About Dave Kingston
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Dave is Using His New Chair
For some time, we have wanted to post a picture of Dave so you can see how well he is doing. Here is a picture of Dave taken on 22 October during his physical therapy session by Dave Jr. The woman in the picture is Darlene, his physical therapist, who is coaching him while he supports himself sitting on the edge of his bed.
As you know from my earlier posts, Dave's physical therapist has been trying to procure a special type of wheelchair to use with Dave. She has spent several weeks now trying to locate a chair for rental. In typical Kingston fashion, Dave Jr. wasn't going to let Dave miss out on the benefits of this chair because of administrative red tape. Dave Jr. set out on Monday to locate a chair, initiated the rental, and delivered it to DaySpring all on the same day. I'm happy to report that Dave is enjoying the chair, and is working up to sitting for 8 hours a day. He hasn't been wheeled out of the room yet, but that is also on the list of upcoming events.
Dave has been busy with visitors over the last week. Thanks to all of you who stopped by. Even though he can't talk, which makes visiting a bit one-sided, Dave loves having you stop by and is always cheered up by your visits.
For some time, we have wanted to post a picture of Dave so you can see how well he is doing. Here is a picture of Dave taken on 22 October during his physical therapy session by Dave Jr. The woman in the picture is Darlene, his physical therapist, who is coaching him while he supports himself sitting on the edge of his bed.
As you know from my earlier posts, Dave's physical therapist has been trying to procure a special type of wheelchair to use with Dave. She has spent several weeks now trying to locate a chair for rental. In typical Kingston fashion, Dave Jr. wasn't going to let Dave miss out on the benefits of this chair because of administrative red tape. Dave Jr. set out on Monday to locate a chair, initiated the rental, and delivered it to DaySpring all on the same day. I'm happy to report that Dave is enjoying the chair, and is working up to sitting for 8 hours a day. He hasn't been wheeled out of the room yet, but that is also on the list of upcoming events.
Dave has been busy with visitors over the last week. Thanks to all of you who stopped by. Even though he can't talk, which makes visiting a bit one-sided, Dave loves having you stop by and is always cheered up by your visits.
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Continued Improvement in All Areas
Remember when I told you that no news is good news? It's been almost a week since I've had enough news to post. In this time, Dave has continued to improve in all areas.
Physical Therapy -- The therapist ordered a special chair for Dave to use, and it still hasn't arrived. This means that he hasn't been sitting up for 8 hours a day as planned. Instead, he is going through his regular therapy, making progress every day. He's sitting on the edge of his bed for 30 minutes at a time, supporting himself. This is a lot more work than sitting up in a chair because it requires him to use muscles in his trunk, shoulders, and neck to support himself the whole time.
Lungs -- Dave's lungs continue to improve, and the change from last week to now is dramatic. Dave coughs very little now, and requires very little suctioning. We are encouraged, and believe this means that he is finally kicking the bronchitis. He's not over it yet, but this is a big step in that direction.
Also, the family has requested a meeting with the house physician at DaySpring to review Dave's medications. We have already put a stop to one of them, one that we feel causes him to sleep a lot. Dave has never been one to take medications, or even pain relievers, and giving him a Tylenol can put him to sleep. We are hoping that with some slight adjustments to his remaining meds, Dave will be awake all day very soon.
Remember when I told you that no news is good news? It's been almost a week since I've had enough news to post. In this time, Dave has continued to improve in all areas.
Physical Therapy -- The therapist ordered a special chair for Dave to use, and it still hasn't arrived. This means that he hasn't been sitting up for 8 hours a day as planned. Instead, he is going through his regular therapy, making progress every day. He's sitting on the edge of his bed for 30 minutes at a time, supporting himself. This is a lot more work than sitting up in a chair because it requires him to use muscles in his trunk, shoulders, and neck to support himself the whole time.
Lungs -- Dave's lungs continue to improve, and the change from last week to now is dramatic. Dave coughs very little now, and requires very little suctioning. We are encouraged, and believe this means that he is finally kicking the bronchitis. He's not over it yet, but this is a big step in that direction.
Also, the family has requested a meeting with the house physician at DaySpring to review Dave's medications. We have already put a stop to one of them, one that we feel causes him to sleep a lot. Dave has never been one to take medications, or even pain relievers, and giving him a Tylenol can put him to sleep. We are hoping that with some slight adjustments to his remaining meds, Dave will be awake all day very soon.
Saturday, October 18, 2003
Physical Therapy Progress & New Goals
Dave has finished the week with outstanding progress in his physical therapy. Always motivated, Dave is always practicing his therapy moves. While I was with him, I noticed that after napping, with his eyes still closed, he would start doing his arm and hand movements in sets of 5, just like his therapist has him do during his sessions.
This week, Dave sat up in a chair for at least three hours each day. That might not seem like much of an accomplishment, but it is building up the muscles in Dave's body so he can support himself while sitting and standing. His therapists are thrilled with his progress, and have scheduled him to sit for 8 hours a day next week. Dave also sat on the edge of his bed for 15 minutes on Friday, totally supporting himself. This is great progress towards standing up.
The therapist who works with his arms told us this week that Dave has re-learned how to use every muscle in his left arm. You may remember that the stroke effected the left side of his body, and he wasn't using this arm as much as the right arm. She told us that Dave will make a full recovery in that arm.
This is all great news. In fact, all of the news this week has been great news. It's going to be a few weeks before Dave is up and walking, but it is just a matter of time until I can report that news to you here.
Dave has finished the week with outstanding progress in his physical therapy. Always motivated, Dave is always practicing his therapy moves. While I was with him, I noticed that after napping, with his eyes still closed, he would start doing his arm and hand movements in sets of 5, just like his therapist has him do during his sessions.
This week, Dave sat up in a chair for at least three hours each day. That might not seem like much of an accomplishment, but it is building up the muscles in Dave's body so he can support himself while sitting and standing. His therapists are thrilled with his progress, and have scheduled him to sit for 8 hours a day next week. Dave also sat on the edge of his bed for 15 minutes on Friday, totally supporting himself. This is great progress towards standing up.
The therapist who works with his arms told us this week that Dave has re-learned how to use every muscle in his left arm. You may remember that the stroke effected the left side of his body, and he wasn't using this arm as much as the right arm. She told us that Dave will make a full recovery in that arm.
This is all great news. In fact, all of the news this week has been great news. It's going to be a few weeks before Dave is up and walking, but it is just a matter of time until I can report that news to you here.
Friday, October 17, 2003
Swallow Evaluation Test Moved Back
Last Wednesday, Dave's family doctor, John Peterangelo, came out to visit with Dave and evaluate his progress. After reviewing his chart and meeting with the family, Dr. Peterangelo talked with Dave's lung doctor, Dr. Cain, about his swallow test. Dr. Cain wants to wait about month to do the swallow test because he feels it is best to move slowly in this area. Dr. Cain has been aggressive about his lung treatments from the start, and he feels that moving back the test a bit will only help Dave to continue to recover.
This means that Dave will not be able to resume speaking until sometime after the swallow test. Dave is always moving his lips to tell us things, and Dave Jr. seems to be pretty good at lip reading. The rest of us struggle with it. But we are finding some creative ways around it. Dave has a series of gestures that let us know many of the most common things he wants, and he can write on a whiteboard. It will be good to hear his voice again.
In the meantime, Dr. Peterangelo will continue to visit Dave each week and will report on his progress to Dr. Cain. We are very grateful to have him so involved in Dave's case.
Last Wednesday, Dave's family doctor, John Peterangelo, came out to visit with Dave and evaluate his progress. After reviewing his chart and meeting with the family, Dr. Peterangelo talked with Dave's lung doctor, Dr. Cain, about his swallow test. Dr. Cain wants to wait about month to do the swallow test because he feels it is best to move slowly in this area. Dr. Cain has been aggressive about his lung treatments from the start, and he feels that moving back the test a bit will only help Dave to continue to recover.
This means that Dave will not be able to resume speaking until sometime after the swallow test. Dave is always moving his lips to tell us things, and Dave Jr. seems to be pretty good at lip reading. The rest of us struggle with it. But we are finding some creative ways around it. Dave has a series of gestures that let us know many of the most common things he wants, and he can write on a whiteboard. It will be good to hear his voice again.
In the meantime, Dr. Peterangelo will continue to visit Dave each week and will report on his progress to Dr. Cain. We are very grateful to have him so involved in Dave's case.
Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Great Progress This Week
I arrived late Saturday night and went out to see Dave about midnight. He was waiting up to see me. From the minute I entered his room, I was happy to see how much better he looks. He's lost some weight, as you might imagine, I'm guessing about 40 pounds. His color is good. He is moving himself around in the bed a lot more than before. All of these things are good. But the best thing I can tell you is that his eyes have a spark in them that I haven't seen in a long time. And he gave me a big smile. It did my heart good to see his improvements for myself.
I've been going in with Jan, or taking the early shift so that Jan can get a bit more sleep. Jan continues to put in very long days, covering from breakfast through dinner, and sometimes into the evening. Dave Jr. comes every day after work and spends the evenings with him. Michelle has been very sick with bronchitis now for about two weeks, missing a lot of work, and staying away from Dave so she doesn't pass her germs along to him. Jan has some congestion and a cough, and in spite of the entire family's suggestions that she see a doctor, she is toughing it out.
Dave still naps frequently throughout the day, but he is awake and alert the rest of the time. He has a lot to say, even though the balloon in his tracheotomy prevents him from speaking. He's got a series of hand gestures that let us know what he wants. He moves his lips, which would be great if I could read lips, but I mostly end up asking him 20 questions about what he wants. And a few times he has written words on a small white board Jan has at his bedside. In the end, I've been able to figure out what he was saying almost every time. He's been extremely patient with us while we work to figure out his simple requests for things. Dave's right side is still the stronger side, but he is making great improvements in the use of the his left arm and leg. I've noticed that he uses his left arm to wave to visitors when they enter or leave his room.
I observed his physical therapy session yesterday in his room. He is learning how to roll himself around in the bed, and how to get himself sitting on the edge of his bed. He's got a series of leg and arm exercises that he does daily as well. It wears him out, but he works very hard during the sessions and does everything he is told. It did my heart good to watch him roll over and sit himself up on the edge of the bed yesterday because I know that soon he will also be able to stand up and walk.
We talked a bit yesterday about world events. The guys in the family have kept him informed about the progress of the baseball teams towards the World Series, especially since the Cubs are the favorite team of his grandson, Andy. He knows that Arnold has been elected governor of California, and that the Chinese are about to have their first manned space launch. The TV in his room is usually on sports, and he asks to watch golf when it is available. In the evenings, he and Dave Jr. sit and watch TV together, and most evenings, Dave wears his glasses so he can see better.
I have a special thanks for Dave's friends who have called or emailed me, and the people who have been to see him, especially Punky and Gordy. Dave really lights up when friends arrive in the room. I know the conversations are a bit one sided still, but I'm sure I'm speaking for him when I say that it means a lot to him to see you. It won't be too much longer before Dave will be speaking again. We are still waiting to hear when they are scheduling his swallow evaluation. And it won't be too many more weeks before Dave will be able to get up and move around in his room.
I arrived late Saturday night and went out to see Dave about midnight. He was waiting up to see me. From the minute I entered his room, I was happy to see how much better he looks. He's lost some weight, as you might imagine, I'm guessing about 40 pounds. His color is good. He is moving himself around in the bed a lot more than before. All of these things are good. But the best thing I can tell you is that his eyes have a spark in them that I haven't seen in a long time. And he gave me a big smile. It did my heart good to see his improvements for myself.
I've been going in with Jan, or taking the early shift so that Jan can get a bit more sleep. Jan continues to put in very long days, covering from breakfast through dinner, and sometimes into the evening. Dave Jr. comes every day after work and spends the evenings with him. Michelle has been very sick with bronchitis now for about two weeks, missing a lot of work, and staying away from Dave so she doesn't pass her germs along to him. Jan has some congestion and a cough, and in spite of the entire family's suggestions that she see a doctor, she is toughing it out.
Dave still naps frequently throughout the day, but he is awake and alert the rest of the time. He has a lot to say, even though the balloon in his tracheotomy prevents him from speaking. He's got a series of hand gestures that let us know what he wants. He moves his lips, which would be great if I could read lips, but I mostly end up asking him 20 questions about what he wants. And a few times he has written words on a small white board Jan has at his bedside. In the end, I've been able to figure out what he was saying almost every time. He's been extremely patient with us while we work to figure out his simple requests for things. Dave's right side is still the stronger side, but he is making great improvements in the use of the his left arm and leg. I've noticed that he uses his left arm to wave to visitors when they enter or leave his room.
I observed his physical therapy session yesterday in his room. He is learning how to roll himself around in the bed, and how to get himself sitting on the edge of his bed. He's got a series of leg and arm exercises that he does daily as well. It wears him out, but he works very hard during the sessions and does everything he is told. It did my heart good to watch him roll over and sit himself up on the edge of the bed yesterday because I know that soon he will also be able to stand up and walk.
We talked a bit yesterday about world events. The guys in the family have kept him informed about the progress of the baseball teams towards the World Series, especially since the Cubs are the favorite team of his grandson, Andy. He knows that Arnold has been elected governor of California, and that the Chinese are about to have their first manned space launch. The TV in his room is usually on sports, and he asks to watch golf when it is available. In the evenings, he and Dave Jr. sit and watch TV together, and most evenings, Dave wears his glasses so he can see better.
I have a special thanks for Dave's friends who have called or emailed me, and the people who have been to see him, especially Punky and Gordy. Dave really lights up when friends arrive in the room. I know the conversations are a bit one sided still, but I'm sure I'm speaking for him when I say that it means a lot to him to see you. It won't be too much longer before Dave will be speaking again. We are still waiting to hear when they are scheduling his swallow evaluation. And it won't be too many more weeks before Dave will be able to get up and move around in his room.
Thursday, October 09, 2003
Physical Therapy Going Great
This week, Dave has been through the most intense physical therapy so far. He is using muscles that have been unused for many weeks, and he is making fast progress on his goals. Part of the goals are to build his upper body strength so he can begin using a wheelchair. When that happens, he will be able to do his physical therapy in the therapy room instead of at his bed. Another important goal involves rebuilding his neck muscles, important for swallowing and for making his voice strong.
Dave's doctors are discussing when they will test his swallowing and remove the temporary balloon in his tracheotomy. This will probably be done at Grandview, meaning that Dave will have a short field trip for the procedure. Once this is removed, Dave will be able to speak again. He spoke in a whisper before the trach, and we believe that with some speech therapy, his voice will return strong.
We have been told that a patient spends about two weeks in physical therapy for every week they spent in bed. Based on this, we know that Dave will be rebuilding his strength for many more weeks, but we are encouraged by the dramatic progress this week.
I will be in Ohio next week, so don't be surprised if there are fewer updates during this time. I will be hard to reach by email, also. I look forward to seeing some of you during my trip.
This week, Dave has been through the most intense physical therapy so far. He is using muscles that have been unused for many weeks, and he is making fast progress on his goals. Part of the goals are to build his upper body strength so he can begin using a wheelchair. When that happens, he will be able to do his physical therapy in the therapy room instead of at his bed. Another important goal involves rebuilding his neck muscles, important for swallowing and for making his voice strong.
Dave's doctors are discussing when they will test his swallowing and remove the temporary balloon in his tracheotomy. This will probably be done at Grandview, meaning that Dave will have a short field trip for the procedure. Once this is removed, Dave will be able to speak again. He spoke in a whisper before the trach, and we believe that with some speech therapy, his voice will return strong.
We have been told that a patient spends about two weeks in physical therapy for every week they spent in bed. Based on this, we know that Dave will be rebuilding his strength for many more weeks, but we are encouraged by the dramatic progress this week.
I will be in Ohio next week, so don't be surprised if there are fewer updates during this time. I will be hard to reach by email, also. I look forward to seeing some of you during my trip.
Sunday, October 05, 2003
Dave's Weekend
Thursday and Friday were great days. Dave was awake for hours at a time, sitting up in his bed and the chair, and watching TV with his glasses on. According to Dave Jr., there was also a lot of conversation, too.
This weekend, Dave has been a bit out of sorts. His numbers have been a little off, and he started running a fever. Dr. Hunter, the physician at DaySpring, put him back on antibiotics and resumed his breathing treatments. On Monday, they will do lab work to see if he has developed an infection. With the IV (pick line), feeding tube, and catheter, there are lots of places for an infection. We are sure this will be resolved soon.
We are also celebrating a week out of the hospital. It's at week on Monday since Dave left Grandview, and overall, he is stronger and doing better. During this week, the therapists have worked him hard, and he is making great progress on his goals. The room at DaySpring is more like a home and less like a hospital setting, which helps the family to be a bit more relaxed. I'm sure that Dave appreciates the difference, too.
I'm scheduled to return to Ohio next Saturday, 11 October, and I'll be there for a week. I will be staying with Mom, and will be spending most of my time at DaySpring. I'm looking forward to visiting with old friends, and I would love the chance to meet some of you for the first time.
One thing we are working on: DaySpring doesn't have the greatest pulse oximeter and Dave Jr. is looking for one to buy or rent for a while. If you have any information about who/where/how we can get ahold of one of these, contact Dave or send me an email.
Thursday and Friday were great days. Dave was awake for hours at a time, sitting up in his bed and the chair, and watching TV with his glasses on. According to Dave Jr., there was also a lot of conversation, too.
This weekend, Dave has been a bit out of sorts. His numbers have been a little off, and he started running a fever. Dr. Hunter, the physician at DaySpring, put him back on antibiotics and resumed his breathing treatments. On Monday, they will do lab work to see if he has developed an infection. With the IV (pick line), feeding tube, and catheter, there are lots of places for an infection. We are sure this will be resolved soon.
We are also celebrating a week out of the hospital. It's at week on Monday since Dave left Grandview, and overall, he is stronger and doing better. During this week, the therapists have worked him hard, and he is making great progress on his goals. The room at DaySpring is more like a home and less like a hospital setting, which helps the family to be a bit more relaxed. I'm sure that Dave appreciates the difference, too.
I'm scheduled to return to Ohio next Saturday, 11 October, and I'll be there for a week. I will be staying with Mom, and will be spending most of my time at DaySpring. I'm looking forward to visiting with old friends, and I would love the chance to meet some of you for the first time.
One thing we are working on: DaySpring doesn't have the greatest pulse oximeter and Dave Jr. is looking for one to buy or rent for a while. If you have any information about who/where/how we can get ahold of one of these, contact Dave or send me an email.
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
Dave Is Doing Great
As the family, we have been enthiastically optimistic about Dave's progress each day of this journey. Some days, the progress has been baby steps, or smaller, but we have been looking for it and finding it. That is why I'm so glad to be able to report that since the trach, Dave is really making big improvements.
Dave's numbers (blood oxygen level, blood pressure, etc.) are all good, and he is on less oxygen than a week ago. Those are the important things to the medical people helping him. But to the family, we are just as aware of other things. Dave is awake more times throughout the day, and is awake for longer periods of time. Yesterday, he was awake for hours at a time. This tells us that he is getting stronger, a very good sign.
The therapists at DaySpring have set various goals for him, and the big physical goal is to build his upper body strength so that he can get to a wheelchair. Every day they work with him, and he is making progress. Dave wants nothing more than to be back at home, so he eagerly participates in his therapy. He knows that route will get him home as fast as possible.
Dave asked Dave Jr. to help him surprise Jan for her birthday yesterday. Dave Jr. and his wife, Stacey, found a beautiful cut glass crystal with a clock for her, a sort of desk clock. Dave Jr. had it wrapped and slipped it to Dad in the evening without Jan knowing anything about it. Dave then called Jan to his bed, and totally surprised her. It was a great moment of happiness for everyone.
Dave Jr. has been taking pictures and I'll be posting them here as I get them.
As the family, we have been enthiastically optimistic about Dave's progress each day of this journey. Some days, the progress has been baby steps, or smaller, but we have been looking for it and finding it. That is why I'm so glad to be able to report that since the trach, Dave is really making big improvements.
Dave's numbers (blood oxygen level, blood pressure, etc.) are all good, and he is on less oxygen than a week ago. Those are the important things to the medical people helping him. But to the family, we are just as aware of other things. Dave is awake more times throughout the day, and is awake for longer periods of time. Yesterday, he was awake for hours at a time. This tells us that he is getting stronger, a very good sign.
The therapists at DaySpring have set various goals for him, and the big physical goal is to build his upper body strength so that he can get to a wheelchair. Every day they work with him, and he is making progress. Dave wants nothing more than to be back at home, so he eagerly participates in his therapy. He knows that route will get him home as fast as possible.
Dave asked Dave Jr. to help him surprise Jan for her birthday yesterday. Dave Jr. and his wife, Stacey, found a beautiful cut glass crystal with a clock for her, a sort of desk clock. Dave Jr. had it wrapped and slipped it to Dad in the evening without Jan knowing anything about it. Dave then called Jan to his bed, and totally surprised her. It was a great moment of happiness for everyone.
Dave Jr. has been taking pictures and I'll be posting them here as I get them.
