To begin, I am sitting at the computer eating some dinner while I gather my thoughts of the day.
All in all it was a good day. As predicted, things have changed in that we are not moving to another floor, and the surgery has been cancelled. The "Throat Assessor" finally arrived and of course I was downstairs on one of my rare trips to the coffee bar. When I returned, they were half way through the assessment, Gord had downed 2 little applesauce dishes and was drinking water with a straw. He was in heaven! We are told Gord will be offered 3 meals during the day and we can bring in anything we want but it has to be soft (pureed and liquid). We can flavour it up and try to get him to eat. Tonight's dinner arrived with much anticipation from brother Richard and myself only to watch Gord sleep through the dinner hour and when he finally awoke he was not very interested in pureed peas and carrots with pureed lasagna. Needless to say he balked at the mush and sealed his lips. Luckily he still has the nose feed so we can get water and some nutrients into him over the next few days. I am all for avoiding any invasive surgery if possible so let's hope he gets even more awake to enjoy 3 meals a day.
We also have a wheelchair with Gord's name on it and he quite enjoyed riding in it to the 3rd floor for some exercises. Unfortunately, the girls only managed to get him from the chair to this very large raised exercise mat where he immediately decided he wanted to lie down and not get up. We tried everything to get him up and he just would not. Finally with the promise he could go back to his own bed, he made the effort to get up. Stubborn????? Oh yes. We just have to get him using his stubborness in a good way to build up his weakened body.
The really great news of the day is that Deepak has arrived back in Calgary and he came in and planted a big kiss on Gord's forehead late this evening. Gord was so happy to see him! He was chatting away and Deepak seemed to understand him. I can honestly say AWESOME!!!!
Stay tuned for the next big adventure! Any food ideas would be very welcome....
Love to all
Sheila
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Sheila,
ReplyDeleteWhen my husband broke his jaw and was wired for 6 weeks he experienced the pureed food as well. I cooked just as I normally did but of course had to puree everything. I would put mashed potatoes, vegetable, meat and gravy in a blender and pour it into a glass with a straw. Murray was able to suck this food through a staw even though it was very thick. It didn't always look the most appetizing but the flavour was definately there. Murray really likes his salt so I didn't hesitate to use my normal amount (or maybe even a little more than normal)of salt, lemon pepper or season salt on all the prepared food items. I know the hospital probably doesn't allow salt but you would be surprised how good homemade (not prepared) food can taste if you doctor it up with spices. I also made a lot of milk shakes using homogenzied milk or even a little cream just to put as many calories in his food as I could. Of course, he did lose some weight, but not as much as we anticipated. I think the trick to pureed food is getting some flavour into it. Try using as much seasoned salt, sauces etc as you feel is safe (maybe a little lemon hart might even do the trick). You might be surprised how good it can taste. Unfortunately, you don't have time to cook so maybe some of the visitors that come to see the big guy could try thowing some of their left over meals into a blender and bring it to the hospital for you.
I hope this helps and Gord can get stronger so he can soon be eating some of Stuart's infamous ceasar salad and steak.
Take care Sheila our thoughts are with both of you.
Give a big hug to Gord for me.
Gail and Murray Forbes
We are reading your blog all the time and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. You're obviously a wonderful woman with much strength.
ReplyDeleteKellie and Jeremy Bosch
Fort McMurray, AB
Sheila >>> Bob and I are both back home now and have been continually following both Yours and Gords progress. Like everyone else, who's lives You've both touched, We have Both, been pulling for You. You've a long journey ahead and a challenge unlike any other to complete. Knowing that the road to recovery will be winding is something You face daily and is a true test of Your inner strength, for sure. I know, You can Hang Tough! Please give Gord our Best and a Hug for You Both, from Me. >> I used quite a lot of the "Instant Breakfasts", when My Granddad lived with me. I'd spike them with, ice cream, banana's and an egg. Blended up, He'd suck them down like his favorite Milk Shake. He needed the calories, too. (I like the variety of flavors, as well.) Today will be a GOOD DAY! Talk to You later .......... Linda
ReplyDeleteSheila:
ReplyDeleteThe “Throat Assessor.” What a great moniker! It conjures an array of assorted character images that might fit this unique medical title. You could be on to something here…the beginning of a dramatis personae for the growing group of medical professionals you have and will encounter during this odyssey.
Sheila, as with the many many others who care so much about you and Gord, we anxiously await each new episode of the “Gord Chronicles,” so richly written by Laurie Belle, initially, and now by you. Each posting provides us all with precious insight, not only into Gord’s status, but into the tide of your emotions in response to his condition and progress, and your confrontations with the medical industry. Clearly, you are much more than a worthy advocate, protector, and partner for Gord. He is certainly fortunate to have you with him.
The ‘chronicles’ also provide us all with some sense of the roller coaster ride you and Gord and your family are experiencing. It is a ride the rest of us take with you, but for the most part we are only able to do so vicariously. Yet, we know that you understand that the collective power of all the love, caring and respect everyone has for you and Gord is with you, constantly.
From the first dire days it was to the ‘chronicles’ we went to find assurances of survival, and in the subsequent days and weeks, to gain some indication of the scope of injury and to find signs of positive progress that could be projected into scenarios for the very best of future outcomes. While each day has brought steady signs of progress, we have understood that much has been the consequence of natural healing processes and autonomic response to certain stimuli…that is until Saturday, when Gord so unceremoniously went off on the unsuspecting MRI attendant.
Your enthusiasm in writing about that incident was exceeded only by our satisfaction in reading about it. The attendant’s adventure in being “Boschized” by a ‘pissed off’ Gord, while perhaps a wee bit traumatic for him, was a great sign to all of us that the ‘old Gord’ may be awakening, asserting himself and ‘getting into the game’…all reinforced by the “Moosejaw,” “five fingers,” and “applesauce heaven” episodes. Outstanding!
Once Gord can become a more active participant in resolving his situation, the force of his personality, determination, work ethic and capacity to commit to objectives will absolutely begin to change the dynamic…real progress will begin and relieve some of the pressure on you.
In the interim, be especially attentive to your own well being…pace yourself. And, don’t be bashful about “Boschizing” any of the medical staff who aren’t doing the right thing for Gord...it’s good therapy for you too.
You are in our hearts and minds
Tom and Carol (Red)