0104 applesauce and eye patch

(originally posted by my sister on the "jimkitanorecovery" yahoo group site)

Jim had a further swallow test with applesauce today, and although the test will have to be repeated, he said to the therapist "that tastes so good". His speaking voice was noticeably stronger today.

They seem to have a handle on the respiratory issues for the time being, and he is scheduled to be transferred back from the ICU to the neuro wing when a room becomes available.

The eye problem that they have been treating as an infection seems to be a corneal ulcer. Don't be surprised if you see him sporting an eye patch.

He said he was too tired to have visitors today. I hope he will feel better tomorrow.

If you sent me an email asking about visits while I was at the hospital, I am sorry I couldn't reply. Somehow emails auto-forwarded to my blackberry from this address don't show the sender's email. But if you remember to include your email address at the end of your message, I'll try to reply as soon as I can. Sorry about that.

0103 jim finds a voice!

(originally posted by my sister on the "jimkitanorecovery" yahoo group site)

Today Jim spoke in an audible voice! He is still tired and didn't have energy to say much, but he was understandable without having to place my ear about 6" from his face or lip read. While it wasn't exactly his normal voice, it was a great step.

The speech therapist came while Jim was sleeping and was going to leave saying she'd wait until tomorrow until after the pulmonologist evaluated him. But I really wanted her to see how much he'd improved in a day so I woke him up. She was surprised at how much better he vocalized, and also gave him a swallow test and remarked how much better he did there than yesterday.

She said she'd consult tomorrow with the pulmonologist (who never did show up) and respiratory, and that maybe he could be on his way to getting rid of the tube feedings. Of all the things Jim hates about this (and there are a lot of things) he really, really misses eating. Of course, one of the things I've learned about hospitals is that many things move in slow motion from the patient point of view and "soon" may a few days hence.

Jim somehow got missed by physical therapy today, and I am kicking myself for only agitating about that around 3:30 or so, when it was too late. Our mom was there this morning, and I didn't arrive until after lunch, so I didn't know he hadn't seen PT. I really don't understand how he can slip off their schedule, it is really important for him to be moving. At least he was seen by OT.

Jim is continuing to be plagued by a lot of congestion that he can't clear. Although he is better than he was last night, he needed to get respiratory treatments and an oxygen mask this evening, but when I left the respiratory therapist thought he would be off the mask and just back on the smaller supplemental O2 to the nose (what is that called?) which is MUCH less annoying to him.

Sorry for all the yucky details.

Some friends have asked about bringing DVDs or music for him, so I wanted to mention that at this point he is not really watching TV, listening to music or reading. I asked him about visitors today and at first he shook his head no, then reconsidered, and said, "Just short. Just for 5 minutes."

Thank you for your encouraging emails, prayers and visits. I have printed some of the emails sent by friends, but he was not up to having them read to him today. Judi

0102 reality setting in

(originally posted by my sister on the "jimkitanorecovery" yahoo group site)

I understand from Jim's nurse last night that the reality of this event is really starting to get him down, and that he is apprehensive. I'll be there today (Tuesday) to keep him company. Our other brother, John, has experienced some troubling medical issues yesterday, and my parents will be at his facility today.

0101 moved to long beach memorial medical center

(originally posted by my sister on the "jimkitanorecovery" yahoo group site)

Jim was moved yesterday (Sunday) evening from La Palma community hospital to Long Beach Memorial. He is currently in the ICU in room 716. He is really happy to be there. LB Memorial is located at 2801 Atlantic Ave. in Long Beach, off the Atlantic Ave. and Long Beach Blvd. exits from the 405. ICU visiting hours are 10-2 and 4-8 (although they usually ask visitors to leave from 7-8 during staff shift change). I believe they let you back in from 8-9 p.m. The hospital number is 562.933.2000. I think Jim is receptive to short visits. I'm not sure how long he will be in the ICU, last night they thought it might only be for overnight, and then he might be moved to a different unit.Many thanks for all the visits, calls, prayers and expressions of support.With thanks, Judi