I had my check-up this morning with the trauma team doctor and he is very pleased with my respiratory progress and overall healing. He's making a few changes to my meds, but basically said he was going to focus his energies on sick people from this point forward. He mentioned something about never wanting to see me in there again, but I'm not quite sure how to take his comments.
The cardiologist has scheduled my stent clean-out for the week of July 4 and it will be done on an outpatient basis in Tyler. The recovery from this point forward will take another 6-8 weeks, but I'm gaining strength with every passing day.
We are bringing this blog to a close as it looks like my health problems are on the mend and one day not too far from now my bike will be fixed and I will off riding it again, trying to keep the rubber down. Rhonda and I would like to thank Tim for creating and maintaing this blog and thank all of you again who were following this blog. Your prayers, kind words of encouragement and support have been more appreciated than you will ever know.
We will be back in Carrollton this weekend and look forward to seeing everyone there soon!
Love & Appreciation,
Phil & Rhonda
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Day 32 - Final Disbursement
I am very pleased to advise that we will be making a final disbursement to Rhonda and Phil in the amount of $480. With this disbursement, I will be closing the beneficiary account.
Thank you again for your support of this very special family.
Thank you again for your support of this very special family.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Day 29 - Discharge +6
It could happen...
This morning, Phil woke early and made a pot of coffee. He went out to the garage for about an hour to tinker on a project he started a couple of months ago. Once that was done, he mowed the yard...using a push mower. Hot and sweaty, he then took a 30 minute swim across the cove and back, stopping only once to rest.
No, none of this happened, but in Phil's mind there is no doubt that he will regain that level of strength and endurance.
He has been religious about his hourly respiratory therapy and pushes himself to improve a little each day. With his clavicle mending, Phil can't do much to work out his upper body. But his leg strength is good, with the walks around the retail stores curtailed only when his ribs and clavicle begin to hurt. He's also returning to his chatty self and I understand he has spoken with many of you over the phone on occasion.
Accidents do happen...and sometimes, just sometimes, so do miracles.
This morning, Phil woke early and made a pot of coffee. He went out to the garage for about an hour to tinker on a project he started a couple of months ago. Once that was done, he mowed the yard...using a push mower. Hot and sweaty, he then took a 30 minute swim across the cove and back, stopping only once to rest.
No, none of this happened, but in Phil's mind there is no doubt that he will regain that level of strength and endurance.
He has been religious about his hourly respiratory therapy and pushes himself to improve a little each day. With his clavicle mending, Phil can't do much to work out his upper body. But his leg strength is good, with the walks around the retail stores curtailed only when his ribs and clavicle begin to hurt. He's also returning to his chatty self and I understand he has spoken with many of you over the phone on occasion.
Accidents do happen...and sometimes, just sometimes, so do miracles.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Day 28 - Discharge +5
Rhonda and Phil seen terrorizing Tyler retail outlets...
A couple of days ago, I mentioned that Phil and Rhonda were planning an excursion to Wal-Mart for indoor walking. When I heard of this outing, I had visions of the joke about all the pranks the (bored) retired gentlemen pulled in a Wal-Mart while shopping with his wife. On Thursday, they stopped at the local Brookshires grocery store for a bar of soap. After pushing a grocery cart up and down each and every isle, they arrived at the check-out counter with....a bar of soap. Local police reports indicate a couple fitting their description also loitered in CVS Pharmacy on Friday. Local residents and business owners have been warned to be on alert and report suspicious activity immediately.
On Friday, Phil met with the cardiologist for a progress check. His EKG and vitals were all fine, but they did make a few adjustments to his meds. No immediate rush on the stent clean-out, but he will probably have that done in 8-10 weeks. The next doctor visit (with the trauma team doctors) is scheduled forTuesday Wednesday.
Best of all, both Phil and Rhonda are in great spirits...thanks to your encouragement.
A couple of days ago, I mentioned that Phil and Rhonda were planning an excursion to Wal-Mart for indoor walking. When I heard of this outing, I had visions of the joke about all the pranks the (bored) retired gentlemen pulled in a Wal-Mart while shopping with his wife. On Thursday, they stopped at the local Brookshires grocery store for a bar of soap. After pushing a grocery cart up and down each and every isle, they arrived at the check-out counter with....a bar of soap. Local police reports indicate a couple fitting their description also loitered in CVS Pharmacy on Friday. Local residents and business owners have been warned to be on alert and report suspicious activity immediately.
On Friday, Phil met with the cardiologist for a progress check. His EKG and vitals were all fine, but they did make a few adjustments to his meds. No immediate rush on the stent clean-out, but he will probably have that done in 8-10 weeks. The next doctor visit (with the trauma team doctors) is scheduled for
Best of all, both Phil and Rhonda are in great spirits...thanks to your encouragement.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Thank you from Phil
I just recently realized that for the past few weeks I had a problem. Although I really don’t remember much about what I was going through, nor why I was where I was, I do remember seeing Rhonda’s eyes staring at me and hearing her tell me how much she loved me and that she was there with me to keep me with her. Well, I thought I knew that, so why was she repeating it so often. Maybe she knew something I didn’t.
Well as it turns out I was where I was, in the condition I was in, because I apparently had tried to perform a few “stupid pet tricks” while also trying to ride my bike. Trust me when I tell you that the two don’t mix well together. That’s what had gotten me to where I was and Rhonda staring at me.Fast forward a few days to today and although I still don’t remember much about what has been going on the past few weeks I have come to realize the severity of the situation. But I’m feeling much better today and every day seems to show improvement. So now I wanted to know what’s been going on during my hibernation period. And what I’ve learned about my family and friends has touched me deeper than I ever thought possible. I’ve had a chance to read this blog that Tim put together. Thank you Tim. Posting the updates allowed my family and friends to stay up to date when no one was allowed in to see me. The kind words, the positive attitudes and simply the time spent by all to write the words of care and encouragement has made me stop and remember how special you all are to me. Thank you for the money you sent us to help cover the medical expenses. It is very much appreciated and needed. I don’t know how else to thank you and to tell you how much all this means to me. I can’t wait for the day that we can all get together for a group hug. In the words of the great John Wayne “Life is hard. It’s even harder when you’re stupid.” Well I’m going to try not to do the stupid things in the future, like riding my bike upside down, and hopefully make my life a little less hard. Phil
Well as it turns out I was where I was, in the condition I was in, because I apparently had tried to perform a few “stupid pet tricks” while also trying to ride my bike. Trust me when I tell you that the two don’t mix well together. That’s what had gotten me to where I was and Rhonda staring at me.Fast forward a few days to today and although I still don’t remember much about what has been going on the past few weeks I have come to realize the severity of the situation. But I’m feeling much better today and every day seems to show improvement. So now I wanted to know what’s been going on during my hibernation period. And what I’ve learned about my family and friends has touched me deeper than I ever thought possible. I’ve had a chance to read this blog that Tim put together. Thank you Tim. Posting the updates allowed my family and friends to stay up to date when no one was allowed in to see me. The kind words, the positive attitudes and simply the time spent by all to write the words of care and encouragement has made me stop and remember how special you all are to me. Thank you for the money you sent us to help cover the medical expenses. It is very much appreciated and needed. I don’t know how else to thank you and to tell you how much all this means to me. I can’t wait for the day that we can all get together for a group hug. In the words of the great John Wayne “Life is hard. It’s even harder when you’re stupid.” Well I’m going to try not to do the stupid things in the future, like riding my bike upside down, and hopefully make my life a little less hard. Phil
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Day 26 - Discharge +3
Progress continues. Phil's appetite for solid food is starting to pick-up, with a turkey sandwich being the splurge dejour. He's getting stronger with each passing day and working on building his stamina. Perhaps most remarkable is he is minding Rhonda!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Day 25 - Discharge +2
"Momma, let's go to Wal-Mart!"
After just one day, Phil has "worn-out" his little walking path inside the house, "I've seen all the interesting sights!". Rhonda keeps a close eye on him and, somehow, he talked her into letting him go outside and into the garage just for some new scenery. At last report, they were planning a trip to Wal-Mart later today or tomorrow so that he could walk more in an cooled environment.
The bed adjustments worked great - he slept soundly and uninterrupted. And his tube wounds are healing well, even the trach hole, which was one of the last to be removed. We haven't weighed him yet (can't get him to stand still long enough), but my guess is he's lost 25-30 lbs on the "crash" diet.
Pardon the pun.
After just one day, Phil has "worn-out" his little walking path inside the house, "I've seen all the interesting sights!". Rhonda keeps a close eye on him and, somehow, he talked her into letting him go outside and into the garage just for some new scenery. At last report, they were planning a trip to Wal-Mart later today or tomorrow so that he could walk more in an cooled environment.
The bed adjustments worked great - he slept soundly and uninterrupted. And his tube wounds are healing well, even the trach hole, which was one of the last to be removed. We haven't weighed him yet (can't get him to stand still long enough), but my guess is he's lost 25-30 lbs on the "crash" diet.
Pardon the pun.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Day 24 - Discharge +1
Did you hear the one about...
Phil 's first full day home was spent making the little adjustments that will help the recovery along. We moved a recliner over so that he'd have a few more seating options, adjusted the bed mattress to slightly elevate his head which helps his breathing, and he memorized the daytime TV schedule so that he can time his naps around Oprah and American Chopper - The Series. He's mapped out an indoor walking trail complete with random moguls (the dogs) where he can practice his "old man shuffle". Actually, his stride is pretty strong - slower than normal, but strong.
He's able to laugh now without the excrutiating rib pain and is starting to joke around and tell jokes. And trust me, he could use some new material (hint, time to kick-up the joke emails and comments again). All-in-all, he's off to a great start on a 6-8 week recovery...and determined to do all the right things to make it shorter.
Phil 's first full day home was spent making the little adjustments that will help the recovery along. We moved a recliner over so that he'd have a few more seating options, adjusted the bed mattress to slightly elevate his head which helps his breathing, and he memorized the daytime TV schedule so that he can time his naps around Oprah and American Chopper - The Series. He's mapped out an indoor walking trail complete with random moguls (the dogs) where he can practice his "old man shuffle". Actually, his stride is pretty strong - slower than normal, but strong.
He's able to laugh now without the excrutiating rib pain and is starting to joke around and tell jokes. And trust me, he could use some new material (hint, time to kick-up the joke emails and comments again). All-in-all, he's off to a great start on a 6-8 week recovery...and determined to do all the right things to make it shorter.
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