Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Updatage

So its been 2 weeks since the last post. Things are looking reasonably good. But I'll give the run down as things happened.

I was down here for 4 days before I headed back to Sydney. I wasn't really ready to go, but my uncle had to head back, and I'd gotten a ride with him, so I kind of had to. Plus Dad was reasonably stable, but still constantly sedated. And I needed to get back to some sort of routine to keep me as sane as possible.

Now, sane as possible really means functional. I stopped eating, and when I did eat it was a continual thing. Then I'd get nauseous and throw it all up again. I'd get panic attacks, want to sleep all the time if I wasn't working, and my libido has disappeared. My first day back at work was really rough. I was there for a week and for the remainder of the time, I was fixing simple mistakes I'd made on that first day back.

Dad had an MRI on Monday or Tuesday. It showed some damage to the area that controls motor control, cognition, speech, emotions, and learning.

On Wednesday the doctors asked permission to do a tracheostomy. This was done on Thursday, and he was left under sedation for the remainder of the day.

On Friday they let him come out from sedation. And he's been up ever since. I found out mid-morning and immediately arranged to head down for the whole of the next (which is really this) week. I was a bit scared because he seemed unresponsive. And we didn't know if it was because of the coma or the brain damage.

I got in Saturday night and went straight to the hospital. I felt bad because I was shocked and relieved at the improvement, and I started crying, and Dad seemed upset. He seemed to have difficulty focusing, and I didn't know how long that would last for, or if it would ever go away.

Since then he's been coming ahead in leaps and bounds. He still has the trach tube in, so can't really talk. But he did laugh at the fact that I have to wait til payday to be able to afford the trip back. He spoke to me today through the trach tube. I asked him how he was and he said 'yeah, good'. Lying bugger. I don't know how he'll go with recovery. He seems very weak, and he is in pain, serious pain. But he is moving around and lifting his ams. The nurse was amazed at how he's doing. The speech patholigist was there today, doing tests on his swallowing reflex. He may be able to have solid food this afternoon. Well, as solid as squishy processed fruit gets.

Its a relief to know that even though he's going to do it tough, he's still the same person inside. Pretty good to see it, considering the news I got 2 weeks ago.

****FURTHER UPDATAGE**** Dad got moved into rehab today. He's out of hospital wards altogether. woot!

27 comments:

Lad Litter said...

Thrilled that solid progress has been made. Your dad must be very resilient, just as you are. Thoughts with you.

MissE said...

So glad for the change in the forecast, Phish. My thoughts are still with you and your family.

Hugs.

kimba said...

great to hear your dad is making good progress.. so great.

keep going mr phish!

xx

LẌ said...

Best wishes.

Ms Smack said...

Wow at his having a giggle at you! haha.

I hope he's on the mend ASAP and back to his normal jovial lovely self.

xx

Fanny said...

Great to hear that he is making progress and even having a laugh. All the best, Phish, and I'm thinking of him and you.

Fanny xx

Fusion said...

Glad to hear the good news, here's to a speedy and complete recovery!

The Mutant said...

Hoorah for the good news! You know what old country blokes like our fathers are like though Phish, you couldn't kill em with a friggin' hammer!

Good to hear about the progress he's making, now don't forget to takea little moment out to spoil yourself too. I think you've earnt it.

Spiky Zora Jones said...

wonderful. He is doing wonderfully...I'm glad for him, for you and the rest of your family. :)

suze2000 said...

What a relief for you and your family. I hope that your father continues to improve and makes a full (or near-full) recovery. :)

unique_stephen said...

Good to hear he is doing well.

fingers said...

Wonderful news Phish.
Best wishes to your Dad and the family.
xxx

Cazzie!!! said...

Absolutely wonderful news Phish. I do know how hard it is personally and as a nurse too.
Your Dad, I am sure they have explained, will be very tired..even after sitting out of bed for 30 mins or more. Yet, slowly but surely things will resolve. One day at a time is how you and everyone you love wil have t take it.
I am so relived to read this blog post homey..
Smooches and if you wanna email me then feel free too. I am working night shift later this week and will keep checking in :)

*~Dani~* said...

Phish - this is great news! It sounds like your dad has made major improvements! I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and continue to send well wishes his way!

Jenny Schimak said...

It was nice to read that your Dad is improving daily. He must be a strong and brave man.Hope the trend continues.

jillie said...

I am hear from Cazzie! Hang in there. Sounds like your dad is a strong person from the inside.

Anonymous said...

I'm really glad for you and your family Phishy and I'm sorry this has been such a hard time. Prayers and love and big cuddles. xxxx

Allison said...

Wonderful news. Wishing the best for recovery.

Anonymous said...

All the best to you sweety...

phishez said...

****FURTHER UPDATAGE**** Dad got moved into rehab today. He's out of hospital wards altogether. woot!

Thanks for all of your kind thoughts and prayers. It really does mean heaps to me, and to my family too.

Cazzie!!! said...

Bloody brilliang news honey...one day at a time together is all it takes..,and lots of rest in between. Huggs all round.

Ms Smack said...

oh wonderful news...

Keshi said...

Heard the news from Caz. Keep the faith darlin!

*HUGZ*

Keshi.

Maggie said...

It all sounds rough but hang in there, toots. It sounds like things are slowly looking up.

And you need to take care of yourself in the process or you won't be good for anyone either- so stay strong too!

*kisses and hugs*

Moi said...

That is great news! I hope it all goes well, x

Memphis said...

I'm so glad to hear that things have improved so much. My dad went through that and I know how it feels to sit and watch, not knowing how he's going to turn out. I know he is going through a rough time, but so are you. It's hard on everyone who cares for him. I hope you're doing OK.

Ms Smack said...

How's tricks, Phish?