{"id":3698,"date":"2019-10-26T10:40:33","date_gmt":"2019-10-26T14:40:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/romeyn.me\/wordpress\/?page_id=3698"},"modified":"2022-03-18T19:51:07","modified_gmt":"2022-03-18T23:51:07","slug":"dads-health-updates","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/romeyn.me\/?page_id=3698","title":{"rendered":"Dad’s Health Updates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 from 4 to 6 PM at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 124 Clinton Street, Keeseville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 10 AM at St. John\u2019s Church, Keeseville with the Rev. William G. Reamer, celebrating. Burial in Evergreen Cemetery will be in the spring<\/strong>.

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I created this page as a means of keeping Family and Friends informed of Dad’s ongoing health issues.\u00a0 It’s not meant to be impersonal–but it is a way to conveniently and consistently provide communication to the people who love and care about Dad.\u00a0 After the initial post, I’ll add updates at the top to keep it easy to read “the latest” as things develop.

Comments are active. Thank you all for your thoughts and concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Saturday, January 29th, 2022 – 6:00pm<\/b><\/p>\n

We lost Dad at 3:15 this afternoon.\u00a0 <\/span>He passed peacefully and quietly with no apparent suffering.\u00a0 <\/span>Mom, Kelly, Dean, Amanda, and I were all at his side.\u00a0 <\/span>We will post again here when funeral\/memorial arrangements have been made.<\/p>\n

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Saturday, January 29th, 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dad\u2019s been in slow but steady decline since my last post. It seems he is\u00a0nearing the end.
He\u2019s been in respiratory distress since about 4 AM. \u00a0He is on heavy oxygen and meds to keep him comfortable . He is finally calmed and his fever broke (it was 101). He appears comfortable. He has been non-responsive since yesterday. \u00a0His respirations were 48-50\/min. when Kelly and Mom arrived and now they are around 30. We are just waiting at this point.

We are all here together with him and holding up.<\/p>\n

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Saturday, July 10, 2021.<\/strong> On Wednesday Dad was moved to the skilled nursing unit.\u00a0 He is now part of a community and receiving lots of attention from very nice people.\u00a0 Mom and Kelly ordered him a comfy recliner for his room, the kind with lift-assist to help him with getting up when (we hope) his strength returns and he is able to do so with minimal assistance.\u00a0 His cognition is still very hazy.\u00a0 Sometimes he’s “there,” sometimes he’s…not.\u00a0 Mom and Kelly visit daily, and I will get there every chance I get.<\/p>\n

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Monday, July 5, 2021.<\/strong>\u00a0 Not much to report.\u00a0 It’s been a week and there hasn’t been much improvement.\u00a0 Dad still needs assistance with eating (his appetite seems to have returned) and walking.\u00a0 He’s conversational when he’s not sleeping, but you have to engage him first.\u00a0 When his stint in the subacute unit is done, he will move to the skilled nursing care unit where he will receive more direct care, mental stimulation, and physical therapy as needed.\u00a0 We still have hope that this will be a temporary arrangement, but we understand if\/when he comes home Mom will need assistance going forward.<\/p>\n

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Monday, June 28, 2021.<\/strong> Dad continues to make slow progress. I was able to visit him on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.\u00a0 I gave him a much-needed shave!\u00a0 Today he was more conversant, though confused about some things. He walked twice (with assistance) from his chair to the bathroom and back. Mom and Kelly visit him daily.\u00a0 He\u2019s eating generally well, though his appetite does seem to have decreased a bit. (He needs assistance with that too.)<\/p>\n

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Thursday, June 24, 2021.<\/strong> Dad was moved to Meadowbrook Nursing Home’s rehab facility yesterday.\u00a0 This is the same place he went after his brain surgery.\u00a0 Some of the staff recognized him and welcomed him back.\u00a0 His cognition is still not what it was, but seems to be improving.\u00a0 We will watch and see how he improves.\u00a0 He is still physically weak and needs assistance, but he will be starting light PT\/OT as soon as possible.\u00a0 Mom is feeling better every day and the bruises are fading. Her staples were removed yesterday.<\/p>\n

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Monday, June 21, 2021.<\/strong> Not a great day for Dad.\u00a0 He spent Saturday night and most of Sunday in the ER.\u00a0 He’s now in a room in the main part of the hospital.\u00a0 His cognition was about the lowest we’ve seen it, but we are hopeful that this is just a “dip” and that he will rebound as he has before.\u00a0 I don’t have much else to report at this point.<\/p>\n

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Saturday, June 19, 2021.<\/strong>\u00a0 It’s been a rough week for both Mom and Dad.\u00a0 Monday Mom brought Dad to the ERR because of some pain he was having in his right side.\u00a0 Tests were run, nothing was conclusive, and he was released and they went home.\u00a0 Tuesday evening as Mom was attempting to assist Dad as he stood up from the couch in the living room, Dad faltered, Mom tried to catch him, and they both went down.\u00a0 Mom hit her head on something and was bleeding but had presence of mind to call Kelly who went right over.\u00a0 Upon seeing them on the floor she called 911.\u00a0 Two ambulances arrived and took Mom & Dad to the emergency room.\u00a0 I left from Potsdam and joined them at the ER.\u00a0 Mom received one dissolving stitch and 9 staples on the the back of her head.\u00a0 Dad was apparently relatively unscathed from the fall with only a minor cut and a bruise or two.<\/p>\n

Kelly and I have not left them alone since we got home early Wednesday morning.\u00a0 Mom has been very sore since the fall and her mobility has been affected.\u00a0 We have no reason she won’t steadily improve with time.\u00a0 Dad, however, has been a problem.\u00a0 Prior to the fall he was generally getting around on his own without difficulty.\u00a0 He had moments of confusion, but was able to stand, sit, walk, and get in and out of bed by himself.\u00a0 No more.\u00a0 He has needed constant supervision and the use of a walker of direct-assist from me since coming home and his cognition has been diminished for almost the entire time.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Late this morning Mom, Kelly, and I made the decision to return to the hospital with Dad to have him checked out.\u00a0 He will likely be admitted for further analysis.\u00a0 We are worried that the symptoms he is exhibiting are similar to what we remember happening prior to the discovery of the brain bleed that started this blog and that he may have another one as a result of the fall.\u00a0 We were told he would be more susceptible to one should he have any experience that jarred his head.<\/p>\n

Please share this link with anyone you know who cares about Mom & Dad.\u00a0 I will try to keep it updated as things progress.<\/p>\n

–Romeyn<\/p>\n

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Friday, November 27th, 2020<\/strong>. The Good News is that everything else in Dad’s body seems to be in good shape.\u00a0 All his tests came back great!\u00a0 Except for his heart.\u00a0 It has suffered some damage and its output is not what it should be.\u00a0 He is staying at the hospital for at least another day possibly two.\u00a0 When he does come home, he will have restrictions on fluid intake and physical activity in order to keep his heart quiet.<\/p>\n

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Thursday, November 26th, 2020.<\/strong> “Happy” Thanksgiving.\u00a0 Dad complained of chest pain yesterday morning.\u00a0 Kelly took Mom and Dad to the hospital.\u00a0 Dad had a heart attack and is still there for monitoring.\u00a0 He also has an aortic aneurysm.\u00a0 Basically, any fall could rupture it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

I didn’t make any updates earlier this year, but Dad had two falls.\u00a0 One was pretty nasty, cracking 3 ribs and puncturing a lung.\u00a0 He spent a week in the hospital.\u00a0 The other was less severe, but he strained his right shoulder\/rotator cuff.<\/p>\n

Dad spent Thanksgiving in the hospital.\u00a0 Alone.\u00a0 (No visitors–COVID)<\/p>\n

And that sucks.<\/p>\n

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Friday, December 20th, 2019, 8:30pm.<\/strong>\u00a0 Dad is home!!<\/strong><\/em><\/span>\u00a0 Mom and I picked him up at Meadowbrook this morning.\u00a0 He said his goodbyes to the staff, many of whom were happy for him but sad to see him go.\u00a0 Had had a quick nap once home.\u00a0 We had sandwiches for lunch, then an afternoon nap.\u00a0 This afternoon he got caught up on recent newspapers, and we had Michigans for his welcome home dinner.\u00a0 He’s looking forward to the forecast warmer temperatures this week, hoping the snow on the driveway will melt so he can walk outside.\u00a0 He also has an exercise regimen to follow.<\/p>\n

This will be my last update for awhile.\u00a0 Please reach out to us if you have questions.\u00a0 Call the house if you want to talk to Dad and Mom, and stop by if you’re in the area!\u00a0 Thank you all for your love and support.<\/p>\n

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Sunday, December 15th, 2019 – 6:30am.<\/strong>\u00a0 It’s been a rough week for Dad.\u00a0 Physically, his strength and overall coordination continues to be amazing.\u00a0 Mom and I were commenting yesterday that in that regard he’s actually better than before the incident that resulted in his surgery!\u00a0 But he that incident was traumatic brain injury.\u00a0 His brain literally is not the same as it was, and the medication he has been on might need some adjusting.\u00a0 There have been steady bouts of confusion this week, which seem to be getting slowly better.\u00a0 He did not come home yesterday as originally planned.\u00a0 PT and OT wanted a little more time to work on his balance, so they pushed his release back a week.\u00a0 As far as we know, we are on track to bring him home this coming Friday the 20th.<\/p>\n

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Dad Looking Bright-Eyed<\/p><\/div>\n

Thursday, December 5th, 11:40am<\/strong>\u00a0 The updates will be less frequent as time moves on.\u00a0 Dad continues to improve, and we have a tentative discharge date of next Friday, December 13th.\u00a0 Mom continues to spend most of her days with Dad and Kelly checks in regularly.\u00a0 I am leaving for Keeseville again this evening and will stay through the weekend.<\/p>\n

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Saturday, November 30, 7:00am\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Dad’s had an exhausting few days.\u00a0 The trip to Burlington went well.\u00a0 The CT scan shows his brain is expanding to better fill the void left in the wake of the bleed.\u00a0 There is some fluid there, but it is not blood and the doctor is not concerned.\u00a0 Due to a scheduling mixup he did not get to meet with his surgeon, but will do so in a few weeks.\u00a0 He ate a full and hearty lunch, which was good to hear!<\/p>\n

Thanksgiving day was something to see.\u00a0 I picked Dad up from Meadowbrook late morning and brought him home for the first time in 5 weeks.\u00a0 Functionally, it was as if he had never left.\u00a0 Despite admonitions that he needed to ask for assistance when moving about, Dad acted as if nothing had happened and nothing was wrong.\u00a0 After visiting for a bit, he was escorted to his room for a nap.\u00a0 I was sitting in the living room and happened to have a view down the hallway to the bedrooms.\u00a0 After about 15 minutes, there’s Dad–walking down the hall.\u00a0 He stops at the end of the hall, looks at the thermostat, and cranks it up a few points, and then walks back down and goes back to bed!\u00a0 Those of us in the living room all just looked at each other.\u00a0 “Well, OK then!” I said.\u00a0 When it was time to get up, I went and woke him.\u00a0 While I should have been guiding\/escorting him, I would just have been in his way.\u00a0 I watched in amazement as he got out of bed, made his way to the bathroom, splashed water on his face, wiped it off, came back to the bedroom, MADE THE BED, raised the window shade, put on his shoes, and walked out to the living room to see what was going on.\u00a0 Kelly and I returned him to Meadowbrook after dinner; and Amanda, Kyle, and I returned to Potsdam.\u00a0 Kelly stayed with Dad Thursday night in case he woke confused and needed assistance in the middle of the night.<\/p>\n

Those two days were exhausting and it shows.\u00a0 Yesterday was not a great day, in the grand scheme of things.\u00a0 Kelly reports that he did not sleep well Thursday night, and he had more confusion than usual on Friday.\u00a0 But all in all it’s improvement with hope for even more.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Wednesday, November 27th, 8:30am\u00a0 <\/strong>Dad continues to make steady improvement.\u00a0 It’s been “3 steps forward, 1 step back” quite a bit, but generally positive.\u00a0 He’s been much better about using the call button when he wants to move around and is getting stronger every day.\u00a0 Today and tomorrow are going to be very tiring.\u00a0 Today Mom and Kelly are taking Dad to Burlington for a follow-up CT scan and appointment with the neurosurgeon to make sure there is no more blood on his brain.\u00a0 Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and Dad has a “day pass” to come home and enjoy dinner with us.\u00a0 This will be his first time home in over a month.\u00a0 We are a little anxious about how that’s going to go for Dad, but very glad that he’ll finally be there, if only for a few hours.<\/p>\n

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Friday, November 22, 9:00pm<\/strong>\u00a0 Dad slept very well last night.\u00a0 I assisted him to the bathroom twice during the night.\u00a0 I got him to breakfast and then went to Keeseville for breakfast with Mom.\u00a0 We returned to Meadowbrook where Dad was just finishing up with Speech Therapy.\u00a0 I accompanied him to and assisted with Occupational Therapy.\u00a0 The Kellys arrived and we all had lunch with Dad in his room.\u00a0 After that it was nap time.\u00a0 I woke him shortly after 2 to give him the first proper shave he has had since being here.\u00a0 Them it was off to Physical Therapy–I assisted again.\u00a0 Kelly, Kelly, Mom, Dean, and I all dined at Gigi’s in Keeseville.\u00a0 As I write this I am back in Dad’s room.\u00a0 He’s in bed, and I am spending the night again.\u00a0 Goodnight, all!<\/p>\n

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Thursday, November 21st, 8:20pm<\/strong>\u00a0 It’s been an interesting week. On the whole, Dad continues to improve both physically and mentally.\u00a0 He’s certified for single-assist, and Mom and Kelly are both certified to assist–I get mine tomorrow.\u00a0 I am staying with Dad tonight.\u00a0 Last night he got out of bed by himself–he heard something he thought he needed to turn off.\u00a0 He had a bit of a fall and cut his ear.\u00a0 They have been monitoring him closely all day and will continue to do so tonight, but I wanted to make sure it doesn’t happen again tonight!\u00a0 Kelly (Marshall) Shea came to town and will visit with Dad over the weekend.<\/p>\n

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Monday, November 18th, 8:00pm<\/strong> A very good day for Dad.\u00a0 Today he navigated the practice stairs in the OT facility!\u00a0 He is standing up straight.\u00a0 Later this week his need for assistance while moving will be lessened down to 1:1 from 2:1, possibly with Family members qualifying to assist.\u00a0 Mom asked about the possibility of Dad making a “day trip” home for Thanksgiving–they don’t see a problem with that.\u00a0 Dad called Mom tonight by himself using the note\/instructions I left on the phone for him.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Sunday, November 17th, 8:00pm:<\/strong> Amanda and I went to Occupational Therapy with Dad yesterday.\u00a0 He did very well.\u00a0 Kelly and Mom say that the Physical Therapist is very impressed with Dad’s progress on so short a time.\u00a0 Evenings are difficult for Dad–the later it gets, it seems, the “foggier” he gets.\u00a0 I went up early this morning in time to catch him at the breakfast table.\u00a0 He was lively and chatty, if a bit consternated about his situation and the fact that he’s not allowed to move without permission or assistance.\u00a0 Kelly and Dean stopped to see him late this afternoon and report that he was OK, but tired.<\/p>\n

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Dad In Bed<\/p><\/div>\n

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\nhttps:\/\/romeyn.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Dad-Walking-To-OT.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n
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Friday, November 15th, 10:00pm: <\/strong>Amanda and I stopped to see Dad on our way to Keeseville. He was in the lounge, alert, and knew we were half an hour late. He was very talkative and had no trouble getting out of the lounge chair and I to a wheelchair all by himself. We took him to his room for a visit. It was the best I have seen him since this ordeal began!<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Wednesday, November 13th:<\/strong>\u00a0Dad continues to be somewhat disoriented relative to his location and situation.\u00a0 But today it was determined that his infection is not responding to the broad-spectrum antibiotic that had been prescribed, and a different one is now at work.\u00a0 These things can have different effects on people with Dad’s condition.\u00a0 In brighter news, the staples on the sides of Dad’s head were removed today.\u00a0 And he had great sessions with Physical Therapy.\u00a0 Kelly took a picture and some video.\u00a0 Enjoy!<\/p>\n

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Dad Sitting Unassisted<\/p><\/div>\n

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https:\/\/romeyn.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Dad-Standing-2.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n
https:\/\/romeyn.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Dad-Walking-2.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n
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UPDATE: Tuesday, November 12th, 9:40pm<\/strong>\u00a0 Not a great day for Dad today.\u00a0 He seemed confused about most things and didn’t do well with Occupational Therapy.\u00a0 On the plus side, Mom will be getting caregiver training from both OT and PT staff beginning tomorrow.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Monday, November 11th, 9:00pm.<\/strong>\u00a0 Dad had a full day.\u00a0 Lots of work with Physical Therapy.\u00a0 Mom reports that he successfully put on a sock and tied his own shoe.\u00a0 (Trust me, this is a big deal!)\u00a0 Some fellow Rotarians stopped in to see him, and Kelly and Prescott dropped by around lunch time.\u00a0 Mom had to leave while Dad was napping in order to get home before the snow flew to hard.\u00a0 Dad awoke concerned that she was not there and called home to check on her.\u00a0 So sweet!<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Sunday, November 10th, 7:30pm.<\/strong> Dad made a lot of progress today.\u00a0 He was asleep when Amanda and I arrived, so we let him rest.\u00a0 Kelly and Dean got there a little later.\u00a0 Dad woke up late morning and was attentive and conversational.\u00a0 Amanda and I left for a few hours.\u00a0 In the meantime, Dad ate most of lunch and walked with a walker barely assisted to the bathroom and back.\u00a0 He kicked everyone out of the room at one point so he could take a quick nap.\u00a0 Amanda and I returned on our way back to Potsdam and visited more with Dad.\u00a0 Mom brought him a radio in case he gets bored with just the TV.\u00a0 He also had a few visitors, which brightened his day.\u00a0 Amanda, Mom, and I left around 4:30.\u00a0 Dad decided to grab another nap before dinner.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE; Saturday, November 9th: 8:30pm.<\/strong> \u00a0A good day. \u00a0Not a great day, but not terrible. \u00a0It has been an adjustment not just for Dad, but for us as well. \u00a0We got used to the intense level of care in the ICU. \u00a0I remarked to Kelly that the staff there were doting almost to the point of being annoying. \u00a0The \u201csub-acute\u201d facility at Meadowbrook is very, very nice; but the level of care there is more \u201ccasual\u201d in comparison. \u00a0And this is what you want from a facility that is supposed to be working with and empowering its residents to be as independent as possible. \u00a0Amanda and I spent time with Dad this morning. \u00a0Mom, Dean, and Kelly this afternoon. \u00a0I just returned from visiting him again after dinner. \u00a0He was resting peacefully, so I let him. \u00a0<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Friday, November 8th: 4:00pm.<\/strong>\u00a0 Dad was successfully transitioned to Meadowbrook in Plattsburgh for rehab and Physical Therapy.\u00a0 Mom and Kelly have spent time with him today.\u00a0 It’s been a busy day what with the transport and all of the “orientation” and interviewing with his new hosts.\u00a0 Amanda and I are leaving shortly to spend the weekend in Keeseville and check in on Dad as well.\u00a0 Updates will likely be once a day moving forward.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Thursday, November 7th: 3:30pm.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Mom has left for the day–weather isn’t great and she wisely wants to be home before dark.\u00a0 The good news is that Dad is all set to be transferred to Meadowbrook tomorrow morning at 8:30!\u00a0 Mom will meet him there.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Thursday, November 7th: 10:15am.<\/strong>\u00a0 Dad slept fair last night.\u00a0 Yesterday was not good–they detected an elevated white blood cell count and have traced that to a urinary tract infection for which Dad is now getting antibiotics.\u00a0 Mom reports that things are still on-track for transfer to Meadowbrook later today.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Wednesday, November 6th: 2:50pm.<\/strong> Dad\u2019s had a rocky day, but Mom\u2019s been working with the hospital and Meadowbrook (rehab) and it\u2019s looking like Dad might be ready for transfer out of the hospital as soon as tomorrow!<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Wednesday, November 6th: 10:15am.<\/strong>\u00a0 Dad ate ALL of his breakfast this morning and is now snoozing. He and Mom received some very good news, but it’s not firm yet and I don’t want to jinx it by revealing it just yet.\u00a0 But stay tuned!<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Tuesday, November 5th: 3:45pm.<\/strong>\u00a0 Mom says Dad has been eating very well.\u00a0 After only one day, Dietary has cleared him for solid food.\u00a0 Today he held and drank from a bottle of Boost all on his own.<\/p>\n

Say “hi,” everyone!<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Tuesday, November 5th: 1:40pm.<\/strong>\u00a0 I just FaceTimed with Mom and Dad.\u00a0 He had a good nap, and his voice is CLEAR for the first time in a long time!\u00a0 We wonder if the feeding tube wasn’t causing some of his difficulty speaking.\u00a0 Mom will leave around 4 today to avoid rush hour and early darkness.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Tuesday, November 5th: 10:45am.<\/strong> Mom arrived this morning to find that Dad had slept well, but managed to pull out his feeding tube (which had been up his nose).\u00a0 <\/span>This is now incentive for him to eat more!\u00a0 <\/span>Physical Therapy came by and Dad got out of bed and walked with a walker to the door and back to the chair to sit down.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Monday, November 4th: 4:00pm.<\/strong> Dad’s first order of “food” arrived in pure\u00e9 form and Mom is helping him eat it.\u00a0 Roast Beef and gravy, corn, and jell-o.\u00a0 Dad is eating, but desperately wants to go back to sleep. Once he is done, Mom and I will leave. This is my last day at Dad’s side for now.\u00a0 But I will check in with Mom several times a day and continue to post reports at least daily.\u00a0 Thank you all again for the love and support!<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Monday, November 4th: 2:00pm.<\/strong>\u00a0 Dad had a good morning and has been much more alert after a 90 minute nap.\u00a0 He again transitioned barely assisted to the bedside chair.\u00a0 He was visited by the speech pathologist who has cleared him for food intake (pure\u00e9d).\u00a0 The surgeon has also been here and indicated that discharge might be possible later this week.\u00a0 But he has to start eating enough so that the feeding tube can come out.\u00a0 We are still waiting for word on a transfer out of the ICU.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Monday, November 4th: 9:15am.<\/strong> HAPPY BIRTHDAY,<\/strong> DAD!<\/span> \u00a0Today is Dad\u2019s 76th birthday. \u00a0Mom and I arrived to find Dad asleep. \u00a0He woke up a few minutes later. \u00a0We noticed his catheter has been removed. \u00a0The only thing left \u201cin\u201d Dad is the feeding tube (up his nose) and the staples from the surgery. \u00a0Dad is scheduled to meet with the speech therapist, the respiratory therapist, and the physical therapist. \u00a0It will be a busy day!<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Sunday, November 3rd: 4:00pm.<\/strong> Not a lot to report.\u00a0 Dad rested well this afternoon and will be moved back into his chair shortly, hopefully with minimal assistance.\u00a0 We will leave shortly for the night.\u00a0 We check in with Dad’s night nurse every night before we go to bed to see how his evening has been.\u00a0 Today was a good day!<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Sunday, November 3rd: 1:10pm.<\/strong> \u00a0Today has been an amazing day! \u00a0Dad\u2019s longtime friend and colleague Don stopped by. \u00a0When he walked in the room, Dad grinned and nearly leapt up to hug him. \u00a0They chatted for several minutes. \u00a0Cousins Di and Greg also stopped by for a few minutes. \u00a0Dad has been consistently conversant and enjoyed the additional company. We are still awaiting word about transfer out of the ICU, and hope tomorrow to get news about when he might be able to go to rehab. \u00a0But for now…it\u2019s nap time!<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Sunday, November 3rd: 10:20am.<\/strong> We arrived to find Dad in his bedside chair being fed ice cream by his nurse. \u00a0He \u201cwalked\u201d to the chair (a few steps) using a walker. \u00a0He is wide awake and talkative. \u00a0His voice is still somewhat muted and raspy, but he can now be understood. \u00a0That\u2019s a lot of progress in 16 hours!<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Saturday, November 2nd: 3:00pm.<\/strong>\u00a0 We just got word that there is a transfer order in the system for Dad–he will leave the ICU as soon as there is a regular room available!\u00a0 As I type this he is being assisted to the edge of the bed and is going to show Mom how he can stand–the best birthday present!\u00a0 But…he wants to go home.\u00a0 He’s frustrated.\u00a0 But that’s a good sign, in a way.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Saturday, November 2nd: 9:45am.<\/strong>\u00a0 Happy Birthday, Mom!\u00a0<\/span><\/strong> When we arrived this morning Dad was awake and alert and the nurses had just positioned him to stand up, which he did.\u00a0 His ability to move himself is greatly improved over yesterday, though he still can’t quite manage to move himself completely unassisted.\u00a0 He is attempting to be conversant, but his throat is still very irritated and sore–even swallowing water is painful; but he manages.\u00a0 He is being encouraged to clear his throat as often as possible.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Friday, November 1st: 7:00pm. \u00a0<\/b>Dad stood up (assisted) this afternoon! \u00a0He had a visit from the speech pathologist and also had a lot of \u201cgunk\u201d sucked out of the back of his throat. (He did not like that!) \u00a0Our day with him ended on an up note: Dad was moved back into a private room! \u00a0He\u2019s still in the ICU, but we will be able to play him some music and be able to hear him better. And hopefully he will rest better.\u00a0
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UPDATE; Friday, November 1: 1:25pm.<\/b>\u00a0 Slow but steady progress. \u00a0Dad had his respiratory gear downgraded again and now just has humidified oxygen via nasal insert (external) and the feeding tube. \u00a0The throat clearing continues\u2014he actually requested ice chips! \u00a0As I type, the phlebotomist (or \u201cvampire,\u201d as he called himself) is here for another sample. \u00a0Dad\u2019s been resting peacefully. \u00a0I should say that all throughout this ordeal Dad\u2019s vitals have been rock-solid. \u00a0BP, blood oxygen, heart rate…all stellar. \u00a0\u201cStrong\u201d is the word that comes to mind<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Friday, November 1: 10:30am.<\/b> \u00a0Dad is wide awake this morning and the light is back in his eyes. \u00a0Talking is still hard\u2014his throat is still swollen\/sore. \u00a0They are monitoring him for signs of pneumonia and pulmonary edema, and we are still waiting for the results of the throat culture. \u00a0Physical Therapy was just here and Dad did great! \u00a0They sat him up on the edge of the bed. \u00a0He did some leg kicks and very basic exercises. \u00a0He was expressive, responsive, and communicative. \u00a0Once his throat clears up, we should be able to understand him better and more consistently instead of short bursts.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Thursday, October 31st: 4:25pm.<\/b> \u00a0Dad has been sleeping for the last couple of hours. \u00a0They just gave him a shave (face) and are \u201cturning\u201d him again (they do this every few hours to prevent bed sores). \u00a0They have sent a throat culture to the lab to check for strep throat. \u00a0His condition continues to generally, if slowly, improve. \u00a0We hope he rests well tonight. \u00a0Kelly, Amanda, Mom, and I are all heading back to Keeseville for the night (Amanda back to Potsdam to check on home and the cats). \u00a0Mom and I will return early in the morning.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE; Thursday, October 31st: 2:00pm.<\/b> \u00a0The drains have been removed (I got to watch) and Dad\u2019s head is finally elevated. \u00a0It is apparent now just now much phlegm was trapped in his throat. \u00a0The nurses have been working at helping him clear it, and his blood oxygen levels have improved substantially. \u00a0He is aware and expressive, but still can\u2019t quite talk\u2014probably because of the stuff that\u2019s still in his throat. \u00a0He is being encouraged to cough and try to clear it.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE; Thursday, October 31st: 8:20am.<\/strong> \u00a0Happy Halloween! \u00a0Dad was awake and responsive when we arrived. \u00a0He is much more aware of us and his surroundings than he seemed to be yesterday. \u00a0He\u2019s tried to tell us things a few times, but between the feeding tube and the oxygen mask, we can\u2019t understand him. \u00a0He seems frustrated (understandable!) and a little uncomfortable. \u00a0We are hoping that the doctor will allow us to raise his head\u2014he\u2019s lying completely flat with no pillow.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Wednesday, October 30th: 8:50pm.<\/strong> The feeding tube was inserted without difficulty and Dad is receiving medication and much-needed nutrients.\u00a0 When we left he was finally asleep.\u00a0 We hope tomorrow is better.\u00a0 Thank you all for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers!<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Wednesday, October 30th: 4:30pm.<\/strong> Not much has changed.\u00a0 The nurse and I tried to feed Dad the only med he needs but can’t take non-orally.\u00a0 We were not successful.\u00a0 As I type this, Dad is in Radiology where they are inserting a feeding tube to take care of this medication as well as general nutrition.\u00a0 We will be spending the night in Burlington again.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Wednesday, October 30th: 1:50pm.<\/strong>\u00a0 No real change.\u00a0 Dad’s breathing seems labored, but his respiration rate is what we are told they typically see after a procedure like this.\u00a0 He’s lying flat to facilitate drainage and recovery, which is not usual for Dad, and may be contributing to this.\u00a0 But we are told it’s best for now.\u00a0 But he does not appear to be “resting.”<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Wednesday, October 30th: 10:30am.<\/strong> There has been some improvement, and the MRI is on hold for now.\u00a0 Dad is responsive to inquiry and instruction (e.g., “squeeze my hand”), but can’t be understood when he tries to verbally respond.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Wednesday, October 30th: 9:15am.<\/strong> Dad had a rough night.\u00a0 He’s been hooked up to an EEG to monitor his brainwave activity, which seems normal.\u00a0 He seems to be resting very deeply, but is non-responsive this morning.\u00a0 We are told an MRI has been scheduled.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Tuesday, October 29th: 9:50pm.<\/strong> After a minor miscommunication we finally got in to see Dad about 2 hours after being told he was out of surgery.\u00a0 (We thought we were told that someone would come to get us when he was “settled”–about half an hour; but maybe we were actually told to come back to the ICU or check with them after half an hour.)\u00a0 He was awake, but groggy and rather consternated and uncomfortable with the presence of a catheter.\u00a0 He was given something for alleviate the discomfort and began to settle down.\u00a0 We left him around 7:30.\u00a0 Mom, Kelly, Dean, Amanda, and I are all staying the night at a hotel very close to the hospital so as to be with him as early as possible in the morning (and close by in case we are needed during the night).\u00a0 We are very comfortable with and appreciative of the people caring for Dad.\u00a0 It makes sleeping a bit easier!\u00a0 Good night, everyone.<\/p>\n

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3:50pm – DAD IS OUT OF SURGERY!<\/strong><\/span> The surgeon had no residents today, so two attendings worked on him–probably why it didn’t take as long as originally predicted.\u00a0 The surgeon reported complete success, and the anesthesiologists just told us he did great.\u00a0 We are now waiting to see him.\u00a0<\/h2>\n
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UPDATE<\/strong><\/span>: At 1:00pm, Dad was taken to the Operating Room for surgery.\u00a0 We received much information from the O.R. staff and were able to wish Dad well before he left.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

UPDATE: Tuesday, October 29: 12:45pm. <\/strong>It looks like Dad will be going into surgery this afternoon! \u00a0They have begun prepping him and gathering consents.\u00a0
<\/b><\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Tuesday, October 29: 11:00am.\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0Dad spent a couple of hours in a chair this morning.\u00a0 He was being returned to his bed when we arrived around 10.\u00a0 The nurse checked on the blood test and found that he should be clear for surgery now.\u00a0 The doctor is on the floor and we should see him soon to find out about scheduling Dad’s surgery.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Monday, October 28: 6:45pm.<\/strong>\u00a0 It’s been a rough day for Dad.\u00a0 A strong start went downhill somewhat after 4 failed attempts at inserting a feeding tube.\u00a0 Kelly joined Mom and me shortly after lunch.\u00a0 They left about an hour ago.\u00a0 I have stayed for awhile longer as I seem to be able to get Dad to eat.\u00a0 Maybe if I can get enough calories in him they’ll hold off on the feeding tube.\u00a0 He’s back on “Plasmalyte” via I.V. and has had more blood drawn to ensure that they have the “right stuff” on hand for his surgery.<\/p>\n

Speaking of blood–we found out this afternoon that, much to our dismay, the blood that had been drawn and processed on Saturday hadn’t yet been evaluated!\u00a0 We’re upset not only that it took so long, but that this was NOT communicated to us at all.\u00a0 We finally heard back from the lab that he’s “on the cusp” (my phrase) as far as the aspirin being clear of his system.\u00a0 And at 5:00, the doctor who will be performing Dad’s surgery came to see us.\u00a0 He reviewed the CT scans with us and told us what the game plan is.\u00a0 The earliest Dad will see the operating room is Tuesday afternoon, but Wednesday seems more likely.<\/p>\n

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and support.\u00a0 It means a lot!\u00a0 Some of you have asked about visiting.\u00a0 That’s something that should wait until after surgery.\u00a0 Dad’s in the Intensive Care Unit right now and general visitation isn’t a good idea.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Monday, October 28: 10:20am.<\/strong>\u00a0 Dad is awake, alert, and talkative this morning.\u00a0 This is a big improvement over yesterday!\u00a0 He was moved from his private room yesterday evening–we were told a couple of trauma cases came in that required the space he was in.\u00a0 He’s now in a “common” (less private) area.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Sunday, October 27, 2019: 3:00pm.<\/strong> \u00a0No surgery today. \u00a0Dad spent a couple of hours in a chair this afternoon. \u00a0Kelly, Dean, and Prescott visited. \u00a0We hope to know more about when he will have surgery tomorrow.<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: Sunday, October 27, 2019: 10:35am.<\/strong> \u00a0Mom and I arrived at the hospital and checked in with Dad\u2019s nurse. \u00a0He had a good night, and we were told that it\u2019s possible that he may have surgery to remove the blood clots today. \u00a0The reasons for the wait were that it was not deemed an \u201cemergency\u201d and that he had low-dose aspirin as part of his medication regimen and they want it out of his system before surgery (if possible) so that the blood thinning effects don\u2019t complicate the procedure. \u00a0We will know more later today.<\/p>\n

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Saturday, October 26, 2019.<\/strong>\u00a0 The story so far<\/em>: About 4 years ago we noticed that Dad was…”slowing down.”\u00a0 His gait wasn’t what it used to be, his voice was mellower, and he was forgetting things now and again.\u00a0 In 2017, after seeing a neurologist, he was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia<\/a>.\u00a0 Described as a “Parkinsonism,” it is\u00a0not<\/span> Parkinson’s disease, but is frequently mistaken for it.\u00a0 Simply put, protein deposits are very slowly deteriorating Dad’s brain.<\/p>\n

Dad’s been basically OK for the last two years, though he forgets short-term things and complex tasks involving multiple steps need to be broken down or he needs assistance with them.\u00a0 Two weeks ago, things changed very quickly and we did not know why.<\/p>\n

Having driven to Camp that afternoon, he came home, had dinner with Mom, and was on the couch watching TV.\u00a0 When it was time for bed, he found he couldn’t get up!\u00a0 Mom was able to assist him and get him to bed, but something was clearly wrong.\u00a0 By morning he had not improved.\u00a0 He could stand and “shuffle” his way around the house, but he was very unsteady and unsure of himself.\u00a0 He had strength, but seemed to lack the confidence to actually walk, almost as a toddler taking his first steps.<\/p>\n

His annual check-in with his neurologist was the following week.\u00a0 We acquired a transport chair and I (Romeyn) accompanied Mom and Dad to Boston to see the neurologist.\u00a0 After hearing everything his diagnosis was that this was just a “dip” in Dad’s progression.\u00a0 They aren’t unheard of, but he admitted that the sudden onset was peculiar.\u00a0 He added a medication to Dad’s regimen and we went home to await the improvement that the doctor said typically happens in cases like this.\u00a0 Dad’s condition continued to fluctuate.\u00a0 One minute he’d “hop up” off the couch and shuffle (not really walk) to the next room to get something and make his way back to his seat, observed but unassisted.\u00a0 The next hour he might be barely able to stand.\u00a0 If there was any “improvement,” it was slight.<\/p>\n

Yesterday at around 2:00am, Dad awoke and could not settle down.\u00a0 He kept wanting to get out of bed but wouldn’t or couldn’t say why.\u00a0 He was incoherent and would simply repeat what was said to him, appearing not to understand.\u00a0 After a few hours of that, Mom called Kelly and the ambulance.\u00a0 Dad was brought to the Emergency Room in Plattsburgh.\u00a0 Kelly called me and I joined them later that morning.<\/p>\n

The hospital performed a CT scan which revealed a subdural hematoma (clotting) in Dad’s cranium in the space between his brain and skull.\u00a0 It looked “old” (about 2-4 weeks), coinciding roughly with a self-reported fall Dad had while at Camp.\u00a0 We were concerned at the time, but he hadn’t exhibited any symptoms and said he hadn’t hit his head.\u00a0 The clotting is applying pressure on his brain.\u00a0 THIS would seem to explain the sudden onset of these “new” symptoms!\u00a0 Dad was referred to and transported to the UVM Medical Center in Burlington yesterday morning.\u00a0 Kelly, Mom, and I accompanied him and saw to it that he got settled.\u00a0 He was evaluated by the neurology unit and they are reviewing surgical options to remove the clotting.\u00a0 There does not appear to still be bleeding.\u00a0 As I write this, Dad is in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit awaiting whatever it to be done, hopefully early this coming week–perhaps sooner if their monitoring detects ongoing bleeding.\u00a0 Mom, Kelly, Amanda, and I are with him.<\/p>\n

That’s all we know as of right now–Saturday morning, October 26.\u00a0 You can contact any of us by phone, email, or Facebook Messenger if you like.\u00a0 We can and will relay messages to Dad.\u00a0 (Please don’t send flowers or anything like that–they’re not allowed in the SICU.)<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 from 4 to 6 PM at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 124 Clinton Street, Keeseville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 10 AM at St. John\u2019s Church, Keeseville with the Rev. William G. Reamer, celebrating. Burial […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3909,"parent":0,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3698","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/romeyn.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3698","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/romeyn.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/romeyn.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/romeyn.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/romeyn.me\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3698"}],"version-history":[{"count":95,"href":"https:\/\/romeyn.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3698\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3926,"href":"https:\/\/romeyn.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3698\/revisions\/3926"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/romeyn.me\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3909"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/romeyn.me\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3698"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}