Rhonda Writes -
HE IS LARGE AND IN CHARGE…..
Mr. Lacey is all settled in at home. He is happy, assertive and ready to continue the BIG SHOW. He and Carol have already hit the town. Eric's not content to sit at home - he wants to get out and visit. He impressed all the Kroger employees (his favorite shopping spot) yesterday when he showed up. Carol said they were all so excited to see him and so impressed with how well he's doing. We're still waiting to hear back from Lenox Baker (physical therapy) and Rose Manor (speech therapy) for his appointment times but he should start outpatient therapy next week. Home Health came in and basically confirmed that Carol was a registered nurse and knew what she's doing. ;) She passed the test and they're not coming back. We've got the medication schedule down pat. He's on 18 medications so it took a spreadsheet to organize it all.
Our house is open to any and all visitors. Don't think that it has to stop just because he's no longer in the hospital. He would love nothing more than to socialize. Come on and see us!
We visited everyone at Select before leaving the hospital Tuesday. The doctor there said Eric should be a motivational speaker, telling his miraculous story. What a great idea! I told him he should go into occupational or physical therapy or teaching. Either way, we all know something positive should come from this. It's an experience too precious not to share.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
May 27 2008
Rhonda Writes -
Carol and I are heading up to get Eric discharged. He's so fired up and ready to come home. The kids have a bazillion games lined up to play with him... They're really excited to have Daddy coming home. All of the equipment has been delivered with the exception of the wheelchair which is due in an hour.
Carol and I have had lots of training plus Home Health starts coming tomorrow. He'll have therapy at the house for 2 weeks, then will start traveling to outpatient therapy for speech (swallowing) and physical therapy. He has another baseline swallow test in a couple of weeks but for now can still just have thickened liquids (which include smoothies - his favorite). Carol is worried that its going to be hard for him when we cook/eat. I didn't think about that. We'll try to eat only healthy, bland foods. :) Maybe that will help our diet efforts. Anyway, we'll post later once he's settled. I'll dictate a note from Eric....
Carol and I are heading up to get Eric discharged. He's so fired up and ready to come home. The kids have a bazillion games lined up to play with him... They're really excited to have Daddy coming home. All of the equipment has been delivered with the exception of the wheelchair which is due in an hour.
Carol and I have had lots of training plus Home Health starts coming tomorrow. He'll have therapy at the house for 2 weeks, then will start traveling to outpatient therapy for speech (swallowing) and physical therapy. He has another baseline swallow test in a couple of weeks but for now can still just have thickened liquids (which include smoothies - his favorite). Carol is worried that its going to be hard for him when we cook/eat. I didn't think about that. We'll try to eat only healthy, bland foods. :) Maybe that will help our diet efforts. Anyway, we'll post later once he's settled. I'll dictate a note from Eric....
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
SWIM-A-THON!
Tom Writes-
The Black Horse Run Racers are sponsoring a weekend swim-a-thon on Saturday, May 24. If you are interested in either participating in this event or sponsoring a swimmer, follow the Swim-a-thon link for more information. All donations, however large, are appreciated!
The Black Horse Run Racers are sponsoring a weekend swim-a-thon on Saturday, May 24. If you are interested in either participating in this event or sponsoring a swimmer, follow the Swim-a-thon link for more information. All donations, however large, are appreciated!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
May 20, 2008
Rhonda Writes -
Well, let the games begin. Eric is definitely coming home Tuesday. I'm spending the day Friday getting my RN and PT license at the hospital. :) Everyone has started calling to delivery everything from equipment to Nutrition and all the bells and whistles that go along with it. They want Eric to come home Thursday evening for an hour to assess the home to ensure nothing additional is needed. Then we have from Friday - Tuesday to take care of anything that needs attention, whether it be a ramp, bathroom alterations, etc. Can you hear the stress as I type? I'm scared to death. As involved as Carol and I have been, nothing has prepared us for this. Home Health will come in until they feel confident that Eric can handle going to an outpatient facility for rehab. He has another swallow test the end of next week to see if he's ready for the next level. He is now only drinking "nectar" consistency liquids.
There are so many different stages to all of this. In the beginning, we feared that he would never overcome ventilators or even make it through the night. In three short (but LONG) months, he's made so much improvement. The discharge coordinator said today that "he inspires all of us - employees and patients". That's a pretty cool thing, isn't it? He's so driven now. He's very focused on changing and improving now. As I mentioned before, they removed his trach and now there's just a band-aid (another thing that blows my mind). At times, his voice sounds just like it did before.
Please continue to pray for us… all of us. Each week brings us a new set of challenges that we must overcome and adapt to. Our friends (the Johnsons and the Whites) have organized a community Swim-A-Thon this Saturday for the kids at our pool (Black Horse Run) from 10:00 to 12:00. Please come out and cheer on our little swimmers. Eric will be there too. We got a "hall pass" for him to leave DRI for a few hours. He can't wait.
Well, let the games begin. Eric is definitely coming home Tuesday. I'm spending the day Friday getting my RN and PT license at the hospital. :) Everyone has started calling to delivery everything from equipment to Nutrition and all the bells and whistles that go along with it. They want Eric to come home Thursday evening for an hour to assess the home to ensure nothing additional is needed. Then we have from Friday - Tuesday to take care of anything that needs attention, whether it be a ramp, bathroom alterations, etc. Can you hear the stress as I type? I'm scared to death. As involved as Carol and I have been, nothing has prepared us for this. Home Health will come in until they feel confident that Eric can handle going to an outpatient facility for rehab. He has another swallow test the end of next week to see if he's ready for the next level. He is now only drinking "nectar" consistency liquids.
There are so many different stages to all of this. In the beginning, we feared that he would never overcome ventilators or even make it through the night. In three short (but LONG) months, he's made so much improvement. The discharge coordinator said today that "he inspires all of us - employees and patients". That's a pretty cool thing, isn't it? He's so driven now. He's very focused on changing and improving now. As I mentioned before, they removed his trach and now there's just a band-aid (another thing that blows my mind). At times, his voice sounds just like it did before.
Please continue to pray for us… all of us. Each week brings us a new set of challenges that we must overcome and adapt to. Our friends (the Johnsons and the Whites) have organized a community Swim-A-Thon this Saturday for the kids at our pool (Black Horse Run) from 10:00 to 12:00. Please come out and cheer on our little swimmers. Eric will be there too. We got a "hall pass" for him to leave DRI for a few hours. He can't wait.
Friday, May 16, 2008
May 16, 2008
Rhonda Writes -
Eric is still making great progress. His trach was removed today!! He's so happy… There's a good size hole that will take time to heal so he's speech is a little impaired because air is escaping through the hole. He had another swallow test and that continues to show improvement. He continue to drink thickening juices, yogurt drinks, V8's, etc. He is really ready for food but that's going to take some more time.
Physical therapy is going well! Eric's is being spotlighted by the hospital for his improvements in a marketing piece. A photographer was snapping shots of him on the treadmill. They have some really cool equipment at the gym in DRI. There is a sling that literally allows Eric to stand but only puts 30 pounds of pressure on his legs. He can practice walking… getting his right leg to cooperate and picking his foot up. He's been wearing a brace on his weak leg to help support himself. He continues to walk with the walker and even climbed some low grade steps today! He held the railing and did side steps. He said it was a challenge but he managed to accomplished it!
He's gained a little weight (up to 124 pounds now) which is encouraging. He's excited about the golf tournament and plans on attending to shake everyone's hand and thank them personally. You guys are amazing. Tom and Chris are working so hard to make this a very special event. We can't wait! Thanks for everyone's support… We love you so!
Eric is still making great progress. His trach was removed today!! He's so happy… There's a good size hole that will take time to heal so he's speech is a little impaired because air is escaping through the hole. He had another swallow test and that continues to show improvement. He continue to drink thickening juices, yogurt drinks, V8's, etc. He is really ready for food but that's going to take some more time.
Physical therapy is going well! Eric's is being spotlighted by the hospital for his improvements in a marketing piece. A photographer was snapping shots of him on the treadmill. They have some really cool equipment at the gym in DRI. There is a sling that literally allows Eric to stand but only puts 30 pounds of pressure on his legs. He can practice walking… getting his right leg to cooperate and picking his foot up. He's been wearing a brace on his weak leg to help support himself. He continues to walk with the walker and even climbed some low grade steps today! He held the railing and did side steps. He said it was a challenge but he managed to accomplished it!
He's gained a little weight (up to 124 pounds now) which is encouraging. He's excited about the golf tournament and plans on attending to shake everyone's hand and thank them personally. You guys are amazing. Tom and Chris are working so hard to make this a very special event. We can't wait! Thanks for everyone's support… We love you so!
Friday, May 9, 2008
May 9, 2008
Rhonda Writes -
Another great day!! Eric walked with assistance (this time I got to watch) and got to drink a yogurt drink! He spoons it into his mouth and turns his head to the right when swallowing. He gets it down the right pipe when he turns his head. :)
His gastro doc stopped in to see him today and was so amazed at Eric's progress. Its so cool to see folks reactions when they see him sitting there smiling back at them. I asked him if he had any idea what a miracle it is to take steps again and he said no, he was just doing his best.
He sent ME flowers to the hospital today for Mother's day. I couldn't believe it. What a sweetie, huh? Speaking of that, Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms out there. We wish everyone a great weekend!
Another great day!! Eric walked with assistance (this time I got to watch) and got to drink a yogurt drink! He spoons it into his mouth and turns his head to the right when swallowing. He gets it down the right pipe when he turns his head. :)
His gastro doc stopped in to see him today and was so amazed at Eric's progress. Its so cool to see folks reactions when they see him sitting there smiling back at them. I asked him if he had any idea what a miracle it is to take steps again and he said no, he was just doing his best.
He sent ME flowers to the hospital today for Mother's day. I couldn't believe it. What a sweetie, huh? Speaking of that, Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms out there. We wish everyone a great weekend!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
May 8, 2008
Rhonda Writes -
Eric walked 65 feet today with his walker. He's surpassing all of their goals. His physical therapist said today that she was having to set more aggressive goals for him because he's doing so well. His voice is stronger too! He's talking non-stop. He passed his first baseline swallow test and they let him have thickened sweet tea and this morning they gave him semi-frozen apple juice this afternoon. He said it was the BEST thing ever. :) I didn't realize its easier to swallow thicker liquids and that water is the most difficult thing to swallow. He has the Level 2 swallow test next week. He's in great spirits and is the life of the party here at DRI. He loves everyone he's working with (and so do we)!!
Eric walked 65 feet today with his walker. He's surpassing all of their goals. His physical therapist said today that she was having to set more aggressive goals for him because he's doing so well. His voice is stronger too! He's talking non-stop. He passed his first baseline swallow test and they let him have thickened sweet tea and this morning they gave him semi-frozen apple juice this afternoon. He said it was the BEST thing ever. :) I didn't realize its easier to swallow thicker liquids and that water is the most difficult thing to swallow. He has the Level 2 swallow test next week. He's in great spirits and is the life of the party here at DRI. He loves everyone he's working with (and so do we)!!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
May 5, 2008
Rhonda Writes -
Well--I'm reporting from Nashville but I heard something really exciting yesterday!! Carol said Eric walked 50 ft with the assistance of a walker yesterday. His therapists were blown away. He's accomplishing things that he shouldn't be able to so. He told me that when I returned he'd be walking and man, I guess he was serious. He's giving it all he's got.
Well--I'm reporting from Nashville but I heard something really exciting yesterday!! Carol said Eric walked 50 ft with the assistance of a walker yesterday. His therapists were blown away. He's accomplishing things that he shouldn't be able to so. He told me that when I returned he'd be walking and man, I guess he was serious. He's giving it all he's got.
Monday, May 5, 2008
May 4, 2008
Rhonda Writes -
Eric is out of control these days… He's going outside in his cool new wheelchair, sitting alone, taking steps by himself in the gym with the assistance of the balance bars. He's going to be running a marathon before I know it. His accomplishments are astonishing to me. When his neurosurgeon told me he most likely wouldn't walk again, I took it at face value. I never told Eric, fearing it would discourage him. So while watching his rehab on Friday, I cried uncontrollable tears. I've probably experienced miracles in the past - not truly realizing they were miracles. But when it happens in front of you and you never thought you'd see it again, it's the most amazing experience. There's no doubt in my mind that God is holding his hand, helping him sit alone and balance himself… holding his legs steady while he takes those first steps… encouraging him to press on and have the will to keep going. He was full of laughter this weekend. Friday night, the kids, Carol, Tom and I sat in his room and cut up until we all had belly aches. It felt so normal. I haven't felt normal in a long time and trust me, it felt GOOD! Our friends Amy & Don visited too and we laughed until I thought Eric was going to have to have a breathing treatment!!! It was so much fun.
I'm leaving tomorrow for Nashville. Maybe I'll get lucky and see Keith Urban! I'm looking forward to a little break, even if it is meetings and such. Eric smiled and told me to have a good time while saying goodbye tonight. It's hard to leave him and the kids… Our lives have changed so much. Every now and then I sit back and take a deep breath wondering how in the world we got to this point. God has a plan. I just hold that near and dear to my heart and press on myself.
Eric is out of control these days… He's going outside in his cool new wheelchair, sitting alone, taking steps by himself in the gym with the assistance of the balance bars. He's going to be running a marathon before I know it. His accomplishments are astonishing to me. When his neurosurgeon told me he most likely wouldn't walk again, I took it at face value. I never told Eric, fearing it would discourage him. So while watching his rehab on Friday, I cried uncontrollable tears. I've probably experienced miracles in the past - not truly realizing they were miracles. But when it happens in front of you and you never thought you'd see it again, it's the most amazing experience. There's no doubt in my mind that God is holding his hand, helping him sit alone and balance himself… holding his legs steady while he takes those first steps… encouraging him to press on and have the will to keep going. He was full of laughter this weekend. Friday night, the kids, Carol, Tom and I sat in his room and cut up until we all had belly aches. It felt so normal. I haven't felt normal in a long time and trust me, it felt GOOD! Our friends Amy & Don visited too and we laughed until I thought Eric was going to have to have a breathing treatment!!! It was so much fun.
I'm leaving tomorrow for Nashville. Maybe I'll get lucky and see Keith Urban! I'm looking forward to a little break, even if it is meetings and such. Eric smiled and told me to have a good time while saying goodbye tonight. It's hard to leave him and the kids… Our lives have changed so much. Every now and then I sit back and take a deep breath wondering how in the world we got to this point. God has a plan. I just hold that near and dear to my heart and press on myself.
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