Surgery Went Well

All went well with putting Dave’s skull back in place.  He is going to stay overnight at the hospital. 

Surgery Scheduled

The surgery to replace the skull plate in Dave's head has been scheduled for next week, May 18th.  He may stay at Health South until then, but it depends on insurance approval. 

Dave's progress since the last report has been considerable.  He is walking with just a cane, not a full walker, now, as long as someone is beside him, and can walk up stairs unassisted.  Going downstairs is a little trickier, but doable.  He had an appointment with the neurologist yesterday, who was a little discouraging, but the therapist is more optimistic.  

PS to Faye et al: I promise I will be more dependable once David is discharged! Thanks once again for your patience and understanding. MB

Progress is Slow

Dave is making small strides every day, but like all stroke recoveries, they are very small and will take place over a very long time.  The family won't post each and every stride he makes, some because they'd lessen his dignity, some because the minutiae would overwhelm the blog.  We don't know how long he'll be at HealthSouth, but we do know that when he comes home it will be as an outpatient and he'll still need to go to HealthSouth 3-4 times a week for therapy.  The physicians report that his brain will recover over a six-month period, only at the end of which will we know what his long-term prognosis will be.  And even then, as much as Dave dislikes his helmet, they don't know when they'll be able to return his skull piece to its rightful place--it might not be for a year.

But, Angie is happy to report that while David doesn't yet recognize it, sensation does appear to be returning to parts of his body that were paralyzed in the stroke. 

Scentsy Byrnside Fundraiser

 I am hosting a launch party as a Scentsy consultant Saturday, March 20, 2-4pm, where 50% of my proceeds will go directly to the Byrnside family.  As far as you, the guest, are concerned, it's a normal opportunity to come and play with Scentsy warmers, different waxes, and enjoy a Saturday afternoon with a bunch of lovely women.

What is Scentsy?  Scentsy is a relatively new company that sells flameless, wickless candles.  You put a small bar of scented wax into the warmer of your choice, turn it on, and voila!  you have a home that smells lovely without any soot or flame hazards.  They also have scent tins, scent circles, room sprays and other products to keep your home and vehicle smelling fresh without hazards or fuss.  If you want to learn more, or are unable to come and would like to place an online order, please visit my Scentsy website.

If you are planning on coming next Sunday, please RSVP by email so that I can send you my address and directions.

Elimination Dinner Tickets on Sale

Marty wanted me to let you know that the tickets are available for the elimination dinner.  People can see:
Marty
John
Howie
Nicky
Justina

for tickets.  I'm assuming people will recognize the first names of those they are near.

Visitors Welcome...

...in small doses.  Angie says that HealthSouth is very much like boot camp.  Dave works like a dog, they have very strict rules, and he's exhausted at the end of the day.

The following schedule has therefore been arranged:
6-8pm Mondays & Thursdays:  Friends & Neighbors
6-8pm Wednesdays & Fridays:  Work Friends
6-8pm Tuesdays:  Church Friends
12:30-8pm Saturdays & Sundays

Please limit the visits to 6 people per evening, so try to contact the other people in your assigned group before going up to make sure Dave doesn't get overwhelmed with guests.  HealthSouth's rules are that only two people at a time are allowed in the room and everybody must sign in and out at the front desk of the facility.  Also, please refrain from bringing Dave food.  He is very sick of hospital food and Angie is working with the medical staff to try to bring him yummy and nutricious treats, but he is on a very strict cardiac and diabetic diet.  There is still a lot of swelling from the clot and they are working to make sure he doesn't eat anything that would impair the reduction and healing processes.

Angie is sure that seeing his friends will keep his spirits up, but he is still very tired and rest is imperative to his recovery.  These rules aren't meant to be unduly harsh or restrictive, she's just trying to protect him during this period while following HealthSouth's regulations.

Again, Dave's location is: 
Room 321B
1160 Van Voorhis Rd
Morgantown, WV     26505

HealthSouth Transition

David moved to Health South yesterday and is in Room 321B, 1160 Van Voorhis Rd, Morgantown, WV26505.  His parents are very thankful to Jeff Fluharty's kind efforts allowing them to move into an apartment in Morgantown.  Dave is now doing well enough that there will not be daily blog updates, only posts marking significant changes.

At this time, visitors are still not allowed as Dave is sleeping most of the time he is not in therapy.  The physical and occupational therapy regimen HealthSouth maintains for their patients is extremely rigorous in order for them to make the most rapid progress possible.  Visitors will be allowed, but the family still has to see how Dave adjust to his new routine over the next few days to decide what the best visitation schedule will be for him.