Yesterday when I was sitting with Peter during his lunch. He ate really well, then I asked him to say HI and he did verbally than I said Peter," Say, I Love You" and he said it. Then he leaned over to me and said verbally "I need to use the restroom" That sent shivers down my spine as that is the first time that Peter has spoken verbally to me since his accident. Then he tried to get out of the chair to go to the restroom and I said Peter you need to wait until they come help you I don't want you to fall and He said "OK" verbally.
I just wanted to cry - It made me so happy to hear him speak. Then the nurses and aides told me that they have yet to hear him put a sentence together but he did it for me and I was so proud of his hard work.
Peter has been such a trooper.
Today was somewhat of a quite day Peter had alot of therapy this morning so when I got there early in the afternoon he was pretty well tuckered out. He has been eating real well so hope to get his weight back up. They removed his staples this afternoon which did not make him real happy that they were messing with his head. When I got there this evening he was ignoring me and didn't want to look at me still a little upset that they messed with his head until I mentioned a good friend of his and then he rolled over on his back, raised his eyebrows and was a bit more alert to what I was saying.
Peter has been such an inspiration to me as well as my sisters. I really have to say Amen and Thank you Joanna and Naomi and even to our dear cousin Laurel. They have said things so good that it has left me in aaawww! I could not have said any of it better myself. I tell you Peter has made me start appreciating the finer things in life and how fragile life is. I do not leave his side with out saying "I Love You" because I have come to realize say it while you can cause you may not get another chance to. Also, He has taught me that no matter how hard the path may be or what it takes to keep going that we just need to keep on keeping on and tho they may be baby steps none the less they are steps that keep us going forward.
Thank you so much to everyone that has shown support and given us their prayers. There is alot of power in prayer and we do appreciate them. Also, we are thankful for the visitors that keep us motivated.
Just a thought before I let this be all for now: "When the path is rough and there seems no hope Don't give up Keep on going even if they are baby steps"
Friday, November 30, 2012
Little Steps
I wanted to show how elated I have been to see Peter continue taking forward steps. Yes, we have days where the steps are slow, but, we remember that' "slow and steady ends the race!" Such a great reminder for all of us!
A week ago or so, we heard him say yes, and no. Now, he is on to bigger and better heart wrenching words! I was with Sharleen yesterday as he audibly said, "I love you!", and a few other short sentences. I wish you could have felt the power in those three simple words. It took some effort to speak to us. How often do express your love to those closest to you? We often take those closest to us for granted, don't we?
A great lesson.
Make sure you take the time to let others know you love them as none of us are guaranteed of tomorrow, so we want to live each day and fill our hearts with thank-fullness!
I plan on spending Monday & Tuesday with Pete. Rumor has it he might get spoiled! I am thinking a foot massage might be kind of relaxing, or maybe a shoulder massage instead? We might have to pull out a few books and read stories, turn on the CD and listen to music, or sing along! I might even try and tickle his toes as I did when he was in ICU!
Laurel
A week ago or so, we heard him say yes, and no. Now, he is on to bigger and better heart wrenching words! I was with Sharleen yesterday as he audibly said, "I love you!", and a few other short sentences. I wish you could have felt the power in those three simple words. It took some effort to speak to us. How often do express your love to those closest to you? We often take those closest to us for granted, don't we?
A great lesson.
Make sure you take the time to let others know you love them as none of us are guaranteed of tomorrow, so we want to live each day and fill our hearts with thank-fullness!
I plan on spending Monday & Tuesday with Pete. Rumor has it he might get spoiled! I am thinking a foot massage might be kind of relaxing, or maybe a shoulder massage instead? We might have to pull out a few books and read stories, turn on the CD and listen to music, or sing along! I might even try and tickle his toes as I did when he was in ICU!
Laurel
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Peter 11/29/2012
I know that I have not been as great as I was about keeping everyone update about Peter as I should, but life happens and between 4 jobs, a daughter, a dad, Peter, and trying to stay sane it has been hard to even get sleep so here goes.
Peter is improving every day, his left side is still not responding but we are still hopeful that it will. They say it can take quite a by of time before we see real progress with it. Every day he speaks new words and it is great to hear. Today Elmer and Noaleen stopped by which was so nice to see them. Peter does at least 3 hours of therapy a day but he does enjoy having company even though he does tire out easy.
I leave tomorrow for a trip that was planned prior to Peters accident and it has been a struggle for me but I have chosen to go ahead and go as I know he is in good hands. Laurel plans to spend Monday and Tuesday with him and Sharleen has been great about seeing him in the afternoons. Dad has caught a virus from when Peter was at the hospital and hasn't been feeling well so it is hard to have him around Peter as we don't want him to get sick.
Each week the doctors and therapist do evaluations to determine where he is at in the rehab process and if he is still benefiting from being in the rehab unit or if a different venue is in order......... At this point we are still at the rehab unit as they are still seeing improvement............... We pray for a full recovery and hope for the best. As I get reports from everyone this next week I will try to plots hem in the blog or ask them to update it so everyone can stay updated.
He is still in room 317 which is on the 3rd floor of the old DePaul hospital, visitors are welcome from 830 to 730 and all are welcome to visit.
Thanks for all the prayers and support.
Joanna
Peter is improving every day, his left side is still not responding but we are still hopeful that it will. They say it can take quite a by of time before we see real progress with it. Every day he speaks new words and it is great to hear. Today Elmer and Noaleen stopped by which was so nice to see them. Peter does at least 3 hours of therapy a day but he does enjoy having company even though he does tire out easy.
I leave tomorrow for a trip that was planned prior to Peters accident and it has been a struggle for me but I have chosen to go ahead and go as I know he is in good hands. Laurel plans to spend Monday and Tuesday with him and Sharleen has been great about seeing him in the afternoons. Dad has caught a virus from when Peter was at the hospital and hasn't been feeling well so it is hard to have him around Peter as we don't want him to get sick.
Each week the doctors and therapist do evaluations to determine where he is at in the rehab process and if he is still benefiting from being in the rehab unit or if a different venue is in order......... At this point we are still at the rehab unit as they are still seeing improvement............... We pray for a full recovery and hope for the best. As I get reports from everyone this next week I will try to plots hem in the blog or ask them to update it so everyone can stay updated.
He is still in room 317 which is on the 3rd floor of the old DePaul hospital, visitors are welcome from 830 to 730 and all are welcome to visit.
Thanks for all the prayers and support.
Joanna
Monday, November 26, 2012
Pete from My Eyes
Joanna has done such a good job in keeping this blog updated and for that I want to tell her "Thank YOU.' But I decided that I could also write a little about Pete. So here it goes.
As I sat with Pete last week I was thinking about how lucky we are to have Pete and how much I have learned from Pete.
Last Sunday as Cody and I sat in Pete's room I saw peace and I found comfort. We were not sure if Pete would be with us come the next morning. I prayed that I would let God be in control and I would have peace with what ever God discussion would be. The nurses that day said that we should prepare our selves to make a life or death discussion. I had a flood of emotions and left there that night with a "Pete, I love YOU." I felt peace and reassurance that God is in Control and I didn't need to worry.
The next morning as I prayed, I felt the need that I need to be more "Simple" like Pete. When I arrived in Cheyenne and Pete was doing so much better I knew that I need to be more like Pete.
So what have I learned from Pete?
Here is my list:
Willingness- Pete is always so willing to please and to do what you ask him to do. I would like to be more like this.
Be Tough- Pete is the only person that I know that can hit his hand with a hammer and never say a thing. He IS TOUGH. He has shown that in the last week.
Keep Trying- Pete always tries. And he tries again and again. I love that about him. I would like to be one that keeps trying.
It's Important to be A Buddy- Pete is a Awsome Buddy. Just ask Mike, Cody and Dad. I think that life is all about having buddies. Buddies are so important. It's important to have someone that listens. And Pete is a good listener. You can talk and talk and Pete just keeps shaking his head. I want to be a better buddy.
It's ok to Be Different- If you know Pete, then you know that Pete loves ranch dressing and Ketchup on EVERYTHING. I have seen him but ranch and ketchup on salad, potatoes, in his soup, on his sandwiches and the list goes on and on. And you know what I think, If it puts a smile on your face, then go FOR IT!
Be Simple- As I talked to the workers the other Sunday about Pete. I thought about how simple we need life to be. Pete likes simple things like a old yearbook and a pencil and paper to write a letter. I think that we get so carried away with life that we make it way more harder than it should be. When have I sat down and wrote an old fashioned letter? Or when have I stopped and looked at a old yearbook? Well to be honest with you I can not remember. What I do know is that, I have been trying to be more "simple". I believe that are service to God can also be Simple and I want to strive for that.
It's Ok to take a Nap- Pete likes a Nap. I think that naps are good for you. (I sometimes wish I had time to take a nap but you know last time I tried, the twins had gotten into markers, and candy and and the list goes on. I learned my lesson. I had to clean and clean)
You are Never to Old to "Play"- I always loved to see Pete play with the kids. And he played and played. It made me smile and all the giggles from Pete and the kids are priceless.
God is in Control- So we all know that there are life lessons. These past couple of weeks have been a lesson for me spiritually and real life. It was so hard on me to see Pete lying in a bed, a machine breathing for him and wishing that I could take his place. But I know that God has a plan for each one of us. We do not know what that is but I am grateful that we don't have to fear for he knows. Like Joanna has said in posts before, we are very lucky to have family and friends that help us. That don't give up and that keep praying. I have been reading in Proverbs. I love that message there. It says,"whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."
Have you learned anything from Pete? I would like to know.
Thanks again, each and everyone of you that has shown our family what love, care and praying can do. I am humbled by the phone calls, texts, and messages that I have received. I think that I can also speak for my sisters as well.
Naomi
As I sat with Pete last week I was thinking about how lucky we are to have Pete and how much I have learned from Pete.
Last Sunday as Cody and I sat in Pete's room I saw peace and I found comfort. We were not sure if Pete would be with us come the next morning. I prayed that I would let God be in control and I would have peace with what ever God discussion would be. The nurses that day said that we should prepare our selves to make a life or death discussion. I had a flood of emotions and left there that night with a "Pete, I love YOU." I felt peace and reassurance that God is in Control and I didn't need to worry.
The next morning as I prayed, I felt the need that I need to be more "Simple" like Pete. When I arrived in Cheyenne and Pete was doing so much better I knew that I need to be more like Pete.
So what have I learned from Pete?
Here is my list:
Willingness- Pete is always so willing to please and to do what you ask him to do. I would like to be more like this.
Be Tough- Pete is the only person that I know that can hit his hand with a hammer and never say a thing. He IS TOUGH. He has shown that in the last week.
Keep Trying- Pete always tries. And he tries again and again. I love that about him. I would like to be one that keeps trying.
It's Important to be A Buddy- Pete is a Awsome Buddy. Just ask Mike, Cody and Dad. I think that life is all about having buddies. Buddies are so important. It's important to have someone that listens. And Pete is a good listener. You can talk and talk and Pete just keeps shaking his head. I want to be a better buddy.
It's ok to Be Different- If you know Pete, then you know that Pete loves ranch dressing and Ketchup on EVERYTHING. I have seen him but ranch and ketchup on salad, potatoes, in his soup, on his sandwiches and the list goes on and on. And you know what I think, If it puts a smile on your face, then go FOR IT!
Be Simple- As I talked to the workers the other Sunday about Pete. I thought about how simple we need life to be. Pete likes simple things like a old yearbook and a pencil and paper to write a letter. I think that we get so carried away with life that we make it way more harder than it should be. When have I sat down and wrote an old fashioned letter? Or when have I stopped and looked at a old yearbook? Well to be honest with you I can not remember. What I do know is that, I have been trying to be more "simple". I believe that are service to God can also be Simple and I want to strive for that.
It's Ok to take a Nap- Pete likes a Nap. I think that naps are good for you. (I sometimes wish I had time to take a nap but you know last time I tried, the twins had gotten into markers, and candy and and the list goes on. I learned my lesson. I had to clean and clean)
You are Never to Old to "Play"- I always loved to see Pete play with the kids. And he played and played. It made me smile and all the giggles from Pete and the kids are priceless.
God is in Control- So we all know that there are life lessons. These past couple of weeks have been a lesson for me spiritually and real life. It was so hard on me to see Pete lying in a bed, a machine breathing for him and wishing that I could take his place. But I know that God has a plan for each one of us. We do not know what that is but I am grateful that we don't have to fear for he knows. Like Joanna has said in posts before, we are very lucky to have family and friends that help us. That don't give up and that keep praying. I have been reading in Proverbs. I love that message there. It says,"whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."
Thanks again, each and everyone of you that has shown our family what love, care and praying can do. I am humbled by the phone calls, texts, and messages that I have received. I think that I can also speak for my sisters as well.
Naomi
Sunday, November 25, 2012
11/25/2012 Update
Peter was moved to the ARU unit on the 3rd floor room 317 at the old DePAul hospital in Cheyenne . It is great to see him making improvements everyday little that they may be they are improvements none the less. They have asked that if you visit it is best to do so either in the mornings or after 4 pm so that he has all the therapy done for the day or you can contact Shar, or Joanna and if you don't have our numbers just message us on Facebook and we will respond with what his therapy schedule is for the day is so you fit in your visit in around the therapy..... Naomi, Cary, Laurel, Dolly, Mike, Dora, and I all got to visit with Peter today and he said his first words...... Yes and No...... So exciting and it gets our hopes up that we only have higher to go. He has such a willingness to please that I think big things are to come. Yay .
This type of rehab unit is Intense and they expect them to be outa there within two weeks is the goal, however if they don't make that goal and are still making progress they will stay until hay have reached there full potential which is great for Peter because he will receive , OT, ST, and PT for a max of 5 hrs of therapy per day, he will interact will all the others in the unit , like eating and other activities, he has lost enough weight that Naomi went to Wal-Mart and got him comfy cloths and shoes and some awesome boys toys to play with to stimulate him with. It is so wonderful when you have a family that u can communicate with, love with, and feel that you are all on the same page. It makes things so much easier and for happier times. Thank you sisters we have each others backs and thats what family is about!
Today I am so great full for my two wonderful sisters for without them this last two weeks would have been extremely difficult, I am great full for the workers the were there everyday for the first week for encouragement as that was just what we needed, I am ever so great full for Laurel and Dolly and of course Dolly's husband for allowing them to be here and help us in our great time of need, today I really needed it. Thank you Art I really Appreciate it, you don't know how much it means to have them here.
I am thankful to for Uncle Elmer for Walking our sister down the aisle at her wedding when our dad had to,stay with Peter in the hospital that means so much and that is something I will never forget. It means the world to me that even when others were having hard times, Noaleen you set them aside and you came running to our rescue, thank you so much for that, just knowing that we are a family and we can lean on each other means a lot. LaDawana thank you for stepping in when we needed the help with the girls and I needed to be by Peters side, I knew she was in good hands it was blessing g to know that you were here.
We still have a ways to go in Peters recover process but I believe God has answered a lot of prayers, and. Pray every day that his will to be done and for myself to be doing what he want me to do, it is not always the easiest thing for me, and I am trying, Dad seems to be faltering a little with Peter at his time so a few prayers his way may be in order, he seems to be exhausted and not among this as well as in times past, I am pray. For his peace and hoping that with the all progress that Peter has made maybe that will lift his spirts and will help him some.
Well that is all for tonight as I think this is long enough and if I have forgotten to thank anyone I apologize n advance as it has been a whirlwind of a couple weeks.
Joanna
This type of rehab unit is Intense and they expect them to be outa there within two weeks is the goal, however if they don't make that goal and are still making progress they will stay until hay have reached there full potential which is great for Peter because he will receive , OT, ST, and PT for a max of 5 hrs of therapy per day, he will interact will all the others in the unit , like eating and other activities, he has lost enough weight that Naomi went to Wal-Mart and got him comfy cloths and shoes and some awesome boys toys to play with to stimulate him with. It is so wonderful when you have a family that u can communicate with, love with, and feel that you are all on the same page. It makes things so much easier and for happier times. Thank you sisters we have each others backs and thats what family is about!
Today I am so great full for my two wonderful sisters for without them this last two weeks would have been extremely difficult, I am great full for the workers the were there everyday for the first week for encouragement as that was just what we needed, I am ever so great full for Laurel and Dolly and of course Dolly's husband for allowing them to be here and help us in our great time of need, today I really needed it. Thank you Art I really Appreciate it, you don't know how much it means to have them here.
I am thankful to for Uncle Elmer for Walking our sister down the aisle at her wedding when our dad had to,stay with Peter in the hospital that means so much and that is something I will never forget. It means the world to me that even when others were having hard times, Noaleen you set them aside and you came running to our rescue, thank you so much for that, just knowing that we are a family and we can lean on each other means a lot. LaDawana thank you for stepping in when we needed the help with the girls and I needed to be by Peters side, I knew she was in good hands it was blessing g to know that you were here.
We still have a ways to go in Peters recover process but I believe God has answered a lot of prayers, and. Pray every day that his will to be done and for myself to be doing what he want me to do, it is not always the easiest thing for me, and I am trying, Dad seems to be faltering a little with Peter at his time so a few prayers his way may be in order, he seems to be exhausted and not among this as well as in times past, I am pray. For his peace and hoping that with the all progress that Peter has made maybe that will lift his spirts and will help him some.
Well that is all for tonight as I think this is long enough and if I have forgotten to thank anyone I apologize n advance as it has been a whirlwind of a couple weeks.
Joanna
Saturday, November 24, 2012
11/24/2012 Peter Eickbush Update
Today was a day for more improvements, as usual I was late in showing up as I was extra tired but was in time to help the therapist with his session. He was able to hold his own trunk up which he wasn't able to do yesterday. His left side is still weak but seems to be improving every day. We got the good word today ....... He will being to ARU at the old DePaul hospital here in Cheyenne starting next week as long as his CAT scan tomorrow shows everything is still fine. All of the doctors and nurses here at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center have been great and we could not have asked for better care then what they have given Peter.
I decided that Peter was in good hands and went to work and unexpectedly got a phone call from Laurel Sweazy that she was in Peters room what a surprise and a great relief. She was able to sit with him for almost the entire day, experiencing quite a few interesting things that Peter had to offer.
1.) Lunch time he sure got her number , he knows not to mess with me when it comes to eating but boy he sure had her going as he made her feed him, hint hint he has been feeding himself now for a few days , must have the beautiful face that he wanted to see closer!
2.) She tried to feed him the cranberries that've ate and just fine for us last night but for some reason today he thought that she should where them instead. Musta thought she looked better with a little purple on her.
He had a double portion for dinner as we are trying to put some weight back on him as he has lot over 20lbs, and it is so important for him to start gaining some of it back. When he gets over to the rehab unit it will be intense but will also be important for him to continue to have visitors.
It has been an over all good day for us all, Nurses have been good and it is wonderful to have all this support from everyone.
I have learned that when I first started this blog I had some of the permissions for comments set pretty strong, I have since changed that so anyone and everyone can comment and post without logging in, so feel free to leave your comments also I had transposed his room number last night he is on the 4th floor room number 4206.
I decided that Peter was in good hands and went to work and unexpectedly got a phone call from Laurel Sweazy that she was in Peters room what a surprise and a great relief. She was able to sit with him for almost the entire day, experiencing quite a few interesting things that Peter had to offer.
1.) Lunch time he sure got her number , he knows not to mess with me when it comes to eating but boy he sure had her going as he made her feed him, hint hint he has been feeding himself now for a few days , must have the beautiful face that he wanted to see closer!
2.) She tried to feed him the cranberries that've ate and just fine for us last night but for some reason today he thought that she should where them instead. Musta thought she looked better with a little purple on her.
He had a double portion for dinner as we are trying to put some weight back on him as he has lot over 20lbs, and it is so important for him to start gaining some of it back. When he gets over to the rehab unit it will be intense but will also be important for him to continue to have visitors.
It has been an over all good day for us all, Nurses have been good and it is wonderful to have all this support from everyone.
I have learned that when I first started this blog I had some of the permissions for comments set pretty strong, I have since changed that so anyone and everyone can comment and post without logging in, so feel free to leave your comments also I had transposed his room number last night he is on the 4th floor room number 4206.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Peter 11/23/2012
Today was a good day, Peter was moved from ICU to a regular private room on the 4th floor 4206. His left side is still weak but is improving every day. It seems that all the doctors and therapist are in agreement that intense therapy is needed and we are just waiting the word APPROVED so the he can go to ACU starting next week. This will mean that he will be moved to the old hospital and begin a 5 day a week with 24/7 nursing care therapy setting. He continues to improving his eating skills and seems to enjoy it more and is gaining more control over is movements on his right side. Dad, Mike, Sharleen, Rachel, Dora, and I were all able to visit for quite a while. THe workers stopped in for a few min. This morning before heading out.
I am hopeful that on the end of this journey we will have our old Peter back, but at times my faith waivers as I wonder how it can be possible. I just have to remember that God has a plan and keep the faith. I will try to keep the updates coming as things happen. Peter enjoys visitors so if you are in town feel free to stop in.
I am hopeful that on the end of this journey we will have our old Peter back, but at times my faith waivers as I wonder how it can be possible. I just have to remember that God has a plan and keep the faith. I will try to keep the updates coming as things happen. Peter enjoys visitors so if you are in town feel free to stop in.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
11/22/2012 Peter Eickbush Update
Today is Thanksgiving and we have a lot to be thankful for.
1.) Peter is doing much better and making great strides in recovery. Great strides that is for a brain injury, they are baby steps but none the less for him they are big.
2.) We have wonderful family and friends that have been a great support system and the prayers have been a great help.
Today Peter was able to take his own spoon and pick up the food him self and eat which is an improvement from yesterday, every meal he has cleaned up his plate. He even tried cleaning off the fork that I was using to help portion control what he was taking........made Shar and I have a good laugh. We brought up apple cinnamon applesauce and he slurped it all down. That part of him hasn't changed a bit. Hint hint maybe this will be. Good tool to use to get him to do other things during recovery. Hmmmmmm. Aunt Noaleen you better get your mixer ready as we are going to need lots of potatoes :).
Even today they did PT which went well for him, they assisted him in standing for the first time and it seemed to have gone as well as could be expected. I have asked him several times for high fives and he has given me them so he is understanding me pretty well.
Sharleen made a fab. Thanksgiving dinner for which I was grateful, I went over there and promptly fell asleep. Hmmm must have been tired, but it was good eating afterward .
Tomorrow Peter will be moved from ICU to a regular surgical floor so I will post that information as soon as I know what that is, the doctors feel that he will need several weeks of intense therapy to see how much he will be able to regain, he is still not verbalizing vocally, I feel this may be a little bit of stubbornness as he looks right at us and has that look like I just don't want to do it right now. When we are stern with him he will do what's asked. And when we are not stern he will not.
He is still slow with his left side but every day it seems to improve little by little.
Well that is all for tonight as I am going to head home and get some rest for the day tomorrow.
Keep the prayers coming as we all know God works wonders for all.
Joanna
1.) Peter is doing much better and making great strides in recovery. Great strides that is for a brain injury, they are baby steps but none the less for him they are big.
2.) We have wonderful family and friends that have been a great support system and the prayers have been a great help.
Today Peter was able to take his own spoon and pick up the food him self and eat which is an improvement from yesterday, every meal he has cleaned up his plate. He even tried cleaning off the fork that I was using to help portion control what he was taking........made Shar and I have a good laugh. We brought up apple cinnamon applesauce and he slurped it all down. That part of him hasn't changed a bit. Hint hint maybe this will be. Good tool to use to get him to do other things during recovery. Hmmmmmm. Aunt Noaleen you better get your mixer ready as we are going to need lots of potatoes :).
Even today they did PT which went well for him, they assisted him in standing for the first time and it seemed to have gone as well as could be expected. I have asked him several times for high fives and he has given me them so he is understanding me pretty well.
Sharleen made a fab. Thanksgiving dinner for which I was grateful, I went over there and promptly fell asleep. Hmmm must have been tired, but it was good eating afterward .
Tomorrow Peter will be moved from ICU to a regular surgical floor so I will post that information as soon as I know what that is, the doctors feel that he will need several weeks of intense therapy to see how much he will be able to regain, he is still not verbalizing vocally, I feel this may be a little bit of stubbornness as he looks right at us and has that look like I just don't want to do it right now. When we are stern with him he will do what's asked. And when we are not stern he will not.
He is still slow with his left side but every day it seems to improve little by little.
Well that is all for tonight as I am going to head home and get some rest for the day tomorrow.
Keep the prayers coming as we all know God works wonders for all.
Joanna
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Peter Eickbush
Here I am creating this blog for our dear brother Peter, so that that wish can follow his recovery.
On Thursday the 15th of November Peter took a tumble out of a pickup while trying to remove an air tank helping Mike. It wasn't until Friday morning that we realized that something was terribly wrong with him. As many of us would have we check him all through the night, making sure that all was well and that he was responding in the proper manner, Friday morning he stopped responding and was rushed to the hospital.
Friday the 16th. The doctors did an CT scan and determined that there was bleeding in the brain and that there were large hematomas that required emergency surgery as his stat's were dropping rapidly and we did not want to loose Peter. We were lucky to have a Doctor from Colorado ON CALL that did the surgery and has been following him ever since.
Saturday the 17th. The swelling in the brain continued and the doctors ordered another CT scan as the Shunt that was in place was not working, and to make for sure that all the bleeding had stopped at this point. They had no idea of the prognosis at this point and we were all on pins and needles waiting for the answer that we all wanted that Peter was going to be just fine. We have still yet to hear that answer.:(
Sunday the 18th. Peter has not responded at all at this point and the doctors are not giving us any Hope that he will recovery at this point and we are all in disbelief. Naomi and I(Joanna) sit vigil at his beside while the rest of the family goes off to meeting to meet with all the Friends and be in the presence of GOD with hopes that God's will be done. After meeting Elmer and Noaleen stop by for a quick visit and to say goodbye before their trip, as we do not know if this will be the last time or not. We are hopeful but with not improvement and no good word from the doctors or the nurses it is hard to keep your spirits and hopes up. his blood pressure and heart rate are out of control so we are asked not to talk or touch, which is hard for when a loved one is hurting that is what we want to to the most.
Monday the 19th: Prayers are working and GOD has worked miracles. Peter Has started to respond and Naomi is here to see some of the improvements, not as much as we had hoped for but baby steps at last.
Tuesday the 20th. The big day has arrived. During the night Peter has started to over breath the vent machine and the doctors are all in agreement that it is time for him to be off the stinking machine........ Sharleen, Dolly, Laurel, and I sit with him as the nurses remove him from the vent machine all the while he is still a little groggy but his eyes wide open knowingly that they are helping him. The doctors say that most times you will have to train someone to cough after being on a vent for those many days, not Peter he starts coughing right away and we start talking and encouraging him right away. amazing that he does not have to be on any O2 as on his own he is holding 99-100 O2 stats. His breathing is staying right where it should be. He gets tired easy but that they say is normal for a brain injury.
Wednesday the 21st. 8am Peter is bright eyed and bushy tailed when I walk into the room. the doctors are taking out the Cath today and we are excited as we are going to try to get him to eat on his own as we don;t want to have to put in a feeding tube as that is a step backwards, in brain injury's they feel they can sometimes become "lazy" and let others or other things do the work and so pushing is a great way to stimulate and make sure that doesn't happen. So today Peter was able to eat Pudding, His fav... mashed potato's and gravy and was able to take a few drinks on his own. We got him sitting up in the chair and was able to keep him stimulated with cartoons of all things....... Dad came down and watched over him for me while I went to work in the afternoon and in the morning Sharleen is going to take the early morning shift while I have a brief break before she cooks Thanksgiving dinner for us all. I will be spending my day with Peter. All the doctors are now very impressed with the progress made and we just hope to keep it moving forward at this point.
On Thursday the 15th of November Peter took a tumble out of a pickup while trying to remove an air tank helping Mike. It wasn't until Friday morning that we realized that something was terribly wrong with him. As many of us would have we check him all through the night, making sure that all was well and that he was responding in the proper manner, Friday morning he stopped responding and was rushed to the hospital.
Friday the 16th. The doctors did an CT scan and determined that there was bleeding in the brain and that there were large hematomas that required emergency surgery as his stat's were dropping rapidly and we did not want to loose Peter. We were lucky to have a Doctor from Colorado ON CALL that did the surgery and has been following him ever since.
Saturday the 17th. The swelling in the brain continued and the doctors ordered another CT scan as the Shunt that was in place was not working, and to make for sure that all the bleeding had stopped at this point. They had no idea of the prognosis at this point and we were all on pins and needles waiting for the answer that we all wanted that Peter was going to be just fine. We have still yet to hear that answer.:(
Sunday the 18th. Peter has not responded at all at this point and the doctors are not giving us any Hope that he will recovery at this point and we are all in disbelief. Naomi and I(Joanna) sit vigil at his beside while the rest of the family goes off to meeting to meet with all the Friends and be in the presence of GOD with hopes that God's will be done. After meeting Elmer and Noaleen stop by for a quick visit and to say goodbye before their trip, as we do not know if this will be the last time or not. We are hopeful but with not improvement and no good word from the doctors or the nurses it is hard to keep your spirits and hopes up. his blood pressure and heart rate are out of control so we are asked not to talk or touch, which is hard for when a loved one is hurting that is what we want to to the most.
Monday the 19th: Prayers are working and GOD has worked miracles. Peter Has started to respond and Naomi is here to see some of the improvements, not as much as we had hoped for but baby steps at last.
Tuesday the 20th. The big day has arrived. During the night Peter has started to over breath the vent machine and the doctors are all in agreement that it is time for him to be off the stinking machine........ Sharleen, Dolly, Laurel, and I sit with him as the nurses remove him from the vent machine all the while he is still a little groggy but his eyes wide open knowingly that they are helping him. The doctors say that most times you will have to train someone to cough after being on a vent for those many days, not Peter he starts coughing right away and we start talking and encouraging him right away. amazing that he does not have to be on any O2 as on his own he is holding 99-100 O2 stats. His breathing is staying right where it should be. He gets tired easy but that they say is normal for a brain injury.
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