Daily Archives: October 4, 2009

Aaron had a good day today in every way.    When my sister, Deb, and I arrived at Magee this morning, we were confronted by Aaron’s Respitory Therapist who told us that he was doing the trach collar (he was off the vent) and fell asleep doing it!  So, he was still in bed and we didn’t want to wake him, so we didn’t go into his room.  When he finally woke up, we found out he had managed the collar  for 2 1/2 hours!   Now they could get him out of bed and ready for the day.   He wasn’t interested in the breakfast that was served (what, Aaron, you don’t like cold, rubbery eggs??) so he drank a chocolate Boost.  By that time, the rest of today’s visitors showed up (Aaron’s Aunt Den, Uncle Ed and Uncle Charlie).   After everyone fussed all over Aaron, he had to leave his room to go to Physical Therapy. 

PT was scheduled for 11:00 this morning, and it  actually started ON TIME! (That’s a sure way to make Aaron  happy!)  The therapist worked out both his arms, then gave him some electrical stimulation on his left arm.  That is amazing to watch; when the electricity moves through the electrodes into his arm, you can see his muscles tighten up.   The therapist rested his arm on a board and when the electricity was sent to his arm, his arm would move across the board.   Aaron can feel the movement, however, at this time, cannot initiate it on his own.  (But I have faith that he’ll be able to do that one day on his own! ) 

After therapy, we ALL went back to his room and visited for a little while.  About 12:15, lunch was served and he ate every drop of it.  He started out with Chicken Gumbo, then had a hot turkey sandwich and green beans.  I thought I was being slick by giving him a  bit of green beans with every bite of turkey, thinking he wasn’t realizing it, but he called me out on it…..but I continued to do it anyway and he continued to eat it!    After he was done eating, he sort of kicked us all out because he wanted to relax and watch some football. (And I guess we were getting on his nerves!)  We went across the street to eat and when we returned, to our surprise, the Respiratory Therapist said he had asked to be put back on the trach collar and when I walked into his room, he was sound asleep again (sitting in his wheelchair).  We didn’t wake him and this time he stayed off the vent for 2 hours!   When he woke up he was surprised that two hours had passed.  He also said he thought today’s time off the vent was so much easier than in times past.  That was great to hear, because we all know it is a struggle for him.   So, 4 1/2 hours totally off the vent today.  How good is that?????

Aunt Den fed him supper (BBQ chicken, baked beans, cherry jello) while I turned on his laptop and read him comments from the blog and facebook.  (He really enjoys that, so please continue to comment! ) 

 Aaron was “full of himself” today;  he harrassed me every opportunity he got,  shared his sarcastic wit with all of us and it was WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!

We left Magee today when they were getting ready to put Aaron to bed.  He was ANXIOUSLY awaiting Jaime’s arrival after her weekend away.   I wish I could have been there to see that smile he gets when she walks into the room.  But I am sure both Jaime and Aaron were glad I wasn’t there!!!!   So, yep, it was a GREAT day!

When Gina & I arrived at Magee Saturday morning we found Aaron’s room door closed. We know from experience that this means that they are prepping (dressing/transferring from bed to chair/morning hygiene) Aaron for the day. His door finally opened around 10:00. Unfortunately, unknown to Aaron his breakfast had come & gone while he was getting prepped. We had someone bring it back but because he had therapy at 10:00 he didn’t have time to eat it, so off to the gym we went. After we arrived at the gym it was discovered that there was no one assigned to do his therapy so it was rescheduled for 2:00. Although he was irritated this was actually OK because it gave Aaron an opportunity to eat breakfast (bacon & eggs) which he devoured.

Dave (respiratory therapists) instructed Gina & I on how to suction Aaron and we did upper body range of motion with Aaron.  An early afternoon attempt on the trach collar did not last long partly because I believe that Aaron was not in the right frame of mind from his missed therapy session. He really looks forward to the physical activity. Lunch (bar-b-que chicken/broccoli/tater tots) came which Aaron attacked.

Off to the gym again for the rescheduled afternoon therapy session which……you got it…..got interrupted. We asked to be set up in the family lounge where Gina, Aaron & I watched the PSU vs. Illinois game which we enjoyed. Followed by dinner (spaghetti w/ clam sauce) which Aaron also enjoyed. Back to his room where his 7:30 shower got pushed back to 8:30. Needless to say we were all exhausted and Aaron was having trouble staying awake for his shower.

Having said all off that it didn’t sound like the best of days. However, we have changed what we consider a good day to be.

Aaron did not have a fever. He no longer has an I.V. stuck in him. His appetite is great (I now understand where the nickname lunchbox came from). The peg tube (used for feeding before he could eat solid food) is no longer being used and could be removed in the near future. We got to watch football together and comment on the game with him. We got to see him smile and spend the day with him.

IT WAS A GOOD DAY!

For those of you who are praying for Aaron pray specifically for peace, strength & healing.

We love you Aaron.