Mike had his first family meeting today at 11am. We were there and asked a lot of questions. Mike's PT, OT, doctor, Nurse coordinator, and social worker were all present. They each took time to explain their role in making Mike "the best he can be". Here's the low-down:
Physical Therapist: working with Mike on his arms and legs and chest. He explained the range of motion he currently has, and what he could expect to gain which basically he can't say for sure, but does know his arms should be very strong. He needs to continue to strech and work his shoulders.
Occupational Therapist: She is working with Mike on controlling his dizzy spells and finding ways to overcome them when he gets them. She works with him on his positioning as well so as to reduce the sores he could receive from lying still. He has one small sore and it is getting better.
Doctor: Dr. Lea talked about weening him off of some of the medications he has been taking. One that he will stop as of today is the antbiotics. The doctor does not believe that there is an infection still. Mike's breathing is much better by his assessment as well. He is now watching him for the low blood pressure issues he has been facing. This, according to Dr. Lea, is common with SPI. He said the rods and plates surgically implanted are working well. He also recommended Mike's NRH Urologist discuss kidney function as it pertains to his injury with his existing urologist. He will start a steroid to help him gain weight. Unfortunately, he may need to wear the neck brace a litte longer than we thought, but the doc couldn't say for sure.
Social Worker: She informed us of all the necessary items needed at home for Mike to be comfortable. As a result, we have quite an extensive "Gotzens Family To Do List"! which includes bathroom modifications, some sort of lifting device for the stairs, dad's new van with wheelchair lift, and attending home care classes. Thank you to all who have been a part of some of these items so far...
Mike's roommate leaves on Thursday and the team wants for one of the family members to spend the night with him sometime after this happens and take complete charge of his care to get used to his schedule and needs. Also, Mike will come home probably the last 2 Sundays he is slated to be at NRH for the day to re-acclimate himself to the house.
Sorry so long-I'm probably leaving ot a few things, but all and all we got a lot of questions answered and have a clearer picture of Mike's future, at least for the short term.
-Kim
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
WOW! You sure did get a whole lot of information today, and for the most part, it sounds positive. There is definitely a lot of work to do so please DO NOT hesitate to ask for any help. If there is anything I can do I would be more than happy to do so. Sorry Mike has to wear the neck brace longer than expected. It is nice to hear that he will have his last 2 Sundays at NRH spent in his own home...that will definitely help with the transition back home.
Thank you Kim for the detailed update, I really appreciate it and it helps everyone feel closer to Mike, his progress and his recovery process.
I hope to be down for a visit very soon. I'm even up for some home improvement help if need be, just let me know when and I'm there.
Love to all,
Robin
Thanks, Kim, for the very thorough and informative update after the family meeting about Mike today. I'm sure there are plenty of questions still, and definitely lots for everybody to do to help Mike. Time and patience are also in order - but that too will pay off for Mike. We all are on board to learn to do anything that will be needed and to help with any related to the home, the van, equipment - whatever has to be done and whatever Mike needs. And of course, Mike is working hard on his own "list" of things and accomplishing all of it. He has already overcame so much - and will continue to do so. We are all part of Mike' team - and at the same time - his cheerleaders - and there is no doubt that soon, he will be "the best he can be."
We'll be in constant touch. Love you Mike and All the family - Aunt Nancy and Uncle Ray
Kim, you certainly found a great deal of information about your brothers care. What a great family you all are. you are all in my prayers and bless you all.. i check this every day to see how Mike is doing...thanks for the info..
love to you all
Aunt Sylvia
Kim, the Scotts are coming this weekend!!! We can help with anything you need...
When you say the last 2 Sundays...which Sundays are those?
Love to Mike! Can't wait to get there again!
Kristen
Kim,
Thanks so much for all these details. It's so nice to have a place you can go to see how he is doing and how his progress is coming along! Again, please let us know what we can do. We are here, ready and able. I hope Gotz has been feeling better these last few days. I'm glad the family has had a lot of questions answered too. Hope to see you this weekend, but again, let me know if there is anything I can do before then.
Lots of love,
Crystal
A lot of information, but for the most part, all positive!
We would like to offer any help we can give to make the house ready for Mike's return....and after he is home I hope Mike doesn't mind if I come over to the house and watch some of the Skins games with him..cause thats my plan:)
It sounds like Mike has a good set of doctors working with him to get him as good as he can be, which is awesome. Mike is fortunate to get the love and care that he most certainly deserves.
Mike, I'll see you tomorrow evening buddy. Til then, I LOVE YOU:)
Nice to hear the plans switch from surgeries to looking at coming home :) I'm so happy for Mike to have such a great team of doctors working for him. Always here for anything you need....
Love Amanda & Jay
We will see you all this weekend. Love to you Mike and everyone. Let us know if there is anything you want or need that we can bring to you.
Love,
Aunt Susan
Post a Comment