Wednesday, May 13, 2009

HOME SWEET HOME !!!

After 50 consecutive days of being hospitalized, our Rene is finally home! Mom and Dad brought him to their home on Tuesday evening, May 12th. He is so happy to be out of hospital confinement, and in familiar surroundings again. Both Sutter Hospitals were superb in their quality of care, but there's nothing like "home, sweet home".

Rene is wearing oxygen 24/7 for now, and has to cart along the oxygen tank with his every step. He will be having an "in house" physical therapy program provided by the hospital recommendations. He is looking forward to his physical therapy in hope of getting much stronger. He is now walking with a cane instead of a walker, which is improvement from just a couple of days ago.

This whole Wegener's event with Rene's health has been a traumatic and frightening experience for each of us who know and love him, but ironically, it has also been a time that we have had to put all our trust in the Lord and grow our faith. The power of prayer is a beautiful thing... and we know that the Lord listens to our prayers. He answers our prayers in His perfect timing. In God's unique way, He has brought so many people together, out of love, for Rene. It is truly a blessed miracle that Rene is recovering in the way that he is.

A sincere "Thank You" again, to all who are and have been Rene's prayer warriors through this event. Much gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has helped support Rene and our family in these circumstances.

"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,
plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope."
Jeremiah 29: 11

Sunday, May 10, 2009

ROAD TO RECOVERY...

The Roseville Sutter Rehab Institute has been a wonderful place for Rene to stay during his recovery process. He has been moved to Room 6109, and has his own room to himself with another view of the outside yard. Rene is steadily improving each day with his physical therapy exercises and his vital signs have been stable. According to his Rehab doctor here, his lungs are sounding clear now. With his pending progress, Rene is scheduled to be discharged from this Rehab Hospital on Tuesday, May 12th. He will be coming to stay with Mom and Dad (in Elk Grove) for a while as he recovers to get strong enough to be living at home on his own again. He is not able to walk upstairs yet, but will be going to physical therapy outside the home for at least a few days a week. He will also be needing to wear oxygen tubing in his nose when he is released from the hospital, and will be supplied with a small portable oxygen tank. Eventually, he will be able to function without the extra oxygen when he is much stronger.

This weekend, Rene's spirits were lifted again as he had lots of "surprise" relatives visiting him from the bay area. Everyone who has called, visited, sent cards, gifts, messages, thoughts and prayers his way in these past two months has helped to make such an incredible positive impact on his successful recovery. Rene and our entire family are so very grateful and appreciative for all the support.

Sunday, "Mother's Day", was enjoyed at the Rehab Center where we (the whole Labrado family) gathered together to spend the entire afternoon having a luncheon picnic outside on the patio with Rene. The kids were happy to play and run around in the yard, and watched Uncle Rene play with his new "Fishing Frenzy" game on the Wii station inside the recreational dining room.

Please continue to keep Rene lifted up in your prayers; as he still has a long journey in his full recovery.

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears."
Psalm 34: 4

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

"SPRING FEVER?"

Monday morning, Rene had a fever due to a higher white blood cell count from a new infection in his lungs, as lab tests recently revealed. He is now being administered a stronger type of antibiotics intravenously, and will be on this prescription for one week. His body is fighting infection and with this second antibiotic medication, he should be getting much better soon. However, it is extremely important for any visitors to take precautionary measures by using the hospital disinfectant hand foam upon entering Rene's private room, as his immune system is insufficient. This is greatly appreciated.

Tuesday afternoon, for a "Cinco de Mayo" celebration, all the residents at the Rehab Center participated outdoors in the courtyard taking turns swinging at a "Swine Flu" Pig Pinata filled with candy. Rene gathered up enough strength to take a few swings at the pig... while clenching the handle to his walker. He's still got gumption! Tortilla chips and salsa were served as Mexican Mariachi music was played at the fiesta, making Rene feel right at home.

Rene is doing very well with his physical therapy sessions and taking more steps each day, assisted by a walker. He even practiced casting out his fishing rod several times today; he certainly hasn't lost that skill.

"And now, O Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in you.
Deliver me from all my transgressions... "

Psalm 40: 7-8

Sunday, May 3, 2009

ROSEVILLE REHAB

Rene has been transferred, as of Saturday afternoon, to the Sutter Rehabilitation Institute in Roseville, where he was given a "warm, red carpet welcome". This special, state-of-the-art rehab center is brand new and will provide Rene with extra quality care and 3 hours per day of a more aggressive physical therapy program. He has his own spacious private suite with a window view of the outdoor recreational activities (basketball court, putting green); all he needs is a pond and he'll soon be out there casting his fishing rod! This beautiful facility is pristine and immaculate. The nursing staff is extremely caring and accomodating.

Rene is gradually making progress each day with his physical abilities, yet still very weak in his legs. His oxygen level is much more stabilized, though his breathing is still assisted with an oxygen tank. It is expected that Rene will be advancing with his physical progress over the next two weeks at this rehab center.

Visitors are also welcomed here and encouraged to share the beautiful garden grounds and outdoor patio for fresh air and sunshine while visiting with Rene.

The name and address is: SUTTER REHABILITATION INSTITUTE
6 Medical Plaza
Roseville, Ca 95661 (Eureka Exit off highway 80)

Room # 6106
Phone number: (916) 878-2506

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever."

Psalm 107: 1