The physical therapy session last Friday was really cool! The machine had a platform the size of pillow, and the PT would 'release' the platform that I would have to balance on for 30 seconds at a time. The machine also had cartoon-ish mountain backdrop, so that the room I was in was completely out of my vision. The PT would then release the platform, and also make the mountain's move. This would totally make my two good balance systems (Muscles & Joints, and Vision) out of wack, leaving my ears to try to control my upright status. Upright status was compromised. Fortunetly, I was strapped in to a full body harness, which was clipped in at both shoulders to prevent falling down. The PT ensured me there were no hidden cameras to humiliate me at a later date.
One of the more fun tests/workouts that we did was very video game-ish. I controlled a little guy on a computer monitor, taken straight out of the Atari days. As I moved the platform beneath my feet, a little stick figure-guy moved accordingly. The goal is to keep the little dude in a small square box on the screen. I would've done that all day long, it was fun and challenging. The machine had a 'looseness' setting of the platform as well, making the difficulty level adjustable as well.
After about 25 minutes of torture, I mean testing, the machine spit out 2 sheets of graphs and charts. The PT went over the results of the testing, and said in three weeks, we'll do it again and see how much I have improved.
I also received about 30 minutes worth of balance exercises to do, in addition to the two walks per day. It is really nice to have something I'm supposed to do. It breaks up my eating, napping, reading regime quite well. I have PT twice a week for the next three weeks. I am thinking I am going to run on August 1st. I probably won't inform the PT of this...I'll tell her that I sleep walked and woke up in the street if running doesn't go well ; - )
Monday, July 20, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
2 weeks Post-Op
It's hard to believe its been 2 weeks since the brain tumor resection. The rundown of symptoms with improvements are as follows -
Scar = Looking great, feeling a little 'tight' still.
Tinnitus = Virtually no change, fullness/under-water feeling, with constant buzzing that changes to a ring sometimes. Still loud and irritating.
Face = Ben and my parents think they could see a tiny movement at the corner of my mouth while I talk. I am unsure. Eye still doesn't close quite all the way, burned like crazy in the shower this morning. (Stupid face wash)
Walk = Getting better everyday! I'm still amazed at how awesome the human body is. Steps are the biggest improvement from a day or two ago. I can walk up them slowly without a handrail.
Voice = Hasn't seemed to change in the past few days. It's still difficult to raise the volume, and it is physically tiring to have a conversation more than a few sentences. Swallowing has improved quickly though, I would estimate 85% recovery there.
Headache = Still none! Awesome!
Over-all = I am so happy with the progress. Going from needing help to go to the bathroom, to going for a walk around the block by myself in less than two weeks is incredible. I am very grateful for the progress, and am looking forward to getting 'back to normal', no matter what it's going to be like.
The big adventure today was my first physical therapy appointment. It was scheduled at 2pm, so I was afraid that I'd miss my nap. And I did miss it. I will not make that mistake again. I need my nap. I just tried to go for a walk around the block, and turned around at the end of the driveway. No nap = Yes dizzy. Back to PT, it was really beneficial. It's strictly balance related; unfortunately, she's not going to turn me into a super-athlete. She said we have 3 balance systems: Ears, Muscles & Joints, and Vision. She said it's 'nice' that we know for sure which one of mine is causing the chaos, we already know that much. (I don't remember her name, for now she will be 'she') She had me stand on a cushion and balance, taking away my 'muscles & joints' balance system. It was difficult, but doable. She then had me close my eyes. I lasted about 1.5 seconds, and grabbed the wall. She said it was a 'kind of mean' test, but just wanted to see the severity of my balance problem. After about 40 minutes of different walking, and balance moves, the day came to a close. I was definitely getting fatigued toward the end, it seemed the dizziness came on quicker at the end of the session. She said that mild to moderate dizziness is what we want, it means my brain is learning to function with one good ear. I have appointments twice a weeks for three weeks. I also got a list of balance exercises to do twice a day. I am excited to have a plan now, the PT is going to be time well spent.
The PT also said that they have a machine that they 'strap' you into, and it will gauge your balance system. It also has the ability to give people balance workouts as well. She said that she waits until the second time to test people, because it can be pretty intense. After three weeks or so, you take the same test and you can chart exactly how much you've improved. It sounds really neat. My next appointment is Friday, so hopefully I can try it out then.
I also received my new-to-me bike trainer in the mail today! It's sweet, and definitely contributed to wearing me out today. It 'holds' the back wheel of your bike, so it's the exact same set-up as riding outside only minus crazy drivers and the potholes. I used it for about 2 minutes, and I started to get pretty dizzy. It is awesome though, I love it. I'll have no excuse if I get fat this winter, now I have a bike trainer and a treadmill. Let me know if you see a good deal on an olympic-sized pool... ; - )
Scar = Looking great, feeling a little 'tight' still.
Tinnitus = Virtually no change, fullness/under-water feeling, with constant buzzing that changes to a ring sometimes. Still loud and irritating.
Face = Ben and my parents think they could see a tiny movement at the corner of my mouth while I talk. I am unsure. Eye still doesn't close quite all the way, burned like crazy in the shower this morning. (Stupid face wash)
Walk = Getting better everyday! I'm still amazed at how awesome the human body is. Steps are the biggest improvement from a day or two ago. I can walk up them slowly without a handrail.
Voice = Hasn't seemed to change in the past few days. It's still difficult to raise the volume, and it is physically tiring to have a conversation more than a few sentences. Swallowing has improved quickly though, I would estimate 85% recovery there.
Headache = Still none! Awesome!
Over-all = I am so happy with the progress. Going from needing help to go to the bathroom, to going for a walk around the block by myself in less than two weeks is incredible. I am very grateful for the progress, and am looking forward to getting 'back to normal', no matter what it's going to be like.
The big adventure today was my first physical therapy appointment. It was scheduled at 2pm, so I was afraid that I'd miss my nap. And I did miss it. I will not make that mistake again. I need my nap. I just tried to go for a walk around the block, and turned around at the end of the driveway. No nap = Yes dizzy. Back to PT, it was really beneficial. It's strictly balance related; unfortunately, she's not going to turn me into a super-athlete. She said we have 3 balance systems: Ears, Muscles & Joints, and Vision. She said it's 'nice' that we know for sure which one of mine is causing the chaos, we already know that much. (I don't remember her name, for now she will be 'she') She had me stand on a cushion and balance, taking away my 'muscles & joints' balance system. It was difficult, but doable. She then had me close my eyes. I lasted about 1.5 seconds, and grabbed the wall. She said it was a 'kind of mean' test, but just wanted to see the severity of my balance problem. After about 40 minutes of different walking, and balance moves, the day came to a close. I was definitely getting fatigued toward the end, it seemed the dizziness came on quicker at the end of the session. She said that mild to moderate dizziness is what we want, it means my brain is learning to function with one good ear. I have appointments twice a weeks for three weeks. I also got a list of balance exercises to do twice a day. I am excited to have a plan now, the PT is going to be time well spent.
The PT also said that they have a machine that they 'strap' you into, and it will gauge your balance system. It also has the ability to give people balance workouts as well. She said that she waits until the second time to test people, because it can be pretty intense. After three weeks or so, you take the same test and you can chart exactly how much you've improved. It sounds really neat. My next appointment is Friday, so hopefully I can try it out then.
I also received my new-to-me bike trainer in the mail today! It's sweet, and definitely contributed to wearing me out today. It 'holds' the back wheel of your bike, so it's the exact same set-up as riding outside only minus crazy drivers and the potholes. I used it for about 2 minutes, and I started to get pretty dizzy. It is awesome though, I love it. I'll have no excuse if I get fat this winter, now I have a bike trainer and a treadmill. Let me know if you see a good deal on an olympic-sized pool... ; - )
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Newflash
I just changed my blog to a public blog, no more signing in to read it! Just wanted to let everybody know.
Post-Surgery, Day 12.
I have started to email people separately about the recovery process, and it isn't the most exciting writing about the same thing different ways to everybody. I will try to post more stuff on here from now on, as far as the recovery process. Pre-surgery it was a little bit therapeutic to write about things that were always on my mind. Now that life has shifted to the recovery phase, it's less enjoyable activity, writing about progress, etc. Just wanted to you to know that you're going to have to hassle me to keep these updates going ; - ) Thanks so much for all the cards, prayers, notes etc. as well!
Yesterday was a pretty huge day! I did many 'firsts', went to Big Bob's Pizzeria for lunch, and went to Family Fare! I couldn't wait to get home and take a nap. It's amazing, two months ago, I ran a half-marathon(13.1 miles) and now I eat lunch and am exhausted! I also made my own salad for dinner, and didn't cut any finger's off. It really is incredible the 1,000's of tasks that you accomplish every day, and never think twice about doing them. Putting on my boxer-briefs is still the most dangerous task I do every day. Taking a shower is also nerve-racking; visions of falling over, getting a concussion and drowning in an inch of water are all too real.
Grocery shopping was also quite the adventure. Having a big, sturdy walker in the shape of a grocery cart was fun, for a minute or two. Then, my legs started wanting to move faster than me head was ready. I wish I had a video camera follow me around, because people had to wonder what kind of person gets drunk in the afternoon and then goes grocery shopping. I definitely could not 'drive' my cart in a straight line. I also wondered how I just spent 50$ on like 3 bags of groceries! Good grief it's summer! I thought fruits and veggies would be cheaper than that!
There is no change in my facial movement so far. I am doing my 100 facial exercises at least twice a day. This is about double what Dr. Daniels told me to do. If I never get movement back, my good side of my face is going to be super tone! My scar, I've been told, is looking really good. I alternate Aloe Vera and Antibiotic ointment, in the morning and at night. I still have yet to look at pictures of it, I'm not really into blood and guts. Someday...just not today, and probably not tomorrow. ; - )
I've been sleeping GREAT being at home, about 11 hours straight last night. I am totally getting used to waking up naturally. Alarm clocks are evil, evil devices. I would've slept even longer, but some jerk neighbor decided to mow their lawn at 11AM this morning ; - ) Who gets up at that hour, seriously!??!? What a nut job.
I took my first walk outside this afternoon. I staggered my way one block down Michigan Ave., walked down 1/2 block down Baynton, and returned. I noticed that I leaned toward my right side, I had to conciously 'steer' left. It was pretty slow and methodical (No cane!), but a huge success considering 12 days ago people were horsing around inside my skull. I am REALLY REALLY REALLY looking forward to getting back to being physically active. My goal for '09 (before tumor was found) was to be in a triathlon. I still may be able to squeeze one in if I go south at the end of the year. I may substitute a running race in the fall though. That is going to be quite an amazing feeling.
The left side of my body was feeling like it got steam-rolled, but is improving pretty well. My heel stopped aching, and my left calf isn't quite as stiff. My hip is still really tight, and painful when I stretch it. My forearm has about 6 inches of bruise area on it, most likely from the two IV's that were in for about 6 days. I think all the soreness was due to sleeping/sitting on my left side for a week straight, during the hospital stay. All little friendly reminders of being at the hospital. My incision area still has a tightness feeling to it, but it doesn't 'hurt' really. I did sneeze for the first time two days ago! I thought for sure my brains were scattered all over the place behind me, but miracously, they stayed put. It took several minutes for my heartrate to return to normal, it honestly was kind of scary.
Mark is bringing some of the boys over in a little bit, so I'm going to rest my eyes to prepare. Have a nice day!
Yesterday was a pretty huge day! I did many 'firsts', went to Big Bob's Pizzeria for lunch, and went to Family Fare! I couldn't wait to get home and take a nap. It's amazing, two months ago, I ran a half-marathon(13.1 miles) and now I eat lunch and am exhausted! I also made my own salad for dinner, and didn't cut any finger's off. It really is incredible the 1,000's of tasks that you accomplish every day, and never think twice about doing them. Putting on my boxer-briefs is still the most dangerous task I do every day. Taking a shower is also nerve-racking; visions of falling over, getting a concussion and drowning in an inch of water are all too real.
Grocery shopping was also quite the adventure. Having a big, sturdy walker in the shape of a grocery cart was fun, for a minute or two. Then, my legs started wanting to move faster than me head was ready. I wish I had a video camera follow me around, because people had to wonder what kind of person gets drunk in the afternoon and then goes grocery shopping. I definitely could not 'drive' my cart in a straight line. I also wondered how I just spent 50$ on like 3 bags of groceries! Good grief it's summer! I thought fruits and veggies would be cheaper than that!
There is no change in my facial movement so far. I am doing my 100 facial exercises at least twice a day. This is about double what Dr. Daniels told me to do. If I never get movement back, my good side of my face is going to be super tone! My scar, I've been told, is looking really good. I alternate Aloe Vera and Antibiotic ointment, in the morning and at night. I still have yet to look at pictures of it, I'm not really into blood and guts. Someday...just not today, and probably not tomorrow. ; - )
I've been sleeping GREAT being at home, about 11 hours straight last night. I am totally getting used to waking up naturally. Alarm clocks are evil, evil devices. I would've slept even longer, but some jerk neighbor decided to mow their lawn at 11AM this morning ; - ) Who gets up at that hour, seriously!??!? What a nut job.
I took my first walk outside this afternoon. I staggered my way one block down Michigan Ave., walked down 1/2 block down Baynton, and returned. I noticed that I leaned toward my right side, I had to conciously 'steer' left. It was pretty slow and methodical (No cane!), but a huge success considering 12 days ago people were horsing around inside my skull. I am REALLY REALLY REALLY looking forward to getting back to being physically active. My goal for '09 (before tumor was found) was to be in a triathlon. I still may be able to squeeze one in if I go south at the end of the year. I may substitute a running race in the fall though. That is going to be quite an amazing feeling.
The left side of my body was feeling like it got steam-rolled, but is improving pretty well. My heel stopped aching, and my left calf isn't quite as stiff. My hip is still really tight, and painful when I stretch it. My forearm has about 6 inches of bruise area on it, most likely from the two IV's that were in for about 6 days. I think all the soreness was due to sleeping/sitting on my left side for a week straight, during the hospital stay. All little friendly reminders of being at the hospital. My incision area still has a tightness feeling to it, but it doesn't 'hurt' really. I did sneeze for the first time two days ago! I thought for sure my brains were scattered all over the place behind me, but miracously, they stayed put. It took several minutes for my heartrate to return to normal, it honestly was kind of scary.
Mark is bringing some of the boys over in a little bit, so I'm going to rest my eyes to prepare. Have a nice day!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tumor free is the way to be!
I'm back!!! I hurt!!! ha ha. I feel like just writing 'the end' and finishing this crazy chapter of my life. But, there is still quite a few loose ends, and I'm only 25(!) so who knows what else is in store? Back to the present...
...It's my second day at my parents home, went to my house last night to sleep and came back to make sure my mom was doing alright today ; - ) She was doing great, and made about 25 blueberry pancakes for me. I finished 3, I think. Luke ate the other 22 after getting up about 2PM.
It was really nice of Andy and Julie to write about things while I was under, but I've forgotten some things, and reading about them reminded me of them. One of the funnier things, is an impromptu, unscientific hearing test is rubbing your fingers together an inch from your ear. If you can hear it, you have hearing in this side. I did this in ICU while I was still heavily drugged, and Andy thought I must've thought I was cleaning my ears or something. I actually remember doing this test to see if I could hear. I remember not being sure about the results of my testing. It was told to me later in the week that my hearing nerve was cut during surgery, resulting in single sided deafness.
Being SSD so far hasn't been a problem. I have a fairly intense ringing, and a buzzing that is always loud, and sometimes louder. I have read that this typically subsides to a reasonable sound level around 4 weeks out. It's really low on the totem pole of post-op issues, the bigger issues I'm dealing with right now are...
...aarrgghhh! I wear a sweet, clear eye patch at night, and through out the day to keep my eye moist. I can close my eye almost all the way, but know it's not completely closed because it stings in the shower. Eyedrops are my best friend every couple of hours, and I put in a lube every night that helps keep it closed, and extra moisturized. My facial movement hasn't changed, it is still set in stone. It's like half my face thinks it's watching a Sandra Bullock movie, there is zero emotion. The doc thinks it's only temporary, saying it will take 6 weeks or 6 months to improve. Keeping my eye healthy and lubed is really priority numero uno. I've talked to people that have made custom sunglasses that help protect their eye from wind and brightness.
The other un-planned for issue is my vocal chord weakness and propensity to choke on liquids. It's improved already, but my voice is fairly weak. It takes extra effort to push air out when I talk, to get volume with my speech. I was on a weird 'thick liquid' diet for 24 hours, they put in a gelatin like substance to water or juice that made it think like a jelly. As gross as it is, it stopped me from coughing. Coughing really irritated my incision area. This issue I think will be resolved within a week.
I am so impressed with the quality of care at the hospital. The rooms were just opened about a month ago. The food was better than ok. But really what made it stand out were the nurses. Every couple of hours they check your vitals, and they'd always ask if they could do anything for you. Every time I can remember, they were prompt, kind, and had a smile. That makes a huge difference when you start to wonder if you will be able to walk again.
It was also amazing to have a willing family member to sleep in a rickety, small chair by your bedside for a week. (Seriously, they must be the chairs from the old rooms. They must've blew their budget on the flat screen.) Mom, Julie or Robyn stayed with me every night, even though I told them the typical guy answer of "I'm fine". It was nice to have the company, considering the little amount of sleep I did at night. Not sure if anything that I said while under a morphine-induced will come back to haunt me...only time will tell.
...It's my second day at my parents home, went to my house last night to sleep and came back to make sure my mom was doing alright today ; - ) She was doing great, and made about 25 blueberry pancakes for me. I finished 3, I think. Luke ate the other 22 after getting up about 2PM.
It was really nice of Andy and Julie to write about things while I was under, but I've forgotten some things, and reading about them reminded me of them. One of the funnier things, is an impromptu, unscientific hearing test is rubbing your fingers together an inch from your ear. If you can hear it, you have hearing in this side. I did this in ICU while I was still heavily drugged, and Andy thought I must've thought I was cleaning my ears or something. I actually remember doing this test to see if I could hear. I remember not being sure about the results of my testing. It was told to me later in the week that my hearing nerve was cut during surgery, resulting in single sided deafness.
Being SSD so far hasn't been a problem. I have a fairly intense ringing, and a buzzing that is always loud, and sometimes louder. I have read that this typically subsides to a reasonable sound level around 4 weeks out. It's really low on the totem pole of post-op issues, the bigger issues I'm dealing with right now are...
...aarrgghhh! I wear a sweet, clear eye patch at night, and through out the day to keep my eye moist. I can close my eye almost all the way, but know it's not completely closed because it stings in the shower. Eyedrops are my best friend every couple of hours, and I put in a lube every night that helps keep it closed, and extra moisturized. My facial movement hasn't changed, it is still set in stone. It's like half my face thinks it's watching a Sandra Bullock movie, there is zero emotion. The doc thinks it's only temporary, saying it will take 6 weeks or 6 months to improve. Keeping my eye healthy and lubed is really priority numero uno. I've talked to people that have made custom sunglasses that help protect their eye from wind and brightness.
The other un-planned for issue is my vocal chord weakness and propensity to choke on liquids. It's improved already, but my voice is fairly weak. It takes extra effort to push air out when I talk, to get volume with my speech. I was on a weird 'thick liquid' diet for 24 hours, they put in a gelatin like substance to water or juice that made it think like a jelly. As gross as it is, it stopped me from coughing. Coughing really irritated my incision area. This issue I think will be resolved within a week.
I am so impressed with the quality of care at the hospital. The rooms were just opened about a month ago. The food was better than ok. But really what made it stand out were the nurses. Every couple of hours they check your vitals, and they'd always ask if they could do anything for you. Every time I can remember, they were prompt, kind, and had a smile. That makes a huge difference when you start to wonder if you will be able to walk again.
It was also amazing to have a willing family member to sleep in a rickety, small chair by your bedside for a week. (Seriously, they must be the chairs from the old rooms. They must've blew their budget on the flat screen.) Mom, Julie or Robyn stayed with me every night, even though I told them the typical guy answer of "I'm fine". It was nice to have the company, considering the little amount of sleep I did at night. Not sure if anything that I said while under a morphine-induced will come back to haunt me...only time will tell.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Chillin' in the Ghetto!
I think I'm getting closer to being out of a job, with updating Darin's blog. He was on his laptop tonight, said he got about half way through the blog updates and needed to rest. But when I walked in tonight I was impressed to see him up in the chair and using the computer!
I think the "big" event of today was the involuntary wax job he received on his arm... with taking out the last needles for his IV... and all the tape involved in that... he literally has no hair on his arm in the spots where the tape was. He said that it hurt really bad! But he said it's nice to not have it in anymore...
He took a walk around the "block" earlier today, all the way around the loop in the wing. Which is rather impressive that he made it that far, since only yesterday going to the bathroom & back was quite enough for him. He said that he was told he has to take another walk today, and today is not over, so he's "resting" for a bit and plans to get up and do that before calling it a night.
Since the weather is so nice we thought maybe tomorrow would be a good day for a field trip down to the garden.... if he's up to it Ben offered to race him through the halls in a wheel chair :)
I was just about to close, and say that I feel like I'm lacking any funny stories to tell you.... but I was mistaken....
Darin has continually had issues with being too tall for his hospital bed and it's irritating that he can't stretch his legs all the way out. One of his previous beds was able to extend out which was nice for him b/c he could stretch. He was all scrutched up tonight and I asked him if he wanted me to go and ask the nurse if it could extend (this was only after Robyn & I tried to do it ourselves).
The nurse came in and looked at it, and didn't come up with any solutions, except to take off the end of Darin's bed! He laughed and apologized for the "ghetto-ness" of it, but he said this bed doesn't extend, but this at least fixes the problem. He said: "this is how we roll in the ghetto of Blodgett". It was rather comical...
You might ask yourself.... How many Nicholls does it take to figure out how to extend a hospital bed? More than two.... How many nurses does it take? Just one - but he has to be from the hood! :)
I think the "big" event of today was the involuntary wax job he received on his arm... with taking out the last needles for his IV... and all the tape involved in that... he literally has no hair on his arm in the spots where the tape was. He said that it hurt really bad! But he said it's nice to not have it in anymore...
He took a walk around the "block" earlier today, all the way around the loop in the wing. Which is rather impressive that he made it that far, since only yesterday going to the bathroom & back was quite enough for him. He said that he was told he has to take another walk today, and today is not over, so he's "resting" for a bit and plans to get up and do that before calling it a night.
Since the weather is so nice we thought maybe tomorrow would be a good day for a field trip down to the garden.... if he's up to it Ben offered to race him through the halls in a wheel chair :)
I was just about to close, and say that I feel like I'm lacking any funny stories to tell you.... but I was mistaken....
Darin has continually had issues with being too tall for his hospital bed and it's irritating that he can't stretch his legs all the way out. One of his previous beds was able to extend out which was nice for him b/c he could stretch. He was all scrutched up tonight and I asked him if he wanted me to go and ask the nurse if it could extend (this was only after Robyn & I tried to do it ourselves).
The nurse came in and looked at it, and didn't come up with any solutions, except to take off the end of Darin's bed! He laughed and apologized for the "ghetto-ness" of it, but he said this bed doesn't extend, but this at least fixes the problem. He said: "this is how we roll in the ghetto of Blodgett". It was rather comical...
You might ask yourself.... How many Nicholls does it take to figure out how to extend a hospital bed? More than two.... How many nurses does it take? Just one - but he has to be from the hood! :)
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Day #3
Darin was able to move to the other side of the room, by the window, which has offered more privacy, and he now as a "new" roommate. Who seems content to be quiet, and rest, which is great!
We are on the 4th floor and had a great view of the fireworks. I asked Darin if he wanted to watch, and he said that he would next year.
He's had a busy day, I'm amazed at all he has accomplished. He got his IV removed and with the help of a walker can walk himself to the bathroom and back. For only being three days after surgery he's doing very well. The dr. did remove the bandage today, the stitches are towards the back of his head, from just above ear "level" down to aprrox. two inches below the bottom of his ear. Once his hair grows back it should cover most of it.
The doctor expressed confidence again today that he thinks his facial movements will return in time, I think it's an encouraging thing for Darin to hear everyday!
Friday, July 3, 2009
New Address: 4th Floor
Darin was moved to the fourth floor today and has been tucked in for the night. They just came by to check his vitals, and was able to locate his eye patch. Still waiting for the ointment to be put in his eye, I'm giving them 10 more minutes before I go ask for it again.
Darin ate a little bit today, and was made to sit up on the edge of his bed with his feet over the edge. I think between this and being jostled around in the moving process, it took a lot out of him, and has taken awhile for him to relax and get the pain back under control. He seems to be resting ok for now.... probably till they come back in with the ointment...
The doctor said the bandages will probably come off tomorrow. And they will encourage him to move around more, I suppose this is what he "needs" to do, but he surely doesn't seem ready for it, he's still really out of it, and has been through a lot. Hopefully he'll be able to get some rest tonight.
Darin ate a little bit today, and was made to sit up on the edge of his bed with his feet over the edge. I think between this and being jostled around in the moving process, it took a lot out of him, and has taken awhile for him to relax and get the pain back under control. He seems to be resting ok for now.... probably till they come back in with the ointment...
The doctor said the bandages will probably come off tomorrow. And they will encourage him to move around more, I suppose this is what he "needs" to do, but he surely doesn't seem ready for it, he's still really out of it, and has been through a lot. Hopefully he'll be able to get some rest tonight.
Accepting Applications...
For a quiet roommate, one who doesn't snore, keep the lights on while sleeping, or watches tv with the sound on. Looking for someone who likes to read teleprompters, goes to bed early, and doesn't have many visitors. If interested please see the nearest nurse, maybe ask for your name to be put on a "list".
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Do you want fries with that?
It was decided that I would stay with Darin tonight in the hospital, so I went back to Mom & Dad's to change & pick up a few things. Luke got home from work so he road back to the hospital with me. On the way I stopped at subway and picked up a sandwich, Luke said he'd already eaten at subway at work today and asked to go through the drive thru at Wendy's.
We pull in & are waiting in line and I ask Luke what he wants, and he said that I won't remember it, and he'll tell me what he wants when we get up there. I pull up to the window and Luke tells me "A crispy chicken sandwich with mustard, instead of mayonase", so I repeat this to the speaker. The speaker asks me if that's all?
I look at Luke and he adds "a five peice chicken nuggets with honey mustard sauce", so I repeat this to the speaker, "is that all?" the speaker asks in return.
Luke adds "a jr. bacon cheeseburger" and at this point I start laughing b/c I think he's joking... but he's not, so I tell the speaker that he wants a "jr. bacon cheeseburger, and I tell him that's all".
I'm still laughing as Luke says "no, that's not all, I want a small chili too!"
I then received a lecture on how his meal cost only $4.26 which was much cheaper than my $5 foot long. Luke then proceeded to down his chicken sandwich with mustard, five chicken nuggets, a jr. bacon cheeseburger, and a partridge in a pear tree in the five minutes time it took us to get to the hospital. As we pulled in he was just about to dive into the chili and I tell him to wait till we get up to Darin's room.
We arrive and Darin is just being taken down the hall for his cat scan. So Luke explains his story of all the food he's just eaten, and the better deal he got then me. Andy was in full agreement that he too, could eat the above mentioned menu items in one sitting (much to Robyn's dismay).
See, Darin, all this excitement that you're missing out on?
I was impressed today that you mentioned that tennis was on all this week, and I asked if you wanted me to see who was playing right now, you said "sure" but I think it was more to appease me b/c I don't think you truly cared at that moment. I turn the tv on & Robyn and I are trying to make out exactly who is playing b/c the screen if fuzzy and we can't read it. You were quick to inform us who was playing, and who had just won. You'd make Dad proud! :)
We pull in & are waiting in line and I ask Luke what he wants, and he said that I won't remember it, and he'll tell me what he wants when we get up there. I pull up to the window and Luke tells me "A crispy chicken sandwich with mustard, instead of mayonase", so I repeat this to the speaker. The speaker asks me if that's all?
I look at Luke and he adds "a five peice chicken nuggets with honey mustard sauce", so I repeat this to the speaker, "is that all?" the speaker asks in return.
Luke adds "a jr. bacon cheeseburger" and at this point I start laughing b/c I think he's joking... but he's not, so I tell the speaker that he wants a "jr. bacon cheeseburger, and I tell him that's all".
I'm still laughing as Luke says "no, that's not all, I want a small chili too!"
I then received a lecture on how his meal cost only $4.26 which was much cheaper than my $5 foot long. Luke then proceeded to down his chicken sandwich with mustard, five chicken nuggets, a jr. bacon cheeseburger, and a partridge in a pear tree in the five minutes time it took us to get to the hospital. As we pulled in he was just about to dive into the chili and I tell him to wait till we get up to Darin's room.
We arrive and Darin is just being taken down the hall for his cat scan. So Luke explains his story of all the food he's just eaten, and the better deal he got then me. Andy was in full agreement that he too, could eat the above mentioned menu items in one sitting (much to Robyn's dismay).
See, Darin, all this excitement that you're missing out on?
I was impressed today that you mentioned that tennis was on all this week, and I asked if you wanted me to see who was playing right now, you said "sure" but I think it was more to appease me b/c I don't think you truly cared at that moment. I turn the tv on & Robyn and I are trying to make out exactly who is playing b/c the screen if fuzzy and we can't read it. You were quick to inform us who was playing, and who had just won. You'd make Dad proud! :)
Well, just so you know, I'm about blogged out for one day... so will let this post about nothing come to an end. (You're welcome!)
Day #2
Well, it's almost midnight on day #2. Darin has had a fairly good day, and is resting at the moment. The doctor came in this evening, and explained a list of things. I've copied the following from what I posted on: caringbridge.org/visit/darinnicholls
Dr. Daniels arrived around 6:30 tonight and talked to us. We really appreciate him, as he takes time to answer questions etc. He talked to Darin and asked him to make some "faces" for him, and looked over his chart. Darin was supposed to have a cat scan done earlier today, which wasn't done yet... so he talked to the nurse to make sure that he got one done tonight. He said the results would be in tomorrow, but said that he expects everything to be fine with it. If there was a problem he said there would be other signs, and so he thinks everything should be fine.
He explained again for Darin how the surgery went, and that he thinks they got 99.9% of the tumor out.
The dr. explained that he expected Darin's right side of his face to be weak, due to the stress that was placed on that nerve. But he did not expect it to be quite this weak. The right side of Darin's face doesn't have a whole lot of movement at this point, he is able to open and close both eyes, the right eye seems just a tad bit delayed when he closes it. The doctor said he "tested" the nerve just before closing up surgery and it reacted fine to the test, and so he's not sure why the lack of movement is this extreme. But he said that he is optomistic that Darin will regain the movement, he said it could be 6 weeks, it could be 6 months. He told Darin to do 20 repititions of closing his eyes really tight, then smiling 20 times in a row, then frowning, and a few other "faces". He said to do this twice a day, Darin asked if he should do it more? The Dr. said that would be great. He explained that everytime he does that his brain is sending a signal to his nerve to move his face, and so it will strengthen that nerve and in a sense re-train it to work correctly again.
Darin has not struggled with being nauceous (someday I need to learn to spell that word correctly) today, and has not been dizzy. Dr. Daniels was suprised at this b/c he said he should be dizzy all the time, feeling like the room is spinning. The balance issue is a little more complicated to explain, the Dr. said that he has not had a patient that hasn't been throwing up all over the place the first 48 hours b/c they are so dizzy. He said that Darin's ears normally send signals back and forth to each other, telling the body to balance itself. Usually after this surgery, and the fact that the hearing nerve was cut, the "good" ear will still send the signal but it will have nowhere to go and it will bounce back to the "good" ear. Possibly this is not happening with Darin, the signal is being sent and he said maybe there are remaining fibers there that are "accepting" the signal and causing him not to be dizzy, etc.
But the Dr. said he's never had this happen before so he doesn't know for sure if that's the case, but he said that's the only possible explanation that he can give for it. Or maybe God has had something to do with it???? :0)
Darin had a few visitors this evening, and the visit with the doctor was tiring for him, and then he was off to the cat scan... the poor kid is wore out. He's currently sleeping, throwing in a good snore every once in awhile for good measure.
THANK YOU for your prayers & notes, they are an encouragement! The doctor said he'd be in sometime tomorrow, probably in the afternoon and will most likely discharge Darin from the ICU, and he'll be moved to a different floor. The Doctor said it's noiser there, and the possibility that he will have to share a room. Hopefully he'll be able to have a private room tomorrow.
Dr. Daniels arrived around 6:30 tonight and talked to us. We really appreciate him, as he takes time to answer questions etc. He talked to Darin and asked him to make some "faces" for him, and looked over his chart. Darin was supposed to have a cat scan done earlier today, which wasn't done yet... so he talked to the nurse to make sure that he got one done tonight. He said the results would be in tomorrow, but said that he expects everything to be fine with it. If there was a problem he said there would be other signs, and so he thinks everything should be fine.
He explained again for Darin how the surgery went, and that he thinks they got 99.9% of the tumor out.
The dr. explained that he expected Darin's right side of his face to be weak, due to the stress that was placed on that nerve. But he did not expect it to be quite this weak. The right side of Darin's face doesn't have a whole lot of movement at this point, he is able to open and close both eyes, the right eye seems just a tad bit delayed when he closes it. The doctor said he "tested" the nerve just before closing up surgery and it reacted fine to the test, and so he's not sure why the lack of movement is this extreme. But he said that he is optomistic that Darin will regain the movement, he said it could be 6 weeks, it could be 6 months. He told Darin to do 20 repititions of closing his eyes really tight, then smiling 20 times in a row, then frowning, and a few other "faces". He said to do this twice a day, Darin asked if he should do it more? The Dr. said that would be great. He explained that everytime he does that his brain is sending a signal to his nerve to move his face, and so it will strengthen that nerve and in a sense re-train it to work correctly again.
Darin has not struggled with being nauceous (someday I need to learn to spell that word correctly) today, and has not been dizzy. Dr. Daniels was suprised at this b/c he said he should be dizzy all the time, feeling like the room is spinning. The balance issue is a little more complicated to explain, the Dr. said that he has not had a patient that hasn't been throwing up all over the place the first 48 hours b/c they are so dizzy. He said that Darin's ears normally send signals back and forth to each other, telling the body to balance itself. Usually after this surgery, and the fact that the hearing nerve was cut, the "good" ear will still send the signal but it will have nowhere to go and it will bounce back to the "good" ear. Possibly this is not happening with Darin, the signal is being sent and he said maybe there are remaining fibers there that are "accepting" the signal and causing him not to be dizzy, etc.
But the Dr. said he's never had this happen before so he doesn't know for sure if that's the case, but he said that's the only possible explanation that he can give for it. Or maybe God has had something to do with it???? :0)
Darin had a few visitors this evening, and the visit with the doctor was tiring for him, and then he was off to the cat scan... the poor kid is wore out. He's currently sleeping, throwing in a good snore every once in awhile for good measure.
THANK YOU for your prayers & notes, they are an encouragement! The doctor said he'd be in sometime tomorrow, probably in the afternoon and will most likely discharge Darin from the ICU, and he'll be moved to a different floor. The Doctor said it's noiser there, and the possibility that he will have to share a room. Hopefully he'll be able to have a private room tomorrow.
The Next Morning...
Darin had a mostly uneventful night, and slept on & off. He looks good, he's still a bit swollen, and the bandage on his head is still there. He was able to get cleaned up this morning and I think he feels better after that.
The nurse came in with some meds for him, we asked what it was. He said it was a steriod to help keep the inflamation down in his central nervous system. He said this drug works well specifically for this and doesn't cause other side effects. As he was putting it in Darin's IV he told Darin that he was giving him a steriod. Darin asked if it was the kind that would make him stronger, because he was pretty scrawny. The nurse smiled and said no, but that Darin should ask the doctor when he comes by, and to let him know that it wasn't working and to give him some of the other kind! :)
After they gave cleaned him up, Darin noticed that his leg pumps weren't working. He said they forgot to put them back on, we checked and they were on his legs, just not turned on. I thought that maybe we could just give him a few minutes break from them since he's seemed so irritated by them. But Darin brought it up again, and I asked him if he wanted me to ask the nurse to turn them back on, and he said yes. I told the nurse and he came in and said that nobody ever asks to have them turned back on! Darin's such a good patient... irritating or not, he knows it's good for him.
He seems to be resting comfortably for now. I'm keeping myself occupied by watching his heart rate which is currently holding steady at 58 & 59, last night it was up over 100 at points when he was restless. Sleep is a good thing.
The nurse came in with some meds for him, we asked what it was. He said it was a steriod to help keep the inflamation down in his central nervous system. He said this drug works well specifically for this and doesn't cause other side effects. As he was putting it in Darin's IV he told Darin that he was giving him a steriod. Darin asked if it was the kind that would make him stronger, because he was pretty scrawny. The nurse smiled and said no, but that Darin should ask the doctor when he comes by, and to let him know that it wasn't working and to give him some of the other kind! :)
After they gave cleaned him up, Darin noticed that his leg pumps weren't working. He said they forgot to put them back on, we checked and they were on his legs, just not turned on. I thought that maybe we could just give him a few minutes break from them since he's seemed so irritated by them. But Darin brought it up again, and I asked him if he wanted me to ask the nurse to turn them back on, and he said yes. I told the nurse and he came in and said that nobody ever asks to have them turned back on! Darin's such a good patient... irritating or not, he knows it's good for him.
He seems to be resting comfortably for now. I'm keeping myself occupied by watching his heart rate which is currently holding steady at 58 & 59, last night it was up over 100 at points when he was restless. Sleep is a good thing.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Mullet, Hat, or Mohawk?
Darin was moved to ICU, and is resting somewhat comfortably. I've explained some details on the caringbridge website, so you can check that out for more details (for the sake of not repeating myself) at www.caringbridge.org/visit/darinnicholls
He is able to respond to our questions, mostly with a shake of his head. He's rather irritated with the leg "pumps" and is moving his arms & legs around. His vitals continue to be good, and will be checked frequently while he's in ICU.
The plan is, that if well enough, he will move to a regular room sometime after the 24 hour mark.
Most everybody has gone home for the night, Mom & Julie are planning on staying the night.
Andy took quite a few pictures tonight, we'll wait to post them till Darin can give the ok, or when he's feeling up to it, we'll let him do that.
For having brain surgery, Darin "looks" good. His head is bandaged, and he's sporting a new hair cut, although we can't see it yet. It was suggested earlier today that he should have gotten a mohawk before surgery, or possibly that he grows a mullet afterwards to hide the scar. Maybe a hat would be an easier option for awhile :)
I'll post more later, but check out the caring bridge site for more details of the "medical" side of it.
Thanks!
Julie
He is able to respond to our questions, mostly with a shake of his head. He's rather irritated with the leg "pumps" and is moving his arms & legs around. His vitals continue to be good, and will be checked frequently while he's in ICU.
The plan is, that if well enough, he will move to a regular room sometime after the 24 hour mark.
Most everybody has gone home for the night, Mom & Julie are planning on staying the night.
Andy took quite a few pictures tonight, we'll wait to post them till Darin can give the ok, or when he's feeling up to it, we'll let him do that.
For having brain surgery, Darin "looks" good. His head is bandaged, and he's sporting a new hair cut, although we can't see it yet. It was suggested earlier today that he should have gotten a mohawk before surgery, or possibly that he grows a mullet afterwards to hide the scar. Maybe a hat would be an easier option for awhile :)
I'll post more later, but check out the caring bridge site for more details of the "medical" side of it.
Thanks!
Julie
99%
The doctor just came out and said that Dr. Daniels is putting the final stitches in and they removed 99% of the tumor. He said that they are very pleased with the outcome, he said it was a difficult procedure, but things went very well.
He expects Darin to be in ICU around 8pm and that we could see him at that time for a few minutes.
He will be in ICU for at least the first 24 hours, and most likely in the hospital for about a week.
Thank you for praying!!!!!!!!!!!
He expects Darin to be in ICU around 8pm and that we could see him at that time for a few minutes.
He will be in ICU for at least the first 24 hours, and most likely in the hospital for about a week.
Thank you for praying!!!!!!!!!!!
#5339
There's a big tv screen in the waiting room with each patient listed, Darin's number is #5339, it shows updates about him.... he is currently "In Surgery".
Hoopla & Such...
It's 5:33 in the afternoon, we've been at the hospital for 11 hours. Darin is unaware of all the family "hoopla" that has been taking place today. To give him some "good" reading when he's well enough to care.... here's what we are all up to at this moment:
Dad has recently asked "what direction is north?"
Brian almost got ran over on his way to the hospital.
Morgan beat your score on the "bubble wrap" game.
Michael Jackson died last week, and we are getting hourly updates about his will on the news.
Barak Obama is still president.
Luke's goal is to get 100 friends on facebook by the days end.
Collectively the Nicholls Family has spent over 273 hours on the internet this afternoon between everybodies laptops, and cell phones.
We've asserted our position as the dominant presence in the waiting room.
We've picked up a few random kids to add to the mix.
Ben has successfully created his own "family guy" episode.
Luke chatted with Kenny who is stationed in Iraq.
Luke is fairly certain he's contracted an "eye" tumor from stairing at your I-Touch too long.
The choke hold was succesfully applied to Morgan, and she passed out. Apparantly her neck isn't as big as Mark's.
Julie has given up on her Sudoku due to lack of sleep and brain power.
Morgan woke up from her coma and succesfully beat the pulp out of Luke.
Brian looks like a model from all of the new clothes Beth gave him.
Andy is attempting to study, but failing miserably with all the distractions due to animal planet that's on the tv, that just asked the question: "Do you want a couple dozen leeches ringing your doorbell?"
Dad has had the best hospital parfait of his life.
In closing, we have found enough to keep us occupied, amused, and at least consistently keeping up with the typical "hoopla" that can be found at any Nicholls' gathering.
For supper we are discussing having ice cream, blueberries, and milk. We are waiting on you for the oreos.
Ta, ta, for now...
Dad has recently asked "what direction is north?"
Brian almost got ran over on his way to the hospital.
Morgan beat your score on the "bubble wrap" game.
Michael Jackson died last week, and we are getting hourly updates about his will on the news.
Barak Obama is still president.
Luke's goal is to get 100 friends on facebook by the days end.
Collectively the Nicholls Family has spent over 273 hours on the internet this afternoon between everybodies laptops, and cell phones.
We've asserted our position as the dominant presence in the waiting room.
We've picked up a few random kids to add to the mix.
Ben has successfully created his own "family guy" episode.
Luke chatted with Kenny who is stationed in Iraq.
Luke is fairly certain he's contracted an "eye" tumor from stairing at your I-Touch too long.
The choke hold was succesfully applied to Morgan, and she passed out. Apparantly her neck isn't as big as Mark's.
Julie has given up on her Sudoku due to lack of sleep and brain power.
Morgan woke up from her coma and succesfully beat the pulp out of Luke.
Brian looks like a model from all of the new clothes Beth gave him.
Andy is attempting to study, but failing miserably with all the distractions due to animal planet that's on the tv, that just asked the question: "Do you want a couple dozen leeches ringing your doorbell?"
Dad has had the best hospital parfait of his life.
In closing, we have found enough to keep us occupied, amused, and at least consistently keeping up with the typical "hoopla" that can be found at any Nicholls' gathering.
For supper we are discussing having ice cream, blueberries, and milk. We are waiting on you for the oreos.
Ta, ta, for now...
Mid- Afternoon & Still Going Strong
The nurse just came out and said they found not just an oreo, but some ice cream too!
She said the doctor has removed most of the tumor, and there's a little bit more to go. Then Dr. Daniels will take back over and start wrapping things up. It'll still be a few hours, but things are looking good so far.
She said the doctor has removed most of the tumor, and there's a little bit more to go. Then Dr. Daniels will take back over and start wrapping things up. It'll still be a few hours, but things are looking good so far.
Update #1
Dr. Daniels came in and said that things are going fine, that Darin is doing well. He said that the other doctor was starting to work on removing the tumor. The surgery started at 10am, and Dr. Daniels came out at noon with an update.
He said it appears the tumor is a little sticky, but it's too soon to tell how it really will be. He said he thought they'd be done around 6pm, but said it may take longer.
The family currently has taken over the waiting room with multiple laptops, cell phones, I-touch, gameboys, and lots of hoopla!
Thank you for praying.... will post more when they come out with another update.
He said it appears the tumor is a little sticky, but it's too soon to tell how it really will be. He said he thought they'd be done around 6pm, but said it may take longer.
The family currently has taken over the waiting room with multiple laptops, cell phones, I-touch, gameboys, and lots of hoopla!
Thank you for praying.... will post more when they come out with another update.
"Doris" is in Surgery!
This is Darin's sister Julie, he has relinquished his password and all rights to his blog while he's in surgery. (Which is very trusting of him, I'm accepting bribes for the password... Mark so far is the highest bidder).
We arrived at the hospital this morning at 6:30am, we took a short tour through the hospital trying to find the right room. A pastor from church prayed with us, and then a nurse came in the room and asked for "Doris". We all looked around at everybody in the room and nobody got up. The nurse looked back at her paper and said "oh, I mean Darin".
Darin did very well, he's a trooper. He answered patiently every time somebody asked him his name, or his birthday. Apparantly they wanted to make sure he didn't forget. We broke the "only two people at a time" rule, only a few times :)
They asked Mom to mark his right ear with a marker, and when the doctor came in he initialed it, so I guess they are going to get the right one!
Our only point of concern was when the surgeon walked in the room, he had on an Ohio State surgical cap. Darin commented on it, but the surgeon didn't seem to mind. Right after the doctor left, someone came in and started up his IV, and we waved goodbye as they wheeled him down the hall. Hopefully by the time he reached the room he was fast asleep.
The surgery will last approx. 8 hours, and the doctors & nurses will come out and give updates as they can.
Thanks for your prayers for my little bro, he's my favorite second to the youngest brother that I have, I couldn't ask for a better one!
I have created a CaringBridge webpage for him, so more people can access updates than just those that have subscribed to his blog. Feel free to share this link with those that might be interested.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/darinnicholls
That's all for now....
Julie
We arrived at the hospital this morning at 6:30am, we took a short tour through the hospital trying to find the right room. A pastor from church prayed with us, and then a nurse came in the room and asked for "Doris". We all looked around at everybody in the room and nobody got up. The nurse looked back at her paper and said "oh, I mean Darin".
Darin did very well, he's a trooper. He answered patiently every time somebody asked him his name, or his birthday. Apparantly they wanted to make sure he didn't forget. We broke the "only two people at a time" rule, only a few times :)
They asked Mom to mark his right ear with a marker, and when the doctor came in he initialed it, so I guess they are going to get the right one!
Our only point of concern was when the surgeon walked in the room, he had on an Ohio State surgical cap. Darin commented on it, but the surgeon didn't seem to mind. Right after the doctor left, someone came in and started up his IV, and we waved goodbye as they wheeled him down the hall. Hopefully by the time he reached the room he was fast asleep.
The surgery will last approx. 8 hours, and the doctors & nurses will come out and give updates as they can.
Thanks for your prayers for my little bro, he's my favorite second to the youngest brother that I have, I couldn't ask for a better one!
I have created a CaringBridge webpage for him, so more people can access updates than just those that have subscribed to his blog. Feel free to share this link with those that might be interested.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/darinnicholls
That's all for now....
Julie
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