Subject: Art Thieme in hospital, but better? 5-12 From: katlaughing Date: 29 May 12 - 01:21 PM In my own challenges, of late, I missed out on several emails from Chris about Art. It sounds scary but they progress to better. Thought you all would want to know. Here they are: 22 May 2012 To update all on Dad's status, his health has taken a strange turn. Over the past several weeks, his mental state has been deteriorating. While cognitive issues are part of M.S., this extends beyond this. Over the past three weeks, he has gone from lucid to completely incoherent and delusional. He has been in the ER twice since Thursday. He was admitted this morning at 4:30 a.m. They intend to keep him there at least overnight and are continuing to run tests in search of a reason. There is an infection they are currently treating with antibiotics, but it seems insufficient reason for this level of confusion. I'll post as I know more. As of midnight last night not a lot had changed. Dad was still in an Observational Unit and will hopefully have a room by now. They tried to do an MRI twice but were unsuccessful. They are trying again this morning. CT and blood work came back normal. He's getting fluids and is being treated for his urinary infection. Will update if this morning brings any changes. Dad's MRI is still too early to tell, but it looks clear as does the EEG. Final report late tomorrow or early tomorrow, but they are concentrating on the infection as the most likely cause. According to the nurse, he is currently able to understand that he is in a hospital. Hopefully this trend continues as the infection diminishes. 23 May - The MRI came back clear. The issue is likely completely due to the infection they are currently treating. His appetite is back as well. He has a slight fever now which means his body is fighting back, and he has a better indication of where he is at and why. "Pick away on the ol' banjo. Keep the guitar strumming. Put more water in the soup. There's better times a'coming." 26 May Dad's back at the nursing home. His mental state isn't greatly improved but his infection is cleared up. However he's got a staff infection now. Going over there tomorrow and will send an update after. Chris 29 May Spent the morning with my folks Sunday. Dad is more aware, but there is much that isn't there. He's no longer on antibiotics, but I don't know why yet because of the holiday. I'm calling a couple of his doctors today for updates. I also talked to physical therapy asking for them to target a couple key areas. I'll find out more on the staff infection, but I was told by the hospital that the case wasn't severe. When I was there, he wasn't running a fever. If you visit, please be aware that he is easily confused and his emotions may change drastically from moment to moment. He has a lot of difficulty talking on the phone, and it is hard to understand what he is saying more often than not. Mom is holding up fairly well. She has her own physical issues besides the mental strain. She'd doing what she can to care for him. That's all for now. Chris I'm sure any good thoughts, etc. would be appreciated. kat |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: maeve Date: 29 May 12 - 01:29 PM Thank you, kat. I've passed the information along to one of Art's good friends. Maeve |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: open mike Date: 29 May 12 - 01:34 PM Best wishes to both of them. Staph infections can be caught in hospitals--they have some virulent strains there that defy drugs. Hang in there Chris, and keep us posted. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: Cool Beans Date: 29 May 12 - 01:51 PM Best wishes to Art and the whole family. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: CupOfTea Date: 29 May 12 - 03:43 PM Dagnabbit. I was just thinking Art was doing well & was asking folks if anyone had been to see him at Crystal Lake yet. He was much in mind at a festival last weekend where Cathy Barton & Dave Para were some of the stars. We talked about Art & I mentioned him in introducing some of the songs I did in the sing arounds after the concert. I keep praying for Art & Carol to have health and happiness on the same scale as the love people have for them. Love & prayers from Joanne in Cleveland |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: kendall Date: 29 May 12 - 03:48 PM Damn,this is so hard to hear.Such a pile of shit to heap on a great guy. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: Waddon Pete Date: 29 May 12 - 03:59 PM Thanks for updating us with the news, Kat. Getting older is supposed to be a tine for quiet reflection, doing all those things you never had time for before and sitting on the porch, drinking your coffee and watching all the other poor souls going to work; not for this sort of thing! However, I'm sure that Art will battle this one through with the same strong will that he has battled other things in his life. Keep with him Chris and give him the love he needs to win through (not that you need any telling on that score!) Let us hope that we all have someone to lean on when we get to a similar situation. Best wishes, Peter |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: SINSULL Date: 29 May 12 - 04:16 PM Thanks for the update, kat. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: CapriUni Date: 29 May 12 - 04:36 PM Well, damn! Here's a wish for health and a clear path ahead. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: GUEST,999 Date: 29 May 12 - 04:59 PM Get well, Art. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: Elmore Date: 29 May 12 - 05:59 PM My wife and I have had a tough time with a variety of physical pain, but nothing as bad as Art has experienced. I remember him as a strong, wise and witty man who once sent me a halloween card. Hope he gets better. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: JedMarum Date: 29 May 12 - 06:34 PM God Bless You, Art. Thoughts and prayers for your return to health. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: Janie Date: 29 May 12 - 06:41 PM What 999 said. Infections in the elderly often lead to psychosis and confusion, aka, delirium. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: Jeri Date: 29 May 12 - 07:04 PM My wishes for you to get better ASAP. I found 22 minutes of Art on YouTube (NoExit 25th BDay). |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: Charley Noble Date: 29 May 12 - 07:34 PM Kat- Thanks for the update. We all wish the news were better. Sounds as if the road less traveled is getting bumpier. Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: Rex Date: 30 May 12 - 04:43 PM Hope and prayers for Art. Thanks for letting us know Kat. Rex |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: bbc Date: 30 May 12 - 05:09 PM So sorry to hear this! I have heard, in relation to my mom, that urinary tract infections can often lead to disoriented behavior in the elderly. Right now, she's in the hospital with bacteremia (E. coli) & possible sepsis. Outcome is unknown, as of yet. Barbara |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: Dan Schatz Date: 30 May 12 - 06:06 PM We miss you, Art. Hope you're better soon. Dan |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: catspaw49 Date: 30 May 12 - 06:21 PM Geeziz.....Don't know what to say except that I hope the situation continues to improve. Thanks for the update kat. Art has crossed my mind a lot lately in retelling a few of his awful/great punny tales........He and Carol will be getting all the best my pissant transmitter can send..... Spaw |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 30 May 12 - 07:51 PM sending lots of good wishes t Art, Chris & Carol sandra |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: gnu Date: 30 May 12 - 08:05 PM Aw gee. C'mon Art. Kick ass and get better soon. Yer one of the good... nah, great guys... round these here parts. My Ts&Ps for ya. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: ChanteyLass Date: 30 May 12 - 09:31 PM Good thoughts for Art, Carol, and Chris? Sure! And I'm still doing that for you, Kat, and now for bbc's mother and many others on Mudcat or related to 'Catters. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: Stewie Date: 30 May 12 - 09:35 PM Very sorry to hear this news. Best wishes for a full recovery. --Stewie. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: GUEST Date: 30 May 12 - 10:30 PM Oh no! Larry Hanks & Deborah Robins here. We're on tour, and were just driving through Illinois yesterday, wondering if we should try and stop by. Doesn't sound like a good time. PLEASE send Art our dearest love and every good healing thought. Tell him, I'm singing "Master of the Sheepfold" at every performance I can, and always attribute it to learning it from his singing. PLEASE let us know if there's anything we can do to help. With greatest despair, Love from Art's friends, Deborah & Larry Hanks 510-282-6252 bassclarinetrobins@gmail.com |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: Stilly River Sage Date: 31 May 12 - 03:27 PM Checking in to see if there is an update. I hope no news is good news. SRS |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: gnu Date: 31 May 12 - 03:58 PM I am checking in to check your check, SRS. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & home better? May 2012 From: katlaughing Date: 31 May 12 - 05:00 PM Nothing more, so far, from Chris via email. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: maeve Date: 31 May 12 - 05:03 PM Thanks, kat. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: GUEST,Gerry Date: 01 Jun 12 - 02:51 AM I sang Handful Of Songs at Snadra-in-Sydney's folk club last weekend, introducing it as a song I learned from Art Thieme's recording. If I had known about his condition, I would have said a little more about him, but I think most of the regulars know well who he is and would wish him all the best for a quick and complete recovery. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: kendall Date: 01 Jun 12 - 03:04 AM I believe that was written by our own Jerry Rasmussen. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: wysiwyg Date: 01 Jun 12 - 04:25 AM My mom had a strange mental trip that turned out to be side effects from antibiotics.... ~S~ |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: GUEST,Gerry Date: 01 Jun 12 - 06:53 AM Yes, kendall, I also mentioned that in my introduction last weekend. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: GUEST,Babypix Date: 02 Jun 12 - 11:29 AM Larry Hanks & I sang "Master of The Sheepfold" last night in NYC, dedicated it to Art. How great thou, Art! Love you always, Deborah Robins xxxx |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: Rapparee Date: 02 Jun 12 - 10:16 PM Art...get well. SOON, dammit! And stop this nonsense! |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme in hospital & @ home better? May 2012 From: GUEST,hg Date: 02 Jun 12 - 10:54 PM That sounds like a bad UTI. Elderly people get delusional from them. He'll be okay when they get him over it. Good luck Art! Love, harpgirl |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: katlaughing Date: 08 Jun 12 - 10:29 PM From Chris via email: Working late tonight. Dad doing better currently but that's relative. More details when I can. C. I received another one from someone who has seen them, but am waiting for permission to share before posting. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: maeve Date: 08 Jun 12 - 10:41 PM Thank you very much, Chris and kat. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 09 Jun 12 - 06:47 AM Chris, please give your Dad best wishes frfom Roy & Elaine Harris. We both love him and think he is a great human being. Best wishes to your Mum also, and many thanks to you for all you are doing for them and keeping everyone up tp date. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 09 Jun 12 - 06:49 AM Sorry about the typos. I really must learn to use the preview. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: katlaughing Date: 09 Jun 12 - 11:39 AM From Suzanne, long-time friend of Art & Carol's, who lives not ten minutes from them and has visited them frequently: I was with Art and Carol yesterday and today... please stay in touch with them!!! visit.. send cards... but be aware... art recognizes friends.. but is not always lucid... he needs his friends and music.. just don't expect our old art |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: GUEST Date: 09 Jun 12 - 12:55 PM Rats! I hope harpgirl is right. Ts&Ps g |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: gnu Date: 09 Jun 12 - 03:18 PM Who ate my cookie? I was Rats! |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: gnu Date: 09 Jun 12 - 03:25 PM Who ate my cookie? I was Rats! |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: GUEST,Dani Date: 09 Jun 12 - 03:38 PM sending warm wishes for healing, and peace. This sucks. MS sucks. Art deserves better. Dani |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: fat B****rd Date: 09 Jun 12 - 03:45 PM Very best thoughts and regards to Art and his family. Charlie. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: GUEST,hg Date: 09 Jun 12 - 08:32 PM Oh dear, that sounds more serious than a UTI. Has Art had a stroke? Please share the latest news. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: Bill D Date: 09 Jun 12 - 08:57 PM In Art's honor, I am re-telling old Art Thieme puns and one-liners to myself and anyone who will stand still. Up to about #458 now...(counting the obligatory repeats ;>) Did you hear about the new cocktail? It's called "Autumn Leaves". You take one drink, change color, and fall to the ground. (1978..Red Fox Inn...Bethesda Md. |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: katlaughing Date: 09 Jun 12 - 09:48 PM "Laugh...you'll be telling it, tomorrow..." |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme still home - Update - May/June 2012 From: Mark Ross Date: 09 Jun 12 - 11:33 PM "Did you hear about the new cocktail? It's called "Autumn Leaves". You take one drink, change color, and fall to the ground." (1978..Red Fox Inn...Bethesda Md.) Actually Utah Phillips 1970. He preferred OLD FACTORY WHISTLE, one blast and you're through for the day. My best to Art & Carol. Mark Ross |
Subject: RE: Art Thieme General Update thread -June 2012 From: katlaughing Date: 10 Jun 12 - 11:24 AM In the email this morning: Hello All, Just an update on Dad with some good news. His infection has been brought under control again. With this, his mental faculties have mostly returned. We're heading over tomorrow (Sunday) with the grandkids for a visit. He is at a point where a phone call would be welcome, but please try to keep them somewhat spaced apart. While he is doing much better, he is still often confused. Do not be surprised if he is not as coherent as he was the last time you may have talked to him, and he still has some odd interpretations on things. We have an appointment with his neurologist this coming week, but I do not expect any great insights into his condition. Still, we'll see what they have to offer based on the tests that have been done in this past month. His sense of humor is coming back to, but he sometimes gets frustrated when he can't remember the line he wanted to use. The best medicine right now is love, friends and family which he has in abundance. He does much better during the day than at night, so calls during the day are going to be the best. Physical therapy has been working with him too helping both with motor skills and cognitive thought and articulating those thoughts. Thank you all for your patience through this. It is hard to know what to say when I don't know what is happening myself. He includes their phone number. If anyone needs it, please PM me. Thanks, kat |
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