Cindy is feeling much better today. She was breathing using the machine just to give her a break from the issues she had yesterday. Interestingly, the following is an observation she noted of her experience during her struggle:
Day 39
Day 38
Cindy had a slight setback last night and today. She felt that she had a hard time breathing even though there were no signs of any medical problems. We’re hoping that tomorrow will be a better day and she continues on the road to recovery.
Day 37
Cindy had another swallow test and PASSED. That means she is allowed to have some ice for the next couple of days and then they will start her on solid food. I remember when she started on solid food last time. It got all over her face, hands, hair and the floor. That was when she grabbed the spoon from my mother and couldn’t find her mouth. Hopefully, she’ll do better this time.
This is a picture so Cindy’s guests. They couldn’t wait to get on the phone and pass on the good news.
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| Ann (friend of the family) Lucy and Tony (Rita’s parents) |
Day 36
Cindy had a visit from the discharge Case Manager yesterday. She told us that patients are usually discharged after 28 days and either go to a sub-acute care facility, skilled nursing facility or home – depending on your health status. The Case Manager asked many questions about Cindy’s condition before she was admitted to the hospital, insurance questions and some other personal questions. But my favorite question and response was the following:
Case Manager: What religion are you?
Cindy (after a lot of thought): Whichever one has presents.
The Case Manager also wanted to make sure she was able to contact Cindy’s main support team – Rita, Mary and Debbie. One of us is usually with Cindy at the hospital. Here is a picture of Rita setting up shop at Cindy’s bedside:
Day 35
Guess Who’s Speaking!!!
Cindy has a speaking valve – called a Passy-Muir valve “installed” and can now “speak”.
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| Passy-Muir Valve – courtesy of Amazon |
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| This is Cindy’s trachea with the Passy-Muir Valve. |
Day 34
It was a busy day for Cindy. First a swallow test. She got to swallow some yummy blue ice to see if it “went down the wrong pipe” or landed in the right place. Unfortunately, some if it “went down the wrong pipe.” This means she’s still not ready for solid food – or even ice chips. But the color if her tongue, blue, looked like she had enjoyed some Raspberry Italian Ices.
Cindy also worked with the Physical Therapist to try to sit on a chair. She made it to the edge of the bed and was able to sit there for 15 minutes. The Physical Therapist declared it a success.
Here is Cindy finishing paying bills. It’s about time!
Day 33
Sometimes you just have to believe in miracles. Thank you G-d for Cindy’s life.
Day 32
Reminder – Cindy is at Kindred Hospital in San Leandro and not at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. Kindred is a Long Term Care Facility. The average stay is usually a month or more.
Cindy was connected to the oxygen again today for 6 hours. The assist level will go down tomorrow morning (good news) and she will also be on the oxygen connection later in the day for at least 6 – 8 hours.
Day 31
Cindy’s Respiratory Therapist surprised us today and took her off the ventilator and hooked the trachea directly to Oxygen. This is a huge step. She was able to breathe without any problems. She was put back on the ventilator after 4 hours so as to not tax her breathing for too long. She will repeat this process tomorrow for 4 – 6 hours.
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Day 30
Today Cindy had Physical and Speech Therapy. She did very well with both. The Physical Therapist says she is getting stronger.
The Pulmonary Doctor continues to wean her off the trachea.
This picture is from December 14th, 2008. It was submitted by Nike.