"In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name." Psalm 33: 21
There is so much for us to be thankful once for, in this past week. Nathan has seen much progress in his own rehabilitation, and that all the physio he does on his own and with the therapist is working. Our Heavenly Father knows what we need when we need it.
The switch of hospitals, the very hot room he had to sleep in and all the new faces, added a lot of stress and uncertainty to Nate's mind, but as we look back we are thankful for the changes. Nate's room is much cooler, (they fixed it a little bit ;) ) and the physio has been excellent
Each afternoon, Nate has physio with his therapist for approx 11/2 - 2 hours, depending on how much they talk! Nate also has to do quite a few exercises and stretches himself every morning, and they take a couple hours to do as well. All this physio has shown its effects this week.
On Monday Nate was able to stand for approx 30-45 seconds, by Wednesday Nate was standing for 3 minutes and by Friday was hopping back and forth down the parallel bars, holding on. On Monday Nate could transfer, back and forth to things that are level or only a few inches in height difference, now he is able to transfer to things of many different heights, including things up to the height of our van seats. Nate also is able to get a few more degrees of flexing of his elbow and knee, but these too will take time to get functional flexing out of them. At this time we are both thrilled with the progress, and can't wait to get Nate home.
Speaking of home, next weekend, the 28th - 30th Nate will be coming home. This is a weekend pass to see if there is anything else Nate needs to work on, or if its just strengthening and flexing. Nate's ETA to leave Henderson "for good" is Feb 2, which is less then 2 weeks away. We are very excited about this, as it is much sooner then we anticipated. What happens for physio after this we are not quite sure, because Nate's stump is not healed enough yet to have a prosthetic put on. What we have been told is that Nate will be having physio from the Regional Rehab Center down by the General Hospital. Times and dates to be arranged.
Before I log off, I would like to thank all those wonderful Ladies who assisted in cleaning our home. Much cleaning was necessary after our furry little rodent friends decided our home was a wonderful place to play, sleep, eat and leave black markings every where. Thank you so much, for all the cleaning you have done! Thanks also to the many guys that have been hard at work in our home, preparing it for our return, all the moving of furniture, the hook ups,the last minute things and for those who are planning on coming still to do more work. We truly are thankful for all you have done.
Please continue to remember us in your prayers as we are preparing for the next stage, the return home, this is a time of excitement but also a lot of trepidation. Thank you for all your prayers.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
This text stands so true to us, for our Heavenly Father NEVER left us or forsook Nate, even during the darkest hours of his illness. The LORD, carried Nate and us all through those days.
Today, for those who haven't heard, it is Nathan's birthday, and what a wonderful day we could have. Our Heavenly Father graciously has given Nathan another year to celebrate. It was just over 11 weeks ago, and we didn't know if Nate would ever celebrate another year, but God has been so gracious, and has brought him to this day. How awesome our God is!
Friday, was a day filled with assessments, and more assessments, and meeting many different teams and, getting acquainted with many different people. It turned out to be quite busy. Saturday and Sunday are considered "days off" there is no physio, they are also known as catch up and relax days. Nathan had to do his regular physio in bed, (the things he has to do on his own) but other then that, he was "free" to visit with family and friends. Monday starts the big day of physio, when Nate will get a taste of what is too come.
I'll continue to update you with the progress
Thank you for all your cards, words and prayers. Please continue to uphold Nate in your prayers
P.S. for those who were wondering, our house renos hopefully will be done by Saturday!!!, which means I might be able to move home with the kids next week sometime. D.V. this will make life a bit busier yet, but it is a move towards "normal" life. (or what will be our new normal) YAHHHH!
This text stands so true to us, for our Heavenly Father NEVER left us or forsook Nate, even during the darkest hours of his illness. The LORD, carried Nate and us all through those days.
Today, for those who haven't heard, it is Nathan's birthday, and what a wonderful day we could have. Our Heavenly Father graciously has given Nathan another year to celebrate. It was just over 11 weeks ago, and we didn't know if Nate would ever celebrate another year, but God has been so gracious, and has brought him to this day. How awesome our God is!
Friday, was a day filled with assessments, and more assessments, and meeting many different teams and, getting acquainted with many different people. It turned out to be quite busy. Saturday and Sunday are considered "days off" there is no physio, they are also known as catch up and relax days. Nathan had to do his regular physio in bed, (the things he has to do on his own) but other then that, he was "free" to visit with family and friends. Monday starts the big day of physio, when Nate will get a taste of what is too come.
I'll continue to update you with the progress
Thank you for all your cards, words and prayers. Please continue to uphold Nate in your prayers
P.S. for those who were wondering, our house renos hopefully will be done by Saturday!!!, which means I might be able to move home with the kids next week sometime. D.V. this will make life a bit busier yet, but it is a move towards "normal" life. (or what will be our new normal) YAHHHH!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
"Bless the LORD, O my soul! And all that is with in me, bless His holy name!" Ps 103:1
This morning I received a phone call from Nate, requesting that I bring some bags with too the hospital. Nate was going to be moving up the mountain. Yes! Nate is presently at the Henderson Hospital (Juravinski is the new name) in the M wing, 2nd floor, room 3, bed 2 The hospital is confusing right now, but hopefully soon we will figure it all out. If you are visiting their best description too us was that the wing Nate is in is on the corner of popular and the mountain brow. Do NOT enter by the main entrance or you will have to tour the whole hospital like I did this afternoon!!
We have met Nate's physio therapist, and he is eager to see what Nate can do and see what Nate would like to be able to do to go home. This will take place tomorrow. We have also been told that Nate will be able to go home on day passes or weekend passes, depending on how well he can function and how much range of motion he can get, this too is something not set in stone, but something we definitely would love to see happen.
At this point visiting hours are still till 8 p.m. so please respect this as the floor Nate is on is mostly elderly people, and Nate is in a room with 2 elderly men who appear to like to sleep a lot ;) I'm not sure how it will go for tiredness for Nate, but PLEASE remember he is going to need his sleep.
Thank you for your continued prayers!
This morning I received a phone call from Nate, requesting that I bring some bags with too the hospital. Nate was going to be moving up the mountain. Yes! Nate is presently at the Henderson Hospital (Juravinski is the new name) in the M wing, 2nd floor, room 3, bed 2 The hospital is confusing right now, but hopefully soon we will figure it all out. If you are visiting their best description too us was that the wing Nate is in is on the corner of popular and the mountain brow. Do NOT enter by the main entrance or you will have to tour the whole hospital like I did this afternoon!!
We have met Nate's physio therapist, and he is eager to see what Nate can do and see what Nate would like to be able to do to go home. This will take place tomorrow. We have also been told that Nate will be able to go home on day passes or weekend passes, depending on how well he can function and how much range of motion he can get, this too is something not set in stone, but something we definitely would love to see happen.
At this point visiting hours are still till 8 p.m. so please respect this as the floor Nate is on is mostly elderly people, and Nate is in a room with 2 elderly men who appear to like to sleep a lot ;) I'm not sure how it will go for tiredness for Nate, but PLEASE remember he is going to need his sleep.
Thank you for your continued prayers!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
"It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your loving kindness in the morning and Your faithfulness every night." Ps 92: 1-2
Just a quick up date
Nathan is still in Ham General on the BTU which is on the third floor, this unit was supposed to be moved on Friday for construction, but due to an overwhelming number of patients needing beds, the unit has not been moved. So Yes Nathan is still on the third floor and awaiting transfer to the Henderson Hospital for rehab. This move hopefully will take place with in the next week as we are still awaiting doctors to sign off on Nate.
Some exciting news!! Nate stood for the first time this past Wed, Thurs, Fri, and Mon. He stood with assistance of physio (holding his knee and foot) and a nurse at his side in case he fell and a walker to hold on to. Nate was able to stand up to 45 seconds. This is a huge accomplishment for some one who has an above knee amputation and a lot of muscle removed from his right leg and arm. Many of the nurses came into see Nate in action when he stood. It was exciting but also a reality check for Nate as to how far he has to go yet to regain strength. All in all we are excited to see the progress.
Tomorrow morning (Jan 12) Nate will be going for a cardiac test (heart) to make sure his heart is strong enough to endure extensive rehab. This test take anywhere from 4-6 hours. If he does well on this test then he will be cleared to go up to the Henderson. The only wait then will be, waiting for a bed to open up! This rehab, we have been told is very extensive, and we have been warned that Nate will need A LOT of sleep, including naps. How often he has physio and what kind of physio we do not know, but we have been told it is a 4 week program and then hopefully he will be able to go home. Once home he will need to go back and forth to the General for outpatient rehab, for amputation and prosthetic rehab. But we are just excited to think that Nate, the LORD willing, will be able to go home in 4-5 weeks. That being said, I hope to move home with the kids in the next 2 weeks if possible (if all the renos get finished :) )
The LORD has brought us down this path and we are thankful for all He has graciously provided us with. Thankful for all you have done for us, your continued prayers, help and assistance. Please continue to remember us in your prayers.
Just a quick up date
Nathan is still in Ham General on the BTU which is on the third floor, this unit was supposed to be moved on Friday for construction, but due to an overwhelming number of patients needing beds, the unit has not been moved. So Yes Nathan is still on the third floor and awaiting transfer to the Henderson Hospital for rehab. This move hopefully will take place with in the next week as we are still awaiting doctors to sign off on Nate.
Some exciting news!! Nate stood for the first time this past Wed, Thurs, Fri, and Mon. He stood with assistance of physio (holding his knee and foot) and a nurse at his side in case he fell and a walker to hold on to. Nate was able to stand up to 45 seconds. This is a huge accomplishment for some one who has an above knee amputation and a lot of muscle removed from his right leg and arm. Many of the nurses came into see Nate in action when he stood. It was exciting but also a reality check for Nate as to how far he has to go yet to regain strength. All in all we are excited to see the progress.
Tomorrow morning (Jan 12) Nate will be going for a cardiac test (heart) to make sure his heart is strong enough to endure extensive rehab. This test take anywhere from 4-6 hours. If he does well on this test then he will be cleared to go up to the Henderson. The only wait then will be, waiting for a bed to open up! This rehab, we have been told is very extensive, and we have been warned that Nate will need A LOT of sleep, including naps. How often he has physio and what kind of physio we do not know, but we have been told it is a 4 week program and then hopefully he will be able to go home. Once home he will need to go back and forth to the General for outpatient rehab, for amputation and prosthetic rehab. But we are just excited to think that Nate, the LORD willing, will be able to go home in 4-5 weeks. That being said, I hope to move home with the kids in the next 2 weeks if possible (if all the renos get finished :) )
The LORD has brought us down this path and we are thankful for all He has graciously provided us with. Thankful for all you have done for us, your continued prayers, help and assistance. Please continue to remember us in your prayers.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
"You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power adn strength to his people. Praise be to God!" Psalm 68:35
Happy New Year!
How richly blessed we have been in the past year, our merciful Father gives strength to all His children. This has been evident to us in the past year especially in the past 2 months.
Now it seems i'm going back on my word to only blog once a week or so, but since blogging last a few things have changed. A few exciting and well I guess they are all kind of exciting
yestarday (Friday) Nate had his first tub bath since entering the hospital....this means that his skin grafts have healed very well and according to one plastic surgeon (not Nates official surgeon but one covering for him) he doesn't think Nate will need another surgery, this will be confirmed on Tues with Nate's 'official" surgeon.
The other thing was that Nate was able to go outside for the first time as well. We were able to be outside with his Dad and enjoy some "wonderful" hamilton "fresh" air.
The last bit of info, is that Nate will most likely be going to the Henderson for rehab as the rehab center on Wellington, is not suitable at this time for Nate. He needs a specialized program to help with muscle building and range of motion for multiple limbs, this too will be confirmed next week (though we don't know when he will be moved there) hopefully as more doctors need to be contacted first, and Nate's heart arrythmia doctors need to be okay with the move as well. Yes, Nate has had approximately 12 different teams of docotrs each specializing in a different areas, and we have been informed that he will meet about 3 new teams in the coming weeks. That's a whole lot of doctors for one guy and this doesn't include the ICU team and all the residents etc.
Well I hope this is all the new info and I will blog again when we have the latest updates avaliable.
Happy New Year!
How richly blessed we have been in the past year, our merciful Father gives strength to all His children. This has been evident to us in the past year especially in the past 2 months.
Now it seems i'm going back on my word to only blog once a week or so, but since blogging last a few things have changed. A few exciting and well I guess they are all kind of exciting
yestarday (Friday) Nate had his first tub bath since entering the hospital....this means that his skin grafts have healed very well and according to one plastic surgeon (not Nates official surgeon but one covering for him) he doesn't think Nate will need another surgery, this will be confirmed on Tues with Nate's 'official" surgeon.
The other thing was that Nate was able to go outside for the first time as well. We were able to be outside with his Dad and enjoy some "wonderful" hamilton "fresh" air.
The last bit of info, is that Nate will most likely be going to the Henderson for rehab as the rehab center on Wellington, is not suitable at this time for Nate. He needs a specialized program to help with muscle building and range of motion for multiple limbs, this too will be confirmed next week (though we don't know when he will be moved there) hopefully as more doctors need to be contacted first, and Nate's heart arrythmia doctors need to be okay with the move as well. Yes, Nate has had approximately 12 different teams of docotrs each specializing in a different areas, and we have been informed that he will meet about 3 new teams in the coming weeks. That's a whole lot of doctors for one guy and this doesn't include the ICU team and all the residents etc.
Well I hope this is all the new info and I will blog again when we have the latest updates avaliable.
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