It seems as if things are moving forward and maybe improving, it is hard to tell at this stage what the outcome will be for Ray.  Get some rest and some renewal time while he is in rehab, that way you will be stronger when he comes home.

Thanks Sue, I do hope for the best but also am having insights into the other possibilities that may be coming down the pike.  It's sort of like Ray's not really there anymore, which is scary to me.  He tells me to go home so quickly that I'm thrown for a loop sometimes.  But then again maybe it's just the infection and the tube feeding, if we can get those resolved things can still turn around. 

Colleen, thanks for the update on Ray.  When Larry was hospitalized with pnuemonia plus the UTI, it left him very weak.  He was transferred to the SNF the very next day after the feeding tube was inserted.  Larry's case is different from Ray's as he had swallowing problems for quite a while plus no appetite to speak of.  While in the SNF, they gave Larry another Barium Swallow Test which showed he was also silently aspirating.  With the tube feeding he is doing well and gaining weight since being discharged from the SNF.  The home therpay dietician is the one who got him back on track with the right higher fiber formula.  I had asked for a dietician consult several times at our SNF and did not get one.  It will take a while for Ray to gain strength and the therapy will help with that.  I thank the PTs for getting Larry back to walking and being able to come home.  

My best to Ray and his recovery.  

Take care,

Julie

Thanks for the info Julie, this is all so unexpected to me.  Ray is getting better enough that he is starting to complain, and I do want him to come home but am also enjoying my little break!  Hopefully I will run into some on-the-ball therapists like yours and there will be a happy ending.

Prays for you and Ray. Enjoy your break and get some rest.

Yvonne

Colleen, 

I too want to pass along my prayers for Ray and for you, it's not easy what you are going through... I been having therapy but haven't progressed much lately from the stroke in my mind but I'm doing OK I think..... Just haven't been going to church lately and that bothers me a lot but I been paying my tithes every Sunday by my wife.... God is still blessing me....

Fred I'm keeping you in my thoughts, feel so bad you've hit a speed bump right now.  You always look on the bright side though, and that's commendable!

Thanks Yvonne.  We have the mandatory meeting Weds about how Ray is doing and when they project he'll be released.  Meanwhile I'm getting some socializing in, so weird to just do normal stuff for a change.  Hopefully I will be fully recharged for Ray's homecoming!

I hope the meeting went well, we talked -- hang in there, doing for Ray which is noble,is not always in his best interest . But caring for yourself is in BOTH your best interest . I know you are gaining strength, but you will quickly sap it again. 

My brother said this to me and it is how I deal with that wonderful guilt ( ok in small doses , not so good when you choke on it) so my brother said. You deal with you and getting better, God is dealing with Dan. If you could have fixed him, he would be fixed. If you could have made him happy , he would be happy. You did the very best you could, and now it is time to let go. I agree. We all have Bible guilt. But bear in mind many people who survive medical issues today, would not have in the biblical day. So comparing apples to oranges is not fair. Being fair to others great. Why is it we can't seem to cross the line of the advise we give. And we would never pass judgement on another so harshly. Be kind Colleen to Yourself and Ray. He need your survival. And I have proved one thing - care giving can kill you. And we certainly can't help anyone if we are not here. ... This is never meant to offend others. It is my own blog and a place to put my wonderful brilliance...... Ha Ha, I learned I am so close to the situation - I have no brilliance left........ Nancy

Nancy, can't believe I didn't respond to you.  Yes I am in a special secret zone...remembering how it is to be "normal" yet knowing it will end.  Like Cinderella when the clock strikes midnight.  At least I know I need a full time caregiver to help me now, so we will see where it goes from there.