Month: November 2010

Hi dear friends. I think we better brush up on our math skills! Yesterday a Doctor Pi (pronounced pee) came to test Chuck. I stood outside the door while she quizzed him. Name, dob, age, studies (he answered U of M Finance), year, season (he answered fall), month (I’ve kind of taught him it is November as he’s really lost November), day of week (she laughed because checked the board; well I check the newspaper to see what day it is sometimes), state, country (the United States of America), city, what type of building are you in? (he said "what type of building?" as if to say what an open ended question that is… he then said, hospital), 3 things repeat them and i’ll ask you again later… now the math: 100-7 he said 93. OK 93-7 ……… she said, "you’re writing that down" (I’ve given him a tablet to "take notes" and he uses it, although we can’t read what he wrote!) and I thought standing there using my 10 fingers, "I can’t figure it out myself" …. then she asked OK 95 – 7 = same response. I don’t think he got the arithmetic questions right… . … Repeat the 3 words. he did. she did some identification: what is that, what is that (no problem)…. instructions. I love these: before you touch your nose, look at the door. poor Chuck is constantly touching his nose for doctors and he even does things in advance before they ask him (this is the impulsiveness that comes with brain injury. It is Chcuk saying "I’m OK". Instruction: take this paper and read this. OK write a sentence. … He’s lost his writing – it’s just chicken scratch which I am sure OT will work on. He’s also a little paranoid "they’re watching me and won’t let me do things alone…" Rob and I both answered "Well yes Chuck you have had a brain injury and they are protecting you and themselves. Let them help ou. it’s their job." Our old Chuck is very much with us. In control, impulsive, moving quickly, but doctors are keeping him under wraps and moving slowly. When you come to visit, listen to his tales of woe, and then be positive and firm. We expect full recovery, it will just take time. Did anyone ever see Chuck ask for help, move slowly, or let anyone do anything for him? i am always so grateful for your help like when Chuck and I were up on the roof laying giant sheets of plywood and Dave and George came up and finished the job…. Chuck was so concerned about whether they were doing it "right". Enuf said. Please continue to pray for Chuck. His is a mighty injury, and his will be a mighty mission because he is one who helps people and I pray he will be able to use this experience to help others. Thank you for your prayers. God bless Chuck and praise God for keeping Chuck with us. Love Susie

My dear friends and family. The sun is shining, and after I do a few errands at the bank and insurance company I will go with crossword puzzles and magazines and "meet the rehab folks." Today is evaluation again and tomorrow starts rehab in earnest. Please you keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming. When Chuck was in the ER this last time I put my hand on his chest and asked our Blessed Mother to cover him with her mantle. If you look at a statue or image of the Blessed Mother Mary, she wraps up the baby Jesus in her cloak. Well, why not ask her to wrap up our "babies"? If you have my book, please read what I wrote about Mary…. Our God and the angels and Mary have a lot to do with this recovery. Again, my role with Chuck is not the one who will teach him stuff (like how to be careful when he gets out of bed – although I am there to remind him!) so much as it is to love. You all do the rest. My teams are in place and people are helping!!! When we got the diagnosis from the MRI and they said to rush to the ER … I thought oh good it’s not cancer. Because we’re all scared of that – especially in the brain… Many have been through the scary disease times and have came out on the other side with brains intact… What we’re dealing with here is physical and mental and it seems all we have at this point is faith, hope, and charity. Doctors are technicians and probably too overworked to do "emotional stuff" like explain things to relatives…. I will continue to search for the "what next" and all the details I need to know to return life to normal for Chuck! My friends keep helping me! For example: Karen (Skipp) a very old friend who works with the elderly at a rehab and nursing home came by last night and will help me and Chuck greatly to get through rehab. All his old friends will help him to get the scrambled past back into shape: for example; he had a little trouble last night getting time frames and the sequence of when he went into the navy, to the university of Miami, and FHP, but he can quote our wedding date and that we just had a 40th Anniversary party! he remembers the right stuff! Cheers and blessings to you. …. My continuing prayer is… God bless Chuck and bring him home. Love Sue

Hi dear friends and family. The second day in rehab finally came after a hiccup: Sunday night in the ER and a day and 1/2 in tests that revealed "nothing." I am calling what Chuck had on Sunday evening an "event." In the last day and 1/2 I’ve spoken to at least 6 doctors and indeed another "McDreamy." When I got to the hospital today, the neurologist and neuro surgeon were at the desk and this McDreamy was kneeling by Chuck’s chair and talking with him. Later McDreamy handed me his card. Are you ready for this girls? Damian Chaupin, M. D. I do not recommend hanging around a neuro science step ICU unit, but oh my gosh what "catches" hang out there. He is the cardiologist who was called to consult on the "event." He too found nothing wrong with our sweet Chuck. Doctors said he’s fine and they don’t know what caused him to "go away" for almost 1/2 hour on Sunday evening….Maybe a little TIA, maybe a seizure, in my opinion pure exhaustion, but doctors don’t think that. This was a very active morning while he was visited by neuro surgeon, had stitches removed, visited by the neurologist and the cardiologist; took a last walk with Sabrina the rehab girl (cute blond pony tail), and was finally dismissed from Baptist. As Chuck told me… "The doctor said, ‘Get out.’" Dave helped Chuck out of the hospital gown and into "sweats," and a van picked Chuck up and swooped him away from Baptist (We’re really trying to close this part of his adventure) and back to rehab about 1pm today. I immediately played Mama and got him into bed. (I might have to monitor him, make sure he gets naps for a few days, and keep him quiet until he stabilizes and heals some more. He ate a very good dinner and his eyes started closing again so We (Karen and I) . 0 tucked him in and left him ready for sleep at 7:30 pm. Karen will be able to advise and help me with rehab. So many people have helped already, and will help more later, and I’m eating well from the food neighbors are bringing. The rehab place is nice, clean, and people are competent. People check on him at least every 2 hours and they are very kind. God has blessed me with the best of the best, including Chuck and you my dear readers.

Was exhausting! he had an "event" and the rehab doctor wanted him checked out so back to Baptist. A day of tests revealed… nothing. I talked with the neurologist today who said Chuck is healing nicely…. Again what caused the seizures and the "event" doctors don’t know. it is the neurology is an art and not a science thing…. one more test today and he goes back to rehab – today if we can move the test taking and the review along. Dave is with him and I am home to nap. …. Ah! Sleep that knits the ravelled sleeve of care! (Shakespeare Macbeth) All systems are healthy, and we need to continue the work of rehab and prayer. Thank you so much for caring. Please wait to see him if you were considering visit as he needs rest for a few days. Love Sue

We have been blessed with all the love of our family and friends. Chuck’s first day of rehab was very busy and exhausting. Please no visitors today we are trying to focus on his rehabilitation. Thank you all for your love and support.

It’s Saturday afternoon and Chuck and I spent our first night together in a week. He was in his hospital bed at the rehab center, and I was across the room in my little cot. (George, think Mother Teresa cot…. but it will do for now.) I thanked God for every breath or snort he made as he slept from 9pm to 4am (take a little break for a potty stop) and then from 4 to 6. How amazing it is to have a partner that we begin to take advantage of (I think there is another way to say this but I’m not firing on all cylinders myself!) …. wanting him to be quiet when he sleeps and then almost losing him. I feel sad for those who have lost this partner; I understand your sadness and I send you a loving hug. Chuck ate breakfast and the rehab people started evaluating. I don’t have their report, but he saw OT, PT and speech therapist. He has been surrounded with Dave and Debby and Charlie and Kathy while I was sent home for a nap…. haven’t wanted to sleep yet. I took a photo of Charlie and Dave on my sofa sipping a beer watching the University of Miami football game. Hey! who’s with "the kid?" Chuck is in good hands and I’ll be back there with him tonight and Sunday night when he should be oriented and ready for full day of rehab on Monday! maybe even rehab on Sunday. If you visit go slow as he has a little cognitive confusion… Brain has to get firing again. It’s a little like getting hit up the side of the head by a 2 x 4. His brain is stunned and trying to get his bearings. God bless you for continuing prayer, and God bless our Chuck.

Chuck moved today at 6:30 pm to West Gables Rehabilitation Hospital Room 109! We are very close to home on Coral Way and 75 avenue. Sue will be spending the first night there before real rehab begins. Tonight is just orientation. Tomorrow a rehab doctor will come and plan the next week. Friends Kathy and Charlie just helped us celebrate Chuck’s release from Baptist with Wendy’s burgers and chocolate frostys. Before we end here please Continue your prayers: Our God is an awesome God… praise him for the miracle of life Chuck has received and now let us pray for Chuck’s complete recovery. God bless you Love Susie

Chuck has been poked and prodded, kicked in the head and pummeled, stuck and beaten, sleep deprived, and subjected to a million tests, but he has won the first round. Today I came home early to take a nap (ha!) and Charlie Paparelli called to patiently tell me (amidst my frantic squeals of concern) that the doctors met and say Chuck is medically stable; he is ready for intensive and aggressive rehab. "Got a pencil? Call this place." I was stunned – pencil? write?" Like a deer stalled in the headlights of an oncoming car. So Charlie called the place to say I was on my way (With Debby my loyal support sister driving). The Admissions Director is a friend and ministry sister of mine at St Timothy church!!! It was one of those "Sue!" … "Zely!" (big hug) moments. She took me around the facility – oh my gosh you can see yourself in the shiny floors. He gets a nice room with a window view and there is another bed for someone to stay there (Little does Charlie Paparelli know but I’m thinking he should stay with Chuck the first night!) Kathy and I can stay home and watch a movie and eat pop corn while Charlie gets Chuck settled in. Rehab will be about 6 hours per day. The brain is an amazing creature. It’s like being hit hard on the head. he’s dazed… and he has to work back the brain function, let the swelling go down. But doctors think he will make a full recovery. Praise God in all his wonders my dears because no mortal could ever have orchestrated this storm in any finer manner. Stay with us as we walk this road. keep praying. Love Sue

Hi my dear friends. Chuck was visited by many experts today who all tested him… poor Chuck. He just falls asleep and the door opens… "Hi Chuck I’m Tiffany, lift your right arm!!! Good, now the left…" etc etc. Physical therapy got him out of bed, stand, walked him to the chair and proceeded to test his arms and legs. Will take him for a walk down the hall tomorrow!!!! Occupational therapy had him drink, chew up a baby aspirin and brush his teeth. All OK. Dr from physical therapy examined him and said he is strong… will need speech therapy. And how many times did I tell him to shoosh because he is so loud! OK OK I will be so happy to hear him postulating again! Neurologist thinks he is progressing nicely for someone who had his brain beaten up – asked Chuck a question that scared me: "Chuck who is in the room?" You know you can fake a lot and I gulped and held my breath… "Debby, Dave,,(he hesitated as if he knew I was holding my breath),, and Sue" big whoof of air from me. Neurologist also had him repeat "it is a sunny day." which he did. Today he did not sleep through these sessions, but I’m validating every person who ever said you can’t get any sleep in the hospital!!! I left him sitting in a chair like a king. Peter Skipp is coming in to help him eat his dinner. Tomorrow is another big day. Our God is an awesome God! Happy Veteran’s Day to all our vets. Love Susie

When Debby and I arrived at 9:30 occupational therapy (OT) was here – Chuck is lifting his arms, moving arms, speaking (answering questions with a low slow voice) and he washed his hands with a towelette. The temporary feeding tube came out (by accident) last night (hand of God?) and the RN was talking about putting in another feeding tube, but first they would try to schedule a swallow test. The neurologist came and asked Chuck the date… he answered "2 thousand seven…or 9". Well, I thought, he’s missed the financial downturn and the presidential and mid term elections which is not a bad thing!!!  He dutifully squeezed the neurologist’s hand and I gave a report on how the OT went. I asked the neurologist to please help me escalate getting the swallow test done, and indeed I heard him talking to the nurse about it. And indeed the technician came an hour later when Chuck was very drowsy. We all (me, Kathy, Dick and Diane) left the room to allow Chuck to concentrate, and true to his nature, he passed the test. The neuro surgeon visited also and he thinks we’re going for a pretty full recovery: the Ct scan is clear, no bleeding and the brain is back in place (isn’t that nice – poor brain has been abused!). Finally on the physical plain the echo cardiogram shows no disease in his arteries (they are trying to find out why the thalamic infarcs). Cousin Carol advised that the thalamus where he had the three bilateral infarcs is responsible for hot and cold registration which might help to account for Chuck’s hot and cold and sweaty hands. Oh well Chuck join the ranks of we women who are hot one minute and cold the next. Then the social worker came by (she interfaces with the insurance company.) She also was very nice and recommended I go for massage therapy at a wonderful sounding place called Body Mind and Spirit Natural Health Care. Doesn’t that sound nice? For physical therapy he sat on on the side of the bed and did some exercises and then he stood up and moved to a chair (of course with the help of the therapist). He did a bunch of exercises and his range of motion looks good. He’s in a very fancy new room above the emergency center and will receive "aggressive" physical and occupational therapy. Room 2407. God continue to bless our Chuck. Love Susie