Wow, I don’t think we have ever had a day at Magee that went by as quickly as today. Sam and I got there a little late this morning due to the lovely Philadelphia traffic, so we only caught the last half of his first PT session. Lucky for us, though, we did get to observe his driving skills yet again, as he terrorized the employees and patients of Magee, in the power wheelchair. All kidding aside, there was much improvement since his last driving experience. There were no circles today. Honestly, I was a little disappointed, I really get a kick out of hearing his devilish laugh when he does it! After PT, we went to view a video and get information on portable showers and wheelchairs used specifically in showers. Amazing how far technology has come and even more amazing is the cost of that technology! After that we went back to his room and he did the trach collar for about 20 minutes unti lunch came. He was just beginning to eat when he had to move to a conference room where we (Aaron, Sam and I) met with Aaron’s doctor and some other key players in Aaron’s rehab. We conferenced in Aaron’s dad and step-mom, as well as Jaime, over the phone. When that was over, we went back to Aaron’s room and again he started to eat his lunch, and a doctor came in the room to talk to him. Two minutes later, while the doctor was still there, a Physical Therapist showed up to take him to PT. Rather than fight over Aaron, the PT time was changed, the doctor stayed, Sam and I left to eat lunch and poor Aaron STILL didn’t have his lunch. Finally, at 3:00, the doctor left, the Physical Therapist came back to his room to get him and I INSISTED the poor guy eat his lunch before he does one more thing!!! So, he quickly gulped down a somewhat cool Sloppy Joe and then he was off to PT. He got to play pinball for the second time today. He activates the flippers with controls placed behind his shoulders. He really does well and enjoys that.
After we returned to his room, he decided he wanted to do the trach collar again. He was hooked up, ready to go, but he just didn’t feel well doing it. He was able to last 20 minutes, but it didn’t go nearly as well as it had the day before. He asked to stop, which was fine, not a problem. After the trach collar is removed, Aaron often gets more secretions than normal and his trach has to be suctioned, not a big deal. Today, however, there was some secretion that the Respiratory Therapist couldn’t get to move up or down with normal suctioning. He used a “bag” on Aaron, which forced air down Aaron’s trach. Eventually, the secretions moved and Aaron felt much better. This kind of activity, though, really wears him out. He asked to be put into bed and that’s exactly what happened. So when we left Magee today at 6:00, Aaron was being put into his bed, extremely worn out.
Forgive me for all the details. I just want you to understand what a typical day is like for Aaron and for you to understand how days like this can really wear him out.
Tomorrow’s another day, Aaron. We’ll continue to work on gaining time on that trach collar!
Aaron:
You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We read what a typical day is for you which really puts things into perspective. Even though we don’t know exactly what you are going through, we encourage you to continue to stay strong and positive.
Barry & Brenda
I’m exhausted just reading about your day! ! !
Aaron, so glad to hear you are getting better and stronger every day. Stay strong and keep fighting! Enjoy your weekend of football! — Jess
Aaron, I’m so happy to hear about your progress. Keep setting your goals high – we achieve success only by failing first and failing many times but then persist with resolve & success will happen. You are already seeing it. What causes the eagle to lift his wings & stretch out? It’s that he has his eye on something he wants and expects to get it; patient and persistent expectation. Ask God to show you how. You’re doing great. Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and then what we can’t see happening now will become evident because we believe it. I love you. See you soon.
Aaron,
It was good to hear you speak up for yourself during the conference call yesterday. We are all here for you but ultimately you are the one who has the final say concerning your care. There will always be bumps in the road but as you struggle to get over them gather strength coming down the other side to face the challenges of a new day.
We will see you bright & early tomorrow and can’t wait to see your smiling face.
We love you so much!
Dad & Gina
Diane,
Thanks for the details. I have nothing but positive thoughts about Aaron and the ending results, but it really puts it in perspective on what Aaron’s days really can be like. It makes me want to pray more and encourage him more, because we know it isn’t easy, but we aren’t him and truly don’t know how tough it is.
Aaron,
All I can say is I love you and I hope today is an easier day. I hope you get to eat a good hot lunch. If there is anything special you would like to eat, let Brian know and I will make it and have Brian deliver it to you. If you like chicken corn soup, I made some last week, Brian has some in his freezer, he can share it with you. Caroline and Brian said it was pretty good. Anything you want, just ask. Love you!!!
Glad you’ve become a better driver.
Love you lover face!
XOXO
bOO
Erin
I hope I didn’t scare the beJesus out of you when I showed up. It was great talking with you on my last visit. Just seeing your wonderful smile inspires me, I can only imagine what you do to others. Keep up the awesome work. Your Always in my prayers.
Sometimes we judge things by the obvious…Our Time!! God’s works MUCH BETTER!! I can hear your giggles in the wheelchair… EXCELLENT WORK my man!!! xo
Aaron,
I hope you are having sloppy joe when I visit in a few weeks so that I can sing Adam Sandlers sloppy joe song. Not a minute goes by that I’m not thinking of you. Day by day man, just keep doing what you can!!
Love you,
Bill