Wednesday/Thursday

I talked with Mom and Dad this afternoon. Dad slept in again today but was able to have breakfast just before the PT got there. Dad told him he didn't know how much he could do today because he sat around in doctors offices all day yesterday. The PT took it in stride and doubled up on his reps. I have not met this guy but I like him already. He went to leave and found that a clamp on his radiator had failed and so he lost all his coolant. Mom took him to Wal Mart (left Dad by himself) to get a new clamp. He was able to fix it fairly quickly. Nancy, Madeline and Nathan came by to visit just before the aide came to give Dad a shower.

Mom ran me through all the changes in medication and filled me in on what Jamie III left out. I got an update on Dad's calorie and fluid intake. When I talked to Dad, he sounded upbeat and his voice was strong.

Thursday

Dad had a break from the PT and OT today. The nurse did come by and check his vitals etc. Mom said that he has been lethargic all day. I don't know if it is the change in medication or if he is feeling a little depressed. He told me that his legs gave way again last night when he got up to use the bedside toilet. He didn't wake Mom up but somehow managed to wiggle his way back to bed. I am sure that scared him and has to have some emotional and mental effects. I made a suggestion for tonight to give him a more stable hand hold by using the wheel chair because he has been using the hand holds on the toilet and the walker which are not very stable.

I asked him if he had exercised any today and he said that he had and was trying to increase his walking. I was glad to hear that. The endorphins seem to kick in when he exercises. I asked Mom if she could tell if there was any change in his breathing or signs of edema and she said no. Everything seems to be at the same level. Hopefully he will have a good nights rest and will be ready for some good PT tomorrow.

Today I feel like Job, doubting and perplexed...

Job.18

[7] His strong steps are shortened and his own schemes throw him down.

[8] For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walks on a pitfall.

[9] A trap seizes him by the heel,a snare lays hold of him.

[10] A rope is hid for him in the ground, a trap for him in the path.

[11] Terrors frighten him on every side, and chase him at his heels.

[12] His strength is hunger-bitten, and calamity is ready for his stumbling.

May tomorrow bring a song of hope and faith in God's eternal plan...

Ps.37

[23] The steps of a man are from the LORD, and he establishes him in whose way he delights;
[24] though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD is the stay of his hand.
[25] I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsake nor his children begging bread.
[31] The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip.

God is good!