December 2008

I'm a little behind this month for this update but alas I'm behind on everything. Only 15 more days until Christmas and I have only bought 2 gifts and a few stocking stuffers. I'm seriously in trouble!


Leonard is doing well. At his last doctor's visit he was told the x-rays looked good on his ankle but he wanted him to wait 6 more weeks before walking on it. We said we would wait as long as it took to heal so we didn't have to do the fusion. We go back to see him the first week of January. He also went to the vascular doc and after he found out that he had 2 more surgeries from the last visit and he was non active again, he said he had to stay on the Lovenox shots for 3 more months. Lord have mercy, this man's belly is so bruised and has hard lumps from all the injections I have given him.


One good thing is that he has become more independent recently, doing more for himself and not relying on Jaason and me so much. We only get asked to do something once in awhile instead of every 10 minutes like in the early phases of his recovery. Sure helps me a lot.


We hope and pray that each of you has a very Merry Christmas. May God bless you all as you have blessed us with your love and support.

November 2008

Dr. Dani washing Papa's feet and tending to his boo boo's.

Dr. Dani enjoying a little break after accomplishing all her tasks

He is healing nicely after this last surgery and hopefully we'll get some good news on his next doctor's visit that he can start walking and doing his therapy once again. He is very bored as he's so limited to what he can do. Lays in bed, sits at the computer, sits in his recliner and back to bed. He's loving daytime TV with all the judge shows and Steinfield and Frazier repeats. Drives me nuts!

Leonard and his bedmate Babes

October 12th

Leonard was able to come home from the hospital yesterday and he's doing quit well. His spirits are good. He learned how to hop on one foot with the walker so he could pivot around and sit on his wheelchair. We had ordered a battery operated wheelchair as we thought we would have to use a slideboard for him to get out of bed as the seat raises up and down on those kind of chairs but we are going to send it back. He was able to get into the car without too much difficulty. With the battery operated chair we would have had to rely on medical transport once again and we both dreaded the thoughts of that. He will be unable to walk for 2 - 3 months depending on how he heals.

Continued prayers are appreciated. Thank you for your love and support.

October 10, 2008

Leonard's surgery went well this morning. The surgeon did some repairs, replacing some of the screws and did a couple of bone grafts and was pleased that he didn't have to remove all the hardware and fuse the ankle. He does have some arthritis setting in but that was expected. Should be out of the hospital in a couple of days.

October 2008

Well.................he got through the infection after 25 days of IV antibotics and has a clean bill of health. Michelle was able to take good care of him while I was on my much needed vacation to MN. I had a wonderful visit with my family, attended my HS reunion and actually was able to relax somewhat. Even though I was on the go constantly there was no stress. Noemi stayed with the 2 grandkids and Leonard during the day and Michelle had the night shift. They did well in my absence.

On Friday October 10th at 7:30 AM Leonard will have his 8th and I hope last operation on his ankle. We are praying that the surgeon will be able to do the bone grafts and fix what hardware he can. We have to sign a consent form prior to surgery stating that if things are worse in there than expected that he can fuse the ankle.

I will try and update again next weekend after his surgery. We appreciate your prayers.

September 2008

Water therapy - working for his gold medal!


Having way too much fun............."are you sure you're working?"


Leonard was doing so well with his water therapy 3 times a week and was feeling more like himself until this past week. On Sunday August 24th we drove to Apache Jct to visit a friend and by the time we got there Leonard was having the chills. His hip hurt and he was feeling pretty punk. When we got home he went to bed and I took his temp....it was 101. By morning it was 103.4 and I went into panic mode. I called his orthopedic surgeon and was advised to bring him into the ER at Scottsdale Osborn which is a good one hour drive in off peak time and during rush hour an hour and a half. But that's where he practices out of and I wouldn't have anyone else take care of him.

By Tuesday he was in the operating room. He had developed an infection in the hip area which was actually in the fat, not the muscle or bone. The surgeon was able to clean it all out and put some antibiotic beads into the open area and he gets IV antibiotics everyday. Also while he was in the hospital he asked Dr. Miller if he could get rid of his cam boot on his right leg so they did a CT scan and found out that the hardware was shifting and he will have to go through with another operation after he heals from this one. He is back to light weight bearing on that leg which is difficult to walk that way. Very discouraging and he's quite depressed about this latest development. The surgeon was talking about possibly doing bone grafts or if it's really bad fusing the ankle which we hope to avoid. We're hoping he can repair the hardware.

We are still thankful to God each and every day that he was spared and all things are fixable just takes a long time. Patience hasn't been one of his strong suits which I can attest to!

He came home on Friday August 29th but I will have to give him his IV antibiotics every day at least for the next week and then our daughter Michelle will be taking over for me as I will be leaving on 9/9 for my home state of Minnesota for my 45th class reunion and a long overdue visit to my family. Our daughter-in-law Noemi will be watching the grand kids and Leonard during the day and Michelle by night. I felt I should cancel my trip but everyone is insisting I go and I sure could use a vacation from all this stress. I'm worn out.

Please continue to keep Leonard in your prayers that he will regain his strength, heal quickly and get ready for the next round.

August 2008

Papa checking out Dani's new flip flops

Afternoon TV time with refreshing drinks

Morning crafts with Dani....love that Playdough

July has been hot and steamy but Leonard is trying to keep his cool. He has gone to outpatient therapy at Del Webb usually twice a week and is doing quite well. His right ankle still aches if he's on his feet too long and the left leg and foot is still experiencing weakness. This past week we went to a new rehab doctor who will oversee his PT. She ordered an MRI of his lumbar to see if there is nerve damage which would be causing the weakness. This will happen on 8/1. Hopefully they won't find anything that we need to be concerned about. He starts at the new rehab center on 8/7 which I'm excited about. It will be more aggressive than in the past and there is a therapy pool which he's been approved for. He'll be getting a little more cardio workouts so he should get stronger.

He attended a Diamondback's baseball game along with 250 red hatters on 7/22 and we beat the Cubbies so it was a fun evening. One of our friends sang Take me out to the Ballgame in the 7th inning and then we left to avoid the traffic.

On July 24th, he turned 65 and this past Saturday I had a birthday party to celebrate him making it to this birthday. His family and friends are very grateful we had a reason to party. Please click on my complete profile on the right side of this screen and view some his pictures. He knew I had arranged a party but he thought only the immediate family was coming so with each new guest he was pleasantly surprised. It was a fun time. Thanks to those of you who came and making this a day he will remember always.

158 Days - Friday Report

Happy 4th of July to all.

We spent it with some dear friends at a BBQ. No fireworks this year but most places had difficulties anyway as there were wind storms all over the valley.

Leonard was encouraged by his therapists to start walking with a cane instead of the walker this week. He uses it off and on but it's easier using the walker. Everything takes time. His ankles and knees get tired so easily.

Since the news is slim these days, I think I will start going to once a month updates. Since I don't get many comments on the posts any more I think I've lost most of my followers. If anyone wants to email us you can reach us at llindsey10@cox.net. I'll report again on August 1st.

Thanks again to all of you for your love and continued support.

151 Days - Friday Report

Dani and Papa watching a little TV

Good news from the vascular surgeon.....the blood clots are shrinking in his legs and we don't have to go back for a follow-up until November. We still have to continue with the 2 shots every day but we knew that wouldn't change. His belly get so black and blue because I jab him so much.

He works very hard every day with his therapy at home and at rehab 2 to 3 times a week and today Jaason introduced him to the Wii. Jaason plays so many video and computer games that he's an old pro but us older generation are a little slow in learning all these things. Leonard played for awhile and got bored with it. I think it was because Jaason was so much better and he hates to admit that.

144 Days - Fridays Report

I'm doing the Friday blog on Monday because the weekend just flew by and I couldn't catch my breath long enough to sit down and write.

He had a good week going to his outpatient therapy 3 times at Del E Webb Hospital. The facility is very small but he seems to be doing well with it. I was thinking he might need more challenge in his excercising but he seems to think it's okay for now.

He surprised me a couple of days ago and had me pull the walker away from him and he took some steps on his own. I was thrilled to say the least. He is becoming quite the independent one and doing almost everything without assistance from me. I still give him his shots, help him with his boots and fetch things for him but he does everything else on his own. We have come a long way in the last 5 months.

Tomorrow we go to the vascular surgeon to see how the blood clots are doing and therapy on Wednesday and that will be all the excitement we have for the week.

137 Days - Friday Repot

This was an uneventual week with Leonard's progress,but at least we didn't have any setbacks which is a good thing. We miss Heather coming to do Leonard's PT and he's been slacking somewhat. Jerry is still coming a couple of times a week but I'm thinking this will be his last week. I got a hairbrained idea to rearrange our office furniture on Wednesday and Jerry was the lucky guy to help me put it back together at least reconnecting the computer wires. Our son Brian helped us too with reconnecting the Internet and installing our new TIVO unit. I just started pulling cords and cables and then couldn't figure out how to put them back together.

On Monday we will be going to Del Webb Rehabilitation Center for an evaluation and then he will start his OT and PT as an outpatient 2 - 3 times a week. Luckily this center is only a ten minute drive from the house. We're anxious to get started as I know it will be more intensive than it was with home therapy because they have machines that will work him harder.

That's it for now. All you fathers out there - have a great Father's Day.

130 Days - Friday Report

Today was a very tearful day as Leonard graduated from home therapy to outpatient therapy and we had to say farewell to our wonderful, sweet Heather who has been with us the past 2 months getting Leonard to where he is today. She has been great and has become a friend to both of us. We will miss you and will hold you to your promise that you will come and see us when you can.

Leonard has an appointment with Del Webb Hospital Rehab Center for an evaluation on 6/16 and hopefully we will start right away with therapy for his hand and his legs. We'll be on our own next week so I guess I'll have to get out my whip and keep him in line with his walking and exercises.

He continues to be more self sufficient every day and things I used to do for him automatically I'm now told "I can do it myself". I'm more than willing to let him do it himself as that helps me.

We continue to get emails and greeting cards and we really appreciate hearing from you. Thank you for your support and prayers as he moves along this path of recovery.

123 Days - Friday Report

After all his "firsts" last week this week seemed kind of routine. Doing his daily excercises, therapy when the girls come to work with him and he works some with Jerry his caregiver. Menchet his OT released him to outpatient therapy as he proved to her that he could do everything that she had challenged him to do.

We did have some concerns about his left hip so we went to the orthopedic surgeon 2 weeks earlier than scheduled. There seemed to be either a muscle that had atrophied or a hematoma and the doc wasn't sure which. As long as the ball is in the socket and he's healing we are not going to worry about it. The doc had hoped for more bone growth in the ankle but he's very pleased with his progress. The swelling has come down in his left leg which is good. He had the ultrasound done on his blood clot filter and it appears to be okay. He doesn't have to go back to the orthopedic doc for 3 months. He got his prescription for outpatient therapy which will probably start within a week or so. Heather will keep coming until that is set up. Luckily there is a facility only 10 minutes away from home.

He no longer uses his battery operated wheelchair and we ordered him a manual one but it was too heavy for me to lift up into our SUV so Heather suggested we get a companion chair which is lightweight and easy for me to get in and out of the car. We are now free to go anywhere we need to go w/o relying on a medical transport. That in itself is a great feeling.

Leonard is talking about going out to dinner some day very soon which will be nice for him to get out and feel somewhat normal. Gets pretty boring staying at home all the time. I've taken him out a couple of times in the car just driving around to give him a change of scenery. He was naughty one day by trying to get into the car w/o any assistance and almost fell. He got a good chewing out by Heather and myself.

He moved out of the guest room Thursday night as we had a full house with Michelle, Dani, Noemi and Eric all staying with us so we ran out of beds, so he moved back into our room. I don't think he's happy there just yet as Baby our 16 year old dog and me both snore and it's keeping him awake. I think he likes sleeping in his own room. We'll see how this plays out..................After 4 months I think we are both used to sleeping by ourselves and enjoy the peace.

Memorial Day weekend we had some friends over and had a very enjoyable day. This is our group of friends that we used to camp together with on Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. Now we just do BBQ's. Some of our kids and grand kids joined in the fun too. Leonard was able to join in the festivities for the better part of the day but eventually gave out after dinner.

116 Days - Friday Report

Noemi and Eric watching Heather and Papa

First shower at home

Heather and Leonard taking a stroll

Taking a little rest on the front porch

Sitting in the car ready to go!

This has been a week of firsts.

• Brushes his teeth at the sink rather than in bed.


• Got into our SUV without too much difficulty.


• Uses the walker all the time except when he has to be transported to a medical facility and then he uses his wheelchair. Now that his hand surgeon has removed all restrictions with his hand he can now push a regular chair which in turn will give him more strength in his upper body. The exchange will take place next Tuesday.


• Takes most meals at the kitchen table where before he was eating all meals in his bed. He actually walks to the kitchen and sits in a chair.


• Took his first shower since coming home. Thank goodness as he was getting really ripe! Just kidding, he was getting sponge baths all along.


• Continues to use the "big boy" potty without my assistance.


• Walked down the sidewalk

I'd say we had a very productive and successful week. He only has one appointment next week to have an ultrasound down on his stomach to make sure the blood clot filter that was placed in him when he was first in ICU is still in place because if one of the clots in his legs travel we want to make sure it does its job and stops it. Kind of scary to say the least.

109th Day - Friday Report

Leonard had a good week with more exercises, more walking and my biggest highlight of the week was when he was able to use the "big boy" potty and not the bedpan. My prayers have been answered, hallelujah! He can walk into the bathroom with the walker and do his business.

On Thursday he got his AFO (ankle, foot orthotic) and it makes it easier for him to walk as it gives him that extra support. He got fitted for it last week when I was out so I didn't see what he ordered and it's quite cute. He has cartoon animal figures on it as he thought he might as well have some fun with it.

Here is Eric trying on the AFO.



Dani got into the action helping Minchet with Papa's hand exercises.



Today he walked into the office and sat in an office chair for the first time instead of sitting in the wheelchair. Heather the PT told him yesterday that in 3 weeks she expects him to be walking around the house with the walker w/o any help from any of us and he won't be using the wheelchair. She doesn't see any reason why he can't reach those goals. His spirits are good and he's trying very hard to do everything that is expected of him.

Leonard hard at work

Day 102 - Friday Report

We're off and running...............or should I say we're off to a slow pace but getting stronger and faster every day. The therapists have been teaming up a couple of times a week to work with him together rather than seperately. He has walked from the guest room where he has been residing since he came home from the hospital and walks all the way to the other end of the house to our master bedroom. He works up a sweat and takes a rest by sitting down when he reaches our room and then makes it back to his room without stopping. I push one of our office chairs behind him in case he needs to sit and rest. It's so exciting seeing him progress so much each week. The therapists won't let us try the walker on our own just yet but I'm sure we will get there quickly.

Way to go!

He has needle tracks all around his navel as I give him 2 shots of Lovenox daily. I'm getting pretty good at stabbing him. Luckily in the morning he hasn't pissed me off yet so I'm nice when I give it to him and in the evening I'm just to darn tired to be mean. Good thing I don't have to give him one midday as I think that would smart! He's getting somewhat better at not calling me every 10 minutes; think we're up to 20 to 30 minutes between assists and sometimes even an hour.

He got fitted for his AFO (ankle & foot orthodic) this week and should be in next week sometime. This will give him added support when he's walking.

Last weekend my aunt and uncle came over from San Diego so we had family gatherings Sat and Sun. It was so good to see them but the time with them was too short.

He's had several visitors this week one of which we haven't seen in many years and we were so happy to be able to spend some time with her and another one we hadn't seen for about a year. He gets pretty lonesome and bored so he welcomes phone calls and visits. The kids and I try to entertain him the best we can................

I managed to get out of the house this week and had breakfast with friends on two different days and did some shopping. Sure was enjoyable.

To all you mothers out there, I pray that you will all have a very special Mother's Day. Let's all take a moment to count our blessings as our children and grandchildren are just that....blessings.

Day 95 - Friday Report

Standing up for the first time with his therapists


He didn't have his walker yet so the girls used the wall to hang on to.
Therapists - Heather (L) and Minchet (R)

What a week we've had. Monday we had good news and some bad news. Good news is that the ortho doc said he can put full weight on his left leg right away. His right leg he can put partial weight for the next 2 weeks and then he can bear full weight. He can still only put partial weight on his left hand until we go back to the hand surgeon in mid May.

Now for the bad news....................Leonard asked the doctor as we were about to leave the office why his left leg has been swollen for the entire 3 months and no one has ever checked it. He asked if he had ever had an ultrasound done and as far as we know he hasn't. Off we went to the imaging place where sure enough he has a blood clot. We were advised to go to the ER immediately. After sitting in his wheelchair for 5 hours he told me on the way home that he did not want to go until the following morning which we did. I told him that he better not die during the night or I'd be really pissed off. He does have a filter in his body to help collect blood clots if they should take off and start traveling in his body so that gave me some peace of mind. Tuesday we went to the ER and they concurred about the blood clot and gave him blood thinners for 3 days and told us to follow up with our PCP. That didn't happen as our PCP office policy is that they don't take on the care of a patient who is on worker's comp which he is. Doesn't matter that we've been with her for a few years. I was not happy. Our case worker Barbara started to call madly around to find us a doctor who would take us on and monitor this clot. We went today and saw a vascular surgeon and they did ultrasounds on both legs and he has clots in both legs. I will be giving him Lovenox injections in his stomach twice a day indefinately.

It was so exciting seeing him stand even though he only lasted 1 minute on Thursday and 1.5 minutes on Friday. He broke out in a sweat and was exhausted very quickly which I think disappointed him somewhat. His walker arrived this afternoon so next week we'll see what he can do. I don't think the girls want him walking just yet. Have to see how long he can stand and practice that for awhile.

Day 88 Friday Report

Here is Leonard enjoying his new (borrowed) adjustable bed that our good friends Pam and Chris loaned us so he could be out in the family room instead of stuck in the back of the house in the guest room. The bed is similar to a hospital bed with the head and foot being able to raise up. They brought the bed over last night and set it up and then the technican came over today and replaced all the parts so it now works. He's about to watch the Suns playoff game with hopes they will somehow win a game.

He did well this week with both therapists come and keeping him on track with his exercises. He is still having difficulty with his pinkie finger curling so he has to work at strengthing it by straightening it out. His OT got his BP raised a bit as she's trying to get him to do things and he's questioning why! He was told to get rid of the styrofoam cyclinder he was using under his elbow when he was using the slide board to get in and out of bed; she wants him to use his hand.

He has been up a lot this week and working on the computer. He installed the 2008 version of QuickBooks and was having multiple error messages so he ended up on the phone with a CSR located in India for several hours yesterday and was finally able to get it to work. The batteries on our 3 landline phones kept dying so that was trying to say the least. I think it times to replace the batteries as they are a couple of years old.

A high school friend of mine who winters in Sun City Grand came over Wed night with her husband to donate their freezer food to us as they are getting ready to return to MN next week. It was so lovely outside so we sat on the patio for our visit. She is trying to convince me to go to our 45th reunion in September. I would love to go but it will depend on how Leonard is doing and if he would be able to get along without me for a week or more. If I'm able to go I'll have to try and sweet talk my relatives to see if they can put me up while I'm there.

Monday we go to the ortho surgeon. Think good thoughts and say a prayer that he will be able to start bearing some weight. He's so ready to get started. We had to move this appt. up from our original date of 5/9 so he may not given the go ahead just yet. We can hope, can't we!

Day 81 - Friday Report

Our neighbors, LeRoy and Sandra and Leonard rising to the occasion in his fancy chair

He had a fairly good week as his therapist Heather, worked out the hamstring issues and his legs are feeling so much better than last week. He's getting up more in his wheelchair and working on the computer in the office. His hip bothers him so he doesn't last long. I would like to see him up several times a day so he doesn't get so bored in bed. Our friend Pam inherited one of those adjustable beds from her mother and was going to loan it to us but it was malfunctioning so she is trying to get it fixed. Once it is we are going to borrow it and set it up in the family room so he can be out with me more and be able to watch the big screen TV and watch movies etc. He's going nuts stuck in his bedroom all day and there is really no place for me to sit and visit so he's pouting that I never stay with him. He says he saw more of me while he was in the hospital than he's seen me at home.

We went to the hand surgeon on Wednesday and got a good report. He can start doing light therapy up to 5 lb weights and doing some pushing but Leonard says it hurts when he pushes so he needs to ease into some of that gradually. He got the go ahead to have the occupational therapist Minchit come 2 days a week so I guess she will start next week.

Jerry his caregiver still comes 3 days a week. We don't work him very hard but it's nice to know he's here and I can run errands or he can help get Leonard in and out of bed or fetch him things.

Our neighbors LeRoy and Sandra and their 3 children came for dinner tonight as I had promised them a steak dinner since LeRoy made us our ramp for the front door. Tonight after dinner he disappeared for awhile and I found out that he was out front carpeting the ramp. It looks great. Another neighbor Joanna has been so nice bringing Leonard roses from her backyard and fresh cookies and bread. We sure appreciate all of you as well as our dear friends who have cooked for us, donated a tree in our backyard and have been there for us whenever we needed them. You are all such a blessing to us and we love you for it.

Day 74 - Friday Report

All of Michelle's girls came to visit Papa

Dani trying out Papa's chair

Anastasia giving her sloppy kiss

Twilla getting in some smooch time too!

Sometimes we have to take a couple of steps backwards in order to go forward one step. It's been a difficult week to say the least with his legs. He has been doing all his own therapy which he learned at the rehab hospital and never had any major discomfort in his right leg until a few days ago. His left leg has always bothered him. The physical therapist who had met with us a couple of weeks ago had decided to not start working with him until he had his weight restrictions lifted which won't be until the 2nd week of May if all goes well with his healing. That's when we see the ortho surgeon. Heather his therapist said that his hamstring has tightened up and we have to do some stretches and I have to massage the muscles. He has been frustrated and somewhat depressed as any slight setback is unacceptable to him. I told him he wasn't allowed to have any pity parties.

Jerry, his caregiver, is a very nice young man. Leonard still prefers me to do most of his personal care but Jerry helps with miscellaneous tasks and it allows me some freedom to run errands and just get out of the house for a short time. I watch the grandkids 2 days a week so I'm making sure Jerry is here those days to help watch them when I am otherwise busy with Leonard. It's amazing what those sweet adorable children can get into in a matter of a minute so it gives me peace of mind that they are being tended to.

This coming Wednesday we will see the hand surgeon to see if he can start using his wrist and hand which will help immensely. At present, if he wants to use his slide board to get out of bed he has to put his elbow on top of a styrofoam form to balance him and he pushes off with it. You just can't move with only one hand.

Day 67 Friday Report

Nephew Gary and wife Sherry
Dani on lap


Hairdresser Donna and Leonard

Well, Leonard has been home one week and he's doing very well. He's sleeping and eating better and much more relaxed than he was in the hospital. Go figure!

He is good about doing his exercises on his own. We have occupational and physical therapists onboard but they are not going to step in and work with him until he has his non weight bearing restrictions lifted. He has 2 more weeks with his wrist and hand, and 5 more weeks with his hip and ankle.

Gary and Sherry came over the first of the week to have lunch and say their fond adieu's as they are going back to Spokane. They will return in October. They are what we Zonies call "snowbirds".

Wednesday my hairdresser made a house call and washed and cut his hair. We were teasing him that he could grow a ponytail and get a ear piercing the rate he was going. Looks much nicer now.

Last night a RN came over and removed his sutures from his hand and wrist. Today his new caregiver started helping out. His name is Jerry and he will be coming over Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 AM to Noon. Very pleasant young man who is in nursing school and is one year away from becoming an RN. He is a certified nursing assistant at present. I was able to run errands this morning while he was there to stay with Leonard.

It took some doing but we are finally on the right track with all the people in place to help him.

Day 60 Friday

Leonard got up for breakfast and then proceeded to stay in bed all day. That won't be happening too often as he needs to get up and have some stimulation, fresh air and just be a part of the family. Yesterday really wore him out so I'll give him that but tomorrow is a new day and he will be up. He did do his exercises which I will make him do every day.

Our dear friends Janie, Karen and Pam are coming over tomorrow to invade our kitchen and are going to cook up some meals for us for the future. Should be a lot of laughing going on and probably one big mess but I love the fact that they want to do this for us. It certainly will help me out a lot.

I think now that he's home I may start a weekly update rather than the daily one unless there is something to report. I will do it on Friday evening, so stay tuned.

Day 59 Thursday - Homecoming

He's home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leonard with our grandkids Dani and Eric

Dani has her snuggle time with Papa

He arrived home at 3:00 and was thoroughly exhausted. He had sat in his wheelchair for 8 hours at the hospital and could hardly sit up any longer. After a nice greeting from our neighbors from across the street Ed and Alaine, I began to get him settled in but with 2 kids running around it was a little chaotic to say the least. Our dear friend Sue came out and was a huge help to me and stayed for dinner. He tried to join us for dinner, got through with his salad and said he was sorry but he had to go lie down. He ate the rest of his dinner in bed and has been snoozing ever since.

It's so good to have him home especially today as it's my birthday and I could not have asked for a better gift than to have him home with me at last. It's been a very long 2 months.

Day 57 Wednesday

According to his night nurse she is doing the paperwork tonight for his discharge tomorrow! At last he will be coming home. We still don't know if all his equipment came in or not so we are trying to not get overly confident that this will indeed happen. If it doesn't come in he will have to stay until it does.

We went to the hand surgeon this morning and his x-rays looked good and the incision was clean and healing nicely. He can have the stitches removed in 5 days by one of his therapists. As per our luck we had to wait 1 hour to be taken back to the examing room and then we waited quite some time before he was able to get his x-ray. Their computer system had to be shut down and nothing was getting done during that time. At least the transportation went smoothly today for the first time.

Our dear friend Jim helped Leonard slide on his board from the bed to his wheelchair this afternoon so he could go to the dining room for dinner. Thank you Jim for your daily visits as it's meant the world to him and me too.

Day 56 Tuesday - Home evaluation

Papa and Dani hanging out in the guest room

First stop was the guest room as the bed is the right height for transferring from his chair so that's where he will be residing temporarily. He got his new battery operated wheelchair last night and it's very nice. It actually can recline and it's cushioned unlike a normal wheelchair. He won't be able to get into the tub so he will have to have sponge baths. I guess we can wash his hair at the kitchen sink with the hose. I could always put him out in the backyard and hose him off! He was only home for 1 1/2 hours but it felt good for him to see his house after being gone for 2 months.

He's a little sad today as his occupational therapist is moving back to PA and this is her last day. The rehab hospital has a great therapy team and he has enjoyed working with all of them. No coming home date yet but we're hoping for Thursday or Friday.

Day 55 Monday

I arrived at the rehab hospital at 7AM and we jumped right into therapy. He is doing awesome sliding on his board and doing it with confidence. I went to his next therapy class which was upper body which he is very limited because he only can use one arm and hand. He's going to have great muscles in his right arm and the left arm is going to have a lot of catching up to do.

Tomorrow at 10:30 he will be transported to our house along with a couple of therapists to evaluate the house to determine what equipment he will need for when he returns home. They will only be here for an hour but he is so elated. Our neighbor next door made him a ramp for his wheelchair and did a great job. He is going to put some outdoor carpet on it but in the meantime he installed it so he could use it tomorrow.

Sometime during the day tomorrow the doctor, therapists and case manager will decide which day he can be released and we're hoping by the end of the week. He's working extra hard to make that happen. The excitement is mounting!!! Stay tuned........................

Day 54 Easter Sunday

Spent a couple of hours visiting in the late morning and returned in the evening after dinner from our son's house. It was a long uneventful day for him and he was bored and I know lonely. I really wanted to spend more time with him but needed to be with the family as well. We are hoping this was his last weekend in there.

We'll see what tomorrow brings. We hope everyone had a blessed Easter.

Day 53 Saturday

In the courtyard

Not much to report today. He had a group therapy session this afternoon. All the patients formed a circle with their wheelchairs and they were doing various excercises and Dani kept yelling "papa is exercising". Then she was running over there grabbing his legs and hugging them. That's about the time that we went for a walk for the remainder of the hour. She was just a little distracting.

We also sat out in the sun for awhile as it was such a beautiful day. Leonard tends to just lay in bed if he's not going to therapy and I want him to get some fresh air and a change of scenery. Told him when he gets home he's not going to just lie around all day in bed, he'll have things to do!!!

Day 52 Friday

Excitement is hard to contain at this point as we think he may be coming home the end of next week. Nothing has been confirmed yet but Monday I am supposed to go to his 7AM therapy session to learn how to assist him and Tuesday the therapist is coming to our home to determine what he will need here. He was hoping to get his motorized wheelchair today but it was a little too narrow for his hinney so they are trying to locate another one. Perhaps by Monday it will be found.

He has one group session tomorrow afternoon but as usual there is very little going on over the weekends. He's so jazzed right now at how well he can scoot on the board from bed to chair that he just wants to keep working at it. His spirits are high right now and it makes me feel fuzzy all over. He knows he has a long recovery and learning how to walk all over again is scary to say the least but he will get there.

We cancelled our cruise to Alaska that was scheduled for the end of August as he said he didn't want to go until he had recovered completely and was stronger. Going as a invalid was not an option. Maybe next year.

Day 51 Thursday

He's doing so well, that there isn't much to report today but that he's doing so well!!! Spirits are great, he's eager to work hard so that he can reach his ultimate goal - to go home.

The rehab staff is trying to find him a motorized wheelchair which will be so awesome. When you only have one good hand to work with and 4 weeks more until he can use the damaged one, this will be such a good thing to have.

He continues to learn his maneuvers with sliding on the board and it's getting easier each day. So exciting for him to say the least.

Day 50 Wednesday

Today he practiced sliding from his bed to the wheelchair. Almost accomplished it by himself but needed some assistance. He wants to come home in the worst way but realistically he knows he should stay there another week or two. At the rehab facility he's forced to do 3 hours a day of therapy whereas when he comes home he might get lax and even though we have been promised home therapy they won't be coming here for 3 hours a day.

He's up to a 4 lb dumbell for his right arm. He's said "just call me Arnold" as he flecks his muscles! He won't be able to do any weightlifting on his left arm for at least 4 weeks until his hand has had a chance to heal. Everything seems to take so much time.

At least he's starting to finally feel good and his spirits are drastically improved and getting better every day. He's even showing signs of wanting to eat so I know his health is better.

Day 49 Tuesday

This was right before he went into surgery.

The medical transportation in this town is unbelievable. Today Leonard was supposed to be at the outpatient surgical center at 12:00 but he wasn't picked up until 11:45 and got there at 12:30. The surgeon was behind schedule so that worked out okay. The surgery on his hand only took one hour. They removed the 2 pins, did a bone graft taking bone from his wrist and put a plate with a bunch of screws. The doctor said it went well and doesn't foresee any problems and no more surgeries. The medical transport people told us when they dropped him off to call as soon as he went into recovery and they would be there within 45 minutes. NOT! Try 2 hours. The surgical center closed at 4:30 and 2 very nice nurses stayed with us until 4:50 when they finally showed up. It's really hard when you are not in control and have to leave things up to others. At least today we were indoors on a gurney with blankets instead of being outdoors yesterday trying desperately to stay warm in the sun until it went down. Leonard was the talk of the rehab hospital as everyone was saying "did you hear what happened to poor Mr. Lindsey?"

He was able to get in some therapy before being picked up this morning and he was able to slide on the board from his chair to the exercise bed w/o any assistance. He was so excited. Tomorrow they are going to try to get him to slide from his bed to a chair. He has to master all of this before he will be released to go home.

He was in very good spirits after surgery but he did say his hand hurt more so than any of the other surgeries. He might have been in pain but between the morphine and the sedatives that he was given those first two weeks he doesn't remember any of it. Sure glad of that.

Day 48 Monday

What a day!!! We had a 1:15 appt. with the surgeon who did his hip, leg and ankle only to be told that he was still in surgery and that it would be another hour. In the meantime he had to go for x-rays. We finally saw the doctor at 3:00. At 3:30 I called for his transport and was told it would be 45 minutes to 1 hour. At 4:45 I called them again only to be told it would be 10 more minutes. After 15 minutes I called again and was told by the 3rd person I talked to that the van was in Mesa picking up another patient and because of rush hour traffic we couldn't be given an ETA. That means the 2nd person out and out lied. I was so upset I asked for a supervisor and was informed I was speaking to a supervisor. I told her it was unacceptable but what was I supposed to do. We're at their mercy and it sucks..... About this time the rehab hospital nurse called to find out what had happened to him. They said they would send a van to pick him up but it would be 45 to 1 hour. At 6:20 he was picked up. What a fiasco.

Good news - all his x-rays were great. The doctor even agreed to follow up with his arm which was originally done by another surgeon, so that eliminates going to another doctor. The doctor said that he would be able to bear weight in 7 weeks, so we are happy about that.

Now we just have to get through the hand surgery tomorrow and hopefully we won't have a problem with transportation. Keep those prayers coming.....:-)

Day 47 Sunday

No therapy today. Just lots of rest as he'll have a busy week with doctor's appointments, hand surgery on Tuesday and rehab. It will be 2 weeks on Tuesday at the rehab hospital and we were told in the beginning that he would be there 2 weeks but if he wasn't ready to go home he would stay longer. Well folks, he's not ready! This surgery will slow things down as that means 4 more weeks of not using the hand. It gets rather discouraging at times as we both just want to hurry up the process so he can come home.

I'm repeating myself but his main goal is to be able to slide his butt on a board from his bed to the wheelchair or bedside commode and back again. Since he can only use one hand to help push himself the therapists have a very long belt wrapped around him and help by pulling him. I imagine I will be learning how to do this to help him once he gets home. Should be interesting.

Day 46 Saturday

Well, Leonard was right! They ran another culture and his tests came back negative for C-Difficile. Thank goodness for that. He only had one group session today and tomorrow he has no therapy. A day of rest, although I'm sure he would like to just keep working everyday so he's that much closer to being released and going home. That's all he talks about right now.

Dani and I spent a couple hours with him and brought him the Chinese dinner he wanted. All three of us ate of the one dinner.

Day 45 Friday

Nothing new to report today. It's a repeat of yesterday with 4 sessions of PT and OT. Getting better at the sliding routine. Tomorrow he only has one group session in the afternoon. Weekends are not very active. I guess they feel the patients should have some relaxation.

He's complaining about the food and asking me to cook something up and also to bring some Chinese take-out from our neighborhood restaurant. It's hard enough when you have no appetite and then to have food you don't like doesn't make it very easy.

Day 44 Thursday

We had a whole new issue presented to us this evening by his nurse. She informed him that he tested positive for C-difficile (c-diff) which would explain some of is bowel problems. This bacteria attacks the intestinal tract of people taking antibiotics and being in the hospital or care facility for long periods of time. The way they treat c-diff is with more antibiotics! When he was in John C Lincoln they tested him numerous times and it was always negative. He is so frustrated and he said he wanted the test re-run.

On a more happy note, he's doing well with his PT and OT and feels positive about it. Learning how to slide on that board from bed to chair or whatever is challenging to say the least especially since he can only use one hand but he's working on it.

Day 43, Wednesday

Started out early this morning with rehab. He practiced sliding on a board from wheelchair to excercise bed and back. It's very had to do as he can only push with one hand. We had a 10:30 appointment with the hand surgeon so I got there 1/2 hour prior to fill out the paper work. Leonard was brought over by a medical transport van and arrived at 10:40. That certainly wasn't a problem as we did not get seen by the doctor until 1:00. There must have been 40+ patients in the waiting room and we were told that they were short a doctor and a couple PA's and they always over book as so many don't show up. He was so tired sitting in that wheelchair for all those hours and he was understandably irrated and so was I. X-rays show that the bone in the back of his hand below the pinkie finger has not healed properly so the pins have to come out and a plate inserted and some bone graffs have to be done. This will happen next Tuesday 3/18. It means another 4 weeks of not using the hand. Not the news we wanted to hear.

We're scheduled to see the arm surgeon tomorrow morning but just before 6:00 tonight we got a call that the transportation is not available until later in the day and of course we couldn't do anything about it this late in the day. Unless a miracle van shows up at 8:30 we'll have to reschedule the appointment. Of course, we don't set up any of the appointments, our rep for worker's comp makes all the arrangements and I could reach her either. More frustrations for both of us.

Day 42 Tuesday

I think Leonard is in full rehab now as he worked really hard today as he was thoroughly exhausted. One session was 1 1/2 hours. This is good. Told him the harder he works the sooner he can come home. I don't want to have to get my whip out!

Had some friends come by this afternoon for a visit which pleased him. I wasn't able to spend the day with him as I watched the grandkids all day so I stayed with him during the evening but didn't visit much as the Suns game was on and that's important. At least they are starting to win again.

Day 41 Monday

I'm having trouble coming up with interesting things going on for Leonard right now and I do believe each day will become so routine at least for awhile as he goes to rehab 3 or 4 times daily and that's about it. He did get upset today as someone pushed his wheelchair back to his room from therapy and left him there. That person failed to put him near his call button and after sitting there for quite some time he managed to get over to the button to see about getting back into bed as he had some time before the next session and thought he could get a quick nap in. He was not a happy camper this evening.

His first ICU nurse from JCL,Tracy, came by to visit him which I think was so special. She was the trauma nurse on duty that day he was brought in and she stayed with him all day. He didn't remember her at first. She had told me she would go over to see him, so I was pleased about that. She always made a point to stop and see him throughout his stay and comforted me a numerous occasions.

However, our dear friend Sue gave Leonard a DVD of his all time favorite made for TV movie called Evil Roy Slade so we put that in for him to watch and we did manage to get a few smiles. Thank you Sue, he needed that!

Tomorrow most of sessions are in the morning with only one in the afternoon. On Wednesday he will be going for a follow-up visit with the hand surgeon. He has a pin in the hand which we understand to be only in there temporarily and will be removed but we don't know when. Our rep from worker's comp makes all the appointments and arranges transportation which makes it so much easier.

Day 40 Sunday

Leonard was supposed to have an occupational therapy session at 1:00 but he's wasn't feeling so well at that time so he cancelled it. We did have lunch outdoors as we want to enjoy all the fantastic weather while we can as we know the heat will be upon us very soon and then we will have to stay indoors.

If anyone wants to visit Leonard he's at Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital, 13460 N. 67th Ave, Glendale (just south of Thunderbird) and his phone number is 623-334-5394 which rings right to him. He's in therapy off and on during the day Monday through Friday until around 3:30 so I would advise visiting time late afternoon. Weekends are good as this weekend he only had the one session scheduled and I don't think they usually have much going on.

Day 39 Saturday

No therapy over the weekend so it was a lazy kind of day. I got there just about the time he was getting ready to be lifted up out of bed into his wheelchair to go to the dining room for lunch. He still doesn't have much of an appetite so going through all this hassle is not something he looks forward to for each meal. I think he would much rather eat in his room but they make you go to the dining room.

Later in the day we went outdoors and enjoyed the beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky and the warm sun beating down on us was heavenly. I took him for a walk through the building and out in the front as he had not seen any of it before. Then it was back to the dining room for dinner. After dinner some friends stopped by which he thoroughly enjoyed visiting with them and then it was back to bed for the rest of the day.

Day 38 Friday

Mom, Jaason, Leonard and Lorrie

He had such a full schedule of therapy today, I decided to stay home and watch our grandson Eric and then go see him tonight. He had a lot of activity today with therapy, removal of the Foley catheter and he has done well with it out. Sometimes you have to be retrained on empting your bladder but he did fine all day. Another exciting thing happened today, he got to take his first shower and he enjoyed it thoroughly. The simpliest things have such a profound effect on him. I doubt either one of us will ever take anything for granted again.

Day 37, Thursday

His new best friend or should I say old! This was actually taken a few days ago at JCL

Today was the first day of "real" therapy. The therapists really worked him and he was panting and exhausted by days end. He was using 2 lb weights on his one good arm and thought they were 10 lbs. He's so weak but eager. They are very limited to what they can have him do because of the none weight bearing in place for 2 more months.

It's quite a process to get him out of bed with that hoyer lift. They spend 15 minutes getting him out of bed into the wheelchair and then he decides he has to use the bedpan. It reminds me of when I used to dress my younger brothers into their snowsuits only to tell me 5 minutes later that they had to go to the bathroom and then you start all over again.

All in all a good day!

Day 36, Wednesday

Basking in the sun for the first time


Therapist Jackie getting him out of bed and into the wheelchair

Today was mostly evaluations, some therapy but the real stuff will begin tomorrow. He got to sit in a wheelchair today and I was able to take him outdoors for the first time in five weeks. He totally enjoyed the warmth of the sun on his body but it was short lived as his tech found us out in the courtyard and escorted us to the dining room. No more eating in bed! They will get him up for each meal. It's quite a process as they have to use the hoyer lift which is what you see in the picture. Then you get in this processional of wheelchairs lined up going into the dining room.

He complained about his bed yesterday to the nurse and told him about the wonderful air bed he had at John C Lincoln and today he got one. What a difference it makes. He really has a hard time sleeping at night but now it's even harder as his roommate who is 89 years old keeps trying to get out of bed and they now have an alarm on his bed and it makes this horrible noise. This poor old soul gets so confused, not knowing where he is and keeps thinking I'm his nurse.

Leonard got his stitches removed from his leg and ankle today. The hole in his neck is almost closed as well. So many good things happening now and he's so anxious to get started with his therapy, because he wants to go home so badly.

He got weighed this afternoon and he has lost 43 pounds. I wouldn't recommend this kind of diet to anyone, but we're happy that he's lost the weight as it will help his recovery. His surgeon will be very pleased.

Day 35, Tuesday

Leonard was transferred to the rehab hospital this afternoon. He was supposed to go earlier but the gastro doc wanted to talk to him about the colonoscopy. Everything was great except he says he has an ulcerated rectum which may have been caused from what happened last week with the diarrhea because he had to have that balloon and tube inserted. Needs a follow up in about 6 weeks.

He got to the rehab hospital too late in the day to get started with any therapy but come 7 AM tomorrow occupational therapy arrives and physical therapy will be coming at 10:30. He will have a total of 3 hours per day and he will have to work very hard in order to come home in 2 weeks. He's determined and I think he will be able to do it. He is very weak from inactivity for a month plus all the surgeries so he has his work cut out for him. He'll have to be like the little engine that could movie "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can".

Day 34, Monday

He's doing great today!!! He was able to sit in a recliner in the morning and afternoon for a total of 5 or 6 hours and really was very comfortable. He would have been able to move over to the rehab hospital this afternoon but they didn't have a bed available. Tomorrow there will be five beds so tomorrow will be our big move. He can't wait to get started.

Day 33, Sunday

He continues to improve today. Sat up in a chair for 2 1/2 hours and although tired was feeling good. He still has some gas but I think that is after effects from the colonoscopy. I do believe he will move tomorrow to rehab. He wants to get started, promising to work as hard as he can, so he can come home. He's having moments of depression and I keep telling him that he has to have a positive attitude because he will heal faster if he does.

Article from the Mayer Newspaper regarding accident

Our friend Lamont came to see Leonard today and brought him this article that was in the Mayer Newspaper of the accident. After seeing this picture we truly know that it's only by the grace of God that he is still with us and recovering so well. He is truly a testament that prayers work.

Click on the article to make it larger.

Day 32 Saturday

He's looking good!!!!

He felt pretty good today and they got him sitting up in a chair for the first time in a couple of weeks. He tires very easily and only managed to sit for about 1 1/2 hours but it felt good to him at least in the beginning. He got a shave last night so he's got a nice soft face again. He's eating normal food again but trying to eat light meals and his appetite is there but when he starts eating he gets full rather quickly. We are hoping he continues on this path and will be discharged on Monday.

Day 31, Friday

Taken after a nice long nap

Everything went well with the colonoscopy and they didn't find anything which is a huge relief. The doctors are basically saying that his body has gone through so much trauma, pain meds and antibotics block your system up and then they gave him relief to unblock him and usually time will make it all right again. In other words, they don't know what is wrong with him. He managed to eat a small bowl of oatmeal this morning and some juice and had some chicken, linguine and carrots for lunch and of all things cheese cake and managed not to have any issues throughout the entire day. As a matter of fact he slept all day and woke up at 5:00 and I said "you slept all day and now that you are awake I'm going home." He was actually sitting up watching the news and eating an Italian ice and in good spirits. He's so relieve to have that rather messy prep and test behind him. I've gotten to be friends with this other lady who also has a loved one in the hospital for the entire month we've been there and when she came in this morning she said she brought a cork and a hammer to stop Leonard up with!

The doctor said this evening that if Leonard does well over the weekend she will release him on Monday to go back to the rehab hospital. Let's pray that happens.

Day 30 Thursday

Another day of the same but today we added the prospects of a colonoscopy at 6:45 AM tomorrow morning. Had to drink the gallon of disgusting medicine all afternoon. He's exhausted, depressed and scared. We just want some answers and so far the doctors don't have any. He says "I just want to go home". Believe me I want him home too. Even though I'm with him each and every day from morning until early evening I miss him and can't wait until he is back with at home where he belongs.

Day 29, Wednesday

I spoke too soon. He was doing so well yesterday afternoon but he had an awful night and this morning he was still having the diarhea. None of the cultures or blood work is showing any infections whatsoever. The doctors are baffled to say the least and we are just frustrated. He just wants to feel good so he can do his rehab and come home. This is putting him behind schedule and he doesn't like it. Everyday we think it will be the day that he's back to some normalacy and can be released, but it's not happening. Patience isn't one of Leonard's strongest virtues.

He did get the staples out of the hip and it feels good. His trauma doc came by this morning and just listened to his lungs to make sure all was well and he was pleased. The hole where the trach was, is making lots of funny noises which is normal. It will take a couple of days to close. It's amazing how that closes up all by itself. It's like a large body piercing!

We are ready to advance to the next chapter so let's hope it happens sooner rather than later. Keep those prayers going as we have a long road ahead of us.

Day 28, Tuesday

He is growing his beard and mustache until he gets to go home.

Leonard was still having issues all through the night and into the afternoon and then all of a sudden he started feeling better and has been good ever since. I think he may be on the mend, at least we are hopeful. The cultures are coming back with no significant signs of infection but they are giving him some pretty high powered antibiotics as if he did have an infection. The gastro specialist came in and put him on an all clear liquid diet in hopes that it might help as well. He has been very lathargic since he was re-admitted to the hospital,but his spirits lifted this afternoon which makes my spirits lifted as well. We may be able to go back to the rehab hospital tomorrow.

The trauma doctor who headed up his team of doctors from ICU came in this morning before I got there and removed the trach; that was a big relief. Respitory said his oxygen levels are excellent and even removed the oxygen tube that was in his nose. His orthopedic doctor's associate came by late this afternoon and looked at his hip and ankle. He okayed the removal of the staples that start in the middle of his back all the way down to the top of his thigh to be removed but the leg and ankle has to wait for a bit longer yet. Incisions look very good.

So all in all he had a fairly good day with some small victories. The ortho doctor said his recovery will be at least a year which we pretty much knew. I think we just need to set his goals for one day at a time so he doesn't get overwhelmed with the long time frame. Key words: positive attitude and faith in God.

Day 27, Monday

Today was more of the same as yesterday. Doctor came in this morning and said he was to remain in the hospital until they get this intestinal business taken care of. He is still have diarrhea and they can't get it to stop so they are doing cultures. Running a low grade temperature and just feeling terrible. I'm afraid depression has set in which is understandable. I can't imagine laying flat on your back for 4 weeks and all you do is think about the condition you are in and wanting to get back to your normal life. Because of this the PT is not happening so that means longer time away from home. He called me tonight and said they placed some kind of balloon up into his rectum so I don't know what that is supposed to do. He said it hurt like heck when they inserted it but he was feeling better. I hope he can get a good nights sleep. I think his new roommate asked to be moved because the nurses where constantly having to help him and he wasn't getting any rest so now Leonard has a private room. I think he's also starting to feel clausterphobic. It was just a miserable day for him. Let's pray for a better one tomorrow and they find out whats wrong.

Day 26 Sunday

I think we are finally over the hump so to speak and his system is cleaned out. The doctor finally ordered something to stop the movements and he is finally feeling somewhat normal. The doctor wanted to release him this afternoon and send him back to rehab and I had the nurse call the doctor and told her I didn't want him released until he was stable so she agreed to hold him until tomorrow.

I was so tired of listening to the crazy man in the next bed ranting and raving all day and every other word out of his mouth was foul, I had the charge nurse move Leonard to another room. I wish he would have done it 2 days ago when I suggested it but he's so laid back and doesn't want to trouble anyone. It was all I could do not to yell at the man but the nurses did it for me. Now he's in a room about 1/2 the size but peaceful.

Tomorrow we will be back at Health South and I plan on having a meeting with the head of nursing to discuss his care and diet. The nursing care is questionable at times and I have some concerns that we will be discussing. We have been so spoiled with the nurses at Lincoln. I bumped into two of the ICU nurses today that had cared for him and they were all concerned about why he had returned and one of them said she is going to go over to the rehab facility and see him. Such caring individuals.

Because Leonard ended up in the hospital we missed his orthopedic appointment on Friday so that has to be rescheduled. We are anxious to see the surgeon as Leonard can't feel the bottom of his right foot and his left foot isn't working the way it should be. He can press down with it but he can't pull it up towards him. The therapists are concerned that he has nerve damage and we are praying it's just temporary. What's a day without worry and concerns!

Day 25 Saturday

Leonard is on the mend once again. We do believe the blockage is gone and the dam is bursting. We had to laugh today as we were visiting a friend that came to see him. He said "who would have ever thought our main topic of conversation would be poop!" For those of you that prayed for the poop to happen, now pray that it will slow down and become normal!!! He is beyond embarrassed and has lost all modesty throughout this whole ordeal. They may release him from the hospital tomorrow and return him to the rehab hospital, but we are hoping they will keep him another day or so until his bodily functions are working properly. They tend to rush patients out because of insurance and sometimes it's just too soon. The pain is gone and his tummy has become soft again, as it was hard as a rock and about 3 times its usual size. He said he has never experienced such severe pain like that ever before. I keep thinking about his massive injuries from the accident would qualify as severe pain but they had him so drugged up that first 2 weeks that he doesn't remember the pain. Thank goodness for that.

Now that things are moving again they took the tube out of his stomach and started him on a soft diet. He was still getting IV fluids and nutrition but they will probably take that away when those bags are empty. He did a little PT today so that's good. He still has no feeling on the bottom of his right foot, so there may be nerve damage which is a little upsetting. It may come back in time with therapy but I know he's worried about it.

Leonard's roommate was going to be released today but he started running a fever and they had to keep him. I'm about ready to put a pillow over his face (just kidding). I guess I just have to pray for patience and understanding. The nurses just cringe when they have to tend to him because he's so nasty and complains constantly.

I'm looking forward to when I can get him in a wheelchair and take him outside and enjoy the warm, sunny days. I know he is very tired of laying in a bed day after day. He will begin sitting up more this week and he's glad of that.

Day 24, Friday

At 12:30 AM I was called by the nurse at the rehab hospital that they were transporting him back to John C Lincoln Hospital as he was very sick and in a lot of pain. I had just gone to bed at 11:30 PM and had taken 1/2 a sleeping pill, but I managed to get to the ER without falling asleep while driving. I actually beat him to the hospital. It's amazing how someone who had just been in the same hospital for 3 weeks has to do all new paperwork.

They started out with an IV of saline solution and some morphine for the pain. Took an x-ray of his chest and gave him 3 or 4 breathing treatments. They put a tube down his nose to help empty his belly which gave him some relief right away. The doctor finally came in and ordered a CAT scan of his belly. Then we waited. Leonard slept the day away while I paced the floor and tried to get comfortable in a straight chair and fall asleep. The falling asleep part didn't happen. About 9 hours later he got into his room. Still no results of the CAT scan. After being in his room for several hours the doctor finally came in and explained what was going on. He has a condition called Ileus. It is a temporary paralysis of a portion of the intestines typically after an abdominal surgery. Since the intestinal content of this portion is unable to move forward, food or drink should be avoided until peristaltic sound is heard from auscultation of the area where this portion lies. Symptoms of ileus include, but are not limited to: moderate, diffuse abdominal discomfort, constipation, abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting, especially after meals lack of bowel movement and/or flatulence. Doesn't that sound like fun. He is so miserable and the thought that it basically just goes away on it's own is depressing. It could be 2 days or 2 weeks or longer. He thought he could get a quick fix. This is our first major setback so I really can't complain too much.

To add insult to injury he has a roommate that is a psycho. This guy moaned and groaned all afternoon and it was really annoying. He cussed out his nurse and really pissed her off and I don't blame her. He complained about his pain, too hot, too cold, he was dying etc...As I was leaving for the day, I spoke to the tech that was tending him and Leonard and I very nicely asked for a new roommate and the tech had already put that in motion before I left. I felt tense listening to him and I'm sure Leonard felt the same way.

Depression is setting in and I hope he can overcome those feelings because we don't want them to hinder his recovery. He just wants to get busy with his physical therapy and he can't do much when he's so miserable. Sure hope his bed will still be available when he is released to the rehab hospital.

I just hit a wall with fatigue and will try to get a good night sleep so I can be ready to go in the forning, nice and refreshed.