General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums****WCGreen Update --Wednesday April 16, 2014****
From his wife:Chris is weaning more and more off the vent.
He passed the sip test, so he is on a clear diet, which includes some fruit juices and jello as well as broth and tea. He is still on tube feeding and tolerating it a lot better. They put the tube into his small intestine, bypassing his very sensitive stomach. He also has meds that help the food to move along.
He will probably be moving to a rehab place before the month is out. Hopefully, Grace Hospital, on Fairview Hospital's 6th floor of the old bldg. He was there the last time he was REALLY sick.
I was at the hospital when Physical Therapy was there to work with Chris. I found out that Chris is not very cooperative in PT. Poor baby is often very tired. Since I was there, I encouraged him, and he stood for the first time (with help).
Jackpine Radical
(45,274 posts)Not just for the update, but for the love and care you are providing for him. I like to think of you as the representative of all of us.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,296 posts)He and I have been close friends for some years, and doing these postings is the least I can do for him.
The Magistrate
(95,237 posts)CTyankee
(63,768 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(149,296 posts)He is, however, getting better! I am so happy to be able to bring you good news!
Thanks for your good wishes, my dear CTyankee...
boston bean
(36,186 posts)I hope he begins to recover in leaps and bounds. Seems as though it's been a really tough hard slog.
The news you bring this evening is encouraging!
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,296 posts)He was so sick when he had the surgery, and that dragged him down from the start. That's how it is sometimes.
I am greatly encouraged tonight as well!
Thank you for your good thoughts, my dear boston bean...
pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)A double is far more of a challenge. Bottom line, though, it's keeping Chris alive--and that's what counts.
boston bean
(36,186 posts)but reading Peggy's notes here about Chris, it certainly has been eye opening.
pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)Because in the end, my friend died and I didn't want to have to say that and be a downer.
But his transplant gave him 8 more years of life (which may have been a record then).
I drove from my home in VA to pick him up in MD and take him back to the hospital in VA for his appointments pre- and post-transplant, and I had an inkling of what a rigorous ordeal that was for him.
He didn't want me to see him going through his PT, so he'd send me down to the lobby and the gift shop--where I'd buy Junior Mints for a treat while I read my book.
Post-transplant, he joked about his "moonface"--the puffing of his face caused by the steroid drugs he was on to prevent transplant rejection.
He really got a kick out of it when I sent him a birthday card I'd made--with a flattened Junior Mints box in it and some stupid words I wrote.
We stayed in touch after I moved to the West Coast, and the last phone call I got was about him planning to come out for a visit.
In the end, he died--as we all do. But for my friend that transplant was a lifesaver that gave him extra years that I will never regret.
R.I.P. Rod Kane, Vietnam veteran, Army combat medic, author, friend.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,296 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(149,296 posts)I am very encouraged, on all fronts...
Thanks for coming by, sweetie...
spanone
(135,632 posts)k&r...
Raine1967
(11,589 posts)I have not responded in any of your updates until today.
I have always enjoyed WCGreen in the past and reading this update made me very very happy.
I am sending my and to you and WCGreen --- this is positive stuff
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,296 posts)I'm glad this update made you happy......it made me happy too!
It sure is a big positive step.
Joe Shlabotnik
(5,604 posts)Good to hear that WCGreen is making strides.
NCarolinawoman
(2,825 posts)WCGreen has always been one of my favorite posters here. Naturally, I never told him
this
It is hard to go through physical therapy when you don't have the energy. Hoping for a quick pick-up in the healing process.
Thank you so much for the update.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,296 posts)Eventually, I think he will read all these updates, and then he will know how much you like him...
Not to worry...
I expect his healing to really pick up in the next month or two.
I'm so glad I can go back and forth between here and Facebook. It means a lot to me to be able to bring these updates to all of you...
malaise
(267,793 posts)please give Chris and his wife a group hug for me. Glad to hear he's recovering albeit slowly, but that was major surgery.
Auntie Bush
(17,528 posts)Keep up the good work WC. Yes, PT can be a real pain!
Solly Mack
(90,740 posts)lumberjack_jeff
(33,224 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(149,296 posts)I am as well.
It's going to be a while, maybe months. His wife tells me that his fingers aren't very well coordinated these days...
WillyT
(72,631 posts)Ohio Joe
(21,654 posts)I hope you let him know we all miss him
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,296 posts)It's strange, but since he cannot talk with the trach, I am not sure just what he's aware of.
I have called and spoken to him a couple of times, but I don't really know (since he can't respond on the phone) just how much of what I say he understands.
Once he reads these posts, then he'll get it, if not before!
Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)lostincalifornia
(3,639 posts)riderinthestorm
(23,272 posts)Yay!! Happy dance!
MrMickeysMom
(20,453 posts)Tough love and good breathing technique
more than restorative care, it's true rehab.
WCG
Your DU friends are rooting for you!
CherokeeDem
(3,709 posts)Good news indeed.
Thanks Peggy, for keeping us informed.
niyad
(112,426 posts)let him know that good thoughts and healing vibes continue going his way. you are an absolute treasure.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)Mojorabbit
(16,020 posts)I have been following his progress through your posts and am here rooting for him!
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,296 posts)I appreciate your good thoughts so much!
gademocrat7
(10,623 posts)Keep getting better and stronger, WCGreen.