Dave's first email

Actually it is #2. I sent a note to Doug Park, my boss at ACH-Visteon last week. It took about 30 minutes to type a couple of paragraphs. I make a lot of mistakes because my right hand still feels like "pins and needles." Not sure if and when my right side will finally wake up. Some might say I've been asleep for quite a while! I am not allowed to drive yet so Melody has to drive me eveywhere...mainly therapy in Ann Arbor almost every day. Yeh, I know I need Help.

I would like to thank everyone for writing in. Melody read them to me as I could not read fine print until this week. My eyesight is much better. 2 weeks ago they put some coins in front of me and they were just a blur. Last week I could see them perfectly. I graduated to a cane this week, sure beats the walker. Melody still pushes me in a wheel chair for long distances. I think maybe in a week or two my legs will at least be strong enough to walk without equipment. I am taking all kinds of therapy...I know some of you probably thought I needed it before......finding out what I can and cannot do. My eyesight and strength are almost normal and that is a good start.

One of the hardest things is not being able to do much unless it can be done standing in place. At least I can load and unload the dishwasher. It takes a while but I can do it. My thought now is that I will be able to return to work in January. I will need to get doctor's approval to drive again. At least with a sock and shoe on, my right foot almost feels normal. I'm not sure how my driving will be affected by the numbness in right side if it doesn't go away. Doctor was not sure if and when the feeling will come back.

I am doing well especially considering what happened and all of the associated complications. I'm on my way back. Thanks for all the notes, calls, and prayers as they appear to have worked!

Dave

Monday morning ...

We had a busy and yet relaxing weekend, with Dave watching TV in between visits from home nurses, etc. We slept in, relaxed in our jammies, and worked on getting used to being home again. On Sunday, I roasted a turkey and even made acceptable gravy!...a first! I can already tell that TV is not going to cut it for DAve and I...there just isn't anything to watch! I am reading him chapters of the new Grishom book, "Playing for Pizza"...we enjoy it in between physical therapy, etc.

Believe it or not, a person can keep extremely busy just being the personal assistant to a person who has returned home in need of physical therapy, etc. His calendar is quite full!! But he will make allowances for friends!!!

We went for a long walk today to enjoy the fall weather...I pushed the wheelchair, Dave critiqued my steering skills...I had quite a workout! The Dr. said no need to restrict diet right now, so believe it or not, we are having Pizza tonite!!!

All is well, we are forging ahead, and Dave says Hi to all.
Melody

He's Home!

Everything went smoothly. Dave is doing well, currently taking a long nap in his own bed ! I think that I will have to wake hime up so that he will sleep later tonight! He is doing very well with the walker and had no problems with the 5 steps on the back porch. It's wonderful to have him here!
Melody

Rehab 101

Sorry that it has been so long since I have updated the Blog. We have been so busy. Dave was transported by ambulance to Chelsea Hospital in Chelsea MI (20 mins W of Ann Arbor) last Week. His first Day was a bit tough as he had a long ride on a narrow bed, and later, his blood pressure took a huge drop into the low 70s. This had the result of making both of us nervous about the move, and evidently made the rehab Dr. nervous as well. They held Dave back from any actual rehab until the consulting cardiologist could see Dave that night.
The cardiologist was very thorough - he took an hour just to review Dave's extensive file. He felt that maybe the transfer had stressed Dave and also that he might be on too heavy a medication for blood pressure, so he reduced it slightly and put Dave on a halter monitor so that a continuous EKG would be recorded. After a couple of days of low-key rehab, his blood pressure rose into the 110ish level, and DAve felt more energetic and less light headed.
Since then, Dave has learned a lot. EVerything from dressing himself, bathing, walking with a walker, maintaining balance, exercising and some other therapies. He has been busy and usually is committed to three hours a day of therapy of one kind or another.
I originally tried to get DAve moved to U of M where their acute rehab was based at a hospital that has a cardiac unit...it was nerve racking that Chelsea does not have a cardiologist, in the event of an emergency, DAve would have to be transported to U of M. But I had no success with finding a better situation, and now it appears that Dave will probably come home on Friday the 12th, so I am not as afraid.

Today, I have been thrilled to be able to get DAve in to see his new cardiologist tomorrow!!! This is great news, as we have been on a wait list until the end of the month, and I have been afraid to have him home outside of the supervision of his cardiologist...so I feel much better. It will be hectic tomorrow to go from rehab to cardiologist to rehab, to home...but it will be worth it in peace of mind!

I have not had much time with DAve in rehab, as it is a good 45min drive to Chelsea daily and while I am there with Dave until mid evening, there is no internet wireless in the hospital. With him home, I will have more opportunity to keep up.
I would expect, with the transition, that Dave will probably not be up to vists right away. The DR. explained that transitions are the most volatile time for Dave so I need to keep him calm and stress free. I know that Dave will want to see people, but I suggest that in a few days you call me first to see whats best - my phone is 248-505-7277.

Thank you again for everything...especially the prayers, and keep them coming!
Melody

Returning Closer to Home...

We will be leaving tomorrow am for Chelsea Rehabilitation at Chelsea Hospital. U of M did not pan out, they were concerned that it was too demanding for Dave at this point, so Chelsea was recommended. Wish it was closer to Northville, but whatever is best for Dave is fine.
The ambulance will take Dave at 8am Wedn, I will drive myself and all of our stuff from the cottage. We have a little trepidation, but are ready for the next step.Can't wait to see everyone. Love to all, Mel and Dave