Dennis' Broken Heart

1 year anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:04:00 +0000

So, I've heard from a few that they are still occasionally checking this blog for updates. It's Eunice again and I thought I'd write a quick update.

Dennis has been moved to Canada and we are now caring for him in our home. He is settling in and getting use to living in a house full of children. Dennis is now on permanent disability as he continues to increase his endurance and strength. He also continues with medical follow up in Seattle. He has had a few episodes back to the hospital for water retention issues.

Today, is his 1 year anniversary of his surgery date. It's been an incredible year but we are grateful that he is still with us.

e

an update by Eunice

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:13:00 +0000

Hi friends ... It's Eunice again. I'm writing just to update you on Dennis' progress. As you can see, Dennis has not been updating his blog and it hasn't been without a lot of encouragement. It seems he has lost his passion for writing. He is also uncertain of what he should say ... weird ... i know ... Dennis always had something to say! He's in a difficult place since he does not recall much of the past year (including the events prior to his surgery). In addition, we have converted his computer to Korean for our mom which has become an exercise in frustration for us to use (both Dennis and I don't read Korean). I don't want you all to hang around waiting for him to blog ... I'm not sure if he will ever come back to it. He talks about it but then doesn't.

As for his recovery ... he is attending an intensive cardiac rehab program at a hospital. He is still being monitored carefully by numerous specialists. He will be going for his neurological testing at the end of April which will help us to determine what he will be capable of doing in the future. In the meantime, we give lots of encouragement and keep him busy.

If any significant events occur, I will update this blog.

e

IIIIII'mmmm BACK!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:00:00 +0000

My speech therapist is harassing me about the blog so I thought i would come on and say hi to everyone. First of all, I'm doing fine and I look forward to being able to converse with everyone soon. Don't hesitate to drop me a line if you want. I wish everyone for a great 2009 and I hope to meet everyone soon.

handing off

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:43:00 +0000

Hi folks,

Well, Dennis is ready to start blogging again!!! Yippee!!! Over the next few days, Dennis will be reviewing all that happened to him over the past 6 months. He doesn't recall all that has happened to him so we will spend some time digesting the information together. Once ready, he will pick up the blogging. Stay tuned for Dennis ... coming soon.

e

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:10:00 +0000

Hi folks,

I am happy to report we have come home (that is to Vancouver) for the holiday season. We have been housebound due to the snowy weather but we are enjoying our family time together with Dennis. We are preparing for a low key New Year's party at my place and hoping Dennis will enjoying ringing in the new year with us.

Wishing you all many blessings in the New Year!!!

e

hello

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:05:00 +0000

It's been a long time and I hope all is going well for everyone.

Dennis was released from hospital on November 29. He is recovering well at home ... although progress is very slow. He's still receiving therapy at home. He continues to have issues with water retention. Dr's have confirmed this will be an ongoing issue due to his right sided heart failure. We are exploring possible next steps.

We are hoping to take Dennis to Vancouver, BC for Christmas. We will find out in the next couple of days if he will be released from therapy to come for 2 weeks. As we prepare to spend this holiday with Dennis, we are grateful for the blessings the Lord has given us this year. It has been a difficult year but we have been overwhelmed by God's mercy and grace upon our family. We are thankful for our friends and family who has support and prayed for us this past year.

Our family wishes you all a very Merry Christmas. May the peace of the Lord bless you and your household.

e

update - back in hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:08:00 +0000

Hi folks,

Sorry it's been a while but thing have been pretty hectic lately ... I guess that's how it is with 5 kids and a sick brother. Anyhow, the past few weeks have been pretty uneventful for Dennis. He has been having extensive rehab at home and came up for a few days to Vancouver for a visit. He's still having a lot of difficulty sleeping and is being follow by the sleep disorder clinic. If he's not rehabing, he's seeing Dr's. Dr's visits take up a lot of our time and he is currently seeing 8 specialists. A day of appointments go from morning till evening. As you can image, it's pretty tiring on those days. Otherwise, he is been getting stronger.

Unfortunately the pattern of rehabilitiating has taken a turn this week. We have been to the hospital everyday for the past 4 days. He was in ER 4 days ago due to a possible blood clot in his leg. He was scanned and there is no new clots - Yeah! But they noticed decrease in his kidney function and fluid overload again. So, after going to the hospital every day for tests, he was admitted yesterday. He's back at UW. I'm not sure how long he will be there but I will let you know.

e

settling in

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:18:00 +0000

Hi folks,

I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post. I actually thought I had made a post last week but I just noticed I didn't.

Dennis is settling in well at home. He is having close to 30 hours of therapy at week from home and has made his first few visits outside of the home. He is being carefully monitored between 8 different teams of specialists. It will be some time before he will be functioning at full capacity.

e

At home

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 05:36:00 +0000

I can't believe Dennis is finally home. It all seems so surreal. He arrived home this evening and has already had a visit from the nurse. He will be starting all of his in-home rehab programs tomorrow. I guess no break from therapy.

My mom's anxiety level has really gone up today and she is feeling pretty stressed being his sole caregiver at home. She feels extremely responsible for any failures Dennis may have in the days to come. She is also trying to remember all of the things they have trained her to do at home from diet to medications to injections to utilizing and setting up his breathing and ambulation equipment. Please pray for her as she develops a routine and gains confidence in her ability to take care of Dennis.

Dennis is also out of sorts. He has become accustomed to hospital life and although he's been begging to come home, now that he is, he is finding challenges in his living environment. From his couch seat being to low for him to get up and his bathroom being too small to move around in with his walker, he is having to learn to re-adjust what he has learned to do in the hospital. Please pray for Dennis as he learns a new way of living.

Dennis can be called at home but he does not currently have access to his cell phone or computer. I have put these away in safe keeping.

As for the blog ... yes, I will keep the blog updated with his progress. I anticipate it will be a very long journey of recovery.

e

going home - help!

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:42:00 +0000

Hi folks,

I received a call this evening that Dennis is going to be discharged home tomorrow! Yippee!!! Dennis is very excited.

Unfortunately this has put us into a little tail spin. I am currently in Victoria, BC completing my residency for my master's program. My time in residency will be done on Friday but until then Dennis and my mom are on their own. Dennis and my mom are needing a ride home tomorrow afternoon. Is there anyone available to help? He has a fold able walker and wheelchair plus a load of stuff that they have acquired over the past 3.5 months. Dennis' home also has no groceries. He is on a very strict diet that my mom will need to shop for. Dennis is under 24 hour supervision, therefore, I'm wondering if someone can sit with Dennis while my mom walks to Safeway. Please email me at eunicecho@shaw.ca if you are able to provide any assistance.

Thanks very much!!
e

slow and steady

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 23:07:00 +0000

Hi folks,

Dennis is progressing. He's got another 6kg of water loss to go before he gets to go home. They anticipate it may be later this week. He's been on a long journey to get to this point but we are happy with Dennis progress and are looking forward to taking him home (to Renton).

e

not too much change

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:15:00 +0000

Hi folks,

I just realized I forgot to write on Sunday. Sorry about that. Here's a little back track.

Dennis' was drained of 4 liters of fluid from his belly last week. He did find some relief and has felt better over the past few days. The 4 liters didn't make much of a dent in his overall fluid retention, therefore, he has had further consultation with specialists on whether or not to remove more fluid. For now, they will wait and see over the next couple of days. He is still on heavy doses of medications to pull off more fluid. It is working slowly.

There chat about him coming home soon but still more wait and see.

e

the big syringe

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:11:00 +0000

hi folks,

it's been a busy few days fussing over dennis. he's still fluid overloaded and the team of cardiologists are working hard to balance him out. he's exhausted and having difficulty breathing due to enlarged belly. he's also got a bad case of the cankles. after lots of consultation with the medical staff, dennis will undergo a procedure today to draw out the fluid from his belly. they will insert a large syringe and pull out as much fluid as possible. they got 4 large canisters ready to fill up. hopefully this will help him to breath easier and get some rest. he has his first full night of sleep in a week and he's more rested to go for his procedure today. looks like he will be on the cardiology unit for a couple of weeks.

e

moving again

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:09:00 +0000

Hi folks,

Dennis continues to have difficulty with water retention, therefore, the rehab staff are unable to provide him with the necessary care. He will be moving down to the cardiology unit this evening. Please continue to pray for Dennis as he overcomes this next hurdle.

e

no progress - still water logged

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:34:00 +0000

Hi folks,

Water retention continues to be an issue for Dennis. He is currently on 2 IV and 1 oral diuretics with minimal effect. He is having more and more physical discomfort and continues to physically regress. He is also have difficulty sleeping, making his progress even more difficult.

e

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:47:00 +0000

water logged

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:49:00 +0000

Hi folks,

Sorry for the late entry. It was a busy day with Dennis yesterday.

Dennis is retaining fluid in his abdomen and legs. His weight and girth has greatly increased over the past couple of days. His heart seems to be the underlying issue to his water retention. He is tired and having difficulty breathing which has hampered his therapy progress. He will not be discharged today. They have re-slated him for discharge next week.

Dennis will not be coming to Canada on discharge. He will require extensive in-home therapy and will be staying in Renton with our mom.

e

day off

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 06:57:00 +0000

Hi folks,

Today was Dennis' day off from therapy. He spend the day with his friends from Vancouver, watching them play X-Box. He's ready for his big week and counting down the days to going home.

e

slated for discharge

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:05:00 +0000

hi folks,

Dennis' strength continues to increase and he is slated for discharge on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 - pending he meets his discharge goals. Dennis continues to work really hard but has many physical and cognitive limitations. He will continue with therapy at home until his is ready for outpatient therapy. It will be a long journey to recovery.

e

Sunday update

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:19:00 +0000

Hi folks,

Dennis is getting stronger each day and continues with his physical progress. He is managing a few steps without his walker. He is still have some edema in his legs but they are getting less swollen and less painful.

Dennis continues to have issues with his short term memory. He is frustrated with being in the hospital and would like to return home. He does not remember the recent past and is confused as to the reasons behind his current hospital stay. It will be some time before we see him plateau in his condition - mentally and physically - in the meantime, we are working hard to get him there with lots and lots of encouragement.

e

getting more exercises

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:44:00 +0000

Hi folks,

Dennis is getting stronger each day and is tolerating more and more exercises. His therapists have increased his gym time by another hour (he was already in there for 2 hours per day). He is working hard and knows the harder he works the better chance of getting out of the hospital.

He has been loosing fluid again (yeah!) and is feeling much better.

Preparation are in the works for his arrival home. From grab bars to wheelchairs to new shoes, the therapists are looking at all of his needs. It will be a little time yet before he gets to go home but it's never too early to start planning.

I will be decreasing the #'s of times I post on the blog to twice a week. I will provide updates every Wednesdays and Sundays - likely in the evening.

e

retaining water

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:56:00 +0000

Dennis was back to exercising on Tuesday after a full day and night of sleep.

Dennis is retaining a lot of water. The rehab unit has consulted the cardiac and medical staff to help them to determine the next steps. They are uncertain if his water retention is related to his heart or whether it is due to his kidneys. In any case, they are actively working towards removing the water so that it he does not go into respiratory distress.

Dennis says he's tired of being in the hospital and would like to go home. Although he is not ready, he continues to ask. Hopefully in a few weeks.

e

beyond exhausted

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:48:00 +0000

Hi folks,

After being awake for 5 days straight, Dennis is beyond exhausted. He is skipping out on all his therapy and sleeping this morning.

He's had a rough weekend. He is currently retaining lots of water and his kidney functional status has been borderline, therefore, they have been unable to remove water from his body. He started to have heart palpitation yesterday. His oxygen stats are slightly down, therefore, he has been put back on oxygen. We are watching him closely to ensure he does not go into respiratory distress again. He seems a bit better today but his having difficulty staying awake. Rest is in order for the day and he will be catching on some needed sleep.

e

update

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:08:00 +0000

Dennis has not been sleeping well for the past few days. He has been on some heavy medications for the pain in his lower back and butt from his fall. Needless to say this is making him very confused. He also has general swelling in his body, therefore, the staff are working towards decreasing his body fluid.

Otherwise Dennis is doing well. He is working hard on his exercises and even though he is in pain, they keep him going.

e

fall

noreply@blogger.com (Dennis) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 06:39:00 +0000

Dennis had a fall last night while getting up to go to the bathroom. Nothing broken but he is pretty bruised and having lots of pain. He's on some heavy painkillers. He now has a bed alarm system and each time he tries to get up, the alarms go off. His rehab has taken a little turn due to his accident but he should be up and running again soon (not literally).

e