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Post by johnnypt on Jan 19, 2024 13:02:26 GMT -5
Great news! Kind of reminds me of the story of how the doctors got Mel Blanc out of a coma after his car accident in the early 60s. Nothing was working then the doctor asked him “How are you doing, Bugs?” Mel answered “Not bad, doc!” If your brain is reacting to familiar stimuli, it’s a good sign it was rewire itself to head back to normal, though it may take a while.
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Post by Von K on Jan 19, 2024 19:47:13 GMT -5
More improvement - "Shelly said today was an amazing day, showing Rusty's brain activity is increasing. - Rusty's brother Mike played the Beatles' Abbey road album for him, and Rusty mouthed the words to each and every one of the 17 songs! - then he did the same thing for the Rubber Soul album. (Another 14 songs!) - he tapped his fingers to the beat of the songs. - when Shelly said to him 'I love you', he said 'I love you, too'. - Rusty tried to speak to Shelly's brother when he called. It was garbled, but he was trying. Shelly said he's more aware now but still disconnects. He pulled out his feeding tube overnight so that had to go back in. The hospital put him in a harness to stand him up but his legs and arms were flailing. So, the physical is a little behind the mental. - Rusty will take a swallow test tomorrow and if he passes, that will be his ticket to the rehab facility, where they will be able to help him more. So, the baby steps are getting bigger and the signs of improvement are encouraging. Shelly is grateful for the cards and shows of concerns and eventually she'll be trying having Rusty listening to voice mails and phone calls. Rusty's improving and we're thankful for that. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. And if he's mouthing the words to the entire Sun King medley on Abbey Road, his brain will be just fine! Indy Bill Cavalier" Thanks again Terry for keeping us updated.
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Post by Jason Aiken on Jan 19, 2024 19:56:17 GMT -5
Yep, great news there.
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Post by hun on Jan 20, 2024 12:25:32 GMT -5
Great news, thank you for the updates.
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Post by terryallenuk on Jan 24, 2024 15:05:42 GMT -5
UPDATE
"Rusty's recovery is continuing along the lines that we have mentioned: baby steps, but still progressing.
- He has spells of both being aware and being confused. His night and day are turned around; he has awake periods and totally zonked periods. - He is talking a lot more. - Their friend Ella had him singing and chatting away. - He is talking in more complex and complete sentences. When Shelly came into the room and said 'hi', he said 'hello, I love you.' - He is swearing and being sarcastic in his speech (good sign!). When the doctors told him he needed an EKG, he started swearing and he sarcastically replied, "It sounds delightful." - The nose tube is out and he has a gastric tube for feeding. This allowed him to eat some applesauce. - He was stood up and while standing looked out the window and said, "Oh, there's snow." - His legs are restless but that is providing him some exercise when he moves them. Shelly said he has a good amount of strength in his arms. Bed sores are bothering him, however. - Once he passes the swallow test he will move to a rehab hospital. The doctors are reviewing everything and will know if this can happen later this week. - Shelly continues to pass along our names and well-wishes to Rusty, so let's keep going with that.
So, the progress is continuing and encouraging. But the road to recovery is still a long one. Please continue with you healing prayers and thoughts of strength for Rusty and Shelly."
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Post by Von K on Jan 24, 2024 15:59:27 GMT -5
UPDATE "Rusty's recovery is continuing along the lines that we have mentioned: baby steps, but still progressing. - He has spells of both being aware and being confused. His night and day are turned around; he has awake periods and totally zonked periods. - He is talking a lot more. - Their friend Ella had him singing and chatting away. - He is talking in more complex and complete sentences. When Shelly came into the room and said 'hi', he said 'hello, I love you.' - He is swearing and being sarcastic in his speech (good sign!). When the doctors told him he needed an EKG, he started swearing and he sarcastically replied, "It sounds delightful." - The nose tube is out and he has a gastric tube for feeding. This allowed him to eat some applesauce. - He was stood up and while standing looked out the window and said, "Oh, there's snow." - His legs are restless but that is providing him some exercise when he moves them. Shelly said he has a good amount of strength in his arms. Bed sores are bothering him, however. - Once he passes the swallow test he will move to a rehab hospital. The doctors are reviewing everything and will know if this can happen later this week. - Shelly continues to pass along our names and well-wishes to Rusty, so let's keep going with that. So, the progress is continuing and encouraging. But the road to recovery is still a long one. Please continue with you healing prayers and thoughts of strength for Rusty and Shelly." Thanks Terry. So great to know that Rusty is steadily recovering.
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Post by terryallenuk on Feb 2, 2024 2:01:48 GMT -5
Update from Shelly
"He’s improving - today was wonderful in that he passed the swallow test and had his first real food in 40 days ! He still has the g-tube in his stomach - which can come out after it heals- no longer needs it. He stood up (with help) and hopefully will go to the MedStar Rehabilitation Hospital across the way to rehab as he ‘s lost a lot of muscle mass. He looks like the skinny Rusty I knew in college!"
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Post by Von K on Feb 3, 2024 21:11:04 GMT -5
Update from Shelly "He’s improving - today was wonderful in that he passed the swallow test and had his first real food in 40 days ! He still has the g-tube in his stomach - which can come out after it heals- no longer needs it. He stood up (with help) and hopefully will go to the MedStar Rehabilitation Hospital across the way to rehab as he ‘s lost a lot of muscle mass. He looks like the skinny Rusty I knew in college!" Thanks Terry.
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Post by Erik on Feb 4, 2024 13:30:41 GMT -5
Thanks for the update, and glad to hear he's improving!
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Post by terryallenuk on Feb 7, 2024 6:20:50 GMT -5
Progress is being made!
Rusty was moved to the MedStar Washington National Rehabilitation Hospital last Thursday and the healing rehab has begun.
- Rusty is starting to walk with the aid of a harness. - He is "eating like a horse" - His verbal communication is stronger, with him using complex sentences and singing. - He is regaining his confidence, which will go a long way in the healing process. - While he still has some periods of disorientation, the progress continues. But we have to be aware that this is a time-consuming endeavor in getting him back to health. It's going to take awhile. - Shelly is sounding more relieved and positive as she notes his daily progress. A friend who had not seen Rusty in a week came in and noted significant progress.
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Post by salant on Feb 7, 2024 8:34:30 GMT -5
Progress is being made! Rusty was moved to the MedStar Washington National Rehabilitation Hospital last Thursday and the healing rehab has begun. - Rusty is starting to walk with the aid of a harness. - He is "eating like a horse" - His verbal communication is stronger, with him using complex sentences and singing. - He is regaining his confidence, which will go a long way in the healing process. - While he still has some periods of disorientation, the progress continues. But we have to be aware that this is a time-consuming endeavor in getting him back to health. It's going to take awhile. - Shelly is sounding more relieved and positive as she notes his daily progress. A friend who had not seen Rusty in a week came in and noted significant progress. Great news!
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Post by Von K on Feb 7, 2024 17:29:50 GMT -5
Very promising news. Thanks Terry.
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Post by terryallenuk on Feb 14, 2024 13:19:39 GMT -5
Sounds more promising every week!
The news is good as Rusty's healing continues and progresses.
- He has started walking short distances with a walker and is not in a harness. - His mind continues to improve, along with his memory. He is getting better at memory games - He is undergoing some physical therapy that includes working on some "simulation" equipment (like a car door set-up to open and close and then sit in a car), equipment that involves everyday physical activities. - Rusty's conversations are better and deeper; his voice is stronger. He's starting to "pontificate" on subjects, so much so that the staff is calling him "Professor". He is talking on the phone also. - He looks physically better. Shelly is able to take him outside in the small courtyard at times for fresh air. - He still has confused spells, especially about the date/day/year. - Once the port of the feeding tube is removed and healed, Shelly hopes to to take him home. this will hopefully happen later in March.
Rusty's progress continues - slowly - but it is progress. One friend who visits once a week has remarked the great improvement she sees in him from week to week. He's on the road back.
So please continue with your healing prayers and uplifting thoughts for Rusty and Shelly. She is very appreciative to everyone for their kindness and concern.
Hang in there, Rusty! We need plenty more pontificating from you! Thanks, everyone, Indy Bill Cavalier
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Post by johnnypt on Feb 14, 2024 14:47:08 GMT -5
Great news, every step is one closer to being better.
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Post by Von K on Feb 14, 2024 17:05:43 GMT -5
Thanks Terry!
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