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I spoke with Jim as he and Judy were leaving the doctors office. Judy will be starting physical therapy three times a week at an outpatient facility which is great but will require Jim to get her up and down those stairs more frequently. He is obviously distressed by this and might have to consider renting a small one story condo or apartment until a more permanent solution is found. Several of you are working on finding a construction company to help and I forwarded an Extreme Makeover Home Edition application to Jim that was sent to me.
I forgot to ask about the van when we talked on the phone, but included it in an e-mail so as soon as I know if he picked it up I'll let you know. Meanwhile, fundraising activities continue. Auction items are starting to come in, original works of art from local artists, a kayak, a portable GPS, spa days, massages, dinners and Zoom teeth whitening at an office are just some of the items that will be auctioned. Please purchase tickets for the BBQ/auction. They are available at CRHS, Monday through Thursday. Tickets are $10. Also remember the breakfast Wed. morning at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center. 7am to 9am. Breakfast is just $3 and it is open to the public. Bay News 9 is interested in doing a story about Judy, but this would require us to submit photos, video etc. of Judy and footage of friends and family explaining why they would like to help Judy. If any of you have pictures or film of Judy, please let me know. Television coverage would certainly help raise awareness and thus help Judy to stay in her home. As always, thanks for all your effort and donations. We can do this!
Judy said she feels good most of the time, the only down time is when she experiences blood pressure problems. She has experienced this often enough now that she can feel it coming on. and they are able to take measures to prevent it from becoming severe. She likes her new doctor very much and will be seeing a new pulmonologist who deals with trach patients frequently. She is hopeful the trach will be able to be closed in the near future. Her favorite Nursing Assistant was with her this morning getting ready to wash her hair and give her a neck massage--something she looks forward to. The increase in the need to be up and down the stairs is a worry. She really can't believe so many people are working to help her with this, and is overwhelmed by the generosity of this community.
Jim said that Judy is scheduled for surgery July 2nd. They will be putting in a supra pubic catheter. This is a more permanent type of urinary catheter inserted through the lower abdominal region into the bladder. Judy currently has a foley catheter which runs up the urethra into the bladder. Long term, the type of catheter she has now, can increase the risk of urinary track infections so that is why the procedure is being done. Judy will also be going to outpatient physical therapy three times a week.
This is great for Judy as it might help build up her strength and reduce the risk of contractures (shortening or tightening of the muscles) but is a nightmare due to the stairs. She will have to make the therapy sessions as well as Dr. visits. Therapy is going to cost them $150 a session beyond what Medicare is picking up. Jim tells me the Spinal Institute should be able to help with this, but not until the fall when they are funded again.
Pennies4JPowell |
Latest page update: made by Pennies4JPowell
, Jun 27 2008, 12:12 AM EDT
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