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Post by Monster on Feb 14, 2024 22:02:01 GMT -5
I do not even know Rusty or who he is, and yet I am following this closely and have been praying for him (in my own way).
Good to hear about all the great strides towards a full recovery!
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Post by johnnypt on Feb 15, 2024 5:59:02 GMT -5
I do not even know Rusty or who he is, and yet I am following this closely and have been praying for him (in my own way). Good to hear about all the great strides towards a full recovery! He’s one of the premier Howard scholars and has been a driving force behind a lot of the collections from the past 25-30 years. |
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Post by terryallenuk on Feb 23, 2024 7:26:17 GMT -5
Small setback but overall still improving.
Rusty had a bit of a set back earlier this week.
A UTI being treated with IV antibiotics delayed some of his progress.
- However, he is looking better now and Shelly said he may be coming home early in March. This is to be determined by the end of the month.
- His communication is better - he will make some amazing statement or complex sentences - and then lapse into confusion and "loopiness".
- He wonders aloud: "Why can't I get my words out?"
His appetite comes and goes and he's become a picky eater. But he's eating like a normal person.
Again, people who visit him on an irregular basis are amazed at his weekly progress. He IS healing. He is, albeit slowly, getting better.
- He continues to try and improve his communication. The UTI set him back a little physically, but he continues to use the walker to gain strength.
Rusty and Shelly's personal friend, Dr. Rex, a neuro psychologist, will be in to see Rusty on Monday when he visits D.C. Shelly said he will be able to give her better insight about Rusty then, after he speaks with the physicians and therapists. It's good to have a friend to translate!
But Rusty IS progressing. He IS healing. But it's going to take time.
That's why we continue to send good vibrations and prayers for healing strength.
The old boy is hanging in there, getting better every day, and we'll see him through with love and faith.
Indy Bill Cavalier
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Post by johnnypt on Feb 23, 2024 10:22:53 GMT -5
Those UTI’s can be tough to deal with. Sounds like they got on top of it pretty quickly. But having an endgame in sight is always positive.
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Post by hun on Feb 24, 2024 2:26:23 GMT -5
Thanks for the update Terry.
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Post by terryallenuk on Mar 3, 2024 3:29:09 GMT -5
The news from Shelly is very encouraging!
- Rusty continues to make progress in his rehabilitation. He is feeling better, looking better and his communication and speech is improving by leaps and bounds! He talks on the phone more.
- He is making much more sense, as indicated by weekly visitors who note the amazing progress he makes from the previous week.
- He has his moments of confusion and his sense of time is screwed up but he recognizes certain things as being "way in the past". But these moments are decreasing day by day.
- His speech therapist has noted that Rusty is acing the verbal games during those therapy sessions and other people in the sessions have remarked to him, "Why are you even in this group?"
- Rusty is getting physically stronger, thanks to more standing and continued progress with his walker. His legs atrophied during his long stay in bed and he is building strength by using his walker to navigate the 100 yard perimeter of the atrium at the rehab facility. He also is working out on a treadmill.
- He will still need to get better at handling stairs. Shelly said that the rehab facility has estimated a March 12 release date for Rusty.
Shelly is certain that all the good vibrations and healing prayers from everyone are helping immensely and gives a special shout out to the fine folks of Cross Plains for their prayers and good wishes.
So, extremely good news on the recovery progress front. Let's continue to be encouraged that Rusty is making progress and help him through this.
He's hanging in there and moving forward.
Indy Bill Cavalier
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Post by Von K on Mar 9, 2024 19:25:30 GMT -5
The news from Shelly is very encouraging! - Rusty continues to make progress in his rehabilitation. He is feeling better, looking better and his communication and speech is improving by leaps and bounds! He talks on the phone more. - He is making much more sense, as indicated by weekly visitors who note the amazing progress he makes from the previous week. - He has his moments of confusion and his sense of time is screwed up but he recognizes certain things as being "way in the past". But these moments are decreasing day by day. - His speech therapist has noted that Rusty is acing the verbal games during those therapy sessions and other people in the sessions have remarked to him, "Why are you even in this group?" - Rusty is getting physically stronger, thanks to more standing and continued progress with his walker. His legs atrophied during his long stay in bed and he is building strength by using his walker to navigate the 100 yard perimeter of the atrium at the rehab facility. He also is working out on a treadmill. - He will still need to get better at handling stairs. Shelly said that the rehab facility has estimated a March 12 release date for Rusty. Shelly is certain that all the good vibrations and healing prayers from everyone are helping immensely and gives a special shout out to the fine folks of Cross Plains for their prayers and good wishes. So, extremely good news on the recovery progress front. Let's continue to be encouraged that Rusty is making progress and help him through this. He's hanging in there and moving forward. Indy Bill Cavalier Thanks for the latest update Terry. Great to know Rusty is successfully slugging his way back to good health.
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Post by terryallenuk on Mar 10, 2024 2:21:41 GMT -5
The news from Shelly is very encouraging! - Rusty continues to make progress in his rehabilitation. He is feeling better, looking better and his communication and speech is improving by leaps and bounds! He talks on the phone more. - He is making much more sense, as indicated by weekly visitors who note the amazing progress he makes from the previous week. - He has his moments of confusion and his sense of time is screwed up but he recognizes certain things as being "way in the past". But these moments are decreasing day by day. - His speech therapist has noted that Rusty is acing the verbal games during those therapy sessions and other people in the sessions have remarked to him, "Why are you even in this group?" - Rusty is getting physically stronger, thanks to more standing and continued progress with his walker. His legs atrophied during his long stay in bed and he is building strength by using his walker to navigate the 100 yard perimeter of the atrium at the rehab facility. He also is working out on a treadmill. - He will still need to get better at handling stairs. Shelly said that the rehab facility has estimated a March 12 release date for Rusty. Shelly is certain that all the good vibrations and healing prayers from everyone are helping immensely and gives a special shout out to the fine folks of Cross Plains for their prayers and good wishes. So, extremely good news on the recovery progress front. Let's continue to be encouraged that Rusty is making progress and help him through this. He's hanging in there and moving forward. Indy Bill Cavalier Thanks for the latest update Terry. Great to know Rusty is successfully slugging his way back to good health.
Yes great to hear everything is looking so positive. |
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Post by terryallenuk on Mar 11, 2024 3:00:24 GMT -5
The Best News of All!
Rusty will leave rehab and be coming home on Tuesday March 12!!!
His progress continues to be steady and amazing.
- He is still unsteady for walking by himself, but he is using a walker. He is standing better as his legs strengthen and he has been practicing on stairs with the aid of a handrail. (Something we can all relate to!) He has said, "My gait is like Lurch!"
- His voice is still a bit hoarse and he says "My cadence is off." But his communication and speech is better every day. This is particularly noted by friends who only see him once or twice a week.
- Rusty's vitals are good and he feels even better now that the feeding tube port has been removed.
- His obscure references really show how much he's coming back. While taking a card memory test, where one needs to describe something written on a card without using the words on the card (EG: Fireman); his card said BUS STOP, to which Rusty replied: "Please share my umbrella". (He was referring to the Hollies' song from the 60's and had to explain his answer to some in the group.)
- Coming home to a familiar environment will make things immeasurably better. I'm sure he would love to hear from y'all in the form of a card or a letter: 408 G St. SE, Washington, DC 20003.
All of the good, healing thoughts and prayers continue to help and make the old boy stronger, so don't stop now!
As Shelly said, "He's coming back!"
Indy Bill Cavalier
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Post by thedarkman on Mar 11, 2024 9:45:08 GMT -5
Now that’s some great news! Glad to hear Rusty is heading home.
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Post by Von K on Mar 12, 2024 19:27:44 GMT -5
The Best News of All! Rusty will leave rehab and be coming home on Tuesday March 12!!! His progress continues to be steady and amazing. - He is still unsteady for walking by himself, but he is using a walker. He is standing better as his legs strengthen and he has been practicing on stairs with the aid of a handrail. (Something we can all relate to!) He has said, "My gait is like Lurch!" - His voice is still a bit hoarse and he says "My cadence is off." But his communication and speech is better every day. This is particularly noted by friends who only see him once or twice a week. - Rusty's vitals are good and he feels even better now that the feeding tube port has been removed. - His obscure references really show how much he's coming back. While taking a card memory test, where one needs to describe something written on a card without using the words on the card (EG: Fireman); his card said BUS STOP, to which Rusty replied: "Please share my umbrella". (He was referring to the Hollies' song from the 60's and had to explain his answer to some in the group.) - Coming home to a familiar environment will make things immeasurably better. I'm sure he would love to hear from y'all in the form of a card or a letter: 408 G St. SE, Washington, DC 20003. All of the good, healing thoughts and prayers continue to help and make the old boy stronger, so don't stop now! As Shelly said, "He's coming back!" Indy Bill Cavalier That's fantastic. Thanks Terry.
At this rate there's a good chance Rusty will be able to attend Howard Days 2024 if he so chooses.
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Post by terryallenuk on Mar 13, 2024 1:58:03 GMT -5
The Best News of All! Rusty will leave rehab and be coming home on Tuesday March 12!!! His progress continues to be steady and amazing. - He is still unsteady for walking by himself, but he is using a walker. He is standing better as his legs strengthen and he has been practicing on stairs with the aid of a handrail. (Something we can all relate to!) He has said, "My gait is like Lurch!" - His voice is still a bit hoarse and he says "My cadence is off." But his communication and speech is better every day. This is particularly noted by friends who only see him once or twice a week. - Rusty's vitals are good and he feels even better now that the feeding tube port has been removed. - His obscure references really show how much he's coming back. While taking a card memory test, where one needs to describe something written on a card without using the words on the card (EG: Fireman); his card said BUS STOP, to which Rusty replied: "Please share my umbrella". (He was referring to the Hollies' song from the 60's and had to explain his answer to some in the group.) - Coming home to a familiar environment will make things immeasurably better. I'm sure he would love to hear from y'all in the form of a card or a letter: 408 G St. SE, Washington, DC 20003. All of the good, healing thoughts and prayers continue to help and make the old boy stronger, so don't stop now! As Shelly said, "He's coming back!" Indy Bill Cavalier That's fantastic. Thanks Terry.
At this rate there's a good chance Rusty will be able to attend Howard Days 2024 if he so chooses.
I was wondering that myself , it would be great if he was up to it. |
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Post by terryallenuk on Mar 18, 2024 2:54:14 GMT -5
The News keeps getting better!
"What a great St. Patrick's Day! Rusty is home and I just talked with him on the phone!
When I called, Shelly said he was on the other phone and could he call me back? Oh, hell yeah!
His first words were: "Well, they threw me out of the hospital!"
His voice was a little weak but he sounded good, with that touch of humor that is always there.
He is very glad to be home and in familiar surroundings. He said, "There's nothing like the sounds of the neighborhood to make you feel good."
Rusty greatly appreciates all the concern and prayers and cards and good wishes that have come his way; I told him there's a lot of folks out here who love you. He mentioned the people of Cross Plains in particular and there was a touch of amazement in his voice.
He also said, "I'll be walking by June", meaning he has the goal of showing up for Howard Days in Cross Plains. I told him if he does, I'm putting him to work and he said, "I'm ready."
That might be a long shot, but Shelly mentioned to me previously that coming to Howard Days is a goal; certainly it's one that we can all hope for. But for right now it's still one day at a time.
But in Rusty's own words: "I'm coming back."
Best end to a report - so far.
Indy Bill Cavalier"
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Post by Von K on Mar 21, 2024 15:09:15 GMT -5
The News keeps getting better! "What a great St. Patrick's Day! Rusty is home and I just talked with him on the phone! When I called, Shelly said he was on the other phone and could he call me back? Oh, hell yeah! His first words were: "Well, they threw me out of the hospital!" His voice was a little weak but he sounded good, with that touch of humor that is always there. He is very glad to be home and in familiar surroundings. He said, "There's nothing like the sounds of the neighborhood to make you feel good." Rusty greatly appreciates all the concern and prayers and cards and good wishes that have come his way; I told him there's a lot of folks out here who love you. He mentioned the people of Cross Plains in particular and there was a touch of amazement in his voice. He also said, "I'll be walking by June", meaning he has the goal of showing up for Howard Days in Cross Plains. I told him if he does, I'm putting him to work and he said, "I'm ready." That might be a long shot, but Shelly mentioned to me previously that coming to Howard Days is a goal; certainly it's one that we can all hope for. But for right now it's still one day at a time. But in Rusty's own words: "I'm coming back." Best end to a report - so far. Indy Bill Cavalier" So awesome to read that Terry, thanks for sharing the news with us here!
And thanks to Bill for all the reports!
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Post by terryallenuk on Apr 2, 2024 8:04:10 GMT -5
Rusty continues to recover, heal and improve while resting at home. And that's No Foolin' today!
- I spoke with him briefly; his voice is much more normal than when I talked to him a couple weeks ago. There was virtually no stumbling over his words. He called me "Indy", which I consider a good sign. He is happy with his own progress and his self-awareness seems to be getting better. He knows he's coming back.
- He is somewhat dismayed over the fact that he hasn't be able to get back online just yet. "I know I have a lot of e-mails to answer, I'm way behind." Rusty and Shelly do have a friend who is helping him with his computer, but it's liable to be awhile.
- Progress happens every day. His balance is better, he goes to the bathroom by himself using his walker and every day is a stronger day.
- There is still a bit of fogginess going on, but again - improvement every day. We've known from the get-go that this is a baby step process; now the steps are getting a little better and bigger.
Shelly said they don't know about coming to Howard Days, but it's a goal that she will have to determine as Rusty's healing continues. I told her to be careful about that but that it's good to have a goal.
- Get healthy first, Rusty, and that will make the future brighter.
Let's continue or good wishes, healing vibes and helpful prayers for our dear friend Rusty!
Indy Bill Cavalier
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