Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
---------------------------------
today was a strange day for me it took me awhile to wake up and then I got a little bit distracted with other things.
I contacted Standard Life and found out that I had to fax the disability information to them. I looked up the number and started looking for a fax machine. I contacted Staples and they told me it was a dollar per page have they lost their minds????? then I wised up and went to the coop office and got them to fax it.
well I was doing this Donna called to let me know how Larry was doing.unfortunately I missed the call but listened to it later. I finally got to the hospital around two. Larry was sound asleep with his headphones on. I wish I could have gotten a picture. I grabbed a chair and sat down. Larry woke up about a half hour later.
He told me how the lovely speech/swallow lady came by and tried him on toast again. He was more successful and can now eat regular veggies and fruit, as long as they are soft. Yay!!!
The physiotherapist came in and had Larry tell me about what he did today. They are trying to get him at least a little bit independently moving...from bed to wheelchair to start with. Larry was also standing up today...needed a chair to help him, but its pretty awesome. They are going to work on walking tomorrow.
It was a pretty quiet evening. Mike came to visit for a while too. The only down side is that Larry is a bit dehydrated,so they started an IV again. I think that Larry hasn't been drinking as many fluids because urinating is a bit of a pain. I'm allowed to nag him now :-)
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Tuesday February 4, 2014
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
---------------------------------
Blech. Today did not start out well - I woke up about 5:30am with a wicked migraine headache. Took my meds and went back to bed...until 11:30am! Eep...guess I needed the sleep.
L called a few minutes later to let me know that he was heading out, but Larry was pretty tired and was going to have a nap - so I might as well wait a bit before heading to the hospital. Works for me - as long as Larry isn't left all day by himself, a bit of time alone isn't bad either.
So, K and I chilled out, and then I gave him a lift to his friends place.
Got to the hospital, got my weekly parking pass, and off to visit Larry I went. It took me a few minutes to see him because the physiotherapist was there working with him. She told me that Larry was doing pretty well, and they were working him a bit harder to get his strength up :) Yay!
Larry showed me how good he's getting with moving his left leg, and let me know that he'd been "abducted" last night. LOL They took him for a CT scan later in the evening, to see how his brain looked. I, of course, said "they found nothing, right?" Mike also used that joke. heeheehee nothing if not consistent.
Larry had a lot of visitors today - his cousin Ken and his daughter Rebecca came up for a while, Mike visited after that, and then other cousins came up...Judy and J..something. I admit it - I'm awful with names. Sorry! Finally D came up. :) It's so good that so many are coming to visit - gives Larry company!
The occupational therapist came in as well, and told us that Larry has some left sided neglect (which we knew) and the best way to work on that is make him work on using the left side. So - stand on the left when we talk, have the TV on the left side, etc.
She also gave him some puzzles and tips on how to read. It will help him get his coordination back.
I also chatted with the doctor again today, and he let me know that Larry's CT looked "okay". No bleeding going on right now, so they started aspirin today. If all goes well, they'll be starting the blood thinners in a few days. He said it's looking good, but warned there may be set backs. It was a nice reality check - but I'm also really really hoping that we don't have one. Doc also told me that Larry will be in the hospital proper for a while longer - his blood pressure is not coming down the way they'd like. They can't drop it fast, because that's not good either. He mentioned that stubborn is good - but not for blood pressure :P
All in all a pretty quiet day. I decided to treat myself to some won ton soup for supper. It was pretty good :D
---------------------------------
Blech. Today did not start out well - I woke up about 5:30am with a wicked migraine headache. Took my meds and went back to bed...until 11:30am! Eep...guess I needed the sleep.
L called a few minutes later to let me know that he was heading out, but Larry was pretty tired and was going to have a nap - so I might as well wait a bit before heading to the hospital. Works for me - as long as Larry isn't left all day by himself, a bit of time alone isn't bad either.
So, K and I chilled out, and then I gave him a lift to his friends place.
Got to the hospital, got my weekly parking pass, and off to visit Larry I went. It took me a few minutes to see him because the physiotherapist was there working with him. She told me that Larry was doing pretty well, and they were working him a bit harder to get his strength up :) Yay!
Larry showed me how good he's getting with moving his left leg, and let me know that he'd been "abducted" last night. LOL They took him for a CT scan later in the evening, to see how his brain looked. I, of course, said "they found nothing, right?" Mike also used that joke. heeheehee nothing if not consistent.
Larry had a lot of visitors today - his cousin Ken and his daughter Rebecca came up for a while, Mike visited after that, and then other cousins came up...Judy and J..something. I admit it - I'm awful with names. Sorry! Finally D came up. :) It's so good that so many are coming to visit - gives Larry company!
The occupational therapist came in as well, and told us that Larry has some left sided neglect (which we knew) and the best way to work on that is make him work on using the left side. So - stand on the left when we talk, have the TV on the left side, etc.
She also gave him some puzzles and tips on how to read. It will help him get his coordination back.
I also chatted with the doctor again today, and he let me know that Larry's CT looked "okay". No bleeding going on right now, so they started aspirin today. If all goes well, they'll be starting the blood thinners in a few days. He said it's looking good, but warned there may be set backs. It was a nice reality check - but I'm also really really hoping that we don't have one. Doc also told me that Larry will be in the hospital proper for a while longer - his blood pressure is not coming down the way they'd like. They can't drop it fast, because that's not good either. He mentioned that stubborn is good - but not for blood pressure :P
All in all a pretty quiet day. I decided to treat myself to some won ton soup for supper. It was pretty good :D
Monday, February 3, 2014
Monday February 3, 2014
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
-----------------------------------
Today I got up early to go in to try and catch the doctor on rounds, to get a bit of a game plan. It didn't work - they were around very early today. So, I left a note at the nurses station that I'd like to talk to the doctor.
I also asked about my paperwork for Larry's insurance company, and was given it back. I then put it down and promptly forgot about it.
I finally found Larry in the day room, and we chatted for a bit. He wanted to head back to his room, so we did. We sat there and chatted for a bit, and he told me that he actually took a few steps today in physiotherapy! WOOT! I found out a bit later it was about 6 feet...which is pretty dang good.
L came in and was pretty surprised to see me, as I'm usually there later in the day. We then checked the paperwork, which was NOT filled out...and L was NOT happy. He took it to the desk and asked if they could please fill it in. We're not impatient, but it's been over a week already.
After L left, Mike and a couple of Larry's coworkers came by. It was also the time when he was having some therapy, so they went and got coffee while they waited. It was a nice visit, and I tried to stay out of the way because I knew I'd be there all afternoon.
A bit later the doctor came by and I asked if they had any idea of what was going to happen. I don't think they realized that, while I'm not a doctor, I'm not stupid either. LOL Ah well. Anyway, she explained to me that the rehab place won't take people until they're fairly ambulatory/self sufficient and while Larry is doing well, he's not quite there yet. They're going to see how he does this week, and probably have them out Friday or early next week. Fine by me! And of course, things can always change. They won't let him go until he's stable and on blood thinners, which is not until Thursday.
They let me know that it was a pretty big area affected by the stroke, so it's going to take a lot of work and patience. It also means we're probably going to have to move. *sigh* More on that as it happens.
Dr. Li came by as well, and told us that Larry had been transferred to his care. Fine by me :) He also advised that Larry has something called "left side neglect". Basically that means he "forgets" he's got a left side, because of the stroke. His eyes see things, but the brain doesn't quite register that they are there. Think "forget me" spell :P
You can overcome that, and having things like the TV on the left side will help.
-----------------------------------
Today I got up early to go in to try and catch the doctor on rounds, to get a bit of a game plan. It didn't work - they were around very early today. So, I left a note at the nurses station that I'd like to talk to the doctor.
I also asked about my paperwork for Larry's insurance company, and was given it back. I then put it down and promptly forgot about it.
I finally found Larry in the day room, and we chatted for a bit. He wanted to head back to his room, so we did. We sat there and chatted for a bit, and he told me that he actually took a few steps today in physiotherapy! WOOT! I found out a bit later it was about 6 feet...which is pretty dang good.
L came in and was pretty surprised to see me, as I'm usually there later in the day. We then checked the paperwork, which was NOT filled out...and L was NOT happy. He took it to the desk and asked if they could please fill it in. We're not impatient, but it's been over a week already.
After L left, Mike and a couple of Larry's coworkers came by. It was also the time when he was having some therapy, so they went and got coffee while they waited. It was a nice visit, and I tried to stay out of the way because I knew I'd be there all afternoon.
A bit later the doctor came by and I asked if they had any idea of what was going to happen. I don't think they realized that, while I'm not a doctor, I'm not stupid either. LOL Ah well. Anyway, she explained to me that the rehab place won't take people until they're fairly ambulatory/self sufficient and while Larry is doing well, he's not quite there yet. They're going to see how he does this week, and probably have them out Friday or early next week. Fine by me! And of course, things can always change. They won't let him go until he's stable and on blood thinners, which is not until Thursday.
They let me know that it was a pretty big area affected by the stroke, so it's going to take a lot of work and patience. It also means we're probably going to have to move. *sigh* More on that as it happens.
Dr. Li came by as well, and told us that Larry had been transferred to his care. Fine by me :) He also advised that Larry has something called "left side neglect". Basically that means he "forgets" he's got a left side, because of the stroke. His eyes see things, but the brain doesn't quite register that they are there. Think "forget me" spell :P
You can overcome that, and having things like the TV on the left side will help.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Sunday February 2, 2014
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
-----------------------------------
Today is Super Bowl Sunday! and Groundhog Day :)
When I told Larry it was Groundhog Day today he laughed and said "that was a good movie" :P
The Winnipeg Jets played at noon today, so I didn't go to the hospital until later in the afternoon. I watched the game, and it was pretty good! Winnipeg won (woohoo!) and are now 8-2 under the new coach. Hmm... still coincidence? I haven't a clue... but Larry says no - Noel had lost the players, and Maurice has found them.
I made chocolate chip banana bread today and just chilled out. It was nice. I needed the bit of a break, because I've used up all of my spoons for February... *sigh*
If you're not sure what I mean, read here
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/wpress/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/
While I don't have Lupus, I do have a disability that prevents me from doing much more than go to the hospital and come home. I only have about 10 spoons a day... :( Thank goodness K has been helping a lot! Not that there is a ton to do, but having him take out the garbage helps me soooo much.
Winnipeg Willow predicted an early spring, but Punxsutawney Phil predicted 6 more weeks of winter. Hmmm.... conflicting groundhogs! Whatever shall we do?! Yes, I know that Feb 2 is exactly 6 weeks from March 21 :P Still fun....
Went to the hospital at about 4:30 today, and Larry was up and in his Seahawks Jersey :) He told me that a doctor had walked by in a Seahawks jersey, and said that security may not allow Bronco's jerseys into the place. So when Mike came in about 45 mins later, Larry asked "how did you get past security?" LOL Pretty funny.
What wasn't funny was the actual Super Bowl. When the very first play from scrimmage is a safety, you feel it's a sign of things to come. And it was. The Broncos were shut out for 3 of 4 quarters of the game, and lost 43-8. Peyton just couldn't find his receivers... the ones he found were wearing Seahawks jerseys. I must apologize to Mike... I took a bit of pleasure in his Broncos losing... mainly because Larry was going for the Seahawks. Mike may or may not talk to me the next time we see each other.....
Not much going on in the recovery front - other than Larry was in a real chair today, and can consciously move his left foot/leg now. I'm really hoping that soon he can stand either on his own or with help, so he can get out of bed to the washroom. (eeewww....bedpans!) We also broke a "rule" today... his slurpee was melting, so I stuck a straw in it. *gasp* He's not supposed to use a straw because of the left side paralysis...but I figured with two people there to watch, he'd be okay. Amazing how such a little thing makes such a difference....
-----------------------------------
Today is Super Bowl Sunday! and Groundhog Day :)
When I told Larry it was Groundhog Day today he laughed and said "that was a good movie" :P
The Winnipeg Jets played at noon today, so I didn't go to the hospital until later in the afternoon. I watched the game, and it was pretty good! Winnipeg won (woohoo!) and are now 8-2 under the new coach. Hmm... still coincidence? I haven't a clue... but Larry says no - Noel had lost the players, and Maurice has found them.
I made chocolate chip banana bread today and just chilled out. It was nice. I needed the bit of a break, because I've used up all of my spoons for February... *sigh*
If you're not sure what I mean, read here
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/wpress/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/
While I don't have Lupus, I do have a disability that prevents me from doing much more than go to the hospital and come home. I only have about 10 spoons a day... :( Thank goodness K has been helping a lot! Not that there is a ton to do, but having him take out the garbage helps me soooo much.
Winnipeg Willow predicted an early spring, but Punxsutawney Phil predicted 6 more weeks of winter. Hmmm.... conflicting groundhogs! Whatever shall we do?! Yes, I know that Feb 2 is exactly 6 weeks from March 21 :P Still fun....
Went to the hospital at about 4:30 today, and Larry was up and in his Seahawks Jersey :) He told me that a doctor had walked by in a Seahawks jersey, and said that security may not allow Bronco's jerseys into the place. So when Mike came in about 45 mins later, Larry asked "how did you get past security?" LOL Pretty funny.
What wasn't funny was the actual Super Bowl. When the very first play from scrimmage is a safety, you feel it's a sign of things to come. And it was. The Broncos were shut out for 3 of 4 quarters of the game, and lost 43-8. Peyton just couldn't find his receivers... the ones he found were wearing Seahawks jerseys. I must apologize to Mike... I took a bit of pleasure in his Broncos losing... mainly because Larry was going for the Seahawks. Mike may or may not talk to me the next time we see each other.....
Not much going on in the recovery front - other than Larry was in a real chair today, and can consciously move his left foot/leg now. I'm really hoping that soon he can stand either on his own or with help, so he can get out of bed to the washroom. (eeewww....bedpans!) We also broke a "rule" today... his slurpee was melting, so I stuck a straw in it. *gasp* He's not supposed to use a straw because of the left side paralysis...but I figured with two people there to watch, he'd be okay. Amazing how such a little thing makes such a difference....
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Saturday February 1, 2014
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
------------------------------------
Welcome February. You had better be better than January! Larry has said he doesn't like 2014 so far... I don't either!
A prayer or two for a lottery win would be nice LOL I have a feeling we're going to have to move. Right now we're in a co-op townhouse, but the bathroom is upstairs, and the stairs are steep.
If Larry doesn't have full mobility in his legs, no way!
I'm looking in to resources now, but if anyone has a suggestion, I'm all ears!
Today was a quiet day - Larry was still pretty tired from yesterday. However, the catheter was removed today :) That's a pretty big step too!
Larry also mentioned yesterday that he'd like me to look into getting him a Seahawks jersey for the Super Bowl. There is NO way he could know that Mike already had one for him, and was going to give it to him today.
So, around noon we were all there, and Mike first showed off his Bronco's Jersey...then put a Bronco's stuffed toy on the table. Larry promptly reached out and knocked it over. LOL
Then, Mike put on a long song and dance about how Larry was going to be so surprised to get the jersey, etc...and then he gets the text from me. It was pretty funny - but Larry loved the jersey! Put it on right away too :)
not much after this Larry went back to his room.
We just chilled out for the afternoon, pretty much. However, emotions are starting to show up for Larry. While it's tough to watch, it's a good thing! He was looking at his left hand, and crying today. I'm going to look into counselling for Larry and I - we're going to need it!
------------------------------------
Welcome February. You had better be better than January! Larry has said he doesn't like 2014 so far... I don't either!
A prayer or two for a lottery win would be nice LOL I have a feeling we're going to have to move. Right now we're in a co-op townhouse, but the bathroom is upstairs, and the stairs are steep.
If Larry doesn't have full mobility in his legs, no way!
I'm looking in to resources now, but if anyone has a suggestion, I'm all ears!
Today was a quiet day - Larry was still pretty tired from yesterday. However, the catheter was removed today :) That's a pretty big step too!
Larry also mentioned yesterday that he'd like me to look into getting him a Seahawks jersey for the Super Bowl. There is NO way he could know that Mike already had one for him, and was going to give it to him today.
So, around noon we were all there, and Mike first showed off his Bronco's Jersey...then put a Bronco's stuffed toy on the table. Larry promptly reached out and knocked it over. LOL
Then, Mike put on a long song and dance about how Larry was going to be so surprised to get the jersey, etc...and then he gets the text from me. It was pretty funny - but Larry loved the jersey! Put it on right away too :)
not much after this Larry went back to his room.
We just chilled out for the afternoon, pretty much. However, emotions are starting to show up for Larry. While it's tough to watch, it's a good thing! He was looking at his left hand, and crying today. I'm going to look into counselling for Larry and I - we're going to need it!
Friday January 31, 2014
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
------------------------------------
Today started out with a minor freak out on my part. I was sleeping in a bit when the phone rang.
I answered it, and as I said hello I realized it was the hospital calling (panic!). Luckily, it was just to tell me that Larry had a test at HSC today, and would be leaving just after noon. He probably wouldn't be back until about 3:30. Fine by me. I sent a quick text to Mike, assuming he'd tell L, and went back to sleep for a while.
About 11:00 or so I got a call from L - why didn't I tell him Larry had a test today? He was just about to leave when he was informed of Larry's test - he'd like to be in the loop. I was a bit taken aback, and didn't say much.
Then I checked my cell... to find a message back from Mike telling me to let L know.... oops! Ah well, no harm done :P
I got to the hospital just after 4, and Larry was back from his test. He looked tired, but he'd had a busy day.
He told me they had him in the actual physio room today. annndddd... drum roll please.... he was STANDING UP today! This is very very encouraging :) Not much in the left arm yet, but he can feel it...so that's a start. I also noticed that when Larry smiles, there's a little bit of movement on the left side of his mouth.
Larry also asked me to look into getting a Seahawks jersey for the Super Bowl on Sunday. There is NO way he knows that Mike has one for him already! I told him I'd talk with Mike, and take a look online and see if there's anything. I sent Mike a text just to for-warn him :P
We went to the day room today, and Larry had his supper there. Then we chatted for a bit with another couple, waiting for the Jets game to start. Larry put on a Jets jersey, and off went the game. I left after the first period, but Mike stayed there until the game was over. Larry stayed awake for the whole thing!
I know it's going to be a long road ...but we'll travel it together.
Good Bye January - you sucked eggs! Let's hope February is better.
------------------------------------
Today started out with a minor freak out on my part. I was sleeping in a bit when the phone rang.
I answered it, and as I said hello I realized it was the hospital calling (panic!). Luckily, it was just to tell me that Larry had a test at HSC today, and would be leaving just after noon. He probably wouldn't be back until about 3:30. Fine by me. I sent a quick text to Mike, assuming he'd tell L, and went back to sleep for a while.
About 11:00 or so I got a call from L - why didn't I tell him Larry had a test today? He was just about to leave when he was informed of Larry's test - he'd like to be in the loop. I was a bit taken aback, and didn't say much.
Then I checked my cell... to find a message back from Mike telling me to let L know.... oops! Ah well, no harm done :P
I got to the hospital just after 4, and Larry was back from his test. He looked tired, but he'd had a busy day.
He told me they had him in the actual physio room today. annndddd... drum roll please.... he was STANDING UP today! This is very very encouraging :) Not much in the left arm yet, but he can feel it...so that's a start. I also noticed that when Larry smiles, there's a little bit of movement on the left side of his mouth.
Larry also asked me to look into getting a Seahawks jersey for the Super Bowl on Sunday. There is NO way he knows that Mike has one for him already! I told him I'd talk with Mike, and take a look online and see if there's anything. I sent Mike a text just to for-warn him :P
We went to the day room today, and Larry had his supper there. Then we chatted for a bit with another couple, waiting for the Jets game to start. Larry put on a Jets jersey, and off went the game. I left after the first period, but Mike stayed there until the game was over. Larry stayed awake for the whole thing!
I know it's going to be a long road ...but we'll travel it together.
Good Bye January - you sucked eggs! Let's hope February is better.
Thursday Jan 30, 2014
Until Larry is well enough to start either blogging or dictating posts to me, this is all from my perspective.
-------------------------------------
Today is going to be a long day. I was up until after 2am with a wicked stomach ache. It's just my body's way of saying "water and real food please!". It took a litre of water and a few tums to make it so I could sleep.
I went to the hospital and got a wonderful surprise. Larry can move his left leg! Not consistently, and not long...but he can do it!
Mike also let me know that the Jersey was in town, and ready to go for Saturday.
I had a pedicure appointment booked for tonight a long time ago, and I almost cancelled it. But, I figured I needed it done, and needed the break. Besides, Mike, D and a co-worker of Larry's were at the hospital visiting. I could leave him alone for a while. It was nice.
I was too lazy to cook tonight, so grabbed some McDonald's for K and I for supper. I also grabbed some litter and cat food for my two kittehs. They've helped keep me sane when the world goes crazy.
I also got some good news from Crysi (HRB). She and her husband are going to try to make a go of their marriage :D She had decided to leave, and right after she told him...she started second guessing herself. They had a long talk, and she realized, like Reba sings "She doesn't want to leave, she's just wondering if there's life out there". So, she's learning Dutch and going to make a go of it :D YAY! Is it wrong that I thought "cool, now I can go to Holland for a visit"? lol
-------------------------------------
Today is going to be a long day. I was up until after 2am with a wicked stomach ache. It's just my body's way of saying "water and real food please!". It took a litre of water and a few tums to make it so I could sleep.
I went to the hospital and got a wonderful surprise. Larry can move his left leg! Not consistently, and not long...but he can do it!
Mike also let me know that the Jersey was in town, and ready to go for Saturday.
I had a pedicure appointment booked for tonight a long time ago, and I almost cancelled it. But, I figured I needed it done, and needed the break. Besides, Mike, D and a co-worker of Larry's were at the hospital visiting. I could leave him alone for a while. It was nice.
I was too lazy to cook tonight, so grabbed some McDonald's for K and I for supper. I also grabbed some litter and cat food for my two kittehs. They've helped keep me sane when the world goes crazy.
I also got some good news from Crysi (HRB). She and her husband are going to try to make a go of their marriage :D She had decided to leave, and right after she told him...she started second guessing herself. They had a long talk, and she realized, like Reba sings "She doesn't want to leave, she's just wondering if there's life out there". So, she's learning Dutch and going to make a go of it :D YAY! Is it wrong that I thought "cool, now I can go to Holland for a visit"? lol
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