To Martha and Bo
Don and I think of each of you several times each day. We know how challenging this is for Marcy and for each of all of your family members. Please know that you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Please tell your sweet Mom that we are thinking about her.
Love and Blessings,
Linda and Don Mattocks
New Bern, NC
Saturday, December 30, 2006
from Martha on Friday
Well the swallow test seemed to go well....it showed Mom is not aspirating so that is good. Her swallow is weak and slow- they tried water, ice chips, sprite, thickener with honey, applesauce, banana, jello, sherbert...basically we are cleared to give her sips of water from a spoon and ice chips.....that is ALL....
Becky, the speech therapist will begin work with her on pureed jello and sherbert, but she is the only one....that is all for now...she is still considered at risk with swallowing...
Now we are at another 3 day weekend, but Becky said she would come in and work with Mom on Monday...
Mom is now occasionally using the call button, when she needs changing.....maybe we can progress to using it for other needs.
She is doing ok with these 2 visits /day which we will maintain thru Monday, and then i have got to cut back to once for most days....
Have a good weekend everybody- we have at least a tiny step or two this week...
lv, martha
Becky, the speech therapist will begin work with her on pureed jello and sherbert, but she is the only one....that is all for now...she is still considered at risk with swallowing...
Now we are at another 3 day weekend, but Becky said she would come in and work with Mom on Monday...
Mom is now occasionally using the call button, when she needs changing.....maybe we can progress to using it for other needs.
She is doing ok with these 2 visits /day which we will maintain thru Monday, and then i have got to cut back to once for most days....
Have a good weekend everybody- we have at least a tiny step or two this week...
lv, martha
Thursday, December 28, 2006
UPDATE FROM MARTHA:
The speech therapist called yesterday and they will not go further trying things with Mom on food or drink till a test is administered-could go to hospital-by ambulance- for a barium swallow type test....or one there where she is- Becky Brown, speech therapist , is comfortable with that option as am I -the trip to and from hospital is too laborious....so don't know when it'll be-they order it thru a regional speech person....
went to web this am...
see below...
On way over there soon-went by twice yesterday , tho first time she was in therapy...
had a good visit last pm....her spirits still good-nothing new to report yet..
lv, m
FAQs about FEESST for Dysphagia
What is FEESST?
FEESST is an alternative test to the X-ray test of swallowing that uses a specifically designed endoscope in order to assess both the SENSORY and MOTOR components of the swallow.
What medical devices does FEESST utilize?
FEESST uses a specially designed endoscope that contains a small hollow opening or port. Through the port, pulses of air are administered from a device called the Air Pulse Sensory Stimulator. Other components include a VCR, a monitor, a camera, a light source and a video printer.
How does the Air Pulse Sensory Stimulator (APSS) work?
The APSS consists of a flexible fiber-optic endoscope tube, connected to an air pulse generator. When the tube is placed through the nose into the middle of the throat, pulses of air, varying in duration and intensity, are delivered to elicit an involuntary throat reflex.
By using the APSS, clinicians can easily determine which side of the throat is numb and simply have the patient turn his or her head so that the incoming food is exposed to the side of the of the throat with normal sensation.
Who may benefit from FEESST?
FEESST is generally used on the elderly, patients with stroke, chronic cough, reflux, Parkinson's disease, and patients with other chronic neurological conditions who have developed swallowing problems.
Why is FEESST used on stroke patients?
Just as some patients suffer from motor paralysis after a stroke, they can also experience sensory paralysis in their throat after stroke.
Stroke accounts for nearly 250,000 deaths each year in this country, about 40,000 of which occur from aspiration pneumonia. One of the most devastating and common complications of stroke is difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), noted in some 30% of all stroke patients.
Studies with FEESST show that dysphagia can predispose stroke patients to the development of aspiration.(see dysphag1.htm) Knowledge of sensory discrimination in this area will lead to more precise therapeutic maneuvers by clinicians to ensure a safer swallow for their patients.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes about ten minutes.
Do Medical Insurance Companies pay for FEESST?
Yes. Private medical insurance and Medicare now pay for FEESST.
Is there a way I can view a demonstration of FEESST on video?
Yes. You may order a free CD-ROM entitled, "Endoscopy of the Hypopharynx" narrated by Dr. Aviv in which he explains and demonstrates FEESST. To order your free copy, please click here.
Visit Dr. Jonathan Aviv's Web site
Read about Swallowing Research currently underway at the Department of Otolaryngology
The speech therapist called yesterday and they will not go further trying things with Mom on food or drink till a test is administered-could go to hospital-by ambulance- for a barium swallow type test....or one there where she is- Becky Brown, speech therapist , is comfortable with that option as am I -the trip to and from hospital is too laborious....so don't know when it'll be-they order it thru a regional speech person....
went to web this am...
see below...
On way over there soon-went by twice yesterday , tho first time she was in therapy...
had a good visit last pm....her spirits still good-nothing new to report yet..
lv, m
FAQs about FEESST for Dysphagia
What is FEESST?
FEESST is an alternative test to the X-ray test of swallowing that uses a specifically designed endoscope in order to assess both the SENSORY and MOTOR components of the swallow.
What medical devices does FEESST utilize?
FEESST uses a specially designed endoscope that contains a small hollow opening or port. Through the port, pulses of air are administered from a device called the Air Pulse Sensory Stimulator. Other components include a VCR, a monitor, a camera, a light source and a video printer.
How does the Air Pulse Sensory Stimulator (APSS) work?
The APSS consists of a flexible fiber-optic endoscope tube, connected to an air pulse generator. When the tube is placed through the nose into the middle of the throat, pulses of air, varying in duration and intensity, are delivered to elicit an involuntary throat reflex.
By using the APSS, clinicians can easily determine which side of the throat is numb and simply have the patient turn his or her head so that the incoming food is exposed to the side of the of the throat with normal sensation.
Who may benefit from FEESST?
FEESST is generally used on the elderly, patients with stroke, chronic cough, reflux, Parkinson's disease, and patients with other chronic neurological conditions who have developed swallowing problems.
Why is FEESST used on stroke patients?
Just as some patients suffer from motor paralysis after a stroke, they can also experience sensory paralysis in their throat after stroke.
Stroke accounts for nearly 250,000 deaths each year in this country, about 40,000 of which occur from aspiration pneumonia. One of the most devastating and common complications of stroke is difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), noted in some 30% of all stroke patients.
Studies with FEESST show that dysphagia can predispose stroke patients to the development of aspiration.(see dysphag1.htm) Knowledge of sensory discrimination in this area will lead to more precise therapeutic maneuvers by clinicians to ensure a safer swallow for their patients.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes about ten minutes.
Do Medical Insurance Companies pay for FEESST?
Yes. Private medical insurance and Medicare now pay for FEESST.
Is there a way I can view a demonstration of FEESST on video?
Yes. You may order a free CD-ROM entitled, "Endoscopy of the Hypopharynx" narrated by Dr. Aviv in which he explains and demonstrates FEESST. To order your free copy, please click here.
Visit Dr. Jonathan Aviv's Web site
Read about Swallowing Research currently underway at the Department of Otolaryngology
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
new address
Mom has had a decent Christmas , with us and various of her grandchildren here visitin a couple times a day.... but we are eager for the new week as her therapy schedule begins today! Eager to see her make some headway as it was a very quiet 3 days for her first ones in Rehab...
She is located at NHC
216 Fairground St
Franklin,tn. 37064
She is located at NHC
216 Fairground St
Franklin,tn. 37064
Saturday, December 23, 2006
For Marcy
I love you, Marcy. I know God has sent His angel to stand beside you and serve you, to take care of you. I 'll be coming to see you soon after Christmas. I'm so thankful for this blog you all have set up. It's such a good way for us to be updated and also communicate with you and the family. I'll see you soon, sweet lady!
Sat am
Hi all! Mom was moved yesterday late afternoon to NHC-Franklin and is on the window side of her room on the rehab floor...
Starting TUesday she will receive PT 2 timesa day, OT and Speech and will have quite a rigorous therapy schedule and rest inbetween. They are even saying after 3 may be the best time to be going for visits....
She is doing well, tho a nod of the head is still her best communicating and a yes is not really a yes sometimes...
We are eager to spend a little time with her bringing her some presents ove rthe weekend and we thank you for all the cards and gifts she has been receiving....thanks so much for all your prayers too, we have felt them and i am sureMom has too..
She continues to wink and give her half smile too!
Starting TUesday she will receive PT 2 timesa day, OT and Speech and will have quite a rigorous therapy schedule and rest inbetween. They are even saying after 3 may be the best time to be going for visits....
She is doing well, tho a nod of the head is still her best communicating and a yes is not really a yes sometimes...
We are eager to spend a little time with her bringing her some presents ove rthe weekend and we thank you for all the cards and gifts she has been receiving....thanks so much for all your prayers too, we have felt them and i am sureMom has too..
She continues to wink and give her half smile too!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Marcy moving to Rehab/Nursing Home
Thanks for your prayers, God provided an opening at the Franklin facility. Marcy should be moved there later today.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Tom's update on Marcy 12.21.06 at 10:45 AM EST
Friends of My Mom,
The feeding tube has been well-accepted by Mom. The resulting nourishment has caused family members present to note an increased energy level in her. She has been seated in a chair, at times, even up to periods of several hours.
She is out of CCU and has been moved to a step-down room. She may be moved to a rehab center as early as today.
These are now the 2 most likely locales (both are NHC facilities):
1) Cool Springs Road (only 3-4 min away from Marth and Bo)
2)Franklin (10 min away in opposite direction)
It is unclear where she will end up. Bed availability changes daily (or hourly).
Martha and Bo are doing a great job considering all the factors (short-term, long-term, financial and more). I have every confidence they will make a good decision and that Mom will be safe, loved, and well-cared for.
You are reading this because you care about my mother. For this I thank you. Her church family in Roanoke mean so much to her. Please continue to pray.
If you want to help my mom, the best thing you can do is to read this blog for updates and keep praying. M & Bo are under siege with all this coming in the midst of the Christmas rush-- plz do not email or call them for information. Post a comment here to express your concern instead. Folks may call me for updates as well:
215/369-0525 (h)
267/994-6424 (c)
I know life can be a zooey circus for many of us-- let's work together to prevent it from being any wilder than it is for Marth and Bo. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Again, I know you interest is friendship, care, and compassion for my Mom. I honestly do appreciate this more than you can know.
The Finns are a tough, stubborn people. Now I know whee my own daughter gets her tenacity and resilience.
Love to All and Merry Christmas,
Tom
The feeding tube has been well-accepted by Mom. The resulting nourishment has caused family members present to note an increased energy level in her. She has been seated in a chair, at times, even up to periods of several hours.
She is out of CCU and has been moved to a step-down room. She may be moved to a rehab center as early as today.
These are now the 2 most likely locales (both are NHC facilities):
1) Cool Springs Road (only 3-4 min away from Marth and Bo)
2)Franklin (10 min away in opposite direction)
It is unclear where she will end up. Bed availability changes daily (or hourly).
Martha and Bo are doing a great job considering all the factors (short-term, long-term, financial and more). I have every confidence they will make a good decision and that Mom will be safe, loved, and well-cared for.
You are reading this because you care about my mother. For this I thank you. Her church family in Roanoke mean so much to her. Please continue to pray.
If you want to help my mom, the best thing you can do is to read this blog for updates and keep praying. M & Bo are under siege with all this coming in the midst of the Christmas rush-- plz do not email or call them for information. Post a comment here to express your concern instead. Folks may call me for updates as well:
215/369-0525 (h)
267/994-6424 (c)
I know life can be a zooey circus for many of us-- let's work together to prevent it from being any wilder than it is for Marth and Bo. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Again, I know you interest is friendship, care, and compassion for my Mom. I honestly do appreciate this more than you can know.
The Finns are a tough, stubborn people. Now I know whee my own daughter gets her tenacity and resilience.
Love to All and Merry Christmas,
Tom
Update
Marcy is out of ICU but still in the hospital in stable but guarded condition. The family has visited a number of rehab/nursing homes in the area and hope that she can be released from the hospital soon and admitted to rehab. We are still waiting for an opening in one of the rehab/nursing homes so pray that one would open soon.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Updates
This blog is to update the friends and family of Marcy Cox on her recent hospitalization. We will update it as news is available. Feel free to check as often as you like.
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