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Happy Thanksgiving

thejule1

Entry posted by thejule1

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This is just an update to let you know how we are doing in the Eckelman world. So far, Larry is pain free and no shoulder or back problems. I was able to change out his mattress to a firmer foam one which may have helped. He is in a hospital bed that can be raised at the head and feet.

 

The latest thing is he went to a sleep specialist and had another sleep test. He had one in the latter part of 2011 which showed he had sleep apnea. We went to the hospital lab twice for testing, then had the sleep therapist come several times. He was fitted with two different masks but could not get use to sleeping with the mask. Now it is 4 years later and a new doctor insisted we go to a sleep specialist as Larry cannot sleep well. He reviewed the previous test which showed Larry had obstructive sleep apnea so he ordered another sleep test at their lab. The therapist tested him with a nasal mask and said he did well wearing it overnight. The doctor called, gave his report and said we would be contacted with the company that supplies the masks. Not so fast doctor, Medicare requires a baseline test he found out, so Larry has to go back to the lab and be tested without the mask to see if he really has sleep apnea. We are now scheduled for Dec. 8th for another fun sleep over. This time I told them to make it later so I could feed him first instead of dragging everything there again. We will see what happens with this one. The doctor said sleeping meds make sleep apnea worse.

 

Larry is still doing well with the feeding tube and has actually passed his weight amount since the stroke. He does exercises at home with me or the caregiver, and that helps keep the pains and stiffness away. Last year around this time Larry was admitted to the hospital and the the skilled nursing facility until February. It is good that he can be home this year.

 

My daughter is coming in from Michigan tomorrow night. The kids have to divide up holiday time with their inlaws so we will all get together for dinner on Friday.

 

Wishing you a happy and safe holiday,

 

Julie

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1967stingray

Thanks for making me dream about a happy future awaiting me and Ray.  Still hoping he'll be out by Christmas but it might be a little longer.  I'm not decorating until he gets home though, Christmas will be when he's back here for good.

 

You know, Ray did one sleep apnea test and they said he was 85% bad.  When they told me it required another overnight for us, I never went back.  All my neighbors said, if you want the device you can have mine, I wore it for a week and then stuck it in the basement.   Even his PCP said it's very rare for anyone to stay on them for long.  I really have bigger fish to fry!

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thejule1

Colleen, thanks for your post.  I knew they wouldn't release Larry until he was ready for me to take care of him at home.  Larry had a more serious infection with the aspiration pnuemonia and the barium swallow test they did at the SNF, with a lot of "experts" in that field, showed he was also silently aspirating. He also had a severe UTI.  So, even tho he could not come home for Christmas, I had the kids come to the SNF where we reserved a room.  Larry was still weak but at least he was able to be with his family for a short time.  

 

Ray may not like being there but he is at the best place right now until he is stronger and you can care for him at home.  I am pleased he has that fight in him tho and that he is at least trying to eat.  Larry did not have an appetite even before the feeding tube and it was hard watching every bite, cuing him to make sure he didn't choke.  There is life after a feeding tube is placed and he is doing well and gaining weight.

 

Best to you and Ray in his recovery.  Take care of yourself too.

 

Julie

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1967stingray

Thanks Julie!  I walked in on Ray last night feeding himself a fully pureed Thanksgiving dinner...just by himself, they were a little short on staff due to the holiday.  I was nervous about it but also pleased.  He had gotten as much on his shirt as in his mouth, so as soon as I walked in he made me help.  They assure me that I can eventually just take any food and whip it in the food processor, and if that's what it takes, so be it.

 

Thanks for the kind words, of course I feel a bit guilty with him being there and me actually relaxing and hanging by myself with family and friends.  I keep telling myself I'm just recharging my batteries!  His brother and sister drove out and visited him along with me for an hour or so, the weather was beautiful so we got to sit outside.  I refused to cook for them but we ended up at a really nice buffet nearby, then they went home and I went back, to find him also eating real food;  what a nice surprise.  Christmas will be planned a little better, he's coming home for that one way or another for a traditional Italian feast. Should be close to discharge by then anyway  ;-)

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swilkinson

Julie, I hope you had a great time with your daughter.  I suppose it is a nuisance Larry has to have more tests but if it all has a positive result so be it. And his putting on the weight is good too.

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HostSally

Sounds like Larry and you are doing so well weight gain and you telling the Dr when you want to arrive so very proud of you  Both Larry and you have come a long way in this last year

Take care

Sally

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