Finally, after a couple postponements, Dwight had the stitches removed from his vein surgery on his arm. It went much smoother and way less painful than the nurses had told him it would be because of the delay.
They listened to vein and are very pleased. His Dr at dialysis will keep an eye on it and he may not need to go back to the Dr. That would be one less (two really) trip by transport!!!!
Everything else seems to just running on an even keel. We pray for it to continue. The bedsore continues to heal, bringing physical therapy closer. Physical therapy will be long and hard, but Dwight is determined.
Dwight's roommate left last week, hopefully he has been reunited with his wife and is feeling better at his daughters home.
Dwight is really enjoying his Kindle, he is so happy he can read the Scriptures again. He also watches alot of DVDs on his portable DVD player. I just ordered him two more seasons of one his favorite TV programs. And of course, NCIS reruns are on all the time.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
the continuing story
Last Monday morning at 5:00 AM Dwight was loaded in the transport vehicle and set off to Doctors Hospital to spend some time in surgery with Dr Brightwell. His check in was scheduled for 6 AM. He arrived at 5:40, surgery was at 8. All went well, Dr Brightwell thinks that the 'Third time is the charm' and we (Dwight) will have a good, usable vein for dialysis. It will be several weeks of healing before we know for sure. Dwight really likes Dr Brightwell and I have heard from others that he is the best. Praying so.
Dwight had been on a very, very strong antibiotic for an infection. It affected his sugar levels, causing them to go quite low. He went several days without insulin shots and extra bags of candy. He seems to be returning to normal. Also he back on blood thinners so his blood is not clodding in the dialysis machine and he is getting a full four hours of dialysis.
The new treatment they are using on his bedsore is being successful, so good to have good reports. Dwight (and the five grand kids) are quite anxious for all this to be done with and for Dwight to return to our little Cape Cod on Demorest.
I am hoping to have a work day one Saturday in April and fix the ramp and a few other things around our home. (Maybe the 30th--anyone free and willing to join me?)
Thanks to all of you who continue to inquire about and pray for my sweet husband.
Dwight had been on a very, very strong antibiotic for an infection. It affected his sugar levels, causing them to go quite low. He went several days without insulin shots and extra bags of candy. He seems to be returning to normal. Also he back on blood thinners so his blood is not clodding in the dialysis machine and he is getting a full four hours of dialysis.
The new treatment they are using on his bedsore is being successful, so good to have good reports. Dwight (and the five grand kids) are quite anxious for all this to be done with and for Dwight to return to our little Cape Cod on Demorest.
I am hoping to have a work day one Saturday in April and fix the ramp and a few other things around our home. (Maybe the 30th--anyone free and willing to join me?)
Thanks to all of you who continue to inquire about and pray for my sweet husband.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Good Deed Rewarded
If you recall, I talked a very pretty cat out of a tree last November. Because of her beauty and friendliness we were sure she belonged to someone. We watched for fliers on the telephone poles, missing cat ads in the paper, or sad little boys at our door--any or all wanting their sweet cat back. None of the above turned out to be the right answer. The right answer being: You are the proud owner of an unfixed female cat.
Early in January our cat Velvet, began accepting suitors. Quite a few, large Tom cats whom we had never seen appeared at our doorstep. Both door steps, and Velvet was quite happy to entertain them.
Nine weeks have passed and we have reaped the results of the seed sowing. Wednesday, when Kristen and the kids arrived home, Velvet insisted that Kristen follow her, and introduced her to two little balls of fur under the bed. (Aurora was not pleased at all,our dear cat Velvet had blood on herself, Aurora retreated to chair and stayed there till her Mother put her to bed). We were alittle disappointed, we had hoped for more than two babies. (One was grey with white markings and the other white with grey spots, very interesting spots--pictures will follow in a week or so.)
At the call the morning alarm we discovered that we now had a very pretty black kitten with white marks. Smiles all around. AND, "may I hold one, please?" ringing in our ears.
When I returned home Thursday evening I thought maybe there would be another, but no, just the three lovely babies with their tiny, squeaky meows. Of course I held each one, telling them how pretty and welcome they were. My cold and I headed off for a fitful night of sleep.
Friday morning, without my glasses, I stopped to say good morning, half groggy I thought I was seeing double, glasses on, I still was seeing double, really... light on. Yes there are two grey babies, more than 24 hours later we had an increase. Four little darlings in the cat box.
And a lot of, "may I hold a kitten?" May I check on the kittens?" May I pet a kitten?" "Why aren't their eyes open?" "Why are their nails so sharp?" Going to be a fun 6-8 weeks. Can't wait for Esther Faith, Issac and Isaiah to come over and see them too!!!!
Early in January our cat Velvet, began accepting suitors. Quite a few, large Tom cats whom we had never seen appeared at our doorstep. Both door steps, and Velvet was quite happy to entertain them.
Nine weeks have passed and we have reaped the results of the seed sowing. Wednesday, when Kristen and the kids arrived home, Velvet insisted that Kristen follow her, and introduced her to two little balls of fur under the bed. (Aurora was not pleased at all,our dear cat Velvet had blood on herself, Aurora retreated to chair and stayed there till her Mother put her to bed). We were alittle disappointed, we had hoped for more than two babies. (One was grey with white markings and the other white with grey spots, very interesting spots--pictures will follow in a week or so.)
At the call the morning alarm we discovered that we now had a very pretty black kitten with white marks. Smiles all around. AND, "may I hold one, please?" ringing in our ears.
When I returned home Thursday evening I thought maybe there would be another, but no, just the three lovely babies with their tiny, squeaky meows. Of course I held each one, telling them how pretty and welcome they were. My cold and I headed off for a fitful night of sleep.
Friday morning, without my glasses, I stopped to say good morning, half groggy I thought I was seeing double, glasses on, I still was seeing double, really... light on. Yes there are two grey babies, more than 24 hours later we had an increase. Four little darlings in the cat box.
And a lot of, "may I hold a kitten?" May I check on the kittens?" May I pet a kitten?" "Why aren't their eyes open?" "Why are their nails so sharp?" Going to be a fun 6-8 weeks. Can't wait for Esther Faith, Issac and Isaiah to come over and see them too!!!!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Good News Update
Dwight visited the wound care Dr this past week, receiving a very good report. His bed sore that has been very bad is finally making continual healing. The Dr and staff were very happy. They have used several different treatments, something or 'somethings', are working.
Also, it seems that the latest UTI has finally responded the third antibiotic. This is double good, the UTI is gone and the low blood sugar levels are going away. Now I will have to stop giving Dwight so much candy, altho it has been a literal life saver a couple times.
Monday morning the vein Dr will preform surgery to create a permanent spot to do dialysis. Praying this work after two failed surgeries.
Also praying that this nasty cold that has knocked me for a loop doesn't hit Dwight. He has had so many shots that he should be OK.
Also, if you haven't checked my kids blogs lately I invite you to do so...
Also, it seems that the latest UTI has finally responded the third antibiotic. This is double good, the UTI is gone and the low blood sugar levels are going away. Now I will have to stop giving Dwight so much candy, altho it has been a literal life saver a couple times.
Monday morning the vein Dr will preform surgery to create a permanent spot to do dialysis. Praying this work after two failed surgeries.
Also praying that this nasty cold that has knocked me for a loop doesn't hit Dwight. He has had so many shots that he should be OK.
Also, if you haven't checked my kids blogs lately I invite you to do so...
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
New Room--New Doctor--Good News Promise
I wish I could tell all of you faithful readers that Dwight is happy in his new room but....
His room mate is a grouchy, hard of hearing, anti social 86 year old man. He seems to resent having to share a room. We try to be tolerate of his lack of manners and cold shoulder. He has cared for his wife for years, she suffers with dementia. He recently fell and his daughter and son-in-law moved her to Indianapolis with them and will be taking him also, when he is released. (One nurse told me it couldn't happen soon enough) It has to be very hard to lose your wife and soon your home. We just wish he wouldn't play the AMC movie channel and old war movies so loud that a headache is your new, daily friend. And turn the heat down, please. I did buy Dwight earplugs and he said they help. Dwight has attempted to witness to his room mate, but he doesn't want to have any type of a conversation.
Into Dwight's former, private room across the hall, they moved in a who woman has experienced some type of brain injury and often yells, yesterday for nine hours. And they can't shut her door when she is acting out. She is on an IV feeding. Don't know what all is going on but don't envy the aids and nurses caring for her. Or her.
Dwight has visited a new Doctor who is doing 'vein mapping' on both of his arms. He has found a good prospect on the left upper arm and several good ones on the right arm. The Doctor will be studying them more fully and they attempting a new fistula soon. If it is successful then the dialysis can be done through it and no more ports.
The Doctor is at Doctors Hospital. Dwight was happy to be in 'home territory' and was very happy with the 'mapping' ultrasound done in Doctor's. We are praying this works.
Our son Sam was down for the weekend and spent many hours with his Dad, much to Dwight's delight. They both did something they have done together for decades--put the NASCAR race on and took a nap(s). Good medicine.
His room mate is a grouchy, hard of hearing, anti social 86 year old man. He seems to resent having to share a room. We try to be tolerate of his lack of manners and cold shoulder. He has cared for his wife for years, she suffers with dementia. He recently fell and his daughter and son-in-law moved her to Indianapolis with them and will be taking him also, when he is released. (One nurse told me it couldn't happen soon enough) It has to be very hard to lose your wife and soon your home. We just wish he wouldn't play the AMC movie channel and old war movies so loud that a headache is your new, daily friend. And turn the heat down, please. I did buy Dwight earplugs and he said they help. Dwight has attempted to witness to his room mate, but he doesn't want to have any type of a conversation.
Into Dwight's former, private room across the hall, they moved in a who woman has experienced some type of brain injury and often yells, yesterday for nine hours. And they can't shut her door when she is acting out. She is on an IV feeding. Don't know what all is going on but don't envy the aids and nurses caring for her. Or her.
Dwight has visited a new Doctor who is doing 'vein mapping' on both of his arms. He has found a good prospect on the left upper arm and several good ones on the right arm. The Doctor will be studying them more fully and they attempting a new fistula soon. If it is successful then the dialysis can be done through it and no more ports.
The Doctor is at Doctors Hospital. Dwight was happy to be in 'home territory' and was very happy with the 'mapping' ultrasound done in Doctor's. We are praying this works.
Our son Sam was down for the weekend and spent many hours with his Dad, much to Dwight's delight. They both did something they have done together for decades--put the NASCAR race on and took a nap(s). Good medicine.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Overheard Update..
Remember playing the game 'gossip' as a child? Where a statement was whispered ear to ear around a circle, coming out at the end much different than when it started?
That game is similar to what happened Saturday to Dwight. The part he heard and the part were told were parts of the truth. What buzzed around the nursing home on Sunday was the game part. And was it ever the game part. We heard quite abit after I got there in the morning. Most of it only half or less correct. Then the social worker came in. (She only works Mon-Fri, so....????) She informed us that Dwight needs to go back into a semi private room. The one right across the hall that had been emptied for the new construction. It is open now, for awhile. The person that is moving into his room demanded to be removed from her room because, altho it is a large private room now, it is being changed into a semi private room this week and she refuses to room with anyone. (Not sure if it is her or her children making the demands)
Dwight is to be out of his room and in the new one by Thursday. He asked that they do it while he is at dialysis since his bed needs semi disassembled and reassembled.
A plus to the new room is that he can observe the construction out the window--AND--the WiFi is quite strong in that room (nothing in the current room). He will now be able to have my netbook and watch Church services again. And he will be able to Sykpe. God is in control, and provides surprises. Don't know how long it will be before that room is up for reconstruction, but it is where God wants him now.
Thank God for Your faithfulness. And Your patience with our worry.
And thank you, God's children, who joined us in prayer.
That game is similar to what happened Saturday to Dwight. The part he heard and the part were told were parts of the truth. What buzzed around the nursing home on Sunday was the game part. And was it ever the game part. We heard quite abit after I got there in the morning. Most of it only half or less correct. Then the social worker came in. (She only works Mon-Fri, so....????) She informed us that Dwight needs to go back into a semi private room. The one right across the hall that had been emptied for the new construction. It is open now, for awhile. The person that is moving into his room demanded to be removed from her room because, altho it is a large private room now, it is being changed into a semi private room this week and she refuses to room with anyone. (Not sure if it is her or her children making the demands)
Dwight is to be out of his room and in the new one by Thursday. He asked that they do it while he is at dialysis since his bed needs semi disassembled and reassembled.
A plus to the new room is that he can observe the construction out the window--AND--the WiFi is quite strong in that room (nothing in the current room). He will now be able to have my netbook and watch Church services again. And he will be able to Sykpe. God is in control, and provides surprises. Don't know how long it will be before that room is up for reconstruction, but it is where God wants him now.
Thank God for Your faithfulness. And Your patience with our worry.
And thank you, God's children, who joined us in prayer.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Overheard...
Being a normally 'glass half empty' person, I shouldn't be surprised that our joy and praise of Dwight's healing was a followed by an attack by Satan.
When Dwight returns from dialysis he is normally alittle down both mentally and physically. This is not unusual for dialysis patients. Today he attempted to get comfy in his bed just before supper. And try to convince himself he wanted to eat. He noticed a couple walking by his room, and walking by his room and walking by his room. Very closely timed, slow passes. Then he overhears raised voices...
It seems this couple was ready to move a loved one into his room. They said they had been promised two weeks ago that they could have room 121 today. At that point the conversation was removed from his hearing. Of course no staff person even acknowledged that something was going on... but an unusual number did stop in just to talk for a few minutes. One, whispered, "you will be out of this room by Thursday." Period. Nothing more. If this is true, it explains why the social worker has been in asking Dwight where he was moving to. It doesn't explain why the social worker hasn't been 'free' to talk to Dwight and I when I am able to come.
Dwight's already lack of appetite flew out the window. All he ate was ice cream and ice tea. Didn't even take his dialysis medicine. He really didn't want me to leave, and before I had my coat zipped he told me he missed me already. He asked me to come and sit with him in the morning instead of going to Church.
All of my dear friends who pray, please pray for his spirits and for our wisdom. And if we need find another home, clear guidance on the right one for Dwight and his needs.
When Dwight returns from dialysis he is normally alittle down both mentally and physically. This is not unusual for dialysis patients. Today he attempted to get comfy in his bed just before supper. And try to convince himself he wanted to eat. He noticed a couple walking by his room, and walking by his room and walking by his room. Very closely timed, slow passes. Then he overhears raised voices...
It seems this couple was ready to move a loved one into his room. They said they had been promised two weeks ago that they could have room 121 today. At that point the conversation was removed from his hearing. Of course no staff person even acknowledged that something was going on... but an unusual number did stop in just to talk for a few minutes. One, whispered, "you will be out of this room by Thursday." Period. Nothing more. If this is true, it explains why the social worker has been in asking Dwight where he was moving to. It doesn't explain why the social worker hasn't been 'free' to talk to Dwight and I when I am able to come.
Dwight's already lack of appetite flew out the window. All he ate was ice cream and ice tea. Didn't even take his dialysis medicine. He really didn't want me to leave, and before I had my coat zipped he told me he missed me already. He asked me to come and sit with him in the morning instead of going to Church.
All of my dear friends who pray, please pray for his spirits and for our wisdom. And if we need find another home, clear guidance on the right one for Dwight and his needs.
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