Friday, December 5, 2008

It's December 5th!

Well, this is the magic day - the day that Steve meets with his surgeon, Dr. Coffey, in Indianapolis! Neither of us slept last night. Stephen was coughing so much it kept both of us awake. We finally went downstairs and settled Steve back in the Lazyboy chair around 12:30 a.m., and at 4:00 we both were awake by his coughing. We couldn't go back to sleep. We got to Methodist Hospital an hour early. Dr. Coffey was very impressed with Steve's progression and healing process. Everything checked out fabulously - except for the bad cough. Steve is now on an antibiotic and some cough medications. It seems that Steve doesn't tolerate the cold weather as his lungs were "irritated" from the respirator/surgery. He just needs to keep his face covered while he is outside.

Dr Coffey has released Steve to Dr. Ritchie in Kokomo. We don't ever have to see Dr. Coffey again. That is kind of sad - Dr. Coffey was a really nice Christian man. Steve was delighted when the doctor released him to go back to work. Dr Coffey teased Stephen that he can now preach some "light" sermons (because he still can't lift more than 10 pounds). Steve can also drive and go back to work. Psychologically he feels like a new man just being able to care for himself.

We ventured out to our first real "social engagement" tonight to the District Christmas party at St Lukes UMC. We were there about 1 hour before Steve started asking for a pain pill. 20 minutes later he was ready to go home. Tomorrow we plan on staying pretty quiet and allow the antiobiotic to take affect. Then on Sunday we are hoping to go to church together for the first time since October 20th. Monday Steve will go into work.

Going back to work! I don't think our expectations are too high. We both know that Steve wears out very fast. I guess the only way we will know is to just let him get out there and see what he can tolerate. I don't think he will work full days. Tuesday of this week Steve begins rehab at Howard Hospital. We don't have a clue what that means. We have heard that rehab is exhausting - we have also heard that it is a waste of time. He was told however, that he must go to rehab every day Monday through Friday until - - whenever they feel he is "rehab-ed".

All in all it was a very good day. Psychologically we are elated at the fact that Steve is "well enough" to go back to work!

6 comments:

Sara said...

Yay, Dad! I'm glad things are going so well. Just wish I could be there to give you a great big hug. Miss you so much.

Anonymous said...

Our Thoughts will be with you as you go back to work. The rehab might get tiring but we hear it is very important for the maximum recovery. We know Jayna will keep a close eye on your progress and try to keep you at a good pace.
Enjoy your Holiday season.
Janet and Bill

Anonymous said...

It was so good to see you both in church today - it seems our church family is more "complete" than it has been in such a long time. Steve, you look great! I think rehab will be a good complement to your release to return to work - gaining strength and confidence in your body will surely help you with the "mental aspects" of your pastoral work. Please don't overdue! And don't be too hard on yourself as you start down this new road. We can wait patiently for you to return 100% so hopefully you can be patient as well.

Jayna, you looked great today too! We miss you at choir and look forward to your return to us as you are able.

Our very best to you both - you remain in our prayers.

Sue and Lee

Anonymous said...

YEAH! I've missed the both of you.

Cindy

Anonymous said...

HI Steve aand Jayna,
We talked about you last night at our Nurture committee meeting. We just finished publishing our "Special Friends" (Shut-in) Directory. Kay Ridenour mentioned that she read your blog and was so impressed. She especially liked your comments on visiting shut-ins. We have been working on getting our members to be more involved in the lives of our "Special Friends." So your comments were meaningful to us.
It is so great to hear Steve's progress. I know it seems like a slow process. Rehab will be hard work but it will help prepare Steve for his new life. But I can affirm one thing you said. Going back to work is better than disability insurance. Jay recently has had to be retested to continue to recieve his disability income. This is the first time they have asked for this kind of testing in 10 years. It will involve 10-12 hours psychologial and physical testing. It exhausts him and and I am not sure who is going to pay for it. It will be over $2400.00. I have to make some calls today. You have always been able to empathize with the pain in others lives. I know you are even more aware now. Blessings to you both. We love you.
Jill

Anonymous said...

Dear Steve and Jayna,

I have enjoyed all of your comments and reports on the Blog. I have been updated each time you write. I have certainly appreciated answer to prayer in your behalf. The progress has been remarkable.

We are settled in Florida for this winter.

I had to recall all the disappointment in my life when Uncle Wayne died and found that in the years gone by, God has been good. May God bless your family and may He continue to heal. Lovingly, Aunt Pat and Bob Gingerich