Yesterday, we brought over dinner to Bob, Peggy and Jennifer. We always love having our Sunday dinner at their house, but last night was particularly enjoyable.
Peggy has been exercising 30 minutes a day on a Pedal Exerciser Machine to help strengthen her legs! I noticed a huge difference in her last night. I could tell she was stronger because it was easier for her to get out of bed and she had more energy than I've seen in her in awhile.
A few weeks ago, her son Jeremy came up with a bribe to get her in the habit of exercising. He told his Mom he would give her a trip to Williamsburg for 3 days in November, but if she worked out 30 minutes a day, she could have 5 days instead. One of Peggy's favorite places to go on vacation is to Williamsburg and since Peggy has been discharged from the rehabilitation center, she doesn't have a lot of motivation to do her exercises, so this is pretty cleaver of Jeremy.
Keep up the good work Peggy! We are all cheering for you!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Peggy is home and doing well
Peggy is in good spirits and doing well. She is now in outpatient therapy Monday-Friday. She would love for her friends and family to call her. Best time to reach her is in the afternoon after 1pm. Peggy appreciates all the love and support from everyone.
Update - June 23, 2009
Peggy has been doing great! We're so happy she's still in outpatient therapy everyday. It's been really good for her. We are all so proud of her and the progress she has made. Today I spoke to Peggy on the phone and she said she walked 82 feet today! Yeah!!! She keeps improving week by week. So if you happen to go by to visit her, make sure you ask her to walk for you.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Peggy Has Had Another Stroke
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Peggy was with Bob at the house and was having trouble with her short term memory. She repeatedly said the same thing over and over. Bob became concerned and called 911. Paramedics picked her up and brought her to Shady Grove Hospital. She was evaluated and had a CAT Scan and blood work done. Everything at that point came back normal. She still seemed confused later in the evening. She had no recollection of the day. She couldn't remember the visitors she had earlier and had a hard time retaining new information.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
In the morning, doctors did a MRI and EKG test. The MRI showed that Peggy had a minor stroke. After the blood work came back, they realized the reason why she had the stroke was because her coumadin levels were too low. Last week Peggy's blood pressure was rising, which is a sign that her blood is thickening, but we didn't know that until now. Anyways, Peggy is feeling much better today. She might have to stay another night and there is talk that she might go to the same Rehabilitation Clinic that she was in before.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Peggy is doing fine today. The doctor just wants to keep an eye on her for a little bit longer.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Peggy was transferred to the Rehabilitation facility today. They talked about her staying there for a week. I will get the room number and pass it on to anyone who wants to visit her.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Peggy's Stroke
The purpose of this blog is to keep everyone updated on my mother-in-law, Peggy Kemp's condition.
Monday, November 17, 2008
My mother-in-law woke up at 3:45am trying to get out of bed. As she struggled, she woke my father-in-law up. They realized she was unable to move her left side and she had difficulty speaking. An ambulance arrived and she was rushed to Shady Grove Hospital where we found out she had a stroke. Later Monday night, the MRI indicated a brain bleed and swelling. She is alert and communicating with the family.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Peggy was quiet and tired. Because of the swelling, she had headaches, however by the end of the night, the headaches were going away with a cold washcloth.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Peggy started physical therapy and did really well. The therapist said she put 50% of her weight on her left leg. We were shown different exercises for her arm & leg. Peggy was able to eat and drink for the first time. The MRI showed that the bleeding has stopped with little swelling. She seems more alert today and happy to be sitting up.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Peggy seems to be doing much better. She said that she can speak more easily and it appears as though she is getting her strength back. She did well in physical therapy and her therapist said until the speech therapist comes by, it would be ok to begin making funny faces at her husband which she is enjoying maybe a little too much! She is suppose to go into the Rehab Center tomorrow.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Today, we took 2 steps back. At 2am, nurses and doctors filled Peggy's room to what we later found out was Peggy's heartbeat going too fast. We jokingly thought it was all the italian ice she had the night before. She had many tests including an Echo Cardiogram and some kind of breathing test where she was breathing in some kind of dust for 15 min. Doctors found a blood clot in her pulmonary artery. The neurologist thinks that Peggy had a big clot that started in her leg on Monday that broke off and caused the stroke and then the rest of the clot moved to her Pulmonary Artery which caused alarms to go off early this morning.
Monday, November 17, 2008
My mother-in-law woke up at 3:45am trying to get out of bed. As she struggled, she woke my father-in-law up. They realized she was unable to move her left side and she had difficulty speaking. An ambulance arrived and she was rushed to Shady Grove Hospital where we found out she had a stroke. Later Monday night, the MRI indicated a brain bleed and swelling. She is alert and communicating with the family.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Peggy was quiet and tired. Because of the swelling, she had headaches, however by the end of the night, the headaches were going away with a cold washcloth.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Peggy started physical therapy and did really well. The therapist said she put 50% of her weight on her left leg. We were shown different exercises for her arm & leg. Peggy was able to eat and drink for the first time. The MRI showed that the bleeding has stopped with little swelling. She seems more alert today and happy to be sitting up.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Peggy seems to be doing much better. She said that she can speak more easily and it appears as though she is getting her strength back. She did well in physical therapy and her therapist said until the speech therapist comes by, it would be ok to begin making funny faces at her husband which she is enjoying maybe a little too much! She is suppose to go into the Rehab Center tomorrow.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Today, we took 2 steps back. At 2am, nurses and doctors filled Peggy's room to what we later found out was Peggy's heartbeat going too fast. We jokingly thought it was all the italian ice she had the night before. She had many tests including an Echo Cardiogram and some kind of breathing test where she was breathing in some kind of dust for 15 min. Doctors found a blood clot in her pulmonary artery. The neurologist thinks that Peggy had a big clot that started in her leg on Monday that broke off and caused the stroke and then the rest of the clot moved to her Pulmonary Artery which caused alarms to go off early this morning.
The doctors are trying to figure out how to treat the blood clot without interfering with the brain healing. Therefore, she will have to be in the hospital for a few more days. Peggy and Bob are in good spirits and feel that it was a blessing in disguise for her to stay in the hospital 1 more night.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Peggy was tired today. It could have been that the transfer from the hospital to the rehab to another room in the rehab facility just all caught up with her. For reasons we don't yet understand, during the transfer back to the rehab facility two days ago, there was an order placed for her to only have thick, pureed foods. As you can imagine, it wasn't anything Peggy desired. Even her water had to be thickened. Yuk! Anyways, this afternoon Peggy was given a test (which she passed) and she is now able to eat normally again.
Tonight the hospital moved Peggy into the ICU to watch her more closely. Doctors placed an IVC Filter through one of her veins to catch possibly other clots throughout her body and hopefully to prevent them from moving upward towards her brain. The doctors are also trying to get her transferred to John Hopkins where they might be able to remove the clot without using a blood thinner.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Peggy continues to stay at Shady Grove Hospital in the ICU. John Hopkins thought that they wouldn't do anything differently from SGH. Peggy had plenty of rest and ate solid foods. She remains stable. Doctors are optimistic about her recovery. Please keep the prayers coming.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Today, doctors found another blood clot in Peggy's knee. The IVC filter that the hospital installed the other day should remove the clot. Doctors are pleased with her vitals. The last 2 days she has not had physical therapy, however an order was placed to begin it again.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Doctors found clots in both of Peggy's legs, however they think that the clots can't do any damage because the filter will catch any clots if they begin to move upward towards her heart. Her legs are swollen because of the IV fluid and the clots. We're hoping that at day 14, she'll be given a blood thinner to treat the clots. She still is in the ICU, but they are waiting for a bed to open up in the IMCU. Peggy remains stable and in good spirits.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The physical therapist came by and is working with Peggy again. He wants us all to stand on her left side to make her move her head and shift her body to the left.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Peggy's heartbeat began to become irregular again so to get it back under control, doctors decided to put her medicine through the IV instead of giving her a pill. It seems to be working well.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Today, Peggy was transferred back to the IMCU. She seems to be doing well. Justin brought her pumpkin pie to have as a special treat, which I'm sure she loved. She changed channels on the tv remote control for the first time. Doctors are asking that we give her some peace and quiet because sometimes transferring from different rooms can be exhausting. So we're leaving our kids at home while we visit just for a few days.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Peggy is doing really well. She will have some more tests done probably Monday, but we are left feeling very encouraged by what we see today. She looks and sounds great! Thank you for your prayers.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Two steps forward and one step back. Doctor's discovered that Peggy has a slight case of pneumonia and they also found gallstones in her gallbladder. It sounds as though pneumonia isn't uncommon among patients that have been hospitalized for awhile. She is still receiving both her breathing treatments and antibiotics, so hopefully she will get over pneumonia pretty quickly. It sounds as though the doctors aren't concerned with the gallstones. To some of us this news is another set back, but Peggy is still in good spirits and happy whenever she receives visitors.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Today has been a good day. Peggy passed the gallstone and the pneumonia seems to be going away. She will have a CAT scan tonight and we won't get the results back until tomorrow. Also, tomorrow the doctor will begin to give her heparin to treat the blood clots. Peggy got to spend time with some of her grandchildren for the first time in awhile, which I'm sure made her heart swell with joy. Hopefully, she will continue to get well so she can move into the rehabilitation clinic.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Peggy is doing well. The CAT scan showed that the swelling is going down, which we are really happy with. Hopefully, once the swelling goes away, Peggy will regain mobility of her left side. She was given heparin earlier today, but from what we understand, the blood thinner will only prevent new clots from forming, not treat the existing blood clots. Those will dissolve on their own.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Knock on wood, Peggy is still doing really well. She asked for her cell phone earlier today, so we're thinking that's a really good sign that she wants to talk to her friends.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
We just got the good news. If all continues to go well, within the next day or so Peggy will be transferred to the Rehabilitation Clinic!!! She has been doing really well and although I haven't seen her today, I'm sure she is overjoyed about moving forward. We are all so blessed to have wonderful people like you in our lives. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Peggy is doing great today! During physical therapy, she was able to balance much better when they had her stand up. She has not been transferred to the rehabilitation clinic yet only because they want to monitor her for a few more days just to be on the safe side. So they pushed the transfer back until possibly Monday or Tuesday.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Peggy is still doing great!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Peggy is still stable. Her vitals are good and she seems to be responding well to the blood thinner. She was much more talkative to family members today.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Peggy is in good spirits (as always), however I think she's hoping to get transferred into the Rehabilitation Clinic tomorrow. Hopefully all will go well and she'll get her wish.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Peggy is doing well. She seems ready to be transferred to rehab. Hopefully, if all the tests show she is well enough, she will be transferred tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
GREAT NEWS!!! Peggy got the green light to be transferred to Rehab! We're so excited for her. I think by late this afternoon, she'll be transferred. It's probably going to be hard work for her, but if anyone can do it, Peggy can!
Hurray, Peggy has finally been transferred! For anyone wanting to visit or send cards, here is the address.
Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland
9909 Medical Center Drive
Room 214
Rockville, MD 20850
I'm pretty sure that visiting hours are between 12-8pm, but I will make sure and let everyone know. Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Peggy had physical therapy today. I think they worked her pretty hard because she is exhausted. They made her sit and stand with the help of a walker and she felt just how long it had been since she had done those things. She is sharing a room with another woman and told me that the two have already started talking to each other. Maybe they will share a special bond and remain friends after she comes home from rehab.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Peggy moved her left leg during physical therapy!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Peggy worked hard during physical therapy and by the end of the day, she was exhausted.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Peggy is doing really well. I didn't know this, but there were a few days where Peggy had lost her appetite, but she ate great today. I guess the food is getting better! Most of the family came tonight to the rehabilitation clinic to visit with her and you could tell it made her happy to see us. She lit up when she saw her grandkids playing with each other. She even held Gavin, who by the way was talking up a storm to her. She sat up in a wheelchair for the entire visit and it was great to see her talking and smiling with everyone. By 8pm she was exhausted, but it was wonderful to see her happy tonight!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Peggy was fantastic today! She was more alert, bright eyed and talkative. She spoke in full sentences and sounded as she did before the stroke. She did well in physical therapy, they had her stand a few times. She is beginning to show improvements and hopefully she continues to do so.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Peggy worked hard today and is exhausted.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Peggy has been at Rehab for a week and we have noticed huge improvements since she's been there. Considering she's a lefty, she seems to be comfortable using her right hand now. She talked about how she enjoyed her art & craft class that she had earlier in the day and spoke fondly of her doctor and the staff at the rehab clinic. She was having lots of fun with Gavin and seemed happy. She stood again during physical therapy and we're hoping she'll gain confidence in her right leg to try to walk.
Sorry for taking so long to get back to everyone about visiting hours, but I checked and they are between 12-8pm.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Peggy is determined to work hard to get those muscles moving!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Peggy worked hard again during physical therapy.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Peggy stood for 20 minutes today, a new record! We think she's getting her strength back.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Today, Peggy got her nails done by Bob! Does he love his wife or what! She was a bit tired from working so hard yesterday, but still in good spirits.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Today, Peggy got her nails done by Bob! Does he love his wife or what! She was a bit tired from working so hard yesterday, but still in good spirits.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Peggy's friend, Dolly came by and did her hair and she got a visit from some of her grandkids which always makes her happy. She is having some problems with arthritis in her knee, but they are giving her medicine and plenty of heating packs for that.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Just to let everyone know, Peggy is not in the rehab facility today! She's ok, but has been transferred back to Shady Grove Hospital. Last night, she started throwing up either due to a stomach virus or food poisoning and wasn't able to keep her heart medicine down. So to get her heartbeat back under control, they had to transfer her to the hospital to get her medicine through an IV. She has since stopped throwing up, but is still feeling sick and also very tired.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Peggy is still in the hospital. She is expected to be there until tomorrow. The doctor's are changing her heart medication and want to observe her overnight. If all goes well, she will be transferred back to the rehabilitation clinic sometime tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Peggy is still at the hospital. Doctors think she'll be there until Friday now. They found a little bit of fluid in her lungs and they want to keep an eye on that. Please continue to pray for her, we really appreciate it. Merry Christmas Everyone!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Peggy is still in the hospital today. We're not sure what time she'll be transferred, but we're told that the plan is the same as yesterday, that she'll be readmitted to the rehab facility on Friday. The fluid in her lungs is moving so the doctor is pleased with that. Also, they are now giving Peggy a diuretic and from what I understand from righthealth.com, it is to help the fluid get reabsorbed back into the body. Merry Christmas Everyone and Happy New Year!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Yeah, Peggy is back at the rehab facility! Her room number has changed so if anyone wants to visit or send cards, here is her address:
Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland
9909 Medical Center Drive
Room 205
Rockville, MD 20850
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Today, Peggy was moved into Room 205 due to an infection that her roommate had so I have changed the information above for everyone.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Peggy was tired today. It could have been that the transfer from the hospital to the rehab to another room in the rehab facility just all caught up with her. For reasons we don't yet understand, during the transfer back to the rehab facility two days ago, there was an order placed for her to only have thick, pureed foods. As you can imagine, it wasn't anything Peggy desired. Even her water had to be thickened. Yuk! Anyways, this afternoon Peggy was given a test (which she passed) and she is now able to eat normally again.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Peggy was tired again today. She also hasn't been drinking enough, so we're trying to make sure she gets enough fluids.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Peggy made a request to Jason (her middle pickle) for thumbprint cookies which are her favorite. She sounded in good spirits on the phone.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year Everyone! Peggy had a good day today, but she has no plans to stay up to watch the ball drop at midnight. She's all dressed up in her velveteen pants and holiday sweat shirt to bring in the New Year and is relaxing with Bob.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Today was a really good day for Peggy. She used a slider (we think that's what it was called) to move out of the wheelchair onto the mat all on her own and she supported 70% of her own weight in doing so. We watched as she continued pushing her left foot down to show us what she can do now. She is working so hard to move those muscles. We are so proud of her!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Peggy did really well during physical therapy today. She pulled herself out of the wheelchair and glided over to the mat a bunch of times. She has some swelling in her left hand and the nurses want her to take off her wedding band, but because of the swelling she is unable to do so. Jason plans on cutting the rings off tomorrow night.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Peggy had a good day. She is moving her leg more and more and she is more comfortable sitting up in her wheelchair. She still has a lot of swelling, but Jason and his older brother thought it wasn't necessary to cut her wedding band off.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Peggy is doing great! Earlier today, she was able to move her knee back and forth. The physical therapist was impressed.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Peggy had a good day today. She still has some swelling, but the glove on her hand has helped with that. She is now trying to focus on moving her left shoulder around.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Peggy's friend/hairstylist came by to do her hair today. Dolly is such a sweetheart! She has promised to take time out of her busy schedule and come every Tuesday to do Peggy's hair. It really makes Peggy feel good when it's done. What's more is that Dolly won't accept any money! What a kind and generous thing to do for our dear mother. Thank you Dolly!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
We were told today that Peggy will be discharged from the rehab facility Tuesday, January 13th. We're not sure if that's such a good idea and are exploring other options. Meanwhile, Peggy is doing all she can to work on her arm and leg before her discharge date.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
I'm not sure why, but Peggy's shoulder has been bothering her so tonight the nurses gave her some pain medication and she feels much better.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Peggy took 3 steps today! She has worked really hard this week. We're hoping that our request for an appeal will be accepted and she can continue to stay at the rehab facility another week. Please keep Peggy in your prayers! Thank you!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Peggy has been enjoying the thumbprint cookies Jason made.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Peggy is doing well. She is feeling good about the possibility of coming home on Tuesday. The family is working hard to get the house ready for her and we are looking into a home nurse aid to come during the week. It's hard to believe that it's been almost 2 months since Peggy's stroke, but she has proven just how strong she really is. We appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Monday, January, 12, 2009
Peggy took many 
more steps today! Also, Peggy's stay in rehab was extended until Wednesday! We're surprised that the insurance allowed it, but also grateful. There is so much to do in so little time to do it all in.
more steps today! Also, Peggy's stay in rehab was extended until Wednesday! We're surprised that the insurance allowed it, but also grateful. There is so much to do in so little time to do it all in. Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Peggy is spending her last night in rehab tonight. We have been busy cleaning the house, building a ramp and a door wide enough for a wheelchair and taking care of last minute shopping. We're excited that Mom is finally coming home and that she will continue to get physical therapy 2 days a week; totaling 6 hours each week. We are still looking for a home nurse aid , so if anyone knows of someone who can help, please let us know. Thank you!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Peggy came home this afternoon! I think she's happy to finally be home. I'm sure these last 2 months have been difficult for Peggy, but all of the visits, cards and prayers have made it much easier for her.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Peggy has had a good day at home. She has had lots of visitors from nurse and therapist to friends and family. Thank you for all your support.
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