There will be no more updates.

I have decided that due outside factors I will no longer be updating this blog.  You may contact Brent's parents, Rod and Nancy Bowen or sister Amy Blackburn for any further information.  

Leslie- the wife

IBT/ITB whatever you want to call it.

Brent had his trial today.  So far so good, no decision yet.  Once that is made, then the procedure could be in as little as 1 or 2 days.  They still have one more round to go to test his spasticity, but according to the PT group it is improving which is a good sign.   I will let everyone know how the procedure goes once it is done. 

I have an appointment with his case manager tomorrow.  The boy and the girl will be going to PT to learn how to move him in/out of the chair.  Even though he does a good job, he still forgets his right foot.  He can twist or sprain it if he doesn't keep it flat on the floor while moving.  Which we who know Brent, know he doesn't think about this since he is very impulsive. 

It has been obvious for a long time, that my decision making with regards to Brent is viewed as secondary.  I have tried to do what is best for my husband.  The meeting is to decide what to do once he is discharged.  The staff is well aware of how my townhouse is set up.  And fully intend to do an in house evaluation.   Obviously, it is not good enough according to others outside of the hospital.  

There is no firm date of discharge that I have received from the hospital it may be 2 weeks or it may be more.  Obviously, others have received information contradictory to this. 

Brent has been trying to bum cigarettes from other patients the whole time he has been mobile and able to go outside at the hospital.  We even caught him in the process of doing it while leaving the hospital.  Yes, I smoke and yes I fully intended to quit before he came home.  However, due to the enormous stress in my life right now is not the smartest time to do it.  But if he in fact comes home, he will not be inhaling any second hand smoke.

Before he had the stroke, he had said that he did not intend to quit either smoking or drinking!  Not Brent, no he is way smarter than any Doctor out there.

I tried to make this blog a good thing, but it has been ruined.

I aplogize to all who truly care about Brent.

Leslie, the girl and the boy
(Color me done after 17 years)

The boy went to the Homecoming Dance w/his girlfriend.  Pictures are on Facebook.  The girl is again scaring people (she makes me so proud to be her Mama!)  Brent in rehab.  Again, I am here w/the 2 stupid dogs, the 2 stupid cats and Facebook.  That is the negative me showing through.  I guess you would call it the "Godless me". 

Thanks to a friend who did a very nice thing yesterday!

Shout out to my Cousin Sherry!  She is an outside voice of reason. 

Leslie, the girl and the boy!

No update today.  I am re-evaluating the purpose of this blog and why I invest time into it.   

Leslie

Special Visitor at Rehab

Yesterday, the rehab had a special visitor to promote American Stroke Association's National Stroke Awareness Campaign.  Special Visitor

Trent Green, former Chief's quarterback.  He spoke to them for about 1/2 hour then signed autographs.  Brent meeting him and getting his autograph was in the KC Star.   On the website it is picture 56.  He has 2 others on the website as well.

Today, I was getting on the elevator and ran into one of his therapists.  He let me know Brent was at the pool.  So we went to the pool.  He is getting additional therapy in water.  It is easier for him to do things in the pool because of the added buoyancy!  He did a great job, but needs his trunks.  Will have to run those out there tomorrow. 


Leslie, the girl and the boy

We have hit a wall!

The girl had the Powder Puff game today at school!  Brought back lots of memories from my Powder Puff game in high school!  It is in the family.  I played and my little brother was a cheerleader for theirs!  Juniors beat Seniors 14-0!!  Way to go!! 

We had an appointment at rehab today.  It was with a rehab liason to disscuss IBT therapy for Brent.  Basically what has happened is that he has plateaued in PT/OT.  This does not mean he won't regain his right side.  What it means is that the muscles in his arm and leg (not the hand or foot) are going through spasticity, or tone as it is referred to in rehabese.    In layman's terms, his muscles have tightened which is inhibiting his ability to go forward in his rehab.  He is already on oral meds for this but they affect the whole body. 

They have had to increase the dosage so high that the pump makes more sense since it delivers straight to his spine which in turn goes straight to his arm and leg.  Oral has to circulate thoughout his whole body to reach its destination.  This pump will deliver on a 24 hour basis which is better for his rehab.  He will also have the pump for the rest of his life unless he decides to have it removed. 

So the meds being delivered directly into his spine is a better option at this date in time.  No date on when this will happen since (grr) insurance has to approve it.  He also has to have a trial on the liquid med thru a lumbar puncture to determine his dose. 

Bottom line is if this is not done, he may not regain his arm or leg.  I gave the go ahead for the trial.  I will let everyone know once there is a date and time for both procedures.  

The pump is implanted into his abdomen and a catheter is inserted into his spine.  So there is one incision in the front and one in his back.  All is done on an outpatient basis.   This pump delivers meds on a 3 or 6 month basis.  Meaning he doesn't have to get recharged based on the size of the pump.  If he ignores the appointment, the pump will start beeping once it is dry AND everyone around him can hear it!!  

That is awesome.  All of a sudden it starts beeping in a crowd and everyone will think he has a bomb or something.  Then he whips out his little card that explains what it is, oh, the photo op!  I know, I know---I am evil!  Sorry, that is how my mind works.  Pillage and chaos baby!  You all know the routine!! 

If you Google it there is lots of information out there.  The technical term is-Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy.  IBT.  It is used to treat conditions such as, cerebal palsy, stroke, brain damage and MS.  They have good results and it will help him progess.

Here are some sites:

www.mdvu.org/library/disease/spasticity/spa_mitb.asp 
http://www.donnywinn.com/
www.wemove.org/spa/spa_itb.html

Leslie, the girl and the boy

Oh Monday!

Yesterday we went and watched the Chiefs game with Brent.  It was an awesome game.  It looked like they finally showed up to play some ball!!!!  3-0 baby!  Brent showed us how he could lift his right leg off the floor about 6 inches!  Yea!!  Still no improvement in his arm. 

Gotta make another Cobra payment this week.  But this doesn't guarantee that the insurance will approve further treatment. 

We think we caught him trying to bum a cigarette from a fellow patient.  Yes, I circled the parking lot 4 times and caught him back outside when he thought we had left!  He also took the boy on a field trip and stole a muffin, but not the pizza sitting next to it.  Then proceeded to take one bite of the muffin and threw it away!!  Looks like some things have not changed! 

I will post some more pictures later once they are watermarked.

My brother went back home to Baltimore from my mom's house today.  Last I knew, he made it safe and sound. 

Leslie, the girl and the boy

The girl is at work scaring people.  The boy is outside, probably scaring people.  Seriously, they make me so proud!  I am getting ready for the season premiere of "Supernatural".   Bursts forth from Hell! Hell yes!! Oh and there are Angels involved!.  So God is in there somewhere. 

Brent still in rehab, probably scaring people.

Still have some personal stuff going on!  Not everyone knows, but those closest to me do!!

All in all, all is right with the world for the most part. 

Leslie, the girl and the boy!!

Parent/Teacher conferences today.  Arrived w/the girl.  He had PT/ST/OT.  An 18 year stroke survivor spoke to Brent and 2 other patients.  That sums up today.

Leslie, the girl and the boy.

There will be no post today due to personal reasons. 

Leslie

I am not in a good place right now.  Finally, finished filling out the follow up paperwork for disability.  It sucks.  My brother, the award winning photographer(<--he will kill me but wth I am already there)  left to go back to Baltimore and I don't have anything to say other than:

Thank you Chris!!  I love you and you were a welcome relief in this hell that we are going through!!  I will miss you!!  The best part was seeing the girl's face when we picked her up from school and the huge hug that she gave you!!  You have always been there for me whether you know it or not!!

We also had a wonderful dinner with my first step-father, Jake, and his wife Rose.  Had some good laughs over some of the stupid stuff Chris and I did as kids.  My affinity for falling into water from Kansas to South Dakota.  Chris trying to fly a sled over a wall.  Yes, it didn't end so well!! 

I don't want anyone to think my dad and mom aren't here for us either.  However, my step-father is in ICU with sepsis and mom is there for him.  He has battled lymphoma for about 5 years now.  My step-mother has terminal lung cancer, so my dad can not come either.  But we keep them in our prayers daily.

Isnt' that wonderful!

Leslie, the girl and the boy

Woo Hoo!!

Chiefs win!!  Brent's Grizzly Adams look is almost gone!!!!  We went to go watch the Chiefs game w/him today and lo and behold---his ex-wife, Kristen, and his oldest, Brianna, were outside w/him and Kristen was shaving his beard off!!  Got almost all of it down to about a 3 day growth for him and a very lopsided, bushy mustache!  He had enough at that point and we went in to watch the game.  Something was very odd though!

And what was it you ask??  I will tell.  He was wearing a Woodson Raiders jersey!!!  The hell you say!!!!  I say, "Hell yes!!  He was!"  This was the same jersey the boy tried to take home yesterday, but for some reason he was attached to it!!  How it got there in his room I do not know!  But he had it on today!  Anyone who knows Brent knows that he hates the Raiders more than most of his hated teams!!  He was pained when the girl scored a Raiders jersey.  But it was the Raiders so she really only wore it to piss him off (as any normal teenager would do!) 

Finished the night by going to my first step-father's house for dinner.  The boy, the girl, the uncle, myself , Jake and Rose.  It was nice to catch up and have some laughs over flying sleds and plunges into Oak Park's water fountains.  Thanks again for the dinner and laughs!!

Leslie, the girl and the boy

P.S.  Kristen finished the lopsided mustache so he is almost back to looking human again!!!

"I am (mumble, mumble).....

We arrived during lunch.  The girl, the boy and the uncle (my "little" brother, Chris).  He was rushing to finish lunch so he could watch the game.  Brent decided we needed to go at 1:00.  I know why he wanted us to go.  He wanted to try and skip his therapy, I just know he did.  But I know they will find him.  It isn't hard.  Just look in front of the big screen or his room t.v. 


Chris came into town yesterday.  We picked the kids up from school after trying to figure out where in the heck the boy had gone.  He has a case of girlfrienitis.  It is pretty severe.  Hopefully, the experts will find a cure for this one day.  Off to rehab we went, once the boy was found of course!!

It was after 3:00, so he had just finished his last therapy for the day.  Brent was glad to see Chris.  Brent has  developed a habit of assigning seats to visitors when we are in the dining room.  He pulls the chair over and points to who is supposed to sit there.  He doesn't do it all the time, but when there is more than one, he does. 

He was trying to talk more yesterday!!  He blurted out, "happy".  Then he told me, "I am (mumble mumble) your brother is here."  We guessed the happy was supposed to be part of this sentence.  Names are still difficult for him, but he did say "the girl".  Sounded more like he was from Brooklyn, but we will take it!! 

This is going to be the Reader's Digest condensed version as the second round of thunder, lightning and rain has started and if power goes--then I am sunk!! 

Leslie, the girl and the boy

I'm a bad wife

Took the girl to see Brent today!  Nice visit overall, however he did get sleepy about 45 mins into it.  While we were there he did say "girl".  As in the girl.  K sounds are hard so this was very fitting that he said this.  Also, I forgot that swear words are very easy for him.  According to Nathan, ST, because stroke patients don't have to think about the swear words they come out very easily.  This is due to frustration on the patient's part, and a very natural reflex is to say a swear word.  "Sh!t" is one of our words of choice.  So is "dammit".  Personally, I love it.  Cause it means he has the capability to speak!!! 

While talking to him today, the girl was trying to get him to say some words.  Probably Charlton Heston or Maleficent, since these are words he couldn't pronounce most of the time before the stroke.  He was inclined to say "Charlston Heston" or "Malecicent".  It was a running joke in our family for years and years.  Just say either and he would try to replicate.  It was fun for all parts.  And instead out came a "God dammit".  Yes!  Clear as day!! 

Anyway, since he is such a huge KSU fan.  I decided to play a joke.  I left this on the back of his chair!

I know, I know!  I am going to catch Hell for this as well as go to Hell, but it was not mean spirited.  And all you KSU fans can burn me at the stake later.  It made us laugh and Brent would have done the same thing!!  This is our humor, and many might not understand this, but we do!!  Laughter is the best medicine, and if you can not laugh during these times then you might as well pack it in!  Dr. Oz even says so. 

Anyway, on a final note here is the preliminary makeup for the girl. Before picture!

After picture!   It is w/o wig and costume, but it is awesome!!

Anyway, my brother Chris will be her from Baltimore tomorrow.  Can't wait to see him!! 

And the boy did such a good job on a test in school he won 2 Royals tickets to tomorrow night's game.  However, he really only wants to go w/his Dad.  That's not going to happen, so I suggested Uncle Chris.  He said no.  He wants to only go w/Dad and if he can't then he will sell them.  If anyone is interested, then let me know!!

Leslie, the girl and the boy!

Please, please, please

Ever since Brent had his stroke,  I keep hearing commercials on radio and tv about the signs of a stroke.  Please visit one of my links so your family is not left in this dilemma from Hell!!  I always said I would end up in Hell and guess what?  I am!! 

Leslie w/o the girl and the boy.

Hump Day!!

I arrived this morning and he was getting ready.  I helped him finish, but I will not go into any gory details.  Anyone who knows him, would know that he would be mortified if I did that!!  I found out that yesterday he wasn't feeling well.  I wasn't able to go as I was filling out more paperwork for disablility and dealing w/some other stuff.  Allergy season is in full swing as well!!  Ugh!!  It was a headache and stomachache.  He wasn't able to do therapy, but he looks much better today.  Some redness in one eye which I let the nurse know about so they could look at it.  I am sure it is nothing. 

Anyway, off to Speech Therapy.  Nathan his Speech Therapist (ST) told me he has problems with some sounds which is normal after a stroke.  Those sounds include b, c, k, m, ch and j.   He knows the words but can not get them from his brain to his mouth.  He does well recognizing who people are on paper but sometimes confuses women w/women and men w/men.  An example is classes of people.  Sister vs. daughter.  This is also normal.  He is making good progress and if you see him having problems w/the word, showing him how to make the sound w/your mouth is a good way to prompt him.  He got them all while doing this w/flash cards today.  By the way, Nathan and his wife had a baby girl 2 days ago!! 

Then PT.  He was going to walk but Beth and Mark decided to work on transferring from the chair to the mat. I was taught how to help him transfer from the chair (as in wheel) to the mat (a huge bench w/a permanent mat on it).  And then back to the chair.  When Beth and Mark found out we have a flight of stairs, they decided he should practice walking up and down the stairs.  Big problem w/this is keeping his right leg "tall".  This means locked and not bending.  But he went up and then down.  Down is more difficult, but he did it. 

Next up OT.  Eric, his OT, went over some stuff w/us and then went over the bathroom at our townhouse.  Again, will not go into any details as this is mortally damaging to his sense of independence.  Then he worked on standing at a hospital tray and picking bean bags out of Eric's hand and stacking them on the opposite side.  All the while keeping his right arm on the tray.  This worked his right leg. 

After all of this he was exhausted!  I had to go shortly after his family showed up.  His niece had an appointment here in KC today. 

Leslie, the girl and the boy!

Mondays can be good or bad. It's all a matter of perspective.

So it all made sense, when I got off the elevator he was on his way to PT.  And he was sporting his pretty mint green elbow protector.  I told him to go to PT and I would put away his laundry.  While in the room, the nurse stopped by and told me that she found him this morning trying to hide his right elbow from her and there was blood on his shirt/shorts/sock. Evidently, he has learned how to turn off his chair alarm and somehow ended up on the floor. They know this because it didn't go off when he fell.  She bandaged him up and said they would keep it bandaged until it was healed.

They had tried to call me this morning when they found him, but it only rang and rang and rang.  Gotta love cell phones. 

The girl goes to orientation for her new part time job.  So we didn't go back today.  We were planning on visiting on Wednesday after school but will probably go tomorrow instead. 

The girl will be a Screamster at Master McCarthy's Doll Factory.  I am so proud of her.  She has looked long and hard for a job.  It is only through Halloween, but it is a start.  So she now has something to put on her resume.   We just love this kind of stuff at our house.  Halloween is our favorite "holiday".  Blood and gore baby!!! 

I tried to find a video of it on youtube.com but it was so dark it wasn't worth posting. 

Here is the description from the official website. 
Master McCarthy's Doll Factory

In an abandoned toy factory a psychotic serial killer turns his beautiful victims into life-size porcelain dolls for his personal collection. Tour this twisted museum of death and disfigurement.

Location: Master McCarthy's Doll Factory is located near Boomerang in the Africa section of Worlds of Fun during Halloween Haunt.

Now that is a whole lot of awesome!!! 

Not a whole lot to mention about the boy.  The boy is the boy and his job is to keep us entertained!!   So he is doing his job quite well!


And lastly, I had a friend post this is her FB status today and thought it was appropriate. 

Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.

Leslie, the girl and the boy

It was a miracle...

the girl and the boy both willingly wanted to go see their Dad today.  However, when we got there he was laying down to take a nap.  He must have been worn out by therapy and all the visitors I heard he had yesterday.  Seeing as how the kid's were not REAL excited by the prospect of watching him sleep we returned home.  It really was a shame as they were both looking forward to the visit.  The girl was able to tell him about the job she landed.  She will be a "Screamster" in The Dollhouse at our local amusement park for the Halloween season!  Orientation begins tomorrow. 

They have put him on Ritalin for his ADHD.  I'm not sure how they found out that he took it as a child, but he hasn't been on it since long before I met him.   The nurse was giving him a pain pill when we arrived, but he looked at her like "What are you talking about?"  It was almost like he hadn't even asked for it!  Since he is still not talking w/any clarity (except for certain words), I am not sure.  I wasn't there, therefore, I do not know. 

Later!

Leslie, the girl and the boy

Coming up next.

There will probably be more angry posts.  Just an FYI in case you don't want to hear the truth!

This is just Leslie not the the girl or the boy.

I can't help it, but I am angry!!  I can not believe that we have been put in this position.  This was all avoidable with some simple prevention and lifestyle changes.  Brent had high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  If the Doctor drew blood for a test and called w/the results.  Brent would not call back.  They then sent a postcard, again, he refused to call back. 

He has known for years about his high blood pressure and would go through periods of monitoring it, but then would stop.  He knew what he had to do, but refused (because he is stubborn that way) to take the necessary steps.  He would only go to the Doctor when he thought he was on his death bed!

So now here we are. And yes, I know I need to quit smoking, but right now is just not the best time in the world.  Let's add a little more stress on the pile!! 

Life is not all lollipops and rainbows!  Well, definitely not in my level of Hell.  You will find me on the 67th level, last room on the left behind the bonus torture room!  Stop by for a visit sometime.  It is lovely this time of the year!

Leslie, the girl and the boy

Things I learned today!

I learned that Brent has to work incredibly hard to regain use of his limbs that do not want to work on their own.  Brent is also a Godfather to one of his friend's daughters.  That friend, John Leinweber drove into KC today to visit him.  It was great to meet someone who has known him for 20 odd years or so!!

Of course, he is another <grumble, grumble> K-State <grumble, grumble> fan.  I just can not get away from these people.  ;)  Insert token "Rock Chalk" here!!

We were able to watch PT today.  They were working on him standing and shifting his weight from one leg to the other.  He did say his hand and leg were hurting (well in the best way that he can say it).  He had a 30 min.  break then off to ST/OT.  He wouldn't let us go with him.  So we were in the same room as another OT group.  They were doing some trivia sooooooo.......


The last thing I learned today was that September 2 is National Beheading Day!

Happy Belated Beheading Day to all!!

Leslie, the girl and the boy

Today's post is courtesy

of Rod and Nancy Bowen (Brent's parents).  Their words will narrate the update.  This is an email update sent out to almost everyone.  They and his family have come into town for the last 3 weekends.  I know it is a long drive and takes a lot out of them to drive all this way.

I spoke w/his case manager today.  They are thinking 5-7 weeks.  I will have to Cobra at least another month unless I can get Medicaid or Medicare or whatever the hell it is called!    There was some concern by his family in their latest email update below that he was not getting enough food.  I brought their concerns up to his case manager at the rehab.  She says that she will forward this concern to the dietician and nutritionist that are on staff.  It's not like a restaurant where he can get seconds or "Ranch, extra Ranch!" as he liked to order :)  She assured me that he is probably getting enough but will still bring his families concerns to them.

A few of Brent's friends from high school have friended me on Facebook.  I found out a few things that I did not know before ;) !!  I was happy to have them friend me! 

Rod and Nancy's email begins below:  (pictures not included)

What a wonderful visit we had with our son Brent and others to be named later.! This was our first week-end to visit him at the Healthsouth Mid-America Rehabilitation Hospital, located at 5701 W. 110th Street, Overland Park, KS 66211. What a beautiful facility! This is a fairly new facility with 80 beds. This hospital has visiting hours from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. The hospital encourages family members to spend time with the patient during therapy sessions. Brent has speech, physical, and occupational therapy at least six days per week, for up to 3 hours per day. From the picture shown below, you can see Brent was enjoying the K-State vs UCLA football game with the Bowens, Wheelers, and Blackburns on Saturday, Sep. 4th. By the way, in case you did not hear, K-State won 31-22. They had lots of encouragement from this K-State bunch. From left to right on the picture below are: Brett Blackburn, Rod, Jason and Amy Blackburn, Brent, Brittany and Cynthia Wheeler. Nancy was taking the photo. Later Brent's friend Richard Thies, Leslie and Schuyler came.


When we arrived at the hospital, Brent was in his wheel-chair and met us at the elevator. He is allowed to go outside and view the beautiful hospital grounds, once he is in his wheel-chair. Pictures below were taken in the lobby which is huge giving everyone lots of room to visit. Brent, Cynthia and Brittany wheeler are shown in the first snapshot and the next one shows Brent, Briana and Kristen Bowen. Kristen and Briana are regular visitors and constantly build him up, congratulate his every accomplishment. Sunday afternoon Briana brought the game "Sorry" for him to play with Briana and Brittany while Kristen encouraged Brent to continue!

We were pleased to hear Brent is using more and more single words....he really surprised us with a 7 word sentence as we were getting ready to leave Sunday afternoon. We were there visiting both Saturday and Sunday. Amy, Jason and Brett were there all day Saturday then returned to stay with him on Monday. Amy went to his therapies with him and gave him encouragement. He walked around 60 yards with the help of a walker and three therapists! Amy helped him mark his menus for larger helpings as he was not getting enough food! Kristen, Leslie and Schuyler also came Monday afternoon.

Brent has lost quite a lot of weight but is looking much better each time we see him. Cynthia and Brittany took him 3 new long sleeved purple plaid shirts with power cat emblems on them. We took him two purple K-State T-Shirts, two pairs of shorts, three black and gray undershorts, purple plaid K-State PJs, a dark gray polo shirt, a purple back scratcher, Sports Illustrated, and a K-State football poster for his room. You can see his new purple plaid shirt he wore in the first group picture for the ball game.

Brent has come a long way since August 20th. We are so proud of him for working so hard as he knows he has a long way to go. We know God is awesome....We believe in miracles and know Brent has been touched by our Lord! Thank you for all your prayers, thoughts, cards, etc. They are working!!!

Rod and Nancy
 
End Email.
 
Thanks everyone!
 
Leslie, the boy and the girl

Happy Labor Day!!

Brent is gaining more confidence every day!  He evidently walked quite a distance in PT today!!  Yes!  70 ft, then 45 ft from what his therapist told us!  I am sorry we missed it!  We played follow the leader and went outside in front of the building for a while and he was able to enjoy the weather since he hasn't been outside for almost 3 weeks. 

Tomorrow, I have to finish his disability application tomorrow at the Social Security office and then got to SMMC to request a release of his medical records for disability.  Fun, fun, fun!!! 

Leslie, the boy and the girl!

Another day (sigh) another game

The girl and I went to see Brent today.  His family graciously had driven from Manhattan and Lawrence to watch the first K-State football game.  They brought him some new shirts--purple of course.  Don't tell anyone but we call it Barney Wear in our house!  I received some magazines and the kids got candy.  It was very nice of them to drive all this way for a football game.  This is the 3rd weekend that they have given up and driven all those miles.  Thank you Bowen clan.  :)

He was finishing up PT in front of the t.v. in the dining room.  He can't miss a game even after a stroke.  Glad to know some things haven't changed. 

Hope everyone has a great Labor Day!!! 

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!!

Leslie, the girl and the boy.

Is it a full moon?

Last night I just couldn't sleep.  Not one wink.  I was up until 9 am this morning.  Ended up getting 4 hours of sleep, so I did not go to the rehab hospital today.  Please do not make any judgements on me! 

I finished his SSA application and submitted it.  Then SMMC calls and says that our insurance told them he was no longer covered since the benefits ran out on 8/31!  Huh!  I just sent via overnight a big fat cashier's check on Tuesday to Cobra the insurance.  She called me back after checking and said the CT scan on Tuesday will be covered and confirmed we are Cobra'd.  Whew!  Dodged that bullet. 

Next on the agenda, had to drop off the girl's application for Saturday Academy.  Figured out I had missed the address then went to turn around--only to turn in the same wrong direction I was going the first time!  Turned back around and finally found it! 

Off to SSA, to drop off the last 2 documents that must be mailed or physically dropped off.  No scanning and emailing for them.  Had the address and headed that way.  Once again couldn't find the address, turned around and drove in circles 4 times.  Finally, the eagle eyed girl saw the name of the building we passed 4 times.  It was hidden from the street by trees!!  Brilliant government in action!   Get to the door.  Hours are 8-4.  It is 4:32.  Gah!!

On a happier note, no calls from rehab that he tried to get in or out of chair/bed.  So no falls today!  The boy is off to the HS football game to watch his girlfriend play.  Yes, she is on the team and he isn't.  She weighs about 100 lbs less than me and is about 4 inches shorter! 

I am holed up inside the house cause I don't want that Murphy guy to mess with me anymore today!!

Leslie, the girl and the boy

09/02/10 aka 90210

If you don't get the title, then never mind!! ;)

Went for a short visit with the girl.  Had to get his signature on his disability application (this process is a whole other nightmare).  He insisted on trying to write his name rather than use the letter "X".  Needless to say, it didn't look anything like his name.  But at least he tried. 

Again, he was wiped out from all of his therapies.  He was stylin' in my dad's plaid jammie pants and beat up KSU tee.  He did move his right foot and leg just a hair!!!  When he tried to move his leg/foot before he couldn't do before when thinking about it!!  We talked to him about his day.  Just little chit chat w/questions that could be answered with "Yep" and "No". 

Received a call from rehab around 6:00 pm.  He has yet again fallen on the floor.  Last thing we said to him before leaving was keep your butt planted and do not try to move on your own.  But of course, he had to try something silly.  He is fine but has a small scrape on his elbow.  I won't even write what I was thinking about this as I was speaking to the nurse on the phone.  It wouldn't be appropriate, but I am sure some of you know what I was thinking!

His therapies seem to be over by 3:30 pm everyday.  He does have a roomate and the room is just a tad smaller than the room he started out in at SMMC.  Not a whole lot of room when visiting taking into consideration he has a wheelchair and the other guy does too!!

Leslie, the girl and the boy

First Full Day

The boy and I went to visit.  It was a very short visit as he was worn out from being up all day.  He had an evaluation with his case manager and team today.  She called and said that he scored very low in all 3 therapies.  So they are thinking anywhere from 6-8 weeks of rehab.  Not looking good for a speedy recovery.  We knew it would be a long haul, but didn't think it would take this long.  Fingers crossed he does better than anticipated. 

When he is awake he has to be at the nurse's station since he still tries to do things like move from the chair to the bed.  According to the nurse, he didn't attempt any great escapes today!  So this is good.  Maybe he will get it through that thick skull of his that he can't do things like this. 

Leslie, the boy and the girl

Starting rehab

Brent had his first full day of rehab.  From what I could tell he was in a very ornery mood.  He did manage to fall out of the bed while trying to transfer himself to the wheelchair without help!  He was not hurt.  This is not something he is supposed to do on his own.  Being the stubborn, hard headed boy that wants to do it on his own without help.  He now has an alarm on the bed.  If he tries it again they will know.  They lowered the bed whenever he is in it all the way to the floor and put mats on either side of the bed.  He also has to spend time at the nurse's station (when he is not in rehab or other group things) which will drive him nuts!!  But he has to obey the rules!  Not something he does anyway, but that is Brent.

No set schedule yet.  The only day there is no rehab is Sundays. 

Sorry about any grammatical errors, but I am exhausted ;)

Leslie, the girl and the boy

Totally off topic.

Some of you already know.  Some of you don't.  We have always referred to our kids as the girl and the boy.  You will probably never hear their names on these posts.  The girl and the boy even use this vernacular.  We do this because this is how our family "rolls". 

Another reason is I do not like to use my kids names on the internet.  Especially when they were little.  However, they are now on the net so how they refer to themselves is up to them.  I have tried to protect them and teach them responsibility.  This will be evident once they are 18 and on their own.  

This is not disrespect.  It is just us. 

Leslie, the girl and the boy

Guess what?

What do socks with your name written on them mean?

We are going to rehab today!!!!!  They will be here around 3:30 to transfer him

He will begin the long road back to "normal" tomorrow!

Do not know about visitors or his schedule yet so I will post again once we know!!!

Leslie, the girl and the boy!!!

Look Ma! No wires or hands

He is totally free of alll wires, tubes and machines.  One more step towards rehab.  Brent was up and in the chair early today -- about 8:30 am to 12:30 then sleep.  PT/OT had him sitting on the edge of the bed for about 5 minutes unassisted!  This is major since he has either been relying on his left hand or them to balance him.

Leslie, the boy and the girl

Brent and the boy

Somewhat good news

He is asleep again!  His parents, sister and neice came back into town to visit with him.  They were there when we arrived today.  It was just me and the girl.  He ate while I tried my best to fill out the Adult Disability Report.  Then he fell asleep shortly after his ex-wife Kristen came by to see him.

Per his doctor, he is no longer on an IV and will probably move to a regular room on Monday or Tuesday.  This is our first step in getting him into the rehab center.  He was to go 24 hours w/o a sitter.  The regular rooms do not allow sitters, so fingers crossed he will be in rehab this week.  His doctor says he may or may not get the use of his arm back.  Hopefully, he does.  He will probably get the use of his leg back, but again we will have to wait and see. 

I can't think of a title!

Brent sat in the chair for 3-4 hours today!  OT/PT came and did more exercises w/him.  He is balancing himself when he sits on the bed w/o much assistance from them.  This is good since he is using his back muscles and not relying on his left hand. 

At their request, if you visit him sit on his right side so he has to look at you by turning to the right.  Use short sentences and speak slowly.  He still doesn't understand everything.  Today they asked him to find the tv and the clock.  He couldn't find either one even though he was watching the tv when they came in.  This leads to frustration which can lead to a shut down of his wanting to get better. 

OT/PT want to keep visits short.  10-15 minutes max and only 1-2 people.  This is so all his energy goes towards rehab and not concentrating on the visits as he tires very easily.  Once they leave he is wiped out for the day and he is only interested in sleeping.  Which his body needs lots of in order to get better.  So this is not unusual for a stroke patient. 

This is very important once he is in rehab.  I will not have visitor rules until he is settled in at the rehab center and once I do I will post him.  But while he is there, he will have anywhere from 3 hours or more of various kinds of rehab daily. 

Rehab

He will be going to Health South Mid-America Rehab in Overland Park, KS.  When will he go?  Not sure yet.  Has to be able to go 24 hours w/o a sitter.   That is the one hurdle he has to overcome now.  Will let everyone know when this happens. 

Leslie

Nothing new this morning.

He is asleep.  It is not fun to watch him sleep.  It is downright boring. It appears they may have tried to get him to write on paper.  From what I can see, it looks like an improvement over his handwriting before this happened.   Will post more later since the rehab place is here to evaluate him.  

I have some awesome friends

They want to know if there is anything they can do.  They want to know if I am alright.  They want to know how the girl and the boy are doing.  Heck, even his ex-wife made us brownies!  (I do not mention his oldest daughter since I have not asked her mother if it is ok or not).  But she is a gorgeous young lady that I am so happy to have the opportunity to get to know at this time.

One friend (love you Soo Soo)  even made a FB event for us.  Pray for my family.   I love my friends!  They are trying to keep my spirits up during this way overwhelming time. 

You had a bad day.

Today was not such a good day.  There is no sugar coating it.  Not every post can be a "happy"post.   I know the frustration is getting to him.  Let's face it, he has no control over half of his body.  That has got to get to the best of people.  Since he was in a mood, this post has no pictures today.

He was still sleeping when I arrived today.  The girl can not go since she has a cold.  Per his nurse, Heidi, he isn't in any danger from it, but other patients on the floor are susceptible.  So, if any one has any cold/flu symptoms they are not allowed in ICU.  On a side note, if he could he would probably be hitting on Heidi!

PT/OT had him move to the chair again. It is a very interesting process to watch.  And you can see it in his face that he is just ready to get in the chair.  For his safety, it's not that easy.  He was there for about an hour.  He didn't want to eat anything and just wanted to lay back down in bed.  I asked him if he wanted me to go.  He said, "Yep".  So I took my leave.

He was put back on Cardene drip for high blood pressure.  He needs to be off this and be able to be alone in the room w/o a sitter in order to go to rehab.  The doctor has requested that the rehab center do an evaluation on him. 

Lastly, the list of words is growing!  In addition to the previous words, he says "listen" very clearly.  So when he says it you better listen up!

Leslie

And we are standing!

Ok, it was for all of 2 seconds but it is a small step forward!!  

Then we did this for about an hour and a half.

I know he is thinking that he wants to tell me to put the damn camera away, but I won't.  I win this one!!!

When we arrived to ICU today, he was awake and alert.  He appeared to be understanding more than he did this last weekend.  This was confirmed by his Speech Therapist and his nurse Heidi.  The CAT scan that they did today did not show any change, which is a good thing.  We told him what happened and he seemed to understand that he had a stroke.  The girl told him about all of his family and friends being here this weekend, but he didn't seem to remember that they were here.  He may remember, but sometimes there is a failure to communicate. 

Of course, as soon as the camera came out the dirty looks were shot in my direction.  I was laughing too hard to get one, but here he is w/the girl. 

As of today, he is eating about 25% of his food.   He is feeding himself w/his left hand.  This, of course, is very awkward for him as he is right handed.   But he is doing it! 

Ice Cream was a big hit!  But all that action has tired him out so he is sleeping again! 

It all changed on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 7:15 pm. While waiting to be discharged from the hospital for a minor stroke, my husband Brent, suffered a stroke in the left side of his brain. He was rushed for a CAT scan then went to ICU. He has been there since and as of this evening is still sleeping the majority of the time. There was some minor swelling of his brain, but nothing that required surgery---that's a good thing.

He is paralyzed on the right side of his body. Communicating is an experience right at the moment. He can say "Yep", "No" and then some other stuff we have yet to translate.

This blog will allow us to update everyone on his progress as we pick up the pieces of our lives. There will be ups, downs and everything in between. This is our way of healing our lives. It will be done through honesty, laughter and tears.