed before we could move him to another place. Heath and Becca were there to help out.
Around lunch time he was visited by his sister Nancy & brother-in-law Ken, his mother Millie, cousin Katherine & Ed, and friends Anne and Don. They all had lunch with him and he was so happy to see them all. I asked him a few times that morning who was coming to visit and he remembered every time!!
Later that day his friend Amy came to visit.
Overall it was a busy day for Brian but he did great and was animated, lively, and happy!
Around lunch time he was visited by his sister Nancy & brother-in-law Ken, his mother Millie, cousin Katherine & Ed, and friends Anne and Don. They all had lunch with him and he was so happy to see them all. I asked him a few times that morning who was coming to visit and he remembered every time!!
Later that day his friend Amy came to visit.
Overall it was a busy day for Brian but he did great and was animated, lively, and happy!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
June 20th, 2012
Brian was doing great today! He also had some visitors. His sister Nancy and friends Phil and Marie.
Before dinner Heath and Becca took Brian out (escaped!!!!) to get some Starbucks and then we went to Pine Lake (a local park) and walked around for a bit. It was a beautiful day for the first day of summer!! Almost 75 I think! We wanted him to get outside and get some exercise so it was perfect.
He is still continuing to eat and drink well!!
For those of you who have been visiting him, we may be moving him as of Friday but will try to update this blog once we do.
Tomorrow will be busy for him as Katherine, Ed, Anne, Don, his mom Millie, and Sister Nancy will all be going over during the day to visit him.
If you want to see him tomorrow night it may be best to do so since we are unsure about where he will be going still.
Pray for the results to come back negative and that the virus is officially gone!
P.S. He does have his phone once again and can send/receive text messages pretty good!! He can make outgoing calls, but incoming calls are still forwarded to Becca for the time being.
Before dinner Heath and Becca took Brian out (escaped!!!!) to get some Starbucks and then we went to Pine Lake (a local park) and walked around for a bit. It was a beautiful day for the first day of summer!! Almost 75 I think! We wanted him to get outside and get some exercise so it was perfect.
He is still continuing to eat and drink well!!
For those of you who have been visiting him, we may be moving him as of Friday but will try to update this blog once we do.
Tomorrow will be busy for him as Katherine, Ed, Anne, Don, his mom Millie, and Sister Nancy will all be going over during the day to visit him.
If you want to see him tomorrow night it may be best to do so since we are unsure about where he will be going still.
Pray for the results to come back negative and that the virus is officially gone!
P.S. He does have his phone once again and can send/receive text messages pretty good!! He can make outgoing calls, but incoming calls are still forwarded to Becca for the time being.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
June 18th, 2012 - From Brian
Good day to my family and friends. First of all, I want to thank you for all of your good thoughts, words of encouragement and most of all prayers. Today, I have felt the best in quite some time. And to top it off, my son Heath took me to Starbucks. My recovery should now speed up considerably. Heath took me to the Dr today for blood work that should tell me whether the virus has decided to move on to another planet hopefully. I should get the results later this week. I want to thank everyone for your prayers, well wishes via mail or ground mail, webpage or the blog. I do sincerely appreciate all of your good thoughts, emails, mail and prayers. I can feel the heeling power of your good thoughts.
And a special thank you to all my children who have done so much for me. I love you Brandon, Rebecca and Heath. And a special thank you to family and friends who have done so much to help me. Again, thank you all for your best wishes and prayers. I am truly blessed to have you in my life.
God bless you all.
See you on the trail.
Fore!
Brian Jones
Sunday, June 17, 2012
June 17th, 2012 - Father's Day
Heath, Becca, and Taylor made it over to say Happy Father's Day to our dad. We took him outside for a walk. He walked the farthest he has been so far! We went out to the fountain they have across the street and we went around it twice! I would say it was at least a good 30 minutes of walking. He did great!
Afterwards we went back to his bed so he could get his antibiotics. We chatted for the next hour to ensure he didn't pull out the IV. I showed him the pictures and cards in his room. I read them to him and asked him about the people in them. He did good with his memory of them.
We took a few pictures and here they are:
Happy Father's Day Dad! Even though you won't remember this, it's one we will for sure never forget. Happy to have our dad with us and getting better every day!
Afterwards we went back to his bed so he could get his antibiotics. We chatted for the next hour to ensure he didn't pull out the IV. I showed him the pictures and cards in his room. I read them to him and asked him about the people in them. He did good with his memory of them.
We took a few pictures and here they are:
Happy Father's Day Dad! Even though you won't remember this, it's one we will for sure never forget. Happy to have our dad with us and getting better every day!
Friday, June 15, 2012
June 15th, 2012
I haven't see my dad since Sunday as I was sick, so it was nice to finally see him again. Matt and I went to visit Brian at 8pm last night and he was up and walking around. What a difference 5 days makes! It really seemed like my dad was back. Almost 3 full weeks on antiobiotics and he is doing great! He still has no short term memory, but I have faith that it will come back since he is doing so well physically and getting better each day with his long term memory.
We went on a walk since it was still light out and then sat outside to chat for a bit. It felt so nice to not see him tired and wanting to sleep. He was wide eyed and if he didn't keep asking the same questions a few times, I would have thought there was nothing wrong!
When we were leaving we took him back to his room and he kept asking for his keys. I said he didn't have one a few times. I thought the funniest thing though was when we left and said good night he closed his door behind us! It was great to see as that's what anyone would do who wasn't sick anymore! :)
Two more days until the Lumbar Puncture to see if the virus is gone, but since it takes four days to get the results we won't know for sure until Friday.
We went on a walk since it was still light out and then sat outside to chat for a bit. It felt so nice to not see him tired and wanting to sleep. He was wide eyed and if he didn't keep asking the same questions a few times, I would have thought there was nothing wrong!
When we were leaving we took him back to his room and he kept asking for his keys. I said he didn't have one a few times. I thought the funniest thing though was when we left and said good night he closed his door behind us! It was great to see as that's what anyone would do who wasn't sick anymore! :)
Two more days until the Lumbar Puncture to see if the virus is gone, but since it takes four days to get the results we won't know for sure until Friday.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
June 14, 2012 - From Brian
To all my friends and family. Thank you for you continued support and prayers. Today is the best day I have had in a long while. I now think I am seeing the window to healing,
I send my love to you all.
Love, Brian
I send my love to you all.
Love, Brian
June 14, 2012
What a great day!
I got to Marianwood at 9:30am. Dad woke up right away and was ready for a shower. Someone was already using it, so he changed his clothes and brushed his teeth on his own.
After that he went to speech therapy and used my computer to send Becca an email. He did not need much instruction on how to open Microsoft Outlook and find her email to send it to her.
We then went on a walk (1/4 mile) outside to the fountain across the street. On the way back we grabbed a coffee at the front desk and ate a granola bar while we watched pro golf.
Breakfast: 2 eggs, oatmeal, and an orange.
Lunch was 1/2 chicken pot pie and 1/2 salad.
Physical therapy will be a little later today around 2pm.
Our speech therapist Nancy thinks living in his own home or a family's home with a visiting nurse may be the best and cheapest option for him. She thinks an adult living house will have people too old and may not give him the attention and the recovery he needs.
Short term memory is still rough, but today was the best day I've seen him!
I got to Marianwood at 9:30am. Dad woke up right away and was ready for a shower. Someone was already using it, so he changed his clothes and brushed his teeth on his own.
After that he went to speech therapy and used my computer to send Becca an email. He did not need much instruction on how to open Microsoft Outlook and find her email to send it to her.
We then went on a walk (1/4 mile) outside to the fountain across the street. On the way back we grabbed a coffee at the front desk and ate a granola bar while we watched pro golf.
Breakfast: 2 eggs, oatmeal, and an orange.
Lunch was 1/2 chicken pot pie and 1/2 salad.
Physical therapy will be a little later today around 2pm.
Our speech therapist Nancy thinks living in his own home or a family's home with a visiting nurse may be the best and cheapest option for him. She thinks an adult living house will have people too old and may not give him the attention and the recovery he needs.
Short term memory is still rough, but today was the best day I've seen him!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012
Dad had a great day today as well as yesterday.
Occupational therapy went well - he took a shower and changed clothes.
Physical therapy went great. 10 minutes on the bicycle, 30 reps on every exercise(up 10 reps), a walk outside, and five series of stairs (about 50 total steps).
Him and I played 30 minutes of black jack and my favorite drinking game (high/low/red/black) :) no beer though.
Food:
Breakfast: 2 eggs, 1 ensure, 2 pieces of bacon , oatmeal(~660 calories)
Lunch: 6 oz chicken, 1 ensure, 5 carrots, 50% beans (~500 calories)
Be there tomorrow! Maybe for a walk outside again.
I'll be having him do 10 pullups in a matter of months.
Occupational therapy went well - he took a shower and changed clothes.
Physical therapy went great. 10 minutes on the bicycle, 30 reps on every exercise(up 10 reps), a walk outside, and five series of stairs (about 50 total steps).
Him and I played 30 minutes of black jack and my favorite drinking game (high/low/red/black) :) no beer though.
Food:
Breakfast: 2 eggs, 1 ensure, 2 pieces of bacon , oatmeal(~660 calories)
Lunch: 6 oz chicken, 1 ensure, 5 carrots, 50% beans (~500 calories)
Be there tomorrow! Maybe for a walk outside again.
I'll be having him do 10 pullups in a matter of months.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
June 11, 2012
Stayed with dad for a few hours on Monday. He ate well (1300+). We did weigh him and his is down another 2 pounds. That is almost 20 lbs since mid March.
The OT is starting to play games with him. Card games mostly. Brandon did buy dad a cribbage board and a few decks of cards. As dad would say "what a guy!"
IV was painful yesterday and they had to call in the IV specialist.
I called a concierge service to start finding him a home after we are done with the last spinal tap on the 22nd of June.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
June 10th, 2012
It's crazy to think just over two weeks now Brian was brought into the hospital and we found out he had Encephalitis. Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers. Brian has a great family and we have all worked so well together through this and he has had someone there every day with him and working with him but most of all just being there for him. He also couldn't ask for better friends as you have all been so supportive and there for our dad in times of fun and also now in times of need.
Today he ate really well during all meals and has stayed off of his IV for over 24 hours. It's the best he has done off of an IV since we had to take him back to the hospital on the 1st. This is so encouraging! Physically he is still doing good, but we still have to force him out of the bed or chair to walk a bit.
He is getting more and more cards every day and it's been great to be able to read them to him! Thank you to all who have sent him cards, left pictures, and to those who have had a chance to visit him.
Today he ate really well during all meals and has stayed off of his IV for over 24 hours. It's the best he has done off of an IV since we had to take him back to the hospital on the 1st. This is so encouraging! Physically he is still doing good, but we still have to force him out of the bed or chair to walk a bit.
He is getting more and more cards every day and it's been great to be able to read them to him! Thank you to all who have sent him cards, left pictures, and to those who have had a chance to visit him.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
June 9th, 2012
Brandon and I had different experiences today. He was there earlier in the day and I came after dinner.
Brian did good eating today. The Occupational Therapist is starting to have him write down who visits, what he ate, the date, etc.. Trying to make a connection with writing.
When eating lunch, he kept looking at the card they always put on the tray. Brandon said he kept forgetting he read it or even knew what it was. Short term memory was not good during the day.
After dinner, Becca asked him to write down what he ate at 5pm and 7:30. I told him all at once to write down a hamburger on the 5pm line and almonds & apple juice at the 7:30 line. I didn't have to tell him again and he was able to write them all down! I thought that was progress.
We were also talking about who came to visit and he said Heath, Brandon, and it seemed like many people that day. The only people in his book were Brandon and Phil & Marie. So we talked about that and about an hour later he mentioned again about seeing Phil (it had been awhile) according to him. He also talked about seeing Brandon too. Each prior day I had asked and he couldn't really say who came earlier, even if it was 10 min prior.
We need to keep the fluids going with him as he wasn't on the IV yesterday as he pulled it out again. We also need to start playing cards, cribbage, etc.. to keep him thinking.
We will be getting a 3 ring binder to be able to put in papers and daily charts for him to write in. We had been doing it in a small binder, but the staff felt it was better to have a larger one for him to have anywhere he goes.
We just found out he will be in Issaquah until the 22nd but we doubt much beyond that if any at all. He goes in for a lumbar puncture on the 18th and will hopefully get the results by the 22nd. This will give him 4 full weeks of antibiotics and the virus should be gone.
Brian did good eating today. The Occupational Therapist is starting to have him write down who visits, what he ate, the date, etc.. Trying to make a connection with writing.
When eating lunch, he kept looking at the card they always put on the tray. Brandon said he kept forgetting he read it or even knew what it was. Short term memory was not good during the day.
After dinner, Becca asked him to write down what he ate at 5pm and 7:30. I told him all at once to write down a hamburger on the 5pm line and almonds & apple juice at the 7:30 line. I didn't have to tell him again and he was able to write them all down! I thought that was progress.
We were also talking about who came to visit and he said Heath, Brandon, and it seemed like many people that day. The only people in his book were Brandon and Phil & Marie. So we talked about that and about an hour later he mentioned again about seeing Phil (it had been awhile) according to him. He also talked about seeing Brandon too. Each prior day I had asked and he couldn't really say who came earlier, even if it was 10 min prior.
We need to keep the fluids going with him as he wasn't on the IV yesterday as he pulled it out again. We also need to start playing cards, cribbage, etc.. to keep him thinking.
We will be getting a 3 ring binder to be able to put in papers and daily charts for him to write in. We had been doing it in a small binder, but the staff felt it was better to have a larger one for him to have anywhere he goes.
We just found out he will be in Issaquah until the 22nd but we doubt much beyond that if any at all. He goes in for a lumbar puncture on the 18th and will hopefully get the results by the 22nd. This will give him 4 full weeks of antibiotics and the virus should be gone.
Friday, June 8, 2012
June 8th, 2012
9am - Nieces Lauren and Christina stay for over 4 hours and visited with Uncle Brian! Christina just flew in from CO and her first stop was to see him!!
10am - Heath and Sharon also came to visit and stayed for over 5 hours. Sharon brought a UW hat (which he wore for a bit) and UW Beany Baby bear. Dad loved them!
1pm - Occupational Therapy, they asked us to get a 3 ring binder to put all his food, etc.. in going forward so he has everything in one location and they can start talking to him and reminding him about food and family.
1:30 - Becca brought lunch in for Sharon and Heath. I am staying until 6pm tonight.
As of this time he has already had 1000 calories! His stomach is a bit upset though, not sure if it was from the "salmon" from lunch or maybe just his body isn't used to that many calories yet.
He was talking about his AZ house again and remembered about his new cabinets, windows, etc.. So that is continuous progress!
Short term is still very short term, but when he sees people he knows things about them and can have a good full conversation about some past events or work.
10am - Heath and Sharon also came to visit and stayed for over 5 hours. Sharon brought a UW hat (which he wore for a bit) and UW Beany Baby bear. Dad loved them!
1pm - Occupational Therapy, they asked us to get a 3 ring binder to put all his food, etc.. in going forward so he has everything in one location and they can start talking to him and reminding him about food and family.
1:30 - Becca brought lunch in for Sharon and Heath. I am staying until 6pm tonight.
As of this time he has already had 1000 calories! His stomach is a bit upset though, not sure if it was from the "salmon" from lunch or maybe just his body isn't used to that many calories yet.
He was talking about his AZ house again and remembered about his new cabinets, windows, etc.. So that is continuous progress!
Short term is still very short term, but when he sees people he knows things about them and can have a good full conversation about some past events or work.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
June 7, 2012
Dad doing ok today. Little tired. Had a little bit of lunch and a shake. Acylovir is hooked up right now and IV will be after.
He pulled out another IV last night.
If you visit him and he has an IV in when you leave, let a nurse know so they can put him in the chair and monitor him! Thank you.
He pulled out another IV last night.
If you visit him and he has an IV in when you leave, let a nurse know so they can put him in the chair and monitor him! Thank you.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
June 6th, 2012
Today was a good day again thanks to the IV. When he is hydrated (like everyone else in this world), he has a better day!
He had almost 1300 calories today between shakes and food. Our hope is by next week, he won't need the IV if he can keep that up!
Heath (Happy Birthday) stayed almost the entire day again and was a great help.
Barb and Frank stayed around 6 hours as well!
Nancy and Ken came by on their way back from Spokane!
Dad got two cards in the mail today. One from Forbes and Barb & Frank.
Reminder that the mail is very slow at this location and he may be moving after next week. Please email me if you want my address to ensure he gets his card! rjonsey@hotmail.com
He had almost 1300 calories today between shakes and food. Our hope is by next week, he won't need the IV if he can keep that up!
Heath (Happy Birthday) stayed almost the entire day again and was a great help.
Barb and Frank stayed around 6 hours as well!
Nancy and Ken came by on their way back from Spokane!
Dad got two cards in the mail today. One from Forbes and Barb & Frank.
Reminder that the mail is very slow at this location and he may be moving after next week. Please email me if you want my address to ensure he gets his card! rjonsey@hotmail.com
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
June 5th, 2012 Part II
The ultrasound confirmed it is not a blood clot, another crisis averted!!!! Thank goodness! As Heath said the swelling has gone down quite a bit. There is only a slight difference now, where yesterday it was twice the size.
5pm - I was able to get him to drink a bit, but he was very tired and wasn't as good as he was yesterday. We feel the IV does wonders in his system but he keeps pulling it out and the nurses are getting frustrated.
While drinking his second shake I kept pushing him to drink it all and said he had to drink it all so I could leave. He then (how funny is he) says "so if I drink this all you will go?" I said yes, I need to get home! He never drank those last 2 ounces so fast so that I would leave!! haha I guess if that's how we have to play, then game, set, match!
I posted labels around everywhere in bright colors hoping to help, but I doubt it will do much (like Momento my husband reminded me to try). We also put a few labels on the wrap around the IV as well. They are also going to sit him on the couch by the nurses station to be able to watch him more since we can't always be there.
Thank you to Bob and Dorthy Herness for sending a card to my dad! I read it to him last night.
Tomorrow is Heath's birthday!!!! Make sure to wish him a good one!
5pm - I was able to get him to drink a bit, but he was very tired and wasn't as good as he was yesterday. We feel the IV does wonders in his system but he keeps pulling it out and the nurses are getting frustrated.
While drinking his second shake I kept pushing him to drink it all and said he had to drink it all so I could leave. He then (how funny is he) says "so if I drink this all you will go?" I said yes, I need to get home! He never drank those last 2 ounces so fast so that I would leave!! haha I guess if that's how we have to play, then game, set, match!
I posted labels around everywhere in bright colors hoping to help, but I doubt it will do much (like Momento my husband reminded me to try). We also put a few labels on the wrap around the IV as well. They are also going to sit him on the couch by the nurses station to be able to watch him more since we can't always be there.
Thank you to Bob and Dorthy Herness for sending a card to my dad! I read it to him last night.
Tomorrow is Heath's birthday!!!! Make sure to wish him a good one!
June 5th, 2012
Dad was very tired today. No IV overnight since he pulled it out yesterday. They are going to keep the IV going when people are able to watch him.
I was there from 9-1pm. He drank 2 protein shakes and a little bit of turkey with me. Already had a protein shake before I got there. Hopefully Becca can get him to drink some more later. Thrush is still keeping his tongue swollen.
Arm is less swoll than yesterday. Short term memory is still bad and may take a long time to get back.
I was there from 9-1pm. He drank 2 protein shakes and a little bit of turkey with me. Already had a protein shake before I got there. Hopefully Becca can get him to drink some more later. Thrush is still keeping his tongue swollen.
Arm is less swoll than yesterday. Short term memory is still bad and may take a long time to get back.
Monday, June 4, 2012
June 4th, 2012 Part II
Just when things are getting better, we hit a slight bump in the road. My dad's right arm is very swollen from his finger tips to his shoulder. They do not think it's a blood clot and it isn't hurting him. He is still able to use it to drink and eat using his right arm so we are praying for the best outcome. They are bringing in an ultrasound in the morning to see what could be causing this and the nurse and doctor will take a look.
6pm - Sharon, Becca, and Taylor came to visit and feed Brian dinner. He knew Taylor's name right away!!! Finally!!!!
He did good drinking his shake although it took almost an hour.
6:30 - Friend Amy showed up again and stayed for a few hours. She helped him finish the shake and he took another bite of bread and cookie. Thanks Amy!
A few more things today: He remembered Taylor, also remembered he was doing construction on a house in Arizona, and kept asking about his phone (imagine that)!
We also now have a food journal and visitor sign in. If you do go and visit him, please help feed him if it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner and or anytime in between. He has some granola bars, graham crackers, and the nurses can always get a health shake. We want to make sure he has at least 1000 calories a day and he still isn't eating on his own. If asked he always says not hungry or I am on a diet. Funny guy!!!
June 4, 2012
Dad is looking well today.
Eating all of his meatloaf from lunch! Did physical therapy and I took him on a walk.
He cried several times throughout physical therapy as he stood up to give Brandon and I a hug.
So far today he has drank 2 health shakes (200 calories each) and his 6 oz. of meatloaf. Becca needs to make him eat later :)
Brandon and Heath stayed for about 6 hours today!!! Thank you guys for being there!! Becca
Eating all of his meatloaf from lunch! Did physical therapy and I took him on a walk.
He cried several times throughout physical therapy as he stood up to give Brandon and I a hug.
So far today he has drank 2 health shakes (200 calories each) and his 6 oz. of meatloaf. Becca needs to make him eat later :)
Brandon and Heath stayed for about 6 hours today!!! Thank you guys for being there!! Becca
Sunday, June 3, 2012
June 3rd, 2012
Each day continues to get better and better!
10am - Carl and Wanda (Brian's good friends) spend some time talking and feeding him!
11am - Lauren (niece) stops by also for a few hours. She brought some cherries, granola bars, peanut butter, and diet coke!! He ripped out his IV again and the nurses told Lauren that he keeps doing this and someone needs to be around him all the time so he doesn't keep ripping it out. Ummm isn't that why he is at a full time care facility because we can't be around 24/7. Some people!!
4pm - Sharon and Becca, Matt, and Taylor visited. Brian remembered Matt this time and they even did their secret handshake (dad remembered!!) He still doesn't know Taylor but that will hopefully come in time. We fed him some dinner and some turkey. Also some good Orange Juice from Starbucks.
5pm - Nancy and Ken stopped by for an hour to see Brian. He cried when he saw Nancy again.
He still doesn't know where he is, but he seems to get the fact that his memory is bad and we are all working on it with him and supporting him daily. He is eating better and still on the IV drip until tomorrow. He may not need it soon if he keeps eating and drinking like he has been the past two days.
I took a picture for everyone to see that he looks good and doesn't seem sick (which is a good thing)!
10am - Carl and Wanda (Brian's good friends) spend some time talking and feeding him!
11am - Lauren (niece) stops by also for a few hours. She brought some cherries, granola bars, peanut butter, and diet coke!! He ripped out his IV again and the nurses told Lauren that he keeps doing this and someone needs to be around him all the time so he doesn't keep ripping it out. Ummm isn't that why he is at a full time care facility because we can't be around 24/7. Some people!!
4pm - Sharon and Becca, Matt, and Taylor visited. Brian remembered Matt this time and they even did their secret handshake (dad remembered!!) He still doesn't know Taylor but that will hopefully come in time. We fed him some dinner and some turkey. Also some good Orange Juice from Starbucks.
5pm - Nancy and Ken stopped by for an hour to see Brian. He cried when he saw Nancy again.
He still doesn't know where he is, but he seems to get the fact that his memory is bad and we are all working on it with him and supporting him daily. He is eating better and still on the IV drip until tomorrow. He may not need it soon if he keeps eating and drinking like he has been the past two days.
I took a picture for everyone to see that he looks good and doesn't seem sick (which is a good thing)!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
June 2nd, 2012 Part II
Dad drank 4.5 protein shakes and 3 slices of turkey today! Physical therapy went great! He was dancing in the hallway and we had a good walk. I also walked him later in the day down to the bathroom instead of going to his bathroom in-room.
June 2nd, 2012
9am - Heath arrived at Nursing home and helped the Occupational Therapist get Brian wash up and get dressed. He also brushed his hair and teeth. Feeling nice and clean!
11am - Becca shows up with some coffee for Heath. Brian said that Starbucks was too fancy for his taste (We've never heard that before!).
Becca, Heath, and Brian are hanging out waiting for physical therapy. He recognized our entire family by a picture for the first time and remembered our cousins Forbes, Lauren (Lucky), and Christina Hansen!
Getting him to drink a protein shake and eat some turkey. He has already drank an ensure and a 200 calorie health shake today! Food is good.
3pm - Nancy, Katherine & Ed, and Gram (Brian's mom)stopped by! He stood up again to hug them when they entered and he cried tears of joy!!
4pm - Amy (Brian's friend) showed up and again my dad stood up and cried when he saw her and said he missed her laugh! He always said that he loved her laugh. It's great to see how he is associating traits with people that he remembers! Unfortunately he ripped out his IV and they and the nurses had to come back in to put it in again.
Today is the best day yet so far. His memory continues to progress each day!! Thank the Lord!
11am - Becca shows up with some coffee for Heath. Brian said that Starbucks was too fancy for his taste (We've never heard that before!).
Becca, Heath, and Brian are hanging out waiting for physical therapy. He recognized our entire family by a picture for the first time and remembered our cousins Forbes, Lauren (Lucky), and Christina Hansen!
Getting him to drink a protein shake and eat some turkey. He has already drank an ensure and a 200 calorie health shake today! Food is good.
3pm - Nancy, Katherine & Ed, and Gram (Brian's mom)stopped by! He stood up again to hug them when they entered and he cried tears of joy!!
4pm - Amy (Brian's friend) showed up and again my dad stood up and cried when he saw her and said he missed her laugh! He always said that he loved her laugh. It's great to see how he is associating traits with people that he remembers! Unfortunately he ripped out his IV and they and the nurses had to come back in to put it in again.
Today is the best day yet so far. His memory continues to progress each day!! Thank the Lord!
Friday, June 1, 2012
June 1st, 2012
Day 7
9am - Brandon and Heath came and Brian got up, recognized them, and gave them both a hug! Huge progress!!
10am - Physical Therapy Brian did great at PT. Heath and Brandon were there with him and doing some exercises. He told her to look the other way, meanwhile he tried to dump water on the physical therapist! he denies that though! :) Brandon and Heath had quite a laugh for that.
11:30am - Nancy (his sister), Ken (brother-in-law), and Shelley (niece) all came to visit. He recognized them all as well. It was a really good morning.
Since he is still not eating or drinking we are all getting worried and taking him back to Group Health.
1pm - Brandon, Becca, and Heath checked him into the hospital. The doctors checked his blood and he is a bit dehydrated. This is why we wanted to take him in, before he became dehydrated again. They gave him 2 bags of IV. The doctor using her authority had him drink one Ensure and some apple juice. Nothing still tastes good, but at least he was drinking! His feet were moving like he was listening to music so we put some on!
5pm - He started eating a bit of turkey and tomato slice inside the sandwich. The doctor seems to think he has thrush so we will be getting him on something for that which may help out with him eating better.
6pm - Brandon and Heath took Brian back to the full care facility as they could not get a feeding tube until Wednesday. They ordered two IV bags a day over the weekend so we hope that will help in the meantime.
Overall today was the best day, he was alert and awake most of the day and finally ate/drank more then we have seen in two weeks! We are taking it one day at a time! It's a good reminder to live each day to the fullest!!
Picture of him from Christmas 2009 holding music! Thought it would fit this post. :0)
9am - Brandon and Heath came and Brian got up, recognized them, and gave them both a hug! Huge progress!!
10am - Physical Therapy Brian did great at PT. Heath and Brandon were there with him and doing some exercises. He told her to look the other way, meanwhile he tried to dump water on the physical therapist! he denies that though! :) Brandon and Heath had quite a laugh for that.
11:30am - Nancy (his sister), Ken (brother-in-law), and Shelley (niece) all came to visit. He recognized them all as well. It was a really good morning.
Since he is still not eating or drinking we are all getting worried and taking him back to Group Health.
1pm - Brandon, Becca, and Heath checked him into the hospital. The doctors checked his blood and he is a bit dehydrated. This is why we wanted to take him in, before he became dehydrated again. They gave him 2 bags of IV. The doctor using her authority had him drink one Ensure and some apple juice. Nothing still tastes good, but at least he was drinking! His feet were moving like he was listening to music so we put some on!
5pm - He started eating a bit of turkey and tomato slice inside the sandwich. The doctor seems to think he has thrush so we will be getting him on something for that which may help out with him eating better.
6pm - Brandon and Heath took Brian back to the full care facility as they could not get a feeding tube until Wednesday. They ordered two IV bags a day over the weekend so we hope that will help in the meantime.
Overall today was the best day, he was alert and awake most of the day and finally ate/drank more then we have seen in two weeks! We are taking it one day at a time! It's a good reminder to live each day to the fullest!!
Picture of him from Christmas 2009 holding music! Thought it would fit this post. :0)
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