Today Lee had a new physical therapist. He had walked earlier this a.m. with a therapist that he was familiar with and with that one he had become accustomed to leaving his room and turning right down a small hallway that was approximately 50-60 feet long. With the new therapist he was told to "Turn Left". In case you are wondering why this is being emphasized, it is because this hallway is at least 200 feet long and Lee was being encouraged to complete the entire length. I followed along with the chair and sure enough, when he had gone about 75 feet he had to sit. This continued on with two more intervals of rest, but he did complete the long walk of 200 feet!
After the walk he went to bed and had to have something for pain and a little oxygen. His heart did go into an arrythmia but the nurse quickly corrected it to a normal sinus rhythm with medication. To date, he has not had to be shocked for Atrial Fib in the past three days. If he has a good night after another long walk, he may get to step-down into the next unit where the concentration will be on walking and endurance.
Good news is that the wires and tubes are about half gone and as they diminish in numbers he will have more freedom to move around. Right now he is still "Wired". Lee's spirits have been much better these past two days and he was delighted with all the cards I took him today. He read every word on each card and every written note. Thank you for helping to lift his spirits!
A great surprise for me today was a visit from Lee Jr. , Jennifer and Laura. All of us, along with my brother, Dennis and wife Betsy, Neice Genice and husband Roger gathered under the gazebo beside the pool for sub sandwiches and homemade peach ice cream. If only Lee could have joined us! With time, he will and we will maybe have either my birthday or a Labor Day celebration! He was missed by all!
Doug was here yesterday and earlier today with gifts for me from Elizabeth and an album of pictures of his boys for both of us. So many treasures from our children and family. We are truly blessed. Lee Jr., Jennifer and children are staying in an apartment here @ Duke Tower for the night. That is what is so good about staying here. One can rent a furnished apartment for one day if needed and the price is great. In addition, there is a great pool and the courtyard is conducive for family gatherings. There are several gatherings here this evening as I write. Truly lots of festivities for the fourth of July.
Thank you again for your cards and all your prayers. I look forward to the time when we can once again be home with our family and friends. Love to all..................More Later....................Brenda
Glad he is still doing sooo good! I knew he would. Hes got SUPERWOMAN!!! Did he get my totally weird card yet???
ReplyDeletetake care and keep posting. I look at this blog many times a day!!!!
Hi Lee and Brenda,
ReplyDeleteGreat news Lee is doing much better today. Sounds like the new Therapist gave him a work out today. We all would like to see him get better faster but with the extensive surgery he had it is just going to take time. Betty and I just got back form a week at the beach. Don and Sarah were there also. Don and I played golf at Carolina National Golf Club Wednesday and Marvin Hamer and I played at River's Edge Golf Club Friday. I palyed good Wednesday but was back to my regular game Friday. It's a very humbling game. We sure miss seeing you at the beach and look forward to having you back at the beach. We went by your beach house and everything looked okay. Both of you are in our thoughts and prays often.
Wayne and Betty
Hey Brenda and Uncle Lee, I have been keeping up with your progress through various ways. I am so glad you have not been shocked in several days. I know both of you are very strong willed and will be home before too much longer. We haven't seen you in so long. Ethan and I are doing well, he is taller than me now (14 yrs old). Colby just got accepted to NC State. My kidney is working fine and I am busy with online college. I think about both of you everyday and we love you both very much. Our prayers and thoughts are with you both.
ReplyDeleteJill