This morning Emily had a visit with Gene's casemanager at the hospital. She shared her concerns about his diarrhea, his skin problems, and the return of his pneumonia.
Dr. Shome was there and indicated that we should take our time about relocating him to another facility. He has ordered Dad to be sitting up for at least 6 hours each day with the goal of being able to use just the C-PAP for breathing. He sat up today from 10:00 until about 3:30 this afternoon.
A doctor from the Heart Institute saw Gene and changed his medicine. A nurse specializing in wound care treated an abrasion on his back and his arm. These did not appear to be pressure sores.
Gene has had phone interactions with Gregory, Russell, Lynn, and Steve and Pat.
Friends from Pineville and Middlesboro continue to call and send cards.
Prayer requests;
Continue to pray for Gene's respiratory strength and for the return of his strength and mobility.
Pray for strength for Emily.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Fathers Day
Today was a quiet Father's Day for Gene. Emily was there visiting him and each of his children called him to wish him a Happy Father's Day.
Emily seemed to find him much more alert after they started the Levaquin yesterday. Today he did fairly well with the ventilator trials and sat up in the stretcher chair.
Here's a link that may be of interest. It is Gene's interview done with the Veteran's History Project. This interview is stored at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
I hope you will enjoy it.
See Gene's Interview here.
Emily seemed to find him much more alert after they started the Levaquin yesterday. Today he did fairly well with the ventilator trials and sat up in the stretcher chair.
Here's a link that may be of interest. It is Gene's interview done with the Veteran's History Project. This interview is stored at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
I hope you will enjoy it.
See Gene's Interview here.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Saturday, June 20th
This morning when Emily arrived for a visit Gene was in the chair. He was still there when she left at 12:30. This is hard work for him!
He has been running a bit of temperature for a few days, and has been very tired and sleepy. None of the cultures have been positive, but since he's been so tired they decided to put him on Levaquin.
Emily is handling Dad's injury with mighty endurance. Yesterday she visited the Kindred Hospital and Standifer Place here in Chattanooga. These are the only two places here in Chattanooga who will take patients on ventilators. Each of them has a program for pulmonary rehabilitation - giving the family hope that Gene can continue his progress to be weaned from the ventilator. There is also still an outside hope that he will be able to go to the Shepherd Center for their excellent pulmonary rehabilitation program.
Dr. Carver visited for awhile this morning. Uncle Bob and Aunt Frances visited in the late afternoon. By the time they left he had become much more interactive and seemed to be feeling much better. Perhaps the antibiotic was kicking in.
Emily just spoke with his nurse (about 10 PM) and got a report that seemed to be much better. He is quite alert and talking and following her commands.
Prayer Requests:
Pray that Gene will continue to have respiratory improvement and will make good progress toward weaning from the ventilator. Pray also that his mobility will continue to improve. Pray for Emily.
He has been running a bit of temperature for a few days, and has been very tired and sleepy. None of the cultures have been positive, but since he's been so tired they decided to put him on Levaquin.
Emily is handling Dad's injury with mighty endurance. Yesterday she visited the Kindred Hospital and Standifer Place here in Chattanooga. These are the only two places here in Chattanooga who will take patients on ventilators. Each of them has a program for pulmonary rehabilitation - giving the family hope that Gene can continue his progress to be weaned from the ventilator. There is also still an outside hope that he will be able to go to the Shepherd Center for their excellent pulmonary rehabilitation program.
Dr. Carver visited for awhile this morning. Uncle Bob and Aunt Frances visited in the late afternoon. By the time they left he had become much more interactive and seemed to be feeling much better. Perhaps the antibiotic was kicking in.
Emily just spoke with his nurse (about 10 PM) and got a report that seemed to be much better. He is quite alert and talking and following her commands.
Prayer Requests:
Pray that Gene will continue to have respiratory improvement and will make good progress toward weaning from the ventilator. Pray also that his mobility will continue to improve. Pray for Emily.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thursday Evening
Gene has worked hard all day!
He sat up in a "stretcher chair" for four hours today. He was also off the ventilator for two sessions at four hours each. That's off the ventilator for 8 hours. Dr. Bolt told Emily that he would keep it at 8 hours total for a couple more days, and then next week would work toward 12 hours. This has given the family a great deal of hope that he may be weaned from the ventilator! This would open up so many different options for his rehabilitation.
There has been no change of the decision about Gene going to Shepherd. The family has used every way we know to ask for an appeal of the decision to decline his admittance. As of late this afternoon we believe that there is some likelihood that all the people involved are going to do a re - review of the situation. In the meantime, Gene looks better every day and is working so hard. Dr. Bolt, the pulmonologist on duty today had a prayer with Gene and Emily. That was so meaningful for both of them.
The Physician's Assistant from the neurological group was with Gene today during Emily's visit. She was so pleased with the gains that he's making and the mobility that is returning. The family needs to hear that. Since none of the family chose medicine as a career, the gains don't seem nearly as much to us!
Last night when it was time to leave the hospital Emily wanted to kiss Gene good night. Those bed rails weren't moving. She just climbed up on the bottom of the bed rail! What a picture!
Prayer Requests:
Please Storm the Gates of Heaven with your prayers for Gene's respiration to grow stronger every day and for him to be weaned from the ventilator. Pray for him to continue to regain his feeling and mobility in all parts of his body. Pray for Emily - yes whenever you lift Gene up in healing prayer, let Emily not be far from your thoughts.
He sat up in a "stretcher chair" for four hours today. He was also off the ventilator for two sessions at four hours each. That's off the ventilator for 8 hours. Dr. Bolt told Emily that he would keep it at 8 hours total for a couple more days, and then next week would work toward 12 hours. This has given the family a great deal of hope that he may be weaned from the ventilator! This would open up so many different options for his rehabilitation.
There has been no change of the decision about Gene going to Shepherd. The family has used every way we know to ask for an appeal of the decision to decline his admittance. As of late this afternoon we believe that there is some likelihood that all the people involved are going to do a re - review of the situation. In the meantime, Gene looks better every day and is working so hard. Dr. Bolt, the pulmonologist on duty today had a prayer with Gene and Emily. That was so meaningful for both of them.
The Physician's Assistant from the neurological group was with Gene today during Emily's visit. She was so pleased with the gains that he's making and the mobility that is returning. The family needs to hear that. Since none of the family chose medicine as a career, the gains don't seem nearly as much to us!
Last night when it was time to leave the hospital Emily wanted to kiss Gene good night. Those bed rails weren't moving. She just climbed up on the bottom of the bed rail! What a picture!
Prayer Requests:
Please Storm the Gates of Heaven with your prayers for Gene's respiration to grow stronger every day and for him to be weaned from the ventilator. Pray for him to continue to regain his feeling and mobility in all parts of his body. Pray for Emily - yes whenever you lift Gene up in healing prayer, let Emily not be far from your thoughts.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday and Wednesday
It was difficult to post yesterday, and today we've had a bit of a roller coaster ride. The family received word late yesterday afternoon that the Shepherd Spine Center would not admit Dad to their program. It was very disappointing news, as the family was very hopeful that the Shepherd Center would help Dad regain some quality of life.
Gene's right diaphragm is paralyzed so he is on a ventilator. He often breathes mostly on his own and has had some good "trials" of 2 to 3 hours off the ventilator. Even when he is breathing mostly on his own he has oxygen support and some pressure like one would get from a c-pap machine. We are so hopeful that he will be able to come off the ventilator.
This morning there were visitors from Kindred Hospital. This is a facility here in Chattanooga designed specifically for patients who are on Ventilators. And lo and behold! there was also the physician's assistant from the Neruosurgery group. She was doing an evaluation of his progress and said that they were going to try to intervene with Shepherd to have him come there. Our understanding was that the two doctors would have a discussion to see what might be worked out. In the meantime, since I was in surgery, I had Mom give Steve the phone numbers of those who could listen to an appeal at Shepherd. Steve called and we think there may be some consideration of accepting Dad into a modified program there at Shepherd. I do know better than to get my hopes up! I hope we hear something soon!
Gene has gross motor movement in his shoulders, and arms. He has wrist extension. At this time, he does not have finger movement. His right side seems a bit stronger than the left. Today the Physician's Assistant from the Neurosurgical unit was there and said he also has some ankle extension. This is all very hopeful, but nowhere near the Gene who drove and had a weekly routine of Sunday School and Church, volunteering at the Extension office, Church on Wednesday, Kiwanis Club, The Christian Business Men's club, Gideons, and many other activities on his own or with Mom - including gardening!
It is very difficult for all of us to see Dad. But he is so patient, so brave, and so wonderful. This is yet another opportunity for us all to learn some life lessons from one of the greatest Dads ever.
Prayer requests:
Please continue to pray for Gene's respiration to improve to the point that he can come off the ventilator. Pray for his nerve cells to continue to regain function and for more mobility and strength. Pray also for a favorable outcome in getting Gene to the place that can best help him get weaned from the ventilator.
Gene's right diaphragm is paralyzed so he is on a ventilator. He often breathes mostly on his own and has had some good "trials" of 2 to 3 hours off the ventilator. Even when he is breathing mostly on his own he has oxygen support and some pressure like one would get from a c-pap machine. We are so hopeful that he will be able to come off the ventilator.
This morning there were visitors from Kindred Hospital. This is a facility here in Chattanooga designed specifically for patients who are on Ventilators. And lo and behold! there was also the physician's assistant from the Neruosurgery group. She was doing an evaluation of his progress and said that they were going to try to intervene with Shepherd to have him come there. Our understanding was that the two doctors would have a discussion to see what might be worked out. In the meantime, since I was in surgery, I had Mom give Steve the phone numbers of those who could listen to an appeal at Shepherd. Steve called and we think there may be some consideration of accepting Dad into a modified program there at Shepherd. I do know better than to get my hopes up! I hope we hear something soon!
Gene has gross motor movement in his shoulders, and arms. He has wrist extension. At this time, he does not have finger movement. His right side seems a bit stronger than the left. Today the Physician's Assistant from the Neurosurgical unit was there and said he also has some ankle extension. This is all very hopeful, but nowhere near the Gene who drove and had a weekly routine of Sunday School and Church, volunteering at the Extension office, Church on Wednesday, Kiwanis Club, The Christian Business Men's club, Gideons, and many other activities on his own or with Mom - including gardening!
It is very difficult for all of us to see Dad. But he is so patient, so brave, and so wonderful. This is yet another opportunity for us all to learn some life lessons from one of the greatest Dads ever.
Prayer requests:
Please continue to pray for Gene's respiration to improve to the point that he can come off the ventilator. Pray for his nerve cells to continue to regain function and for more mobility and strength. Pray also for a favorable outcome in getting Gene to the place that can best help him get weaned from the ventilator.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday
Gene seemed to have a pretty good day today.
When Lynn visited about 11:00 this morning, he had just started on a trial to be off the ventilator. The respiratory therapist said it would be about 45 minutes. Lynn left so that he would not be distracted during the trial.
Debbie Westbrook called today to say that the rehabilitation doctor from Chattanooga, and a doctor from the Shepherd Center had talked today and that she would be back in town tomorrow (Tuesday) to do another evaluation. She would not predict any kind of timeline and said that even if he is accepted the timeline would depend on when a bed is available.
This evening the nurse on duty said that Gene had been on his ventilator trial for 2 hours! We are so excited that he's making such good progress. He was sleepy but woke up for a visit. He said a couple of memorable things. He misses being at home, and he misses his morning coffee. Of course since he's still on the ventilator, he didn't really say those things, but we are getting a bit better at reading lips.
Tonight he said he could feel us massaging his fingers, but when the nurse stuck him to check his blood sugar, he said he couldn't feel it. He had been without his collar all day today which means he was only at 30 degrees elevation. His nurse put on his collar and raised him up for awhile this evening. That will be good for his respiration!
Prayer Requests:
Continue to pray that Gene's respiration will improve every day. Pray also that he will continue to gain mobility. Pray for Emily's continued strength to negotiate every day.
When Lynn visited about 11:00 this morning, he had just started on a trial to be off the ventilator. The respiratory therapist said it would be about 45 minutes. Lynn left so that he would not be distracted during the trial.
Debbie Westbrook called today to say that the rehabilitation doctor from Chattanooga, and a doctor from the Shepherd Center had talked today and that she would be back in town tomorrow (Tuesday) to do another evaluation. She would not predict any kind of timeline and said that even if he is accepted the timeline would depend on when a bed is available.
This evening the nurse on duty said that Gene had been on his ventilator trial for 2 hours! We are so excited that he's making such good progress. He was sleepy but woke up for a visit. He said a couple of memorable things. He misses being at home, and he misses his morning coffee. Of course since he's still on the ventilator, he didn't really say those things, but we are getting a bit better at reading lips.
Tonight he said he could feel us massaging his fingers, but when the nurse stuck him to check his blood sugar, he said he couldn't feel it. He had been without his collar all day today which means he was only at 30 degrees elevation. His nurse put on his collar and raised him up for awhile this evening. That will be good for his respiration!
Prayer Requests:
Continue to pray that Gene's respiration will improve every day. Pray also that he will continue to gain mobility. Pray for Emily's continued strength to negotiate every day.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday, June 14th
Gene is pretty tired again today.
Apparently he didn't sleep much last night. For some reason his alarm kept going off. We don't have a good explanation about why. One nurse suggested hiccups were causing it. Anyway he has slept a lot today. His ventilator setting were very low, but he started having some trouble so they bumped the settings up a bit. Mom and I were remembering that Dr. Shome told us to expect some ups and downs as he is weaned from his ventilator, and encouraged us not to get upset when he appears to have a set back. So we were trying not to.
He had a bit of temperature tonight. Since we are not doctors, that was a little alarming for us. His nurse promised that she'll keep a close eye on him.
Angela is his nurse tonight and she home schools her two children, a daughter 10 years old, and a son 7 years old. She wants to have Dad talk about his WWII experiences with them. When we told him he just beamed!
We are hoping to hear something from the Shepherd Spine Center tomorrow or Tuesday.
Prayer Requests:
Please pray for Dad to to regain his respiratory strength, especially that his strength in his right diaphragm will return. Pray for his temperature to return to normal. Pray that Gene will have the strength to face this battle, and that Emily will have the strength she needs in the coming weeks and months.
Apparently he didn't sleep much last night. For some reason his alarm kept going off. We don't have a good explanation about why. One nurse suggested hiccups were causing it. Anyway he has slept a lot today. His ventilator setting were very low, but he started having some trouble so they bumped the settings up a bit. Mom and I were remembering that Dr. Shome told us to expect some ups and downs as he is weaned from his ventilator, and encouraged us not to get upset when he appears to have a set back. So we were trying not to.
He had a bit of temperature tonight. Since we are not doctors, that was a little alarming for us. His nurse promised that she'll keep a close eye on him.
Angela is his nurse tonight and she home schools her two children, a daughter 10 years old, and a son 7 years old. She wants to have Dad talk about his WWII experiences with them. When we told him he just beamed!
We are hoping to hear something from the Shepherd Spine Center tomorrow or Tuesday.
Prayer Requests:
Please pray for Dad to to regain his respiratory strength, especially that his strength in his right diaphragm will return. Pray for his temperature to return to normal. Pray that Gene will have the strength to face this battle, and that Emily will have the strength she needs in the coming weeks and months.
Saturday
Gene seems to be gaining strength and doing better every day.
He seems to understand what happened and is now processing that. As a family, we are reminding ourselves that we've been processing this for three weeks. He is definitely eager to move to Shepherd and begin the process of rehabilitation. We hope to hear something early this coming week.
He is still receiving support from the ventilator, and I know it's frustrating that he can't talk and we have to try to read his lips. But he is doing a lot of breathing on his own with the ventilator providing support for oxygen and for some pressure.
We are still very scrupulous about putting on robes and gloves before we go in to keep from introducing some kind of infection to him. Last night Mom and I got focused on getting a message to his night nurse before we left, so I disrobed and found the nurse. By that time Mom was ready to leave. So I stood at the door and said "Dad, I got my robe off before I had a chance to kiss you good bye." He raised his right hand up to his mouth and then stretched it out toward me - blowing me a kiss!
Visitors on Saturday:
Emily, Dr. Carver, Russ, Lynn and Alan, Arvin
Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray for increased respiratory strength, and the return of strength and mobility especially to his arms, hands and fingers.
He seems to understand what happened and is now processing that. As a family, we are reminding ourselves that we've been processing this for three weeks. He is definitely eager to move to Shepherd and begin the process of rehabilitation. We hope to hear something early this coming week.
He is still receiving support from the ventilator, and I know it's frustrating that he can't talk and we have to try to read his lips. But he is doing a lot of breathing on his own with the ventilator providing support for oxygen and for some pressure.
We are still very scrupulous about putting on robes and gloves before we go in to keep from introducing some kind of infection to him. Last night Mom and I got focused on getting a message to his night nurse before we left, so I disrobed and found the nurse. By that time Mom was ready to leave. So I stood at the door and said "Dad, I got my robe off before I had a chance to kiss you good bye." He raised his right hand up to his mouth and then stretched it out toward me - blowing me a kiss!
Visitors on Saturday:
Emily, Dr. Carver, Russ, Lynn and Alan, Arvin
Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray for increased respiratory strength, and the return of strength and mobility especially to his arms, hands and fingers.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
17th Airborne
The Reunion
Two Old vets met at the reunion hall
They embraced with a tearful eye
"I would not be here if it were not for you,"
His buddy replied, "And neither would I."
Their bond was forged in the white-hot heat
Of the battle scared fields of Belgium
Stronger than the weld on a battleship
A bond that will never be broken
Long into the night they counted
The times they shared like brothers
When their bodies were bloodied and Battered
Drawing strength and courage from each other
They talked of the scars imprinted
On the minds and bodies and souls
Of wounds of the spirit that will never heal
Until the last breath is over
They wept for the buddies that fell in the fray
Men who were better than they
Placing their lives on the altar of freedom
Hallowing the ground on which they lay
They talked of the debt that everyone owes
To the ones who will never return
Of the tear stained eyes and broken hearts
Of the families who lost a loved one
The treasure of a nation is not houses and land
Neither is it silver or gold
It lives in the hearts of women and men
Whose longing for freedom will never grow old
So members of the 17th, pack up your bags
Heed the call from Siergiej and Quade
To attend the reunion in San Antone
And tell once again about the history we made
Eugene W. Howard 155C
September 2, 2006
They embraced with a tearful eye
"I would not be here if it were not for you,"
His buddy replied, "And neither would I."
Their bond was forged in the white-hot heat
Of the battle scared fields of Belgium
Stronger than the weld on a battleship
A bond that will never be broken
Long into the night they counted
The times they shared like brothers
When their bodies were bloodied and Battered
Drawing strength and courage from each other
They talked of the scars imprinted
On the minds and bodies and souls
Of wounds of the spirit that will never heal
Until the last breath is over
They wept for the buddies that fell in the fray
Men who were better than they
Placing their lives on the altar of freedom
Hallowing the ground on which they lay
They talked of the debt that everyone owes
To the ones who will never return
Of the tear stained eyes and broken hearts
Of the families who lost a loved one
The treasure of a nation is not houses and land
Neither is it silver or gold
It lives in the hearts of women and men
Whose longing for freedom will never grow old
So members of the 17th, pack up your bags
Heed the call from Siergiej and Quade
To attend the reunion in San Antone
And tell once again about the history we made
Eugene W. Howard 155C
September 2, 2006
After Gene learned of the 17th airborne annual reunions, he became a faithful attendee of their reunions until the last one in 2008. Russell, Lynn, and Steve, were lucky enough to be able to attend that reunion with Gene and Emily. It was great to see the friendships he had forged with those guys! We also got to spend some time with Pete, his old army buddy. Once the internet got going good, we did a bit of research and found Pete so the two of them have corresponded and visited with one another since. This poem was written in anticipation of the Reunion of 2006.
June 11
Dad was much less sedated today and was communicating with us.
Russ had a good talk with him and was able to explain to him what had happened to him and that we were trying to get him admitted to the Shepherd Spine Center. He seemed to understand all that communication, and agrees that he should go to Shepherd. When Mom and Joyce visited, the occupational therapist was there and showed them some of the things that they could do with him whenever they are visiting to stretch and strengthen his arms, hands, and fingers.
He is always pleased to hear the cards that Mom reads to him.
And when I tell him about the comments that people are posting on the blog, he seems very uplifted.
Visitors today include:
Russ, Lynn and Alan, Emily, and Joyce
Prayer Requests:
Continue to pray for Dad's respiratory strength to continue to improve, and for increased mobility in his arms and hands. Pray also for Emily to have strength and courage to face the days ahead.
Russ had a good talk with him and was able to explain to him what had happened to him and that we were trying to get him admitted to the Shepherd Spine Center. He seemed to understand all that communication, and agrees that he should go to Shepherd. When Mom and Joyce visited, the occupational therapist was there and showed them some of the things that they could do with him whenever they are visiting to stretch and strengthen his arms, hands, and fingers.
He is always pleased to hear the cards that Mom reads to him.
And when I tell him about the comments that people are posting on the blog, he seems very uplifted.
Visitors today include:
Russ, Lynn and Alan, Emily, and Joyce
Prayer Requests:
Continue to pray for Dad's respiratory strength to continue to improve, and for increased mobility in his arms and hands. Pray also for Emily to have strength and courage to face the days ahead.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June 10
Gene has been very sleepy during our visits today. His complexion looks better and his swelling is less.
Dr. Shome reported that Gene had a trial without the ventilator last night - apparently this involves using a mask similar to a c-pap machine. Gene did very well with this trial. Dr. Shome who has been such a source of hope for us, says that he doesn't want to hurry this process and stress Gene. So we will continue with trials for the time being. Dr. Shome is very hopeful that Gene will be able to be without his ventilator for at least part of the time. He did tell Emily this morning, that unless Gene is able to stand, he will not be able to completely come off of the ventilator.
We have discussed with Gene the possibility of going to the Shepherd Spinal Center and he has indicated an affirmative, so our family is proceeding with the plans to have Gene admitted. We are all very hopeful that this will actually occur. This evening we have been involved in writing the family care plan that Shepherd requires of all families who have a loved one admitted to their facility. It is both a sobering reality check of what we may have to face, as well as a monumental task.
Visitors today include:
Emily, Joyce, Russell, Lynn and Alan, Steve, Dr. Carver, Sam Jones
Prayer Requests include:
Please continue to pray for Gene to gain increased respiratory strength and to begin to be able to see some improvement in his mobility. Pray also for Gene's family to have the strength and endurance to make the right decisions and to provide the very best for him that we can.
Dr. Shome reported that Gene had a trial without the ventilator last night - apparently this involves using a mask similar to a c-pap machine. Gene did very well with this trial. Dr. Shome who has been such a source of hope for us, says that he doesn't want to hurry this process and stress Gene. So we will continue with trials for the time being. Dr. Shome is very hopeful that Gene will be able to be without his ventilator for at least part of the time. He did tell Emily this morning, that unless Gene is able to stand, he will not be able to completely come off of the ventilator.
We have discussed with Gene the possibility of going to the Shepherd Spinal Center and he has indicated an affirmative, so our family is proceeding with the plans to have Gene admitted. We are all very hopeful that this will actually occur. This evening we have been involved in writing the family care plan that Shepherd requires of all families who have a loved one admitted to their facility. It is both a sobering reality check of what we may have to face, as well as a monumental task.
Visitors today include:
Emily, Joyce, Russell, Lynn and Alan, Steve, Dr. Carver, Sam Jones
Prayer Requests include:
Please continue to pray for Gene to gain increased respiratory strength and to begin to be able to see some improvement in his mobility. Pray also for Gene's family to have the strength and endurance to make the right decisions and to provide the very best for him that we can.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
June 9, 2009
Today we had a most sobering visit with the liaison from the Shepherd Spinal Center. It is her job to give us the worst case scenario, and she did.
At the Shepherd Center the first priority will be to try to wean Dad off the ventilator and begin some physical therapy to help begin regaining mobility. If it becomes apparent that he will not be able to come off the ventilator or gain any mobility, then they will train the family how to care for him and he will come home in a matter of 4 to 6 weeks.
If he can come off the ventilator and can tolerate physical therapy, they will work with him to take him as far as he can progress. There is a possibility that if he continues to improve, he could stay at the Shepherd for outpatient therapy for 2 or 3 weeks after he finishes inpatient care.
As best as I can remember her conversation, it seems that we should not expect Dad to be there more than 8 - 10 weeks, after which time we would need to be prepared to take care of him at home. They provide training for the family to meet the needs he will have for care at home.
The admission liaison will be finishing her summary of his medical records and tomorrow we will all get together to put together a plan of care to submit as a part of the package that goes to them to help determine if he is admitted. Plan A must be how we will provide care for him if he has to come home with a ventilator; plan B must be how we will provide care for him if he comes home without a ventilator.
We may hear something before the end of the week about whether or not he has been accepted, and we hope that he will be able to move as soon as possible. He may need to make some additional respiratory improvement before they are willing to move him.
Visitors today include:
Emily, Russ, Pat, Alan and Lynn.
Prayer Requests:
Please pray for Dad to have continued improvement against the Klebsiella infection, stronger respiratory function, and increased mobility. Pray for his family to have the strength to negotiate these next few days and weeks. Please especially pray for Emily.
At the Shepherd Center the first priority will be to try to wean Dad off the ventilator and begin some physical therapy to help begin regaining mobility. If it becomes apparent that he will not be able to come off the ventilator or gain any mobility, then they will train the family how to care for him and he will come home in a matter of 4 to 6 weeks.
If he can come off the ventilator and can tolerate physical therapy, they will work with him to take him as far as he can progress. There is a possibility that if he continues to improve, he could stay at the Shepherd for outpatient therapy for 2 or 3 weeks after he finishes inpatient care.
As best as I can remember her conversation, it seems that we should not expect Dad to be there more than 8 - 10 weeks, after which time we would need to be prepared to take care of him at home. They provide training for the family to meet the needs he will have for care at home.
The admission liaison will be finishing her summary of his medical records and tomorrow we will all get together to put together a plan of care to submit as a part of the package that goes to them to help determine if he is admitted. Plan A must be how we will provide care for him if he has to come home with a ventilator; plan B must be how we will provide care for him if he comes home without a ventilator.
We may hear something before the end of the week about whether or not he has been accepted, and we hope that he will be able to move as soon as possible. He may need to make some additional respiratory improvement before they are willing to move him.
Visitors today include:
Emily, Russ, Pat, Alan and Lynn.
Prayer Requests:
Please pray for Dad to have continued improvement against the Klebsiella infection, stronger respiratory function, and increased mobility. Pray for his family to have the strength to negotiate these next few days and weeks. Please especially pray for Emily.
Monday, June 8, 2009
June 8
Gene has made enough improvement to be moved out of the ICU and into an Intermediate Care Section of Erlanger. He is on the 6th floor and is now much more able to have visitors.
If you should wish to visit Gene, you must before you enter the room.
1. Disinfect your hands.
2. Put on a disposable gown, available at the door
3. Put on gloves.
4. Plan to only stay for 5 or 6 minutes
At this point in time, infection is the primary concern and it is easy for any of us to bring it in without being aware of it.
We have had a long but very productive day. Brothers Russ and Steve with his wife Pat, Mom, and Alan and Lynn spent the day at the hospital. We were able to have face to face meetings with Dr. Shome, the hospital critical care pulmonologist; Dr. Kern, the neurosurgeon; and Dr. Hoffman, the rehabilitation specialist. We all felt like we have a better sense of what is going on and the direction we should be moving.
Dr. Shome is very pleased with Dad's recovery from the pneumonia. It has certainly been a set back in getting rehabilitation started, but at this point things are looking much better. Dr. Kern tells us that as soon as the cardiologists and pulmonologists can give the go ahead, Dad can begin having the rehabilitation. Finally, Dr. Hoffman said that he believes that Dad's best chance for a good recovery would be to go to the Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta.
Tomorrow we have an appointment with a liason for the Shepherd Center. If things go well, it may be possible for us to have Gene admitted by the end of the week. He will be able to have both the rehabilitation therapy he needs as well as the respiratory therapy to get off the ventilator. When we spoke with him about this possibility, he mouthed "discharge me tomorrow". We are very excited about the possibilities for recovery that this option holds.
Visitors today include:
Emily, Russ, Steve and Pat, Alan and Lynn, and Dr. Carver
Prayer Requests:
Please pray that Dad's respiratory strength will continue to grow, and that if this decision to move to Shepherd will give him hopes for a strong recovery that he will be admitted.
Thanks to all of you who continue to pray for him and offer your support to both Emily and Gene in so many ways. We read cards to him every day, and he is very uplifted to know that so many people are holding him in their prayers.
If you should wish to visit Gene, you must before you enter the room.
1. Disinfect your hands.
2. Put on a disposable gown, available at the door
3. Put on gloves.
4. Plan to only stay for 5 or 6 minutes
At this point in time, infection is the primary concern and it is easy for any of us to bring it in without being aware of it.
We have had a long but very productive day. Brothers Russ and Steve with his wife Pat, Mom, and Alan and Lynn spent the day at the hospital. We were able to have face to face meetings with Dr. Shome, the hospital critical care pulmonologist; Dr. Kern, the neurosurgeon; and Dr. Hoffman, the rehabilitation specialist. We all felt like we have a better sense of what is going on and the direction we should be moving.
Dr. Shome is very pleased with Dad's recovery from the pneumonia. It has certainly been a set back in getting rehabilitation started, but at this point things are looking much better. Dr. Kern tells us that as soon as the cardiologists and pulmonologists can give the go ahead, Dad can begin having the rehabilitation. Finally, Dr. Hoffman said that he believes that Dad's best chance for a good recovery would be to go to the Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta.
Tomorrow we have an appointment with a liason for the Shepherd Center. If things go well, it may be possible for us to have Gene admitted by the end of the week. He will be able to have both the rehabilitation therapy he needs as well as the respiratory therapy to get off the ventilator. When we spoke with him about this possibility, he mouthed "discharge me tomorrow". We are very excited about the possibilities for recovery that this option holds.
Visitors today include:
Emily, Russ, Steve and Pat, Alan and Lynn, and Dr. Carver
Prayer Requests:
Please pray that Dad's respiratory strength will continue to grow, and that if this decision to move to Shepherd will give him hopes for a strong recovery that he will be admitted.
Thanks to all of you who continue to pray for him and offer your support to both Emily and Gene in so many ways. We read cards to him every day, and he is very uplifted to know that so many people are holding him in their prayers.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
June 7
We are pleased to report that Gene is much better! His pneumonia turned out to be Klebsiella; they have been giving him two antibiotics, including Levaquin which has knocked it out! His pulmonologist, Dr. Shome, reported that his lungs are almost clear. Let us just say that Dr. Shome is a fantastic doctor. Alan knew him from a time when he was in private practice and treated Mommy Anne, and cannot say enough good things about him. He now practices Critical Care Medicine, Infectious Disease Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pulmonology – and we are very lucky that he has been on Dad’s case! It seems that when a bed and a ventilator are available, Dad will be moving to an intermediate care setting there at the hospital. We are thinking that is very good news.
He has been very alert at all the visitation times today. His ventilator settings are no longer on high and so he doesn’t have to have sedation. They tell us that he is mostly breathing on his own. Right now the ventilator is providing pressure (like what a person who uses a c-pap machine gets) in order to give him breathing support. He is not able to speak because of the tracheotomy, but today he sure did try to communicate with us. We do pretty well, but none of us are as good at reading lips as he is, so sometimes it’s frustrating.
They have also moved his bed to upright 30 degrees. They will have to put the collar back on him when he begins to sit up, but right now he can be this much elevated without the collar. Dr. Shome says that getting him somewhat upright is pretty important in keeping the pneumonia away!
Today’s visitors included:
Emily, her sister and brother-in-law Frances and Bob, Alan, Lynn, Liga, and dear friends Shirley Wright and her mother Margie Rudolph.
Continue to pray for Dad to completely defeat this Klebsiella pneumonia, and for him to be able to see improvement in his mobility.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
June 6 visits
Sue and Ken came in from Clarksville and had a good visit with Mom and saw Dad for both the morning and afternoon visit. Betsy drove up from Atlanta for the day and saw Dad at the morning visit and stayed for lunch. These visits are so uplifting for Dad and for all his family.
This morning we took a flag and a great picture of Utah Beach on D-Day...It's the picture that we always say we know Dad is in if we could just zoom in! We made sure all his nurses saw the picture and taped the flag to his ventilator pole!
This afternoon and this evening he was much more alert. It turns out that his ventilator settings have been turned down again - so he doesn't have to be on the sedative. He's breathing mostly on his own again with just some air pressure support. We had some good communication. I'm beginning to get a bit of a handle on lip reading (a skill that Dad has always had!) Dad is moving his right arm, and at one point asked Mom to pull on it to give him some resistance!
Today's visitors included:
Dr. Carver, Emily, Sue and Kenneth Palmer, Alan, Lynn, Liga, and Mia.
Today's prayer requests:
For Dad's lungs to clear and for him to see some progress in his arm and hand mobility.
Thank you to everyone for your support and prayers.
This morning we took a flag and a great picture of Utah Beach on D-Day...It's the picture that we always say we know Dad is in if we could just zoom in! We made sure all his nurses saw the picture and taped the flag to his ventilator pole!
This afternoon and this evening he was much more alert. It turns out that his ventilator settings have been turned down again - so he doesn't have to be on the sedative. He's breathing mostly on his own again with just some air pressure support. We had some good communication. I'm beginning to get a bit of a handle on lip reading (a skill that Dad has always had!) Dad is moving his right arm, and at one point asked Mom to pull on it to give him some resistance!
Today's visitors included:
Dr. Carver, Emily, Sue and Kenneth Palmer, Alan, Lynn, Liga, and Mia.
Today's prayer requests:
For Dad's lungs to clear and for him to see some progress in his arm and hand mobility.
Thank you to everyone for your support and prayers.
65th Anniversary of D-Day, June 6
D-DAY
The waves roll softly on the sand
at Colleville by the sea
The wind sighs gently on the land
and clouds float white and free.
The birds sing sweetly in the Spring
at Colleville by the sea
And children play and shout and sing
on the red sand by the sea
But on a hill in solemn watch
o'er the beach of Colleville Bay
Stand the white Crosses row on row
of those who came that day
That day was grim at no-man's-land
and fierce did the battle rage
Their life's blood stained the sea and sand
that day on Colleville's stage
They gave their lives in freedom's quest
at Colleville by the sea
Now each one lies in watchful rest
on that hill in Normandy
Gone now the stains from sea and sand
Gone now the battle cry
Replaced by peace across the land
and white crosses against the sky
So children play on the hallowed sand
and splash in the crystal sea;
But my heart is with the crosses on yonder hill
at Colleville by the sea.
The waves roll softly on the sand
at Colleville by the sea
The wind sighs gently on the land
and clouds float white and free.
The birds sing sweetly in the Spring
at Colleville by the sea
And children play and shout and sing
on the red sand by the sea
But on a hill in solemn watch
o'er the beach of Colleville Bay
Stand the white Crosses row on row
of those who came that day
That day was grim at no-man's-land
and fierce did the battle rage
Their life's blood stained the sea and sand
that day on Colleville's stage
They gave their lives in freedom's quest
at Colleville by the sea
Now each one lies in watchful rest
on that hill in Normandy
Gone now the stains from sea and sand
Gone now the battle cry
Replaced by peace across the land
and white crosses against the sky
So children play on the hallowed sand
and splash in the crystal sea;
But my heart is with the crosses on yonder hill
at Colleville by the sea.
by Eugene W. Howard
This poem was written in 1996, after Mom and Dad made a visit to Europe where they retraced some of Dad's wartime route, and visited other important battle sites. Dad was at Utah Beach during the invasion of Normany. However, this poem was inspired by the beach and cemetery at Omaha beach.
This poem was written in 1996, after Mom and Dad made a visit to Europe where they retraced some of Dad's wartime route, and visited other important battle sites. Dad was at Utah Beach during the invasion of Normany. However, this poem was inspired by the beach and cemetery at Omaha beach.
Friday, June 5, 2009
June 5th visits
Gene's ventilator settings had been increased today in order to help keep his lungs expanded and better fight off this pneumonia. Because these settings are uncomfortable, he has been sedated all day long.
Bruce took Mom to the hospital this morning and Valdis met them. I think Dad was responsive but very sedated. Mom, Alan, and Lynn went this afternoon. We were all deeply concerned, because it seemed that he hardly knew we were there. Wise Alan advised us that this was not necessarily Dad's condition, that it could be his sedative. By the time Mom and I got there this evening, he was very sedated, but it was obvious he was hearing us and was responsive. We gave him news about each of his 3 great grandchildren. He smiled about them all. We have pictures of Elijah, Max, and Madison taped up on the pole that holds his tracheotomy tubing.
Russ and Steve will be coming up to Chattanooga on Monday and we have placed a note in Dad's file notifying the doctors that we would like to meet with them. I think at this point we are planning to go to the hospital early in the morning and just stay there until we have a chance to see everyone.
Mom seems to be doing as well as she could possibly. We appreciate all the prayers for Dad and ask for you to remember her as well.
Bruce took Mom to the hospital this morning and Valdis met them. I think Dad was responsive but very sedated. Mom, Alan, and Lynn went this afternoon. We were all deeply concerned, because it seemed that he hardly knew we were there. Wise Alan advised us that this was not necessarily Dad's condition, that it could be his sedative. By the time Mom and I got there this evening, he was very sedated, but it was obvious he was hearing us and was responsive. We gave him news about each of his 3 great grandchildren. He smiled about them all. We have pictures of Elijah, Max, and Madison taped up on the pole that holds his tracheotomy tubing.
Russ and Steve will be coming up to Chattanooga on Monday and we have placed a note in Dad's file notifying the doctors that we would like to meet with them. I think at this point we are planning to go to the hospital early in the morning and just stay there until we have a chance to see everyone.
Mom seems to be doing as well as she could possibly. We appreciate all the prayers for Dad and ask for you to remember her as well.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Joyce and Mark visit with Gene
Joyce and Mark drove down to Chattanooga and helped Mom at the house. They planted monkey grass at the border of the front corner flower bed, helped change the beds, and offered moral support!
They were waiting to see Gene at the 4:00 visit. Gene was responsive and seemed glad to see that they were there to visit. Mark told him about recently watching Ken Burns "The War" and that he was thinking about him the whole time. Gene responded with a smile.
Elizabeth sent a card with a letter and a card that Elijah had made. Dad looked at the pipe cleaner heart that Elijah glued on the card and he just smiled. Elizabeth's letter said that Elijah has a new nickname. Sometimes they call him "Spark Plug". Dad just shook his head and almost laughed!
Dad's condition is about the same as this morning. He is on strong ventilator support and is sedated to keep him comfortable. His heart is stable. There is no change in his neurological state. He is definitely "in there". He is alert, and responsive. He knows when he has visitors and it seems apparent to us that he knows who is there. The doctors are having all visitors observe precautions by putting on sterile gowns before visiting. They are conducting a culture of the lung. In the meantime, he continues on a broad spectrum antibiotic.
When we left, Mark offered a prayer, and Uncle Gene responded with an "Amen".
They were waiting to see Gene at the 4:00 visit. Gene was responsive and seemed glad to see that they were there to visit. Mark told him about recently watching Ken Burns "The War" and that he was thinking about him the whole time. Gene responded with a smile.
Elizabeth sent a card with a letter and a card that Elijah had made. Dad looked at the pipe cleaner heart that Elijah glued on the card and he just smiled. Elizabeth's letter said that Elijah has a new nickname. Sometimes they call him "Spark Plug". Dad just shook his head and almost laughed!
Dad's condition is about the same as this morning. He is on strong ventilator support and is sedated to keep him comfortable. His heart is stable. There is no change in his neurological state. He is definitely "in there". He is alert, and responsive. He knows when he has visitors and it seems apparent to us that he knows who is there. The doctors are having all visitors observe precautions by putting on sterile gowns before visiting. They are conducting a culture of the lung. In the meantime, he continues on a broad spectrum antibiotic.
When we left, Mark offered a prayer, and Uncle Gene responded with an "Amen".
Thursday Morning Visit
Emily and Lynn went to see Gene at the 10:00 AM visitation.
There is not really any change in his condition.
He is on a high ventilator setting which keeps his lungs inflated and apparently this is pretty uncomfortable. So they are keeping him sedated. He was aware that he had company, but this time, he didn't really try to communicate much. He is still on the broad spectrum antibiotic waiting for the culture to give specific direction to that. Mom asked about bed sores. So I want to report that they have him on a special bed that moves about and so far that has prevented any bed sores or skin break down.
As we were saying good-bye, Mom was patting Dad on the chest. His alarm system went off and I started looking around to see if she had put her arm down on one of the monitoring tubes. Nothing.... a nurse came in, and the nurse's assistant with a print out of his heart monitor. It seems that patting him on the chest makes it look like he's in atrial fibrillation. We'll all be careful not to do that!
The nurse's assistant who shaves Dad was saying that she can see his cognitive abilities when she is working with him. He pokes his cheek out and she says "you're trying to help me shave you aren't you?" She says he winks at her when she says that.
I know it's terribly frustrating for Dad not to be able to speak with us.
BUT he knows he is in your thoughts and prayers!
There is not really any change in his condition.
He is on a high ventilator setting which keeps his lungs inflated and apparently this is pretty uncomfortable. So they are keeping him sedated. He was aware that he had company, but this time, he didn't really try to communicate much. He is still on the broad spectrum antibiotic waiting for the culture to give specific direction to that. Mom asked about bed sores. So I want to report that they have him on a special bed that moves about and so far that has prevented any bed sores or skin break down.
As we were saying good-bye, Mom was patting Dad on the chest. His alarm system went off and I started looking around to see if she had put her arm down on one of the monitoring tubes. Nothing.... a nurse came in, and the nurse's assistant with a print out of his heart monitor. It seems that patting him on the chest makes it look like he's in atrial fibrillation. We'll all be careful not to do that!
The nurse's assistant who shaves Dad was saying that she can see his cognitive abilities when she is working with him. He pokes his cheek out and she says "you're trying to help me shave you aren't you?" She says he winks at her when she says that.
I know it's terribly frustrating for Dad not to be able to speak with us.
BUT he knows he is in your thoughts and prayers!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
June 3 - AM visit
This morning, the hospital pulmonologist, Dr. Shome, called Emily at home before the visitation. Dad had trouble breathing last night and they increased the amount of oxygen in his air mix that goes through the tracheotomy. He also had an elevated white blood count. He has a considerable amount of congestion in his right lung. Dr. Shome asked for permission to take a sample from the lung to culture and a scan of his lung.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June 2 - afternoon visit
Dad's baby sister, Mary, and her daughter, Lynda, along with Emily, Russ, and Lynn visited this afternoon.
Mary thinks that Dad will be OK but that he may have a long time of recovery. He was so delighted to see her and smiled when she said "Now Honey."
Russ spent a good bit of time talking to Dad about what the doctors have said about his breathing, and his physical therapy. Mary was able to help read Dad's lips, and really helped with communication.
His ventilator is being used primarily to support his breathing - it is not breathing for him. It has a higher level of oxygen than room air and supports his breathing with some pressure like the C-Pap machine for people who have sleep apnea. But we are very pleased that he is mostly breathing on his own.
Today the doctor said that the physical therapists will work with Dad on sitting up and increasing his range of motion. Last night while Alan was holding onto his left foot, he moved his toes! He says that he can feel us holding his feet and hands. We are very optimistic that he will continue to make good progress.
Please keep Gene in your prayers for courage for the rehabilitation journey ahead and for healing.
Mary thinks that Dad will be OK but that he may have a long time of recovery. He was so delighted to see her and smiled when she said "Now Honey."
Russ spent a good bit of time talking to Dad about what the doctors have said about his breathing, and his physical therapy. Mary was able to help read Dad's lips, and really helped with communication.
His ventilator is being used primarily to support his breathing - it is not breathing for him. It has a higher level of oxygen than room air and supports his breathing with some pressure like the C-Pap machine for people who have sleep apnea. But we are very pleased that he is mostly breathing on his own.
Today the doctor said that the physical therapists will work with Dad on sitting up and increasing his range of motion. Last night while Alan was holding onto his left foot, he moved his toes! He says that he can feel us holding his feet and hands. We are very optimistic that he will continue to make good progress.
Please keep Gene in your prayers for courage for the rehabilitation journey ahead and for healing.
WEEDS
In the grand design of creation
I was assigned a special role
To cover the ground for protection
To multiply, to spread and grow
Gifted with a strong will to live
In soils both rich and poor
To survive the grazing of animals
And the keen blade of the mower
In sun or shade or cold or heat
I constantly do my chore
On roadside or woodland lot
On uplands and by the shore
In all kinds of places I grow
I compete with sprays and mulch
For some reason I grow best in a garden
Among the roses and such
I bind up wounds and heal with care
The neglect that is caused by man
I restore the ground to produce again
According to the
They say I am ugly and misshapen
Sometimes they say I‘m not cute
They attack me with shovel and rake
They pull me out by my roots
Still I continue my mission
All I need is some light and space
For I am not an ugly weed
I am just a plant out of place
By Gene Howard MG2005
5-3-2006
June 2 - morning visit
Emily, Russ, and Alan visited Dad this morning. Bruce Clark and Les and Jan Spencer from church were also there and thought he looked very good.
The family was surprised that he was not wearing the neck brace! He looked relaxed and good. He communicated well. Russ asked if he could borrow the truck. We all think it needs to be driven some in order to stay in good running condition. Of course Dad said - "That's fine."
Emily consulted with the nurse about the collar and was pleased to hear that Doctor Kern, the neurosurgeon, came in this morning at about 8 AM and said that he didn't need to wear it while he was lying down. His staples at the surgical site will come out this afternoon. The physical therapist had been there this morning, and worked with his range of motion. We posted a copy of the cover of his book, A Name in the Sand, on his bed, as well as his weed poem.
The family was surprised that he was not wearing the neck brace! He looked relaxed and good. He communicated well. Russ asked if he could borrow the truck. We all think it needs to be driven some in order to stay in good running condition. Of course Dad said - "That's fine."
Emily consulted with the nurse about the collar and was pleased to hear that Doctor Kern, the neurosurgeon, came in this morning at about 8 AM and said that he didn't need to wear it while he was lying down. His staples at the surgical site will come out this afternoon. The physical therapist had been there this morning, and worked with his range of motion. We posted a copy of the cover of his book, A Name in the Sand, on his bed, as well as his weed poem.
Monday, June 1, 2009
June 1, 2009
Update on Gene
Gene and Emily's children have decided to use this blog as a way to send out information to any of you who would like to follow his progress.
Here is a short review of what's happened.
Gene had surgery performed on his upper spine on Friday May 22. On Sunday May 24th he experienced a sudden loss of blood pressure. This apparently caused the surgical site or an area near his surgical site to experience a lack of oxygen profusion. Various medical professionals in the days that have followed have given this several names: a spinal cord stroke, an infarction, spinal shock, an insult to the spinal cord, and a hematoma at the spinal cord.
The result of that "event" has been that Gene was rushed to ICU, placed on a ventilator and a feeding tube. He's still in ICU. His breathing apparatus was changed on Saturday to a tracheotomy and the feeding tube was moved to his stomach, so he no longer has all that awful stuff in his throat. He seems so much better and is in good spirits.
At this point, Gene has very little movement in his arms and legs and his right diaphragm is not moving. However, he is breathing on his own. The ventilator is giving him a higher percentage of oxygen and a bit of pressure, but he is essentially breathing on his own.
Gene is in good spirits. He continues to be strong and courageous.
Gene and Emily's children have decided to use this blog as a way to send out information to any of you who would like to follow his progress.
Here is a short review of what's happened.
Gene had surgery performed on his upper spine on Friday May 22. On Sunday May 24th he experienced a sudden loss of blood pressure. This apparently caused the surgical site or an area near his surgical site to experience a lack of oxygen profusion. Various medical professionals in the days that have followed have given this several names: a spinal cord stroke, an infarction, spinal shock, an insult to the spinal cord, and a hematoma at the spinal cord.
The result of that "event" has been that Gene was rushed to ICU, placed on a ventilator and a feeding tube. He's still in ICU. His breathing apparatus was changed on Saturday to a tracheotomy and the feeding tube was moved to his stomach, so he no longer has all that awful stuff in his throat. He seems so much better and is in good spirits.
At this point, Gene has very little movement in his arms and legs and his right diaphragm is not moving. However, he is breathing on his own. The ventilator is giving him a higher percentage of oxygen and a bit of pressure, but he is essentially breathing on his own.
Gene is in good spirits. He continues to be strong and courageous.
We ask for your prayers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)