Keep making sure his hand gets opened everyday.    I did that when my husband was in the hospital stage of his stroke.    Unfortunately, once he got to rehab and was getting pt, ot and speech, I stopped, because I THOUGHT they were doing it.   In actuality, all ot was doing was bath.   So he now has a fist.   The best thing was if only I'd realized they weren't doing one darn thing with it themselves, and did it myself.  

I am surprised they gave him vaccinations while he had bronchitis, as they always make sure we are well before giving us anything at the doctors office.

You are doing good 

Molly, you are doing everything you can to make his life improve.  Take any advice given, Sandy is right, never assume the staff is doing any particular thing, always check it out for yourself.  BUT also look after you.

I concur with both Sandy and Sue...as you have heard us say, you are his advocate so what you say and do is important. And just keep yourself mindful that you need to be healthy to care for him. Your emotions are going to be going crazy - as if they aren't already - as time progresses. Don't listen to any negative self-talk. You are doing all the good things you know to do and you love your husband. Those two things are the most important things for you to remember, in my opinion.

All of you help me rise above any negative talk. I also started weekly counseling that an anonymous donor is paying for. An incredibly humbling experience.in addition I have been seeing a very good psychiatrist for the past 6 years that specializes in anxiety and panic disorders. Watching my diet better also. I also belong to the Oklahoma group, "A Perfect Cause", thats main focus is nursing home abuse. We have a meeting tomorrow night as and will be researching options for Buck. I think if anyone had the chance to see what I have seen over the past 18 days they would try to at least change something in their lives to prevent a stroke. Shock value to the general public needs to be included in a national campaign for stroke awareness. I can't believe how many men especially do not have their blood pressure monitored. I keep hearing, "It's a man thing". That needs to change. Thanks everyone for your great advice. Was going to blog tonite but my charger disappeared to my tablet. Will post asap.