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On Friday, Eileen had some fluid in her lungs and a slight fever of 101.3 and she was back on the respirator. However, on Saturday and Sunday she was able to be off the respirator about eight hours each day. And by Sunday the fever was gone. Making progress again. Good days with lots of visitors:

The Suters
Terry Parish and her husband
Kay Bunger, her daughter and Nanny
Laraine Davis and Lew
Steve Alvania & Shela
Tena Woods & Gina Mascarelli
Ray and Renee
Maria

Maggie

10:15 a.m. Today Andy had the first of his weekly family visits with the head nurse, nutritionist, case worker, physical therapist, and respiratory therapist. Eileen is progressing. Progress will be slow. It is too soon to know just how long rehabilitation will take. It is a very difficult situation that Eileen has found herself in. She feels the drugs have caused her immobility, but the fact that she has been down for 50 days is hard on a body. For every day that you are down you lose a week (or some such formula). ?? We need to be as positive as we can with her. She is taken off the respirator each day now for periods of time. Yesterday it was eight hours. Weaning is a slow process. The good news is that her heart rate is good. Her trach will be replaced with a smaller trach. She is learning to swallow. She also has a speech therapist working with her. She is able to whisper. Andy was told he is to stand to her left and make her talk

Eileen really wants to move

This is a time of adjustment for Eileen – getting her off medicines, weaning her off the respirator, and learning to be an independent person again. Seems like a lot to ask of someone who has had so much bad stuff happen to her. She continues to be alert but tires easily. She is trying hard to do what the physical therapist asks of her. They are working her arms and legs. She is no longer taking coumadin (blood thinner) as of today. Andy’s new rule is” the-answer-is-YES-be-positive-she-can-beat-this” type of approach.

Eileen’s new PCP is Dr. Madder. Eileen is stilll considered to be in critical condition. On Monday she will be seen by a neurologist and a rheumatologist. She willl also begin therapy. Therapy is done privately in her room.

Eileen wants visitors. Room 219. Hours are 11-8. Two visitors at a time. Her room is small and she shares with another woman. Because of MRSA you will be asked to put on a gown and gloves. When you leave they are to be disposed in garbage can in the bathroom Andy said to call his cell 724-882-0670 to coordinate your visits. Nanny would appreciate a ride if anyone is going through Sewickley.

Leen arrive at Kindred Heritage Valley, Beaver PA yesterday. She is getting settled in and the doctors there are evaluating her.

Uncle Andy will be heading over this afternoon.

Yesterday, Leen was able to move her fingers.

Plans are still on for moving Eileen to Kindred on Friday morning. Eileen is excited to be going “home”. People have been asking about visiting her. Not yet please. Andy will put out the word when she is ready for visitors.

5:00 p.m.

He was out in the hot tub and was asking Jeff (their baby in heaven) for a sign. And there it was…

This afternoon Andy found out through his insurance that Eileen is scheduled to be moved to Kindred in Beaver tomorrow. Andy is confident that this is the right move. Eileen’s vitals are good today.