Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Janie
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 07:07 PM

What Chantylass said!

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Bobert
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 07:59 PM

We like "up" days, f-prince... Now lets string a bunch of them together and get her the heck back home cookin', doing the laundry, washing clothes and bringing the cold beer... You know, wife duties... Oh yeah, and that, too...

B;~)

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 08:17 PM

Al, we cross-posted, so now I'm sending good wishes to your wife

sandra

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Jeri
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 08:38 PM

Moving from scared to annoyed is GOOD! Make me happy to hear she's doing so well and YOU sound happy.

...and, what ChanteyLass said!

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: frogprince
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 09:10 PM

Judy again spent all afternoon sitting up, now with just a nose clip for oxygen; still a jungle of wires to stick-on sensors. Calmer today, and with only very incidental coughing. Her mental state is still a mixed bag. She knows everyone fine, and socializes as normally as possible with the conditon of her throat. But she can't be trusted alone, except in bed with a bed alarm, for fear she will try to get up and walk, which is still out of the question for multiple reasons.
Her swallowing is "iffy", and it's impossible to get a through exam of her throat without anesthesia, so all she can take by mouth for now is fine ice chips, a very few at a time. They're trying to determine by Monday whether they will have to put a direct feeding tube into her stomach for a while.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: gnu
Date: 15 Jun 12 - 09:24 PM

Seems like all is under control as much as the situation will allow.

Dean... my heart is yours buddy. Keep the faith.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 03:05 AM

I echo gnu.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: billybob
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 06:00 AM

Sending healing thoughts and love to you both.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: maeve
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 07:13 AM

Good morning, Dean and Judy.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 09:07 AM

Hey, Judy, I asked Dean to say hello. I may have confused him because I said 'Say hello to J for me'. Strikes me he may have thought Juanita, Joan, Jingles from the strip club . . . .

Glad you're feeling better. I think you scared Dean. The rest of us, too.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: GUEST,999
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 09:41 AM

That post was me.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 09:55 AM

our thoughts are with you

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: frogprince
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 10:03 AM

Whut's a "strip club"?

Monin' all. I'm just messing around here, sending out a little advertising for our art association's next show, before I can go back up to squeeze my sweety.
                         Dean

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 11:15 AM

strip club - place where men, usually, go to hoot and holler at women on stage who dance and *strip* their clothes off

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Rapparee
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 02:40 PM

Oh. I thought it was a place to go and discuss removing paint from things.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: fat B****rd
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 04:21 PM

Still thinking of you both and sending good wishes, Frogprince.
Big Al, all the very best to you. Keep us posted.
Charlie.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jun 12 - 05:40 PM

kat... "...hoot and holler at women on stage..." How rude. Applaud, smile, nod approval perhaps. Oh, yeah, the ladies like it when you wave money. I never cared for such but whenever my boss and I were in Halifax or St. John's or some othe big city, it was required. I would have rather spent the cover charge and expensive beer money at the street sausage vendor carts, just like froggy. Ain't that RIGHT, froggy?

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: frogprince
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 12:10 AM

Somehow just not in a mood for fibbing right now: I've been in my share of strip bars in the past. Some of them were pits that I never considered going into a second time. In other instances, enjoying the sight of attractive female people helped ease me through some lonely bachelor years.

I came home sadder than I hve been for several days. A woman ran through more testing of mental function than I had seen done so far.
A fair number of simple questions, and a few simple tasks.

Spell "world"..."w-o-r-l-d"

Repeat for me: "pen, key, airplane"..."pen, airplane"
Let's try again: "pen, key, airplane"..."pen, airplane"

Asked to copy a simple pattern of two overlapping squares, she just made a jumble of lines.

Asked to draw a clock face with the numbers, she twice drew a circle approx the size of a nickle. The woman then gave her a good size circle and asked her to put in the numbers. She did put the numbers down clockwise in order, but all along half the circumference.

She named the right hospital chain, and state, but the wrong city.

Judy has been so impressive in her socializing with friends, and responses to routine procedures, that I just wasn't braced for the limitations. The staff, and other folks, have already been assuring me that, with the way she has progressed already, she may make it back much closer to her previous level. But at the same time the staff are being honest about the possibility that she could plateau without getting too much further. Judy took an extreme hit, with a combination of extreme low blood sugar and signicant time before resusitation from the heart attack.

I made it over to a good friend's place this evening (he was widowed about a year ago) and spent the best time talking about numerous things with him that we've had in far too long. I'm leveled out a lot better than when I left the hospital, and hoping for some decent sleep.

I so appreciate the backup from all of you so far.
   
                      Dean

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: GUEST,tadpole
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 12:56 AM

Mudcat works most and best well when each knows their correct place.

(Well done clone)

Glad to read your old lady is doing better.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 02:33 AM

Hi Dean......The whole testing thing they did does not represent anything except the current situation. Remember that.....and they did say as much. What they are saying too is....."too early to tell." In the past 12 or 13 years I have had 6 "near death" situations and in at least two of them I was answering those same questions and others in pretty much the same way. I had no idea who the President was and the only one I could think of was Nixon. I couldn't recall the three objects, couldn't write legibly...............Now you can argue that I am still fucked up but I do know Ted Kennedy is President.............no?.........uh........Millard Fillmore?

All kidding aside, you're right to prepare for the worst but don't expect it. Believe in the best possible outcome.....may not happen but right now its too early to tell.


Spaw

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 02:54 AM

Dear Dean, from what I've learned over the years, particularly when the brain is involved following trauma, it has to 're-make' many 'connections' as part of the healing process & this can take a while. Speech & Recognition can 're-connect' quicker than the fine motor skills required to draw & write. Short-term memory can be a bit of a slacker too! Reading back through your Thread, your beloved Judy does demonstrate progress being made. Having said that, I must emphasise again that I'm not a trained medic, just a Lover of Life & perpetual student of all that entails.
       Ann & I hope, with all our Hearts, that Judy continues to heal & it won't be too long before you can hold her in your arms once again.
                                          With Love,
                                                         Nigel & Ann.
                                                         xxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 05:55 AM

so much experience & strength in this thread.

love to all

sandra

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Janie
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 07:47 AM

Spaw is right on the money, Dean. It is very early in the recovery process. I am continually amazed at the resiliency of the human brain.

Keep taking care of yourself so you can keep taking such good, loving care of Judy.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 10:58 AM

Knowing you have confidence in her and are there to encourage and support her will be very important to her recovery, Dean.

I know I've posted it before,, but can't find it. Briefly, a woman who was in a coma, then ltd. abilities, spent all day in bed or in a chair. Her husband bought a special vhicle to take her for rides and put her driver's license on a bulletin board right by her bed, He visited with her every weekend and after work. A year later, with hard work, his support and encouargement, she walked out of there. Her prognosis at the beginning was a short-lived time in a nursing home, then death. Medically, she should never have progressed the way she did. Even the docs believed it had a LOT to do with how her husband demonstrated his faith in her.

Contrast that to another woman whom I took care of in the same nursing home: she was all alone, Had a stroke in a remote cabin, froze to the floor before found. She had all of her faculties, slight impairment in one arm and trouble speaking, but her medicall prognosis was good with a goal to return home. Six months later she passed away one night, Most of us thought it was due to loneliness and no one to cheer her along the way in Life.

So, don't give up on Judy getting better just yet. It IS early days!**bg**

G'mornin', too.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: topical tom
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 11:04 AM

I am so sorry to hear this news. All my good wishes and prayers go out to your wife and you. God bless you both.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 11:48 AM

A {{{{{hug}}}} to Dean to transfer and merge our strengths to yours and Judy's.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: gnu
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 01:39 PM

I am all there with Spaw even if he isn't all there.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 02:54 PM

It must be hard to watch your wife struggle to do "simple" tasks. However, now the staff knows more about what she needs help with. One step at a time. Let us know how she improves. More love, hugs, and prayers from me, too.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 06:16 PM

Good thoughts....

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: olddude
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 06:34 PM

Dean
my friend Garry didn't even know me after his bad bad heart attack. He was confused and out of it and we have been brothers for 30 years. He is absolutely fine, fishing, all the stories. It was a huge trauma on her my friend. No doubt in my heart that she will recover fully. She is a young girl with great support and getting lots of prayers. Right now it is baby steps my brother. Even after I had the pulmonary embolism I didn't even know what hospital or city I was in .. kept asking over and over.

Trauma is hard and it takes a little time.

Love ya bro
Dan

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: frogprince
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 09:12 PM

JUDY SPENT ALL AFTERNOON SITTING UP WITH NO OXYGEN TUBE, WITH HER BLOOD OXYGEN RUNNING 97 TO 99, THEN 100% FOR A BIT. THEY GOT HER UP TO WALK A FEW FEET OUT INTO THE HALL AND BACK.

She was much more relaxed, with none of the stuff about checking out to go home, and just that bit more naturally vocal and expressive.

What more could I say right now? : )

                   Deansmilin'

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: bobad
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 09:59 PM

FANTASTIC!!

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Bobert
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 10:05 PM

Great news, f-prince...

B~

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Janie
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 10:05 PM

Big Smile!

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 10:18 PM

I can see the shine of that smile all the way here in Colorado!

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 12:07 AM

GREAT NEWS to take with us to Californy, Dean!!!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 08:08 AM

excellent news

sandra

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 08:19 AM

Dean, I have no idea just how happy that made you feel, but I can imagine. Keep smiling.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: jacqui.c
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 09:40 AM

Good news! I'm keeping the good thoughts coming.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Megan L
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 01:29 PM

Jings I thought it wis a solar flare that beam of light weel done that lass. Hope the news from now on is good.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: gnu
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 01:38 PM

froggy! GREAT NEWS!!!!

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 07:01 PM

Deep sigh of relief...but we'll keep the white light and prayers coming.

And I know everybody says it, but, really, DO try to take care of yourself, too. Steal seconds or minutes to relax, refresh. Sleep. Eat. You have to be there for her and this is just the beginning of her recovery. Even just standing in a daze and taking a deep breath helps.

I know. I've been there.

Holding you both close in my thoughts.

Linn

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 10:10 PM

See? One step at a time! Yes!

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: ranger1
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 10:58 PM

:)

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: frogprince
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 11:59 PM

No big news today, just some nice moments with friends who visited. The social worker caught me today and gave me a list of possible locations for rehab time in the area, just suggesting to be thinking about it before the time gets tight. I'm hoping she can get into the "transitory care unit" just a couple of miles from home.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 19 Jun 12 - 12:14 AM

Hang in there frogprince, and all my best thoughts for you and your lady.

Ernie

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: frogprince
Date: 19 Jun 12 - 10:35 AM

One thing I didn't mention; Judy walked quite a few yards down the hall and back. (They handed me a monitor to carry along that felt like it weighed about 80 lbs)

We got a package in yesterday's mail from a lady in Maine. I'm dying to see it, but making myself wait to open it with Judy.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 19 Jun 12 - 08:34 PM

Dear Frog Prince,

Haven't been checking in to Mudcat the past few weeks, so just saw this today. So sorry to hear what you and your family have been going through, but encouraged by the improvements that you have reported.

Sounds to me like you are just the kind of wonderfully loving and supportive hubbie I would want if something like this happened to me. Well done to you, as well as to Judy, who sounds like she's a strong, determined woman who's not letting this get her down. Both of you have my admiration -- and very best wishes that she continues to improve.

Big hugs to you both.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: frogprince
Date: 19 Jun 12 - 09:37 PM

JUDY IS OUT OF THE CRITICAL CARE UNIT!

They finally decided she could eat safely, and she promptly skarfed a substantial plate of pasta. They do need to clear some fluid from her lungs, and she will need to regain some strength and stability to walk alone safely. She will get at least enough physical therapy at this stage to help determine what type of care they release her to.

Judy loves the shawl Jacqui made for her; with good reason, it's beautiful.

Subject: RE: Frog prince thoughts and prayers for my wife
From: rumanci
Date: 19 Jun 12 - 09:56 PM

That's wonderful news for you both and for us all. Love,hugs and prayers.