Saturday

I saw Dad for about 45 minutes this morning before going to work. He was sleeping when I got there. He had eaten a good breakfast but even after getting a sleep aid last night he didn't get to sleep until around 3 am so he was very sleepy. He mentioned that it was noisy last night. We couldn't pinpoint what the noise was, but last night when I was there, they street crews were working on clearing the street outside his window with a front loader and it was making quite a racket. Dad said it sounded like they were taking inventory of metal bedpans.

I guess my talk with the staff had some effect yesterday because the nurses took it upon themselves to get Dad up and walk him. He used a walker as part of it which I have been hoping for since he got there. They also did some arm exercise. It got Dad's heart rate up and increased his appetite.

I finally got to meet the two admitting physicians this morning and explained our concern about the differing opinions of the two pulmonologist. They looked over the chart with me and said that they were satisfied with the treatment that Dad was getting. They also said that they would contact them and verify what they were seeing on the chart. Due to the ice storm and resulting power outages, there has been a delay in being able to read the latest xray, the pictures are jpegs on the computer and the system has been down. I was impressed with their attention and feel somewhat better about where Dad is medically. They both said that they had enjoyed the time they had spent with Dad and said that they were impressed with his knowledge of his condition. Evidently, Dad also engaged them in personal conversation which they found impressive and interesting. Who knows what stories he told.

I also spent some time repeating our desire for PT with the new nurse and told her that Dad was bored. Anything they could give him to do no matter how small would keep him interested in getting out of there. Charlotte and Rachel, my eldest daughter, went by this afternoon and reported that he had used a recumbent bike this afternoon in bed. So maybe some more progress.

Dad's voice is weak and he has to really exert himself to speak audibly. I read a little about organized pneumonia today and the steroid treatment. I need to verify whether he is getting the steroids intravenously or through the nebulizer or both. One of the side effects especially when given through the nebulizer is that the steroids can coat the throat and cause hoarseness. They suggest that patients drink or gargle after a treatment to minimize this effect.

Mom did not make it in today because their neighbor sent a crew over to saw up the massive limbs and clear debris from the yard and she didn't want to leave while they were there. I had to work tonight so I have not been by to see the results. I am sure knowing this neighbor that it was totally cleaned and probably removed or shredded into mulch. Anybody need firewood? Mom and Dad have GREAT NEIGHBORS on all sides! We are so grateful for all of them.

Luke.10
[27] And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."
[29] But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

I have always thought the question should have been, "Whose neighbor am I?"

I didn't get by to see Dad tonight and have prayer with him. I don't feel like the day is complete.

Lord God, we are grateful for your faithfulness to us even in our doubt and anxiety. As you did for Adam and Daniel, cast the shadow of thy hand over our eyes and make our sleep deep tonight so that we may awake refreshed to worship and serve you in the new day.

You are good!