Peters update Jan 2015

Peter has been a trooper through is brain injury.  One can only imagine how hard it must be to go from a functional person to relying on others to help.   Just when we were making great strides along came a new diagnosis that is heartbreaking. Cancer , even though it is not malignate,  it is still life endangering.  It complicates his already complicated diagnosis.  

We are super luck to have a great family and with out Frank and the kids I am sure to have lost my mind at this point.
For the past years I have treated and felt as if Peter is my child, I have since quit my job to stay home and take care of him,  not an easy decision for being a single parent you must provide for your children in anyway possible.  I have faith and hope that because I am at his side we will survive this struggle too.  
His insurance however is not doing its job,  multiple appts a week, to and from Denver , Casper , and around Cheyenne including therapy sessions makes for a busy life.. Whew who woulda thought it would turn out this way?
Not me for sure ,  I look to God for guidance every day to make sure that I am doing what I should be, it's scary, I don't want to loose anyone else.  With prayers , doctors and family hopefully we can overcome this hurdle to.

I am including a link if you choose to help with medical and transportation cost. http://www.gofundme.com/jb3a0k

Vestibular schwannoma (also known as acoustic neuroma, acoustic neurinoma, or acoustic neurilemoma) is a benign, usually slow-growing tumor that develops from the balance and hearing nerves supplying the inner ear. The tumor comes from an overproduction of Schwann cells--the cells that normally wrap around nerve fibers like onion skin to help support and insulate nerves. As the vestibular schwannoma grows, it presses against the hearing and balance nerves, usually causing unilateral (one-sided) or asymmetric hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and dizziness/loss of balance. As the tumor grows, it can interfere with the face sensation nerve (the trigeminal nerve), causing facial numbness. Vestibular schwannomas can also press on the facial nerve (for the muscles of the face) causing facial weakness or paralysis on the side of the tumor. If the tumor becomes large, it will eventually press against nearby brain structures (such as the brainstem and the cerebellum), becoming life-threatening

2/22/2013 Update

   Well, Peter made it home , and it has been quite the eventful week,  We have all got the flu bug and so it has made the transition time quite interesting.  We have started the out patient therapy and it seems to be going well.  It has been nice to have the continued support of the Craig Hospital staff for any question that I have and we now have some other great doctors here in Cheyenne on board that are also helping to follow Peter's care.  For me I had thought things would be easier when we got home but things have been so hectic in getting everything set up and trying to make sure things are safe and getting paperwork done that time for sleep just seems to elude me.
  We have been able to take Peter to Dora's basketball games and he has seemed to enjoy them.  I treated him to a pedicure and he really enjoyed the experience as well.  I have it set up that he gets 3 massage sessions a week as well as chiropractic care and that along with the therapy sessions seems to be making a big difference in how his body is responding to the treatment.  His left side is becoming stronger everyday and for that we are thankful.  
  With just a month until the big moving day, I am trying to make sure we have all he logistic's worked out so there is min. stress on Peter and that things will go smooth. We hopefully will have enough people to help that one day and we will be moved and I can at least get all of his room done and organized so that it is familiar.  We will just be moving to the east side of Cheyenne so it won't be such a hard move and it will be better all around once we get a house that is more user friendly for Peter. 
  Everyone is more then welcome to come by and see Peter and he would welcome visitors.  Our current house is easy to find and if you need directions just call or our address is 621 Vista Ln in Cheyenne.

We have set up a " For the Benefit Account for Peter Eickbush" at Oregon Trail Bank at any of the branches in Guernsey, Chugwater, and Cheyenne, so those that wish to can contribute. If you would like to have the account information so you can just transfer please contact Naomi Loomis or Joanna Lulf and we can get that information for you

Craig Hospital Update 01/20/2013

    Well I know it has been awhile since I have posted an update, but it has been quite a whirlwind of a Trip once we got down here to Craig.  We arrived safe and sound on Wednesday the 16th of January 2013.  It was sad to leave the comfort of the ARU unit in Cheyenne, but exciting know that we were going to a great facility that deals only with brain injuries.  I was extremely worried since I was the only one in the car driving Peter to Denver that we may have issues, but prior to the trip I explained what I expected out of him, i.e. , good behavior, if you need something ask, please don't grab for the door, and then I asked if he would like to watch a DVD, and was so excited that I had an old western and he said " Yes" With enthusiasm, I put it in and put his headphones on and away we went.  It was just about noon when we were just a few blocks away and i realized that he would have already missed lunch and I saw a McDonald's, I turned to him and as him if he would like to have a Double Quarter Pounder and some Fries with a Shake and he was all SMILES, I took that as a yes and pulled right in.  I waited there for him to finish before, making the short trip down the street to the hospital.
As I pulled into the bay to unload him I asked that he sit there while I find someone to help me get him checked into his new room and he did so without question.  Autumn was the nice lady that helped get a chair and told me where I need to park and that she would take him up tot the 2nd floor and he would be in room 212 where I should meet her and him as they were all expecting him and they would all get started right away.  Hmmm I said to  myself what does that mean.

    Well I soon found out that here they waste no time.   They get right down to it.  OT, PT, Physc, Speech, Rec Therapy, CNA's where all ready to get to know Peters story and take notes so that they know the best way to start and end. He was soon fitted to the bed, (they added padding as Peter said it wasn't very soft),  he was fitted to a wheelchair, (although it maybe only temporary it helps him to be more mobile on his own and to use his left leg more by pulling himself around more and that helps with his independence allot more as well),  He as adapted very well to this change better than I, his doctors, and anyone could have hoped he would have. 

    He was soon wheeled off for another round of precautionary test, CT, MRI, Ultrasounds, X-rays, Pictures, etc, they error completely on the side of caution.  I even had to take training and test to be able to help him with transfers and to be able to take him, without a CNA or a tech, outside, to the rec center, to his meals, so I was able to do the training in the 1st two days that I have been here and amazingly I passed and have been approved to have the on campus pass,  I must do more testing in order to have the off campus pass, I will continue this, this week so that it will only improve my knowledge for when he comes home. 

    Dad, Mike and Dora were able to come down on Friday night which was very nice to have the company as Peter does ask what dad and Mike are doing on a daily basis,(sometimes I feel like chopped liver lol), it was very nice that they had that time together and Mike, Dora and I were able to spend some family time together as well, we haven't had much of that lately and I am sure Dora feels the effects of that too. 

      We were able to make it to the Stock show for the Wild West Show which she was overjoyed to Video the whole thing to show to Peter, bless her heart she thinks to much of him and she misses having him at home, she ask all the time when he is coming home and I wish that I had a concrete answer because that would mean I would know when I am going to be home as well. We were also able to make it to the late Rodeo of which we sat in front row by the roping chutes which of course she loved because she was on camera the entire time the ropers, steer wrestlers, or anything else was going on at that end of the arena.

  Today was a rough day for me saying goodbye to Mike, Dora and Dad knowing that once again I would be here by myself as I miss my family, but I know that Peter really needs me here and that Sharleen and Mike have it under control and I need to learn to let someone else take on that burden as much as I will let them.  I have been attending all of the OT, PT, Rec. Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physc. Therapy, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and it makes for a very long day just for me, Peter seems to be handling it very well,  Today he even went to the recreation room and WATCHED FOOTBALL with HIS GUYS,  it is great that he is getting to know those on the floor with him, it really makes me smile as he starts to socialize a little bit more, he does get tired and has been getting in rest in between which is good the team says, and they a right on top on anything that we have concerns about, wither it be, hearing, eyes, weight, walking, etc. and they have a wonderful open door policy.  All the doctors, nurses, cna's, techs are all great and Nice to work with and are so willing to help us all learn which is what I and our whole family need at this point because this is such a different injury then what he had before that after rehab we will still be dealing with issues at home and having tools in our so called toolbox to take home with us will be worth so much.
    I am hoping to be able to pick up Dad and Dora again next Friday in Cheyenne after her basketball game and bring them back to Denver to spend the weekend with Peter as the have a outing to the Museum of Nature History which I am hopeful all will enjoy :) and it really gives dad and Peter that one on one time that Peter is desperately craving at this point from dad.
  
      Peter has a full week already planned out for him which includes recreation time, speech, OT, PT, Physc, rest time, I am fully involved in all of the therapy session as that is what the doctors and staff have asked and I am willing to do as much or ask little as they want just as long as it is a help in getting Peter home sooner and in the best shape that he can be in. They have even been able to upgrade him from having someone in the room with him all the time since he has learned to push the nurse button and talk to them and let them know what he needs to just having them watch him on the camera from a nurses station just a few doors down which is a big big big improvement.

     Right now the visiting hours are fairly limited and are from 5pm to 730pm and I would ask that you call me at 307-631-6797 ahead of time just in case we have some rec activities planned so that we can be in the room and can expect you.

     A big thank you goes out to the ARU unit in Cheyenne as they did a fabulous job in getting Peter to this point because without that team of doctors, nurses, CNA's, techs Peter would not have been able to make it to Craig hospital and get this level of care so for that I will forever be grateful and once we get back to Cheyenne you can be you will be one of our first stops to show you how much he has improved.

     I am staying on campus here at Craig full time for the time being the apartment phone number is 303-789-8477 or my personal cell phone for which I carry all the time is 307-631-6797

We have set up a " For the Benefit Account for Peter Eickbush" at Oregon Trail Bank at any of the branches in Guernsey, Chugwater, and Cheyenne, so those that wish to can contribute. If you would like to have the account information so you can just transfer please contact Naomi Loomis or Joanna Lulf and we can get that informaton for you.

    OK so the address for the Postal Service is  3425 S. Clarkson St. Engle wood, CO 80113 Attn: Peter Eickbush Room 212 C/O Guest Servies
    Fed Ex and UPS: 3427 S. Emerson Street Engle Wood, CO 80113 Attention: Peter Eickbush Apt: 201

01/13/2012

Peter is continuing to make great strides of improvement and I am so excited to see what Craig has in store for us.
Peter and I will make the trip on Wednesday the 16th, to Denver to start the journey with Craig Hospital.  I have had the opportunity to talk and meet with several of the team members and they all seem wonderful and I am looking forward to this next adventure for Peter.  I have made the decision to stop working full time for the time being so that my efforts can be towards getting Peter the care and treatment that he needs and so that when he comes home there is someone here to take care of him.
We have had some more good news that Peter has been moved up to the top of the brain waiver list, which means once he makes it home we will have more assistance from state in the form of therapy, which we wouldn't have had, had he not made it to the top of the list.  It is amazing how much red tape you have to go through in order to get the help for those you love.  many times I have asked our wonderful case worker Jennifer at the ARU what happens to those who don't have the family backing that Peter has, and she has only one answer and that is they just slowly disappear,  it is so sad to me and makes me want to advocate for each and everyone of them, but I know I don't have the time.
For now my plan is to be in Denver for as much of the time as I can.  I also have obligations to my daughter, as she has sports,  then being able to take dad to and from Denver to allow him the time to spend with Peter as well, will be time consuming.  I am sure hat once we get schedule down it will seem much clearer, but at this point what I know is this,  the first week will be a big adjustment period for Peter and the TBI team at Craig, I will be there for the entire 1st week and will be bringing Dad down on Saturday- Monday as well As Dora since Monday is a holiday, and then taking them back to Cheyenne and returning to Denver Monday night for the remainder of the week.  After that we will see how Peter is adjusting to the new therapy sessions and how the new program, and will make any adjustment that are needed from there.   I am so grateful for my wonderful sisters who help with Dora and for all the family and friend a that have been so diligent with the prayers.  Again our family can not thank you enough for everything everyone has done. :)  so as of Wednesday Peter will no,longer be here in Cheyenne but will be in Denver, CO as soon as I can get an update out from Denver I will try to do so, but I am not sure how the program works there so I am trying to keep my schedule open so that I to can "go along with the program so to speak" .
We have set up a " For the Benefit Account for Peter Eickbush" at Oregon Trail Bank at any of the branches in Guernsey, Chugwater, and Cheyenne, so those that wish to can contribute.

Till next time
Joanna Lulf

01/05/2013 Update

Greetings fom a brand new year.

I have been great at procrastination, this past year as well as letting my time get away with me and not managing it very well.  I can use every excuse in the book not to keep everyone updated on Peters progress but it wouldn't be a good enough of one.

We have been very blessed to have him in a great facility with excellence doctors, nurses, CNA's, and case managers that have helped our family through this entire process.  It was just last week that we thought we would have to move him to a skilled nursing facility so I went and toured the one and only one that had said they wold take him till Craig hospital in Denver had a spot, and I was in total dismay that I was in tears when leaving that this is where someone's loved one would have to be.  It was sat at that moment I decided that if no other options opened up and that was where he had to be I would bring my blankets, sanitizers, phone, computer, and stay by his side for the 18 days that he would need to be there as I felt it was not the right place for him, but it was the only way for us to get him to Craig as if we were to bring him home before going to Craig they would not accept him.
I returned to the ARU unit in tears where his case worker stopped me to ask how the visit had went and I had explained, she then Went into the weekly meeting with all the staff and doctors and they had conversations in which they all where in agreement that 2 moves for Peter where just not in his best interests, so my prayers were answered and he as able once again to stay at the ARU unit and continue with all the wonderful folks ther that have given him such love, care and understanding.

Shar made a great New Years dinner for Peter which made all the others in the unit jealous as he sat there and ate it all (wasn't a big fan of her dressing) but was kind enough to try it.  He is gaining more and more weight each day and continues to fill out in all areas of the body which is a good sign.  Shar also brought up pedicure supplies to work on Peters feet, turned i to an hour and a half project, which he Tolerated really well and now he feet are looking " normal" again and we even got a smaller and a chuckle out of hi over it.  He is getting more and more patient with each and every of us and enjoys talking and asking questions.  His walking and climbing skills are coming along and is nothing short of a miracle what he has accomplished in such a short amount of time.  All of the doctors and nurses say that all the family and friends support has such a HUGE amount to do with his success that we need to keep it up.  His short term memory is still failing but will hopefully come with time. He has been switched to a full normal diet and regular liquids which is a big deal for him as he loves orange soda and root beer.

He will be moved to Craig hospital in Englewood Colorado the week of the 15th, the first week or so we will probably be asking that we limit visitors strictly to immediate family, as this will be an adjustment time and very confusing for Peter according to the Traumatic Brain Injury Team at Craig Hospital, my plan is to be there with him for the 1st week and longer is needed during this time as they feel that it is important that family participate in the rehab process and all of his therapy session as well as attend family sessions that they offer for us to better understand how to cope, handle and care for someone with a TBI easier after they return home.  The assumption at this time is his stay at Craig old be as short as two weeks or as long as eight weeks it will depend on how well he accepts the treatment plan.

Our lives take such twist and turns and you never know which v in the road is the correct one to take and if you are making the right decision,  I often wonder each day if I am making the best decisions for Peter,  I have tried every time when making a decision to make it based off of just like he were my own child. WhenPeter is able to come home we have been able to get it set up that we will have home health, speach therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physiological therapy, as well as a few other helpers to come into the home and help with his care as needd which will be great help to me.  It has been wonderful to have a team of medical professionals that have gone above what I ever expected them to do and offer a hand in guidance through this entire process.

I want to also say thank you to all the friends and family out there for all your continued prayers and help for without it who knows where we would be today. And lastly tomy sisters for putting up,with me I know sometimes I am not always the easiest to get along with  but I just want what is best.  Love you all I will try to keep the post coming as more updates come in with when Peters final move dates come in and what his room will be in Denver.

Cheers and a Happy New Year To All
Joanna

"Are YOU done yet?"

One thing Peter has never really expressed is his personality.  He's been content to just sit in the background of life and fit in wherever needed. 

Since his brain injury, we are seeing a totally new personality!!!!!  Some days, some moments, the new personality is awesome and other times, well .... it is an adjustment period for all of us!  :-D

Those who have a loved one, or friend, who have gone through TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) know that it is a stage when they have "outbursts".  Please understand if you are there and witness an outburst, he just needs reminded to calm down and be kind.  I witnessed the CNA remind him to be patient as he was really hungry and wanted his dinner ... NOW!  I think we've all been there, done that, when we were STARVING and just wanted something to satisfy our hunger !!!! :-D

Yesterday, I decided to stop by about dinner time 5pmish.  Peter enjoyed his dinner very much, chatted for a few minutes and then informed us he was ready for bed!  So, we asked if he would like to sit in his wheelchair, but he declined.  He went to bed.  I was yacking away with Peter, Joanna and the CNA (cannot remember her name) and all of a sudden he uses his right hand and displays a PAC-man figure at me with his fingers, while relating via his mouth a similar voice I used to hear from my sisters when they wanted someone to be quiet ..... Tssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhht !!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Ha ha ha !!!!!!  Then he said to me, "Are YOU done yet?"  Ha ha ha !!!!!  He is having no problem getting the point of being quiet, especially around bedtime!

Another funny thing that he did to show his latest personality.  Sharleen told him it was time after a meal to brush his teeth and he did not feel moved to do so.  So, he looked at Joanna and said to her while pointing at Sharleen, "Will YOU make HER leave?"  LOL.

Anyway, no complaints from us whatsoever.  We are SO thankful to see SUCH progress over the past month.  Hard to believe that it was ONE MONTH ago TODAY that our lives changed.  We are so grateful for steady progress!  oops.... I said progress right?  PROGRESS !!!!!  Wahoo !!!!!!!!

Today he mentioned that his left arm was tingling and he had sensation, so Joanna rubbed it and he said it felt better.  He was able to use his feet while on the parallel bars with the OT/PT gurus the other day too!

Well, this is long.  I just wanted to share a few laughs on our road to recovery.  I am learning that sometimes our experiences might be difficult, but if we can focus on the funny things too, it sure helps the time fly and keeps our attitude in check!

Have a great week & thanks again for remembering Peter, and family, in your thoughts and prayers !!!!

Peter is Staying Put Till At Least the End of Dec Update 12/14/2012

As the time keeps on passing by it seems like the days are going together and I keep loosing track of what day it is.  It seems like just yesterday that the accident happened and I had gotten the phone call.   Everyday seems like a struggle just to get through and then I remember what Peter must be feeling like on the inside and unable to express but in those brief moments of "outburst's" as we are calling them.

We are glad to say the Craig Hospital in Denver has conditional accepted Peter for their Rehab program, they have a top notch brain injury rehab program and will be keeping him there for 3-6 weeks, however they do not have a bed until the 3rd of January.  This means that he will be staying at his current rehab until Craig has a bed.  Now I say conditional because they will be coming up on Tuesday to review and speak with us and make sure that he fit protocol!!!!!  I am so thankful that we finally have a YES from someone after all the long line of No's from all the other's.  It has been a long road thus far and Peter has come such a long way.
Today Peter was showing of for me on the parallel bars with his walking skills, yes I did say walking skills, now even though he still can not walk without the assistance of an aid beside him or the bars his LEFT leg has started to respond and now his left are is slowing responding as well.  We are so excited for him and I try to show how much I am each and every time I see him as it seems to help lift his spirits. 

As with all brain injury's you never know what to expect so,  this is no different with Peter, he has good times and bad times, and we just keep reminding him of what he can do, and how much he has already accomplished, as he has come so far in such a short amount of time.  He gets agitated very easily and so we are mindful of this in how we are approaching his therapy and care.  We still have to remind him every day of the accident, where he is, who his therapists are, who his nurses are, why he can't go home just yet, why he is not the same as he was before, why yelling is not nice, etc and this does seem to help him understand, but it is a process that does have to be repeated everyday as his short term memory is not working well at this time.

Peter does enjoy visiting for short periods of time and then he likes to rest and then likes to visit or do activities, he remembers things from years ago, and is starting to joke around a little which puts a smile on my face.  I have really learned from him over the last few weeks how the little things in life can be so enjoyable,  how could I have really forgotten them?  Well I sure did,  I am thankful for all the family and friends that have been a great help and continue to be a great help through these times as this is what really matters.

So for now Peter will stay in Room 314 Cheyenne Regional's East Building Acute Rehab Unit
2600 East 18th Street
3rd Floor

Peter Update From Joanna

Well a week away sure does change how much progress you see in someone.   When I left a week ago I was weary and afraid and uncertain if I should even leave Peter as I have stood by his bedside in constant vigil with hope and love, knowing that God works miracles.  I had many, many phone calls and updates as I had "requested" from my sisters, nurses, and anyone else that I could get to talk to me about his progress while I was gone as like a mother looking over her children, I didn't want to miss a thing.  I really don't think that I realized how much of a difference there was going to be though until I walked into his room this morning and he woke up and said for the 1st time good morning Joanna, I Love You,  and then,  Proceeded to ask if he could please come home with me.  I of course told him no and had to turn away for a moment as tears came to my eyes as I so want him home as I miss him so much.

Many of you many not really realize how long of a road this is for him, we are going to be leaving the ARU unit on the 14th of December and will be heading to a different Rehab facility, we are not sure which one yet or where it will be, but this is going to be a long, long process and it takes months, and even years to recover for a TBI, and for Peter it is about consistency, love, family, rehab, and nutrition, making sure that he is getting the best care that we can for him, making sure that US as a family, and family to me is not just "blood" we are all family in God's eyes,  are there for him to pick his spirits up when they fall, making sure that others are there to encourage him a long the way.  It is so important I realized to stay positive and to keep your head up for him because he can sense it even if you try to hide it.

He has gained 5 lbs or so in the last few days, and as always has a great appetite,  he had a bad fall last week and had to go for another CT scan which came back clear but it kept us on our toes.  He is slowing regaining some use of his left leg, still not a lot of movement in his left arm, but after talking with the doctors they say that the sooner we get it moving the better because the longer it goes without moving, the more likely it is that that arm or leg will stay immobile.   We hope that that is not the case but getting him into another Rehab would continue the work that has been started and would most likely continue the progress and increase the chances of him upswing those limbs again.   He ask what he can do to help all the time so hat is so great to see, love it, when he is getting ready to sit up,to eat or needs to go to the chair, his response is what can I do,  the willingness is just unbelievable and shows me what a great spirit he truly does have.  

For now he is still in room 314 at the ARU Unit at the old DePaul hospital in Cheyenne and will be until the 14th.  Visitors are always welcome and he really does enjoy it.   Thanks to everyone for all your love and support.

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

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.

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.

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

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.