Mom is doing really well.
When she wakes up she still is confused for a little while.
Today we stepped out of the room to grab lunch while Mom was asleep. We received a call that Mom had tried to walk to the restroom on her own and fell. She did not even bruise her arm.
We are working with her to use the nurse call button when she needs anything. Learning to ask for help when she needs it is part of the rehab process.
Because of today's incident, I would like to have someone stay at the hospital everyday until she leaves the rehab center.
If you have been interested in visiting Mom, now would be a good time to do so. If you can stay for an afternoon, overnight or even for just a few hours, we would greatly appreciate the help.
Mom remembers people very well and is quite talkative when she is awake. Please let me know when you would like to come so we can make sure there are not to many visitors (the room is not big enough for more than a handful of people).
Stephen Hunt
713-725-2759
sewhunt@hotmail.com
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
March 28
Mom walked 45 feet during physical therapy on Friday. She is able to do more and more things on her own.
Sometimes after she wakes up Mom is a little groggy and gets confused. But that is the exception, not the rule.
Our biggest challenge now is trying to keep her positive and motivated. She is the kind of person who keeps moving constantly. Every 5 minutes she asks, "What do I have to do next to go home?" We try to tell her just to rest or relax unless she is having a meal or in a therapy session. That answer is never good enough. According to Mom, there is always something to do.
Sometimes after she wakes up Mom is a little groggy and gets confused. But that is the exception, not the rule.
Our biggest challenge now is trying to keep her positive and motivated. She is the kind of person who keeps moving constantly. Every 5 minutes she asks, "What do I have to do next to go home?" We try to tell her just to rest or relax unless she is having a meal or in a therapy session. That answer is never good enough. According to Mom, there is always something to do.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
March 22
Mom is much more mobile. She was able to stand for a very short time today and is able to do many more parts of her daily routine with less assistance.
We brought Hamlet, her black dog, up to the hospital to see her yesterday and today. He behaved very well. Everyone in the hospital enjoyed having him around.
She has come a long way in the past week. Seeing her stand even for a second was great.
We brought Hamlet, her black dog, up to the hospital to see her yesterday and today. He behaved very well. Everyone in the hospital enjoyed having him around.
She has come a long way in the past week. Seeing her stand even for a second was great.
Friday, March 20, 2009
March 20
Mom is making improvements in speech, occupational and physical therapy.
She is back to her strong willed self. Getting her to eat regularly is a bit of a challenge, but we are making it.
We received approval for all of the dogs to come visit at the hospital. Sheryl will be bringing Hamlet to see her today. Mom was very excited about that.
She looks great and is getting better everyday.
If you would like to send her anything, send it to here:
Ramona Hunt
c/o Stephen Hunt
315 Hadley St #1323
Houston, TX 77002
She is back to her strong willed self. Getting her to eat regularly is a bit of a challenge, but we are making it.
We received approval for all of the dogs to come visit at the hospital. Sheryl will be bringing Hamlet to see her today. Mom was very excited about that.
She looks great and is getting better everyday.
If you would like to send her anything, send it to here:
Ramona Hunt
c/o Stephen Hunt
315 Hadley St #1323
Houston, TX 77002
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March 19
It has been a long week.
Mom is doing well. She has been very stubborn about eating, but is doing well in her therapy.
I spoke with her case worker and he expects her to be released from TIRR sometime in May.
As we stand now, I would like to keep someone at the hospital everyday and night to help take care of Mom and motivate her during her therapy sessions.
I will be putting together a schedule so that we can let people know in advance when we need help.
If you would like to stay with Mom sometime during the next two months, please let me know by emailing sewhunt@hotmail.com When I have the schedule a little more filled out, I will let you know.
Stephen
Mom is doing well. She has been very stubborn about eating, but is doing well in her therapy.
I spoke with her case worker and he expects her to be released from TIRR sometime in May.
As we stand now, I would like to keep someone at the hospital everyday and night to help take care of Mom and motivate her during her therapy sessions.
I will be putting together a schedule so that we can let people know in advance when we need help.
If you would like to stay with Mom sometime during the next two months, please let me know by emailing sewhunt@hotmail.com When I have the schedule a little more filled out, I will let you know.
Stephen
Monday, March 16, 2009
March 16
Mom did well on Sunday. They do not have any therapy on Sundays, so she was able to rest for most of the day.
Mikki and David came to visit her. Mikki gave Mom a message Sunday evening and Monday to try and relieve some of her pain. Mom is having lots of pain in her knees and hips.
Monday they moved us to the 3rd floor. Sonya and I had some major problems with the staff. Sonya asked for help cleaning Mom several times between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. She spoke with several staff members and all of them said, your nurse is taking care of someone with cardiac arrest, we will have someone come down there in just a second. It was not until I showed up at 7:15 p.m. and asked one of the nurses to either come clean her now or I was going to do it myself that they cleaned her.
After that they were more attentive. I am still quite frustrated about that and refuse for Mom to be alone until we have this issue fixed.
Mikki and David came to visit her. Mikki gave Mom a message Sunday evening and Monday to try and relieve some of her pain. Mom is having lots of pain in her knees and hips.
Monday they moved us to the 3rd floor. Sonya and I had some major problems with the staff. Sonya asked for help cleaning Mom several times between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. She spoke with several staff members and all of them said, your nurse is taking care of someone with cardiac arrest, we will have someone come down there in just a second. It was not until I showed up at 7:15 p.m. and asked one of the nurses to either come clean her now or I was going to do it myself that they cleaned her.
After that they were more attentive. I am still quite frustrated about that and refuse for Mom to be alone until we have this issue fixed.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
March 14
I was able to see Mom do her Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy.
She did well. The PT assisted Mom with standing up for several seconds at a time. It hurts, but her muscles will respond in time.
During speech therapy, she answered several questions correctly. A few times she got stuck on some answers.
Most of the day she was in the wheelchair. This was a great change of pace. Mom has been in a hospital bed for the majority of the past 6 weeks.
She was able to help me open the wrapper to a piece of chocolate I brought her. Mom also raised her hand to her mouth and took several small bites by herself.
Tomorrow is her day of rest, no therapy scheduled on Sunday.
There is a small chance I will be able to bring one of Mom's dogs to see her in the hospital. I am still waiting to hear back from TIRR. One of her nurses suggested this and we have seen several pets in the hospital.
Will keep you posted.
Stephen
She did well. The PT assisted Mom with standing up for several seconds at a time. It hurts, but her muscles will respond in time.
During speech therapy, she answered several questions correctly. A few times she got stuck on some answers.
Most of the day she was in the wheelchair. This was a great change of pace. Mom has been in a hospital bed for the majority of the past 6 weeks.
She was able to help me open the wrapper to a piece of chocolate I brought her. Mom also raised her hand to her mouth and took several small bites by herself.
Tomorrow is her day of rest, no therapy scheduled on Sunday.
There is a small chance I will be able to bring one of Mom's dogs to see her in the hospital. I am still waiting to hear back from TIRR. One of her nurses suggested this and we have seen several pets in the hospital.
Will keep you posted.
Stephen
Friday, March 13, 2009
March 13
I went to see Mom at lunch. She was a little stubborn, but was able to eat all of her food for lunch.
They moved Mom to a private room on the 6th floor, room #605. It is a secure floor, so a nurse must let you out.
They have moved her up to small chunks of food.
We have another full day of therapy tomorrow.
Will keep you posted.
They moved Mom to a private room on the 6th floor, room #605. It is a secure floor, so a nurse must let you out.
They have moved her up to small chunks of food.
We have another full day of therapy tomorrow.
Will keep you posted.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
March 12
Big improvements today.
Mom is wearing regular clothes during the day. TIRR requires patients wear regular clothing for all rehabilitation excercises. This also helps the patient feel more comfortable.
She also has been eating very well and they may remove the feeding tube soon.
We start a regular TIRR rehabilitation schedule tomorrow.
Stephen
Mom is wearing regular clothes during the day. TIRR requires patients wear regular clothing for all rehabilitation excercises. This also helps the patient feel more comfortable.
She also has been eating very well and they may remove the feeding tube soon.
We start a regular TIRR rehabilitation schedule tomorrow.
Stephen
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
March 11 part 2
Mom was admitted to TIRR last night. She ate most of her dinner. She took the cup out of my hand while I was giving her a drink of water and started drinking on her own.
For those not familiar with TIRR, I have included a link below. TIRR received attention for treating Kevin Everett, the Buffalo Bills Tight End who received a severe spinal cord injury.
http://www.khou.com/news/health/stories/khou080131_mh_kevineverettoprah.77fe008e.html
Here is the link to more information about TIRR
http://www.memorialhermann.org/locations/tirr/default.aspx
For those not familiar with TIRR, I have included a link below. TIRR received attention for treating Kevin Everett, the Buffalo Bills Tight End who received a severe spinal cord injury.
http://www.khou.com/news/health/stories/khou080131_mh_kevineverettoprah.77fe008e.html
Here is the link to more information about TIRR
http://www.memorialhermann.org/locations/tirr/default.aspx
March 11th
I received a call from Mom's social worker at Memorial Hermann last week. She sent me a list of facilities for Mom to move to for the next stage of her rehab. It was a list of nursing homes that had rehab facilities in them. TIRR, the best and most intensive rehab center in the USA, was not on the list.
Joyce and I started calling people at both TIRR and Memorial Hermann to see if we could get into TIRR. The Memorial Hermann social worker, Kim, was very difficult to work with. She was adamant that Mom should go to one of these facilities and not TIRR.
After asking several questions and making several phone calls, we were able to get a TIRR rep to come see us. She could not believe that the social worker at Memorial Hermann thought Mom was not ready for TIRR. Linda, the TIRR rep, requested that Physical Therapy re-evaluate Mom because of the significant progress she has made since putting in the shunt on Friday.
This morning I received a call from TIRR's financial department. They are moving Mom there for 7 days to develop a plan of care and determine if she is ready for the level of care TIRR will provide.
I will let you know when they move her. Visitors are only allowed in TIRR from 9am to 9pm and are encouraged to help with Mom's therapy. We are opening our apartment to anyone who would like to visit Mom. We would like people to stay with her during the day to help her recovery.
Stephen
Joyce and I started calling people at both TIRR and Memorial Hermann to see if we could get into TIRR. The Memorial Hermann social worker, Kim, was very difficult to work with. She was adamant that Mom should go to one of these facilities and not TIRR.
After asking several questions and making several phone calls, we were able to get a TIRR rep to come see us. She could not believe that the social worker at Memorial Hermann thought Mom was not ready for TIRR. Linda, the TIRR rep, requested that Physical Therapy re-evaluate Mom because of the significant progress she has made since putting in the shunt on Friday.
This morning I received a call from TIRR's financial department. They are moving Mom there for 7 days to develop a plan of care and determine if she is ready for the level of care TIRR will provide.
I will let you know when they move her. Visitors are only allowed in TIRR from 9am to 9pm and are encouraged to help with Mom's therapy. We are opening our apartment to anyone who would like to visit Mom. We would like people to stay with her during the day to help her recovery.
Stephen
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
March 10th part 3
Mom is very talkative, makes jokes every now and then. She gets fixated on certain things when she speaks.
For example, earlier today the answer to every geography question was Lake Charles. Where do you live, where did Stephen go to college, where are we now. Mom responded to each with, "Lake Charles".
The speech therapist compares it to a skipping record. We finally got her to answer Orange. Then the answer to everything became Orange.
I want to make sure there is someone here to talk with her, keep her oriented and remind her when she is speaking inappropriately. The speech therapist said we need to keep her grounded in reality.
If anyone is available to stay with Mom during the day and night this week please let me know. We would like to keep someone in the room at all times. I would prefer it to be family or close friends so that she will not be confused.
Let me know if you are able and willing to stay with her this week. Sonya and I can fill in the gaps. sewhunt@hotmail.com
For example, earlier today the answer to every geography question was Lake Charles. Where do you live, where did Stephen go to college, where are we now. Mom responded to each with, "Lake Charles".
The speech therapist compares it to a skipping record. We finally got her to answer Orange. Then the answer to everything became Orange.
I want to make sure there is someone here to talk with her, keep her oriented and remind her when she is speaking inappropriately. The speech therapist said we need to keep her grounded in reality.
If anyone is available to stay with Mom during the day and night this week please let me know. We would like to keep someone in the room at all times. I would prefer it to be family or close friends so that she will not be confused.
Let me know if you are able and willing to stay with her this week. Sonya and I can fill in the gaps. sewhunt@hotmail.com
March 10 part 2
Mom was able to swallow today. They gave her water to swallow and she made a funny face. Sonya told the therapist that Mom rarely drinks water without some sort of flavor in it. They gave her a Gatorade like mixture and she swallowed it happily.
She was able to swallow apple sauce, but also made a funny face. The therapist reminded us that Mom has not had food in her mouth for over a month and it will be a new sensation.
She has started talking quite a bit more. A common side effect of brain trauma is that people will become fixated on specific things and sometimes say inappropriate comments.
We are now in that stage. If you come to visit, please remember that she could say something you would not be expecting from Mom.
She was able to swallow apple sauce, but also made a funny face. The therapist reminded us that Mom has not had food in her mouth for over a month and it will be a new sensation.
She has started talking quite a bit more. A common side effect of brain trauma is that people will become fixated on specific things and sometimes say inappropriate comments.
We are now in that stage. If you come to visit, please remember that she could say something you would not be expecting from Mom.
March 10
Just wanted to thank all of YOU for your comments, prayers, cards and flowers.
Mom has a wall of beautiful cards and lots of wonderful flowers. She has a few balloons as well that she noticed last night.
Thank you for all these. I appreciate the words of encouragement. We need them. Seeing the progress of yesterday was revitalizing.
TIRR, one of the top rehab hospitals in the country, will be sending someone to see Mom this afternoon. We are hoping that she will go there for rehab. Pray that the visit goes well.
Stephen
Mom has a wall of beautiful cards and lots of wonderful flowers. She has a few balloons as well that she noticed last night.
Thank you for all these. I appreciate the words of encouragement. We need them. Seeing the progress of yesterday was revitalizing.
TIRR, one of the top rehab hospitals in the country, will be sending someone to see Mom this afternoon. We are hoping that she will go there for rehab. Pray that the visit goes well.
Stephen
Monday, March 9, 2009
March 9th part two
When I went to the hospital this evening, Mom was asleep.
She woke up around 6:30 p.m. and was very talkative. I asked if she knew who I was, she nodded and said, "I love you, we all love you, that's why we keep you in the family."
I took down some of the pictures that people have brought in and started asking her if she recognized people. She recognized some of the people and said some of their names.
She was very responsive and talkative. It was getting late, so I told Mom, "I love you, be good." Mom made a puzzled face and slowly pointed to her chest, "Me... be good?" she laughed. She seemed more like herself than ever.
We will be visiting rehab centers tomorrow afternoon. They are hoping to move her to one of them Wednesday.
I will keep you posted. Praise God for the improvements she has shown.
Stephen
She woke up around 6:30 p.m. and was very talkative. I asked if she knew who I was, she nodded and said, "I love you, we all love you, that's why we keep you in the family."
I took down some of the pictures that people have brought in and started asking her if she recognized people. She recognized some of the people and said some of their names.
She was very responsive and talkative. It was getting late, so I told Mom, "I love you, be good." Mom made a puzzled face and slowly pointed to her chest, "Me... be good?" she laughed. She seemed more like herself than ever.
We will be visiting rehab centers tomorrow afternoon. They are hoping to move her to one of them Wednesday.
I will keep you posted. Praise God for the improvements she has shown.
Stephen
March 9th
Sorry for the lag in updates. There has not been much change. Mom seems to be doing okay.
We are stretching her arms and legs to keep them from getting stiff.
She spoke to me a little bit Saturday and Sunday.
Sonya stayed with her last night. Mom recognized me in a photo. That was good news.
Today they are going to put the feeding tube in her stomach. This will allow them to get her more calories. Hopefully, this will increase the rate of healing.
We are stretching her arms and legs to keep them from getting stiff.
She spoke to me a little bit Saturday and Sunday.
Sonya stayed with her last night. Mom recognized me in a photo. That was good news.
Today they are going to put the feeding tube in her stomach. This will allow them to get her more calories. Hopefully, this will increase the rate of healing.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
March 6
The doctors put in a shunt today. Dr. Chen called to let me know the surgery went very well. He believes this procedure should help her be more responsive and recover more quickly.
In the next few days, they will put a feeding tube in Mom's stomach. They are concerned that the feeding tube in her nose will cause sores to form in her stomach or throat. This is a minor procedure and is fairly routine.
Will keep you updated.
In the next few days, they will put a feeding tube in Mom's stomach. They are concerned that the feeding tube in her nose will cause sores to form in her stomach or throat. This is a minor procedure and is fairly routine.
Will keep you updated.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
March 5
Mom will be having two procedures soon. They will be putting in a shunt tomorrow morning. This is to aid the body in removing fluid from the brain.
Information about shunts:
http://www.yoursurgery.com/ProcedureDetails.cfm?BR=4&Proc=44
They will also be moving her feeding tube from her nose to her stomach. They are concerned she may be forming ulcers in from the nasal tube.
Both of these procedures were expected at some time during the recovery process.
Keep praying, God is good.
Information about shunts:
http://www.yoursurgery.com/ProcedureDetails.cfm?BR=4&Proc=44
They will also be moving her feeding tube from her nose to her stomach. They are concerned she may be forming ulcers in from the nasal tube.
Both of these procedures were expected at some time during the recovery process.
Keep praying, God is good.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
March 4
They moved Mom from (4th floor) to a neurological rehabilitation floor (3rd floor). We are one step closer to getting home, but not sure how many steps are left.
Mom is still talking everynow and then. Her voice is scratchy and weak. She recognizes people and is making complete sentences.
The nurse told me the doctors may need to put in a shunt Friday. I am not sure why, as the nurse told me the doctor will give me acall tomorrow. This surgery might require Mom to go back to one of the ICU floors for a while.
Will keep you posted
Mom is still talking everynow and then. Her voice is scratchy and weak. She recognizes people and is making complete sentences.
The nurse told me the doctors may need to put in a shunt Friday. I am not sure why, as the nurse told me the doctor will give me acall tomorrow. This surgery might require Mom to go back to one of the ICU floors for a while.
Will keep you posted
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Birthday Present
I finally felt well enough to visit the hospital. Also, it was my birthday and I really wanted to see Mom.
They had moved her to the 4th floor (intermediate ICU) from the 7th floor (regular ICU).
When I arrived she was obviously tired, but managed to speak a few words to me before falling asleep. It was great to see her, hearing her voice was a great birthday present.
Thank you all for the birthday wishes. All of your comments were greatly appreciated.
They had moved her to the 4th floor (intermediate ICU) from the 7th floor (regular ICU).
When I arrived she was obviously tired, but managed to speak a few words to me before falling asleep. It was great to see her, hearing her voice was a great birthday present.
Thank you all for the birthday wishes. All of your comments were greatly appreciated.
March 3rd
Johnny told me that Mom is moving her left side much more. She spoke a little bit today and was awake for much of the day.
They are also thinking she will move to another location for therapy soon.
Things seem good.
Love,
Stephen
They are also thinking she will move to another location for therapy soon.
Things seem good.
Love,
Stephen
Monday, March 2, 2009
March 2, 2009
They moved Mom to the 4th floor of the Jones wing of Memorial Hermann Medical Center. You can use the same elevator to reach her room.
This unit is an intermediate ICU. There are 4 patients per nurse and I believe she has her own room. My doctor says I am not contagious, but I am still not feeling well and do not want to risk getting Mom sick.
She is talking a bit more and doing quite well. Johnny will be staying with her this evening, so I will have another update for you when he gets there.
Happy Texas Independence Day,
Stephen
This unit is an intermediate ICU. There are 4 patients per nurse and I believe she has her own room. My doctor says I am not contagious, but I am still not feeling well and do not want to risk getting Mom sick.
She is talking a bit more and doing quite well. Johnny will be staying with her this evening, so I will have another update for you when he gets there.
Happy Texas Independence Day,
Stephen
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Saturday and Sunday
Several folks came in to town Saturday to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Hobby Center. I suggested last year that Mom and some of her friends buy season tickets near ours. It gives us an excuse to visit and gives the ladies an excuse to go shopping. Sometimes I think Mom enjoys Harwin street as much as seeing me. Just kidding.
It was nice to continue the tradition. Mom was still part of the fun. Those who were well enough went to visit Mom. She was able to speak a little and was very responsive. I am sick and have not seen her in a while, so I must rely on second hand information to keep you all informed.
Mom is doing very well. She has been getting out of bed and sitting in a chair. Her breathing is improving. The CT scans look normal and the nurses tell me she will be moving soon. Right now we are waiting for a room to open up in the intermediate care center. Once she moves, I will give more details.
It was nice to continue the tradition. Mom was still part of the fun. Those who were well enough went to visit Mom. She was able to speak a little and was very responsive. I am sick and have not seen her in a while, so I must rely on second hand information to keep you all informed.
Mom is doing very well. She has been getting out of bed and sitting in a chair. Her breathing is improving. The CT scans look normal and the nurses tell me she will be moving soon. Right now we are waiting for a room to open up in the intermediate care center. Once she moves, I will give more details.
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