About Dave Kingston
Monday, May 24, 2004
Dave at the Hyperbaric Medical Center
Dave's procedure today was a great success. The doctor decided to use an enzyme procedure (for those of you who know about such things), which means that Dave will have a sort of enzyme patch over the wound for about two weeks while it heals. Apparently, the enzymes don't hurt the healthy cells and remove the unhealthy ones. Dave's nurse will be visiting twice a day to change the patch, and Dave will return in two weeks, when the procedure should be completed.
Of course, the trip was a little more complicated than that. First, Dave's motorized wheelchair failed, a short in the control mechanism. Once he returned home, the company came out and has to order the replacement part. So the motorized chair wasn't operable on Dave's first field trip. The second snag came up after they got home. The doctor had written two prescriptions, but when Jan arrived at the pharmacy, they couldn't read the writing, and if it was for what they guessed, they didn't stock it. So, after calling the hospital and getting the name of the drug right, Dave Jr. had to drive to the all night Walgreens in Kettering to pick up one of them, and the second one will be in on Tuesday.
The funniest spot of the day for Jan and Dave Jr. happened while they were waiting in the lobby for Dave to see the doctor. Apparently, the trip wore Dave out, and he fell asleep, and proceeded to snore loudly.
Dave's therapy schedule is going to be cut back until he returns to the wound doctor. Otherwise, everything is back to normal at the Kingston household.
Dave's procedure today was a great success. The doctor decided to use an enzyme procedure (for those of you who know about such things), which means that Dave will have a sort of enzyme patch over the wound for about two weeks while it heals. Apparently, the enzymes don't hurt the healthy cells and remove the unhealthy ones. Dave's nurse will be visiting twice a day to change the patch, and Dave will return in two weeks, when the procedure should be completed.
Of course, the trip was a little more complicated than that. First, Dave's motorized wheelchair failed, a short in the control mechanism. Once he returned home, the company came out and has to order the replacement part. So the motorized chair wasn't operable on Dave's first field trip. The second snag came up after they got home. The doctor had written two prescriptions, but when Jan arrived at the pharmacy, they couldn't read the writing, and if it was for what they guessed, they didn't stock it. So, after calling the hospital and getting the name of the drug right, Dave Jr. had to drive to the all night Walgreens in Kettering to pick up one of them, and the second one will be in on Tuesday.
The funniest spot of the day for Jan and Dave Jr. happened while they were waiting in the lobby for Dave to see the doctor. Apparently, the trip wore Dave out, and he fell asleep, and proceeded to snore loudly.
Dave's therapy schedule is going to be cut back until he returns to the wound doctor. Otherwise, everything is back to normal at the Kingston household.
Friday, May 21, 2004
Lots of Small News
Things have been busy at the Kingston household, but very little that has been newsworthy until now.
For starters, Jan is starting to get a bit more support from the agency that supplies the therapists, nursing aide, and nursing services. I've mentioned in the past that the therapists primarily help Dave, but the nursing aide and nurse primarily help Jan since she is the main caregiver. After a few rough days at the end of the previous week, the agency has a better understand of Dave and Jan's whole situation and are making an effort to help a bit more. It's a small thing, but in Jan's daily routine, every small bit of help is a big accomplishment.
Dave is going to be traveling on Monday to the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center next to the base hospital for some wound care. This is a cutting edge service, and the clinic is run by the folks at Kettering Medical Center. We had thought that he would be taken to Miami Valley for a few days for treatment, but his doctor found this alternative. The procedure will be done as soon as he arrives, and he will be back home soon afterwards. We have been told that most likely he won't feel anything, and so the greatest inconvenience for him might just be the ten minute ambulette ride to the base.
On the horizon, Dave will be returning to see his doctor from Miami Valley to assess his progress since he returned home. We hope to have this appointment scheduled within the next few weeks, and should know at that time when Dave will start doing outpatient therapy.
One small bit of good news I can share with you. I've written many times about Dave's whispery voice and the challenges he has in coordinating his breathing while talking. On Wednesday night, Jan went in to see if Dave was still asleep, and he startled her by speaking in a very loud and clear voice. She hadn't realized he was awake, and she had not heard him speak so clearly since this started. Dave Jr. was in the other room, and joined them for a long conversation. That's the mystery of stroke recovery, the surprising moments when it all seems to come back without any effort. On Thursday, his voice was again whispery, but we are all so encouraged that he had this time of clear speech. We believe it is the start of improved speaking, and can't wait to hear what he has to say after all of this time being alone with his thoughts.
Thanks to everyone who has stopped by and who has done small favors for Jan recently. Even the smallest things you do have a big impact on life for them, and we all appreciate your efforts and kindness. Thanks also to everyone who has emailed me recently. I share your notes with Jan who shares them with Dave. He is always glad to hear news from his friends.
Things have been busy at the Kingston household, but very little that has been newsworthy until now.
For starters, Jan is starting to get a bit more support from the agency that supplies the therapists, nursing aide, and nursing services. I've mentioned in the past that the therapists primarily help Dave, but the nursing aide and nurse primarily help Jan since she is the main caregiver. After a few rough days at the end of the previous week, the agency has a better understand of Dave and Jan's whole situation and are making an effort to help a bit more. It's a small thing, but in Jan's daily routine, every small bit of help is a big accomplishment.
Dave is going to be traveling on Monday to the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center next to the base hospital for some wound care. This is a cutting edge service, and the clinic is run by the folks at Kettering Medical Center. We had thought that he would be taken to Miami Valley for a few days for treatment, but his doctor found this alternative. The procedure will be done as soon as he arrives, and he will be back home soon afterwards. We have been told that most likely he won't feel anything, and so the greatest inconvenience for him might just be the ten minute ambulette ride to the base.
On the horizon, Dave will be returning to see his doctor from Miami Valley to assess his progress since he returned home. We hope to have this appointment scheduled within the next few weeks, and should know at that time when Dave will start doing outpatient therapy.
One small bit of good news I can share with you. I've written many times about Dave's whispery voice and the challenges he has in coordinating his breathing while talking. On Wednesday night, Jan went in to see if Dave was still asleep, and he startled her by speaking in a very loud and clear voice. She hadn't realized he was awake, and she had not heard him speak so clearly since this started. Dave Jr. was in the other room, and joined them for a long conversation. That's the mystery of stroke recovery, the surprising moments when it all seems to come back without any effort. On Thursday, his voice was again whispery, but we are all so encouraged that he had this time of clear speech. We believe it is the start of improved speaking, and can't wait to hear what he has to say after all of this time being alone with his thoughts.
Thanks to everyone who has stopped by and who has done small favors for Jan recently. Even the smallest things you do have a big impact on life for them, and we all appreciate your efforts and kindness. Thanks also to everyone who has emailed me recently. I share your notes with Jan who shares them with Dave. He is always glad to hear news from his friends.
Sunday, May 09, 2004
Visitors Welcome
I'm pleased to let everyone know that visitors are now welcome. After talking with Jan (during my visit last week), she has decided that things are running smoothly enough that she is ready for visitors. Because of the unpredictable schedule of therapists throughout the day, Jan requests that visitors come after 4 pm. Dave is up late, so don't worry about coming by in the evening, too. If you would like to call first, that would be fine, but feel free to stop by unannounced.
Dave continues to make slow but steady progress, typical for his condition and situation. Considering the slow pace of his recovery, he is remarkably content and patient with the process. He knows that he is getting better, and he is so determined to return his former strength that we don't doubt he can do it.
In all of this time, Dave has never complained to us, and we have not noticed him feeling sorry for himself. He's been an inspiration to many of us. I can only hope that I would have that much character if I found myself in a similar situation. In the same way, Jan has never complained about the challenges she has faced and worked through in the last few months. Her days are long and tiring, and somehow she keeps at it with a sense of purpose and her sense of humor. My parents have done many things that I've been proud of during my life, but they all pale in comparison to my admiration of them today for the things they are teaching me now. They are both amazing people, and I'm proud of them.
Our family can't say often enough how much we appreciate your concerns, care, and interest in Dave's health and our family's progress through this life challenge. Your calls, cards, visits, assistance, and gifts have been the highlights of tough times. Thank you.
I'm pleased to let everyone know that visitors are now welcome. After talking with Jan (during my visit last week), she has decided that things are running smoothly enough that she is ready for visitors. Because of the unpredictable schedule of therapists throughout the day, Jan requests that visitors come after 4 pm. Dave is up late, so don't worry about coming by in the evening, too. If you would like to call first, that would be fine, but feel free to stop by unannounced.
Dave continues to make slow but steady progress, typical for his condition and situation. Considering the slow pace of his recovery, he is remarkably content and patient with the process. He knows that he is getting better, and he is so determined to return his former strength that we don't doubt he can do it.
In all of this time, Dave has never complained to us, and we have not noticed him feeling sorry for himself. He's been an inspiration to many of us. I can only hope that I would have that much character if I found myself in a similar situation. In the same way, Jan has never complained about the challenges she has faced and worked through in the last few months. Her days are long and tiring, and somehow she keeps at it with a sense of purpose and her sense of humor. My parents have done many things that I've been proud of during my life, but they all pale in comparison to my admiration of them today for the things they are teaching me now. They are both amazing people, and I'm proud of them.
Our family can't say often enough how much we appreciate your concerns, care, and interest in Dave's health and our family's progress through this life challenge. Your calls, cards, visits, assistance, and gifts have been the highlights of tough times. Thank you.
Monday, May 03, 2004
Family Gathering
On Sunday, the Kingstons got together to celebrate Kyle's 21st birthday. Dave was at the center of the festivities, enjoying a bit of cake with everyone. We gathered on the ramp for a group photo.
This morning, Dave got his monthly haircut from Michael Chaney of Strands for Hair. While he was here, Michael also trimmed Jan and Charlene, who is here for a long weekend visit.
On Sunday, the Kingstons got together to celebrate Kyle's 21st birthday. Dave was at the center of the festivities, enjoying a bit of cake with everyone. We gathered on the ramp for a group photo.
This morning, Dave got his monthly haircut from Michael Chaney of Strands for Hair. While he was here, Michael also trimmed Jan and Charlene, who is here for a long weekend visit.
