Almost two weeks home and doing great

I don't know if anyone is still following the blog but thought I should update you a bit. Tim is doing so well and working so hard. We are busy! Last week we saw two doctors, had a Cat Scan and had 7 therapy sessions. This week we have two doctors' appointments and 6 therapy sessions. We also do some exercises at home and walk up and down the sidewalk over at the ward parking lot, when we can get it in and the weather permits. Fortunately, he gets in and out of the car easily as we have lots of appointments. He is still at risk for falling so it is a fine line between how much independence to allow and safety issues. Every so often he goes somewhere in the house or does something he's not supposed to. I try not to scold. He is so agreeable and appreciative of my help. I'm sure it's hard to have someone controlling your every move. I can't allow him to do all the things they do in therapy because I'm not trained in "spotting" him and am not as strong as these young therapists are.

Today in therapy he walked down about 5 flights into the dungeons (his word) of the LDS Hospital, up and down ramps, frontwards and backwards, then side stepping. He also pushed a FULL shopping cart outside on the sidewalks. (There was even a skeleton's arm in the cart.) He also picked pennies up off the floor (to check his balance which seems to be quite good), balanced a checkbook (can we all do that?) and worked on mind puzzles with the speech therapist (after they have worn him out physically.) Some days he works on various machines.

Tim's vision is still kind of blurry for reading. It is a neurological thing, not an eyesight deficiency. The ophthalmologist thinks there is a good chance it will improve. He is

encouraging Tim to read even though it is hard. It will strengthen his eye muscles. So we are praying that will improve with time.

We spent this morning at Liz' enjoying Macy (and the other kids who were still out of school for UEA). He loves to hold Macy. She is truly beautiful and so fun to just sit and watch her. Liz is doing well, but of course, she doesn't get much sleep. Wish I could help her more, but we can't time these things.

Thanks to all of you for your interest. We feel your love and support. Tim and Peggy

Tim is Home

Tim came home yesterday. He is so thrilled to be here. It's funny how we don't appreciate the little things like sitting on your couch, sleeping in your own bed, just walking around the house, eating your own choices of food. I am so happy to have him here. Things just seem normal again.

We did have a doctor appointment this morning with the radiologist who put in the stents. It was long including an ultrasound, but he did fine, getting in and out of car, walking, etc. It was so nice having Joyce come down and go with me. We have a bunch more appointments in the next few weeks plus therapy, but we are glad he is getting such wonderful care. We start physical therapy tomorrow.

Everyone who sees him is amazed at how well he gets around. He went downstairs today and worked at his computer. Things are definitely looking good!

He's got a release date!

Tim is coming home Tuesday -- almost another week, but it seems close! We will make a home visit with therapists, etc. on Friday to check out stairs, bathrooms, etc. They assure me I won't have to get a one-day bathroom remodel before Tuesday. I actually had a guy coming today from Bathcrest to get some ideas. Things would be easy with a bench, etc. if my bathrooms weren't so TEENY. But, he is stronger, so we have some other ideas.

He is walking backwards AND bouncing a ball. I don't think he could do that before.

The last three days have seen huge improvements. We feel so blessed, and we know he is making the progress he is because of the priesthood blessings he has been given and all the prayers that have been said for him. We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father and to our wonderful friends for your support! Love to you all, Peggy

Monday

Great progress! He is sounding more and more like himself. They put him flat on a mat on the floor and he got up without ANY help. They thought he would need some assists. I think he was most thrilled about this, because he said it made him feel less helpless.

Swallow test with barium -- passed with flying colors so it is back to thin liquids. He was back on the thick on the weekend. The nurse who does the lectures with him said the thick liquids would gag a maggot. He thought that was a good description. (one tip -- he had barium by spoon and also on a cracker before the swallow test. He said he does not think that barium on crackers will ever make it as an h'ordoevre (sure that is nowhere near close to the spelling ) .

Another problem has been his posture and he has more strength, and that was better today -- more stamina in the p.m.

He appreciates all your good wishes and love.

Saturday P.M.

Great news! Feeding tube is gone. Now he just has to eat enough calories so it can stay out. Isn't that the worry we all have -- that we won't get enough calories! He is drinking regular liquids -- not that thickened stuff which he hardly drank. He had his first coke today -- was so thrilled -- and it is not even DIET -- calories again. Actually soda is helpful with the swallowing process. Always knew it was good stuff!

He has started to work on transferring from chair to bed, bed to chair, chair to toilet (I know, you didn't need to know that but it's a BIG thing), walker into bathtub, and getting up from chair to standing with walker. He works hard but by the last therapy session he is so tired, I just feel sorry for him. He doesn't complain (except for the dressing and mildly about the thickened liquid). We still need your prayers to give him the strength to accomplish his tasks to be independent. And that the platelets stay under control.

But, the progress is good. However, we will probably be in the Rehab for another two weeks or so. The report I got on Wednesday wasn't quite accurate. Love to you all, Peggy and Tim

Wednesday

Tim went to rehab a week ago and really began work on Thursday. He has made a lot or progress in that time. The hardest thing he does is to get dressed. He is very patient although it is SO frustrating. I just want to help him, but I sit quietly as the Occupational Therapist watches and makes an occasional observation. I know this is how he will learn. I'd probably scream or hit the therapist. He says he is considering becoming a nudist, so he still has his sense of humor. The nurse asked us if we knew the difference in a terrorist and a therapist. --- You can negotiate with a terrorist.

He is walking with a walker or with therapist holding onto a belt that is around his waist. He walks all around the halls this way, but is exhausted when he is finished. He is climbing the stairs in the therapy room, bouncing balls, etc. He is now able to eat three meals a day (soft foods) but still can't have liquids except the thickened ones, which he hates. He gets some extra supplements and liquids through the feeding tube.

The team of specialists met today and feel it will be at least another week and a half before he will come home. I don't know how fast he can achieve independence, but I think that might be a little optimistic. I hope he will be able to come by then but don't want to get my hopes too high.

He is more interested in things and even reads a little.

Once again, thank you for your concerns and prayers. Peggy

Wednesday

Sunday

The good news today is that he is actually smiling without prompting. He was awake more when people were visiting in his room and joined into the conversation more. He listened to some tapes of old Prairie Home Companion broadcasts, sang along, just smiled and enjoyed them so much. . Today was a bit lighter on the therapy but worked hard in the physical therapy session he had. Swallowing is getting better each day, eating some but not much appetite so he still has a feeding tube to supplement the nutrition.

Saturday P.M.

Another day with lots of therapy and good help. Tim is working hard. He is eating some soft foods with supervision -- to make sure there are no swallowing problems. He is walking all around the halls with a walker. Also working on dressing, reaching up, balance, etc. Once in a while, especially in the evenings, he is a bit disoriented as to where he is. But, his memory is amazing. He has a great attitude and is willing to work hard. It will take time, but I'm so glad it's today and not a week ago. Love to all of you and thanks for your great support -- Peggy

Thursday, Sept. 3

first full day in Rehab. Some more assessments and treatments began. He is working hard and has a positive attitude. Walking with a walker, with some help. Did a few stairs (adjusted with a lower rise). Still some concern about the lungs. Still a feeding tube, darn, because the swallowing needs work. But so glad it's not a week ago. Thanks again for all your support and prayers. Tim and Peg

Wed. Moving Day

Tim is in the Rehab Unit on the 12th floor -- beautiful view -- too bad he hasn't been able to get to the window to see it yet. Hopefully that will come. Today was moving day and then a lot of assessments. Tomorrow the work begins. He is anxious to get going. He will have 3 hours of therapy -- physical, occupational and speech. It will be broken up through the day. Please keep him in your prayers that he will have the stamina to endure and benefit from the therapy.

Visiting hours are from 4 - 7 pm. The word is that he will probably be pretty tired by that time, especially the first few days. Everyone is pretty amazed that he suffered the carotid restrictions on BOTH sides and that he doesn't have more significant damage. We are truly blessed, and we know that the prayers and faith of our many friends are largely responsible.

They are predicting about a 2 week stay in the Rehab there with out-patient visits afterwards.
There's a long way to go, but we are so grateful to have come so far with his recovery. Thanks to all of you. We know your prayers have gotten us to this point. Love P and T

Tuesday evening

Good news! It looks like we will be moving to Rehab tomorrow, same building which is wonderful. Great progress! He is anxious to get going on the therapies. He says, "Let's get going so I can go home." Thanks to all of you for your interest.

Tuesday's Update

He is really a NEW man today. When I arrived he just said how he had missed me. Talking so much better and clearer. His sense of humor is definitely in tact. I haven't even talked to a medical person since I arrived so don't know on a couple of issues but so good to see him responding to us so well. Please continue your prayers. I know they are working. Love, Peggy

Peggy's email address

Hi all....It's Peggy's son Mark here....

A couple of folks have said they wanted to post comments or reach out to Peggy directly but didn't know how to do it.

If you want to send her an email, her address is: pegnewman@comcast.net

If you want to post a comment for others concerned with Tim's well-being to see and don't have an account and don't want to sign up for one, you may send an email to me at jfkslc@optonline.net and we will post it on your behalf.

Thanks for all your concern and prayers....we are happy with his progress.

Mark Newman

Things are looking up

Tim's mask providing oxygen was removed today. I think he's still getting some assistance with oxygen but it's nice to have the mask off. I can understand him better, and he is talking to me.

He has been sitting up a bit which is good for the breathing. The congestion is getting less. All in all today is going well. Yesterday the PT says he was seeming strong in his grip. We appreciate all the prayers in his behalf.

Sunday morning

Tim is much more alert, moving more, following commands, mouthing words almost audibly. They just removed the breathing tube. He is having some difficulties breathing without it and having trouble with mucous. They are working on that and trying to get him to cough. Possible they could have to put the tube back, but hopefully not. Seems to be better than when they first took it out. Thanks for your concern and prayers. Peggy

Welcome to the home of updates on Tim Newman's stroke

Welcome to my blog. Mark and I decided to make info more readily to all the wonderful people who are concerned about Tim. Everyone has been amazing. We know he is in the prayers of many people. We appreciate all the offers to help us. Thank you so much, but right now just keep praying and thinking positive thoughts. It really helps.

We are seeing much improvement today over yesterday, and even last night. He is moving more body parts, even getting the eyes open a bit on command. He is breathing mostly on his own with some help from the ventilator. Progress seems slow, but it is happening. The last CT scan showed no new problems and everyone feels that is a real plus.