Hi everyone it's Sharon I had to pop on to give everyone the latest update. Just got off the phone with Amy. She went to see Dave this morning before going to work. She got there in time to catch Daves therapy evaluations. It seems like Dave had a busy morning, Physcial therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
Some of you might be questioning "speech therapy, I thought Dave couldn't talk because of his trach?" speech is actually more involved then just speaking. The speech therapist is the one who evaluates Dave cognitively. This is done by asking Dave a series a quetions. Those of you who came to see Dave at Good shepherd and Johns Hopkins are probably chuckling right now because we are all aware of how much Dave likes speech. For those of you who don't know I'll let you in on the joke. Dave thinks speech is retarded, those are his exact words! This has actually been something that we, Dave's family, my family and Dave's friends , have gotten a laugh over through this whole process. Dave feels this way about speech because of the questions they ask. We have all tried explaining to Dave that they will stop asking the stupid questions when he starts answering them correctly to no avail. At times I have seen Dave completely shut down when speech has walked into the room, and refuse to answer any questions or speak to them at all. The funny part is that the speech therapist is usually a pretty, young woman with a bubbly personalitiy, who tries to conjole Dave into participating with no success. All the while you can tell that in his head Dave is ripping this person to shreds. LOL!
Today was different. Amy told me that Dave actually participated today, answering all the questions and reponding nicely. Dave can not talk to the point that sound comes out, but he does move his lips, so we are able to understand him somewhat. And he can answer yes and no questions. Amy said he did so well she almost cried, but she didn't because she knew Dave would yell at her. Hopefully his participation is a good sign.
The other good news is that one of Dave's neurologist stopped in to see him this morning, Dr. Varrato, he is one of the ones Dave likes. They are going to be starting Dave on another five day round of IvIg today or tomorrow! That makes all of us happy. One of our biggest concerns when leaving Johns Hopkins was being able to get Dave this therapy when he needed it. Also Johns Hopkins only did 2days of IvIg per course, and he got 2 courses. We were all curious about this since the normal course is 5 days.
Please everyone keep praying, and sending all of your positive energy Dave's way!!!! He's going to get through this!! And thank you everyone for your continued support, I couldn't ask for anymore then what you are doing for us!
Sharon! You beat me to it! LOL! Must be busy at work! XOXO!(Don't forget the Cheerios!)
ReplyDeleteThis Morning was pretty amazing!! I wished all could have seen it! Sometimes when you see the positive and you are all alone you cant help but think..."Did I just see that? maybe not. PLEASE let someone else see it too!" and then hold your breath that you are not crazy, and that its the positive we are waiting for.
Not quite our 'end' but definately a HUGE step in the right direction! We will take it!! As one of Daves Doctors said his pnemonia was a set back, as as soon as he was out of ICU they could begin to work on his Neurological condition. So once again walking into Daves room and seeing these Drs right there READY to go forth on Daves recovery is just wonderful. Their concern for Dave is really comforting and encouraging for all of us.
I think Dave maybe saying "Speech Therapy is NOT retarded" now! Damn there goes our family slogan!! Lol! Dave actually did Speech Therapy for 1/2 hr today! I was truely moved, and SOOOO proud of him. Definately a start. The therapist definately knows where she needs to start first. She plans on starting on the most important goal for him, and thats communication.
As many of you know he remains in the bed without control or strength of his legs, arms, hands, or his main trunk. So his only way of actually communication is through his mouth and facial expressions. She will work 3 days a week on his mouth muscles and encouraging him to speak slowly and really Annunciating his words. (Yes I told her he is from a long line of fast talkers! =)) And thats gonna be something we will need to all remind him to do too. Once Daves beathing issues are 100% on his own, without the ventilator support,he will have a different fitting on his trach that will allow air to reach his vocal cords, which will then once again allow Dave to produce sound.
Sooooo Sorry lost in my thoughts! SOOOO Proud of you Dave!!! Keep up the good work kid!!!
This is the best thing I have heard in a long time. First, an whole half hour!!!!!!!!!!! great progress. Second, another IvIg, fantastic! Finally, as someone who watched Dave pretend to be asleep to avoid having to talk to a Dr/Therapist, the fact that he participated and worked with them for this amount of time is the most encouraging thing to date! Sharon said he new the month was February...I bet he is thinking, "time to get this show on the road, I need to get the @#!$ out of here, spring is coming!" Keep up the great work Dave! We love you!
ReplyDeleteHey Sharon! I'm very thankful for the constant updates, I'm sure to check everyday. I wish I could come and see him but being so far away it's impossible. I was just wondering if you had a mailing address and what some good things would be to send him. Thanks again Sharon and please let Dave know he is always in Sweebney's thoughts!
ReplyDeleteHey Sweebney when I told Dave that you were posting comments on the blog he smiled. He definitely remembered who Sweebney was. At the end of the Good bye ICU post there is an address for Dave. I'm thinking he might need a book of jokes, something like that would quick and easy to read to him. I tried reading to him, and much to Matt's amusement it didn't go over to well. I think getting Dave's sense of humor going again would be a good boost for him.
ReplyDeleteI saw Dave last night on my way home from the airport. So it's not exactly on the way, but I hadn't seen him in a week, and with the weather coming I wasn't sure when I would see him next. He seemed a bit tired, it was after 7pm, but I could tell by his eyes he was very aware and was trying to communicate. He gets a bit frustrated when I have a hard time understanding what he is trying to say, but we just have to keep trying. I spoke with his nurse about what was going on with him and she was very upbeat about his progress in the past two days. I just can't help but think that if he can just get past this pneumonia we will start to see some progression. And Sharon, I couldn't agree with you more, helping Dave get his sense of humor back is probably the best thing we could do for him... I know he still has one, I have made him smile several times the past few times I've been there, but at my expense, LOL.
ReplyDelete~Bob
Hi Dave -- It was so great to see the update about your move and your hard work during speech therapy! Keep up all your hard work!!!!! We know you will do well with the speech therapy as long as you keep trying. We hope to see you really soon. Even more funny teenager stories to tell you now that it has been two weeks since seeing you! Things happen quickly :)
ReplyDeleteLove Always,
Sandy, Chris, Jake & Lauren
Sharon & Dave...the update is great! Sharon I just wanted to tell you what an amazing woman you are! Dave Im sooo glad that you are makeing such strides in progress...My love and thoughts are with u both! Love, Nichole
ReplyDeleteHi guys! I'm so glad to hear this great news! I hope the IvIg and speech therapy are having continued success and that things have progressed nicely since this last post. I will definitely talk to you soon, but just wanted to pop in and say hi, congrats, miss and love you both.
ReplyDeleteHey this is the Curry and Melvin Families and we are praying for you and are here for you please let us know if we can do anything for you. Sharon updated us up on his condition tonight at dinner. Your in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove the Curry and Melvin Families!
We are thinking of you Dave, your family, your friends, and of course your dogs! They are mans best friend. Please remember that life is a marathon and not a sprint...You can and will overcome! We think of you often and keep you in our thoughts and prayers everyday.
ReplyDeleteAaron & Kristen Smith