Hi Everyone,

Sorry, no updates lately, been busy with work and running back and forth to the hospital.  My husband is back in our hometown hospital getting rehab.  He has been here for 2 weeks tomorrow and he is already walking.  Yesterday he was walking, (a little unsteady still) with the guidance of a physiotherapist.  They started him on thickened apple juice, orange juice, and after 3 days, he is now being given mached potatoes, pureed veggies, gravy, pudding and yogurt.  What worries me though is that he still isn't speaking.  He is getting out small words (sometimes mumbled) here and there, but no speech yet.  Surgery was just over a month ago!  It seems like such a small thing to be worried about considering everything else that has improved, but it is still so important.  They're looking at taking the feeding tube out of his nose soon, they are just giving him nutrition through it during the night.  Continued prayers for everyone.

Hi,

Glad to hear about your husband.  If he is not speaking, can you converse with him  in sign language.  I have taken a few ASL (American Sign Language) classes.  It is easy to learn =- - at least you can start with spelling words.

Just a thought -

Keep us up to date on his recovery

Janice

Thanks for the suggestions, but his right arm and hand has no fine motor skills thanks to a stroke last year and his left hand is still recovering from this latest stroke after surgery and has no fine motor skills.  He is getting little words out here and there, but they sound very forced and he is out of breath once he is finished trying to get it out.  More good news though, I saw him up and walking yesterday, with only an arm guiding him.  Yippee!!

Hi
That is great news about your husband up and walking!! .  I have to say I agree with everyone about the signing, I too have a daughter with Down Syndrome so we learned some basic sign like eat, drink, more, bathroom-we still use this one when we are in public places because its easier than hollering "I'm going to the bathroom"  ; anyway the signs for basic communication could be done with his left arm and slight hand gestures-I would at least ask his speech pathologist if it may be an option??  Good luck and may he continue on the road to recovery.

Hi Everyone,

Sorry there haven't been any updates lately.  I've been so busy going from work, home, then to the hospital, I've been getting home at about 10 or 11 o'clock each night, then the cycle starts all over again.  My husband has been in our local hospital for almost 2 months and the improvements are astonishing!!  He is walking now, with a gentle hand beside him, his balance isn't 100% yet.  His left hand is coming along, he can make a fist, but no fine motor skills yet, but we've been told the fine motor skills are the last to come.  I'm hoping the damage done to his left hand isn't nearly as bad as the stroke last year was to his right arm and hand.  His attitue and spirit is phenomenol.  I don't know where he gets it.  He still has a feeding tube in his nose, but right now, that is mostly for his cholesterol and blood pressue medication. He is getting heparin injections directly into his badly bruised belly.  He was started on thickened fluids 1 week after being home and within a day or 2, he was started on pureed food.  He is actually chewing now and I think that is what amazes me most.  Just watching him chew just leaves me in aw.  Never thought something so small would make me happy.  They are now counting his calorie intake each day, maybe lower the feeding supplement he is getting through the tube each night. Maybe soon, he will get rid of the feeding tube.  Still no talking though.  He is getting some words out, but he is mostly saying 1 word things.  I know what he is saying when he tries to talk, just because I know him so well.  The hospital has supplies him with a small computer so he can "talk" or ask questions.  There are plans in the works to ship him out to a university or college where they actually have a rehab floor and better speech.  We only have a speech theraist here and he needs more, speech pathologist, just better technology.  Needless to say he has come a long way in 1 month. I will try to keep everyone updated!  Thanks for the good thoughts, I will also keep sending them out for everyone!!!

Sorry I haven't gotten into your postings, but I have been reading them and keeping up.  I am so glad to hear it is getting better for h8im. But I bet it isn't much better for you yet! So,,, take care of yourself,,, get your rest.  You will be able to help him more. But I am VERY HAPPY  to hear he is finally improving!!!!!!!!!! GREAT!!!!!    Let us know how it goes when you have the time.  MJS

Great news.  He's moving forward and it's obvious your inspiration will get him back in the groove soon.  Keep us posted.  That's absolutely wonderful.
                            Ron