Bob McQueen - MO - Monday, 10/1 Update

Missouri Board, Bob continues to make slow progress.  He's now able to get out of bed and sit in a chair for extended periods of time.  Physical Therapy sessions have started and Bob is up and walking during the day.  In fact, Lori reports Bob "demanding" assistance so he can get up and walk more.  Go Bob!!!!    So, he is making progress in some areas, in others he continues to struggle. The fistula that Bob developed last week unfortunately is not improving.  He continues to have significant leaking of fluid and the Doctor has told Lori that it could take as long as 6 months to a year before it fully heals.  I had to look it up myself...so, in case you didn't know, here's the definition of a fistula: fis·tu·la (fĭs'chə-lə) n., pl. -las or -lae (-lē').

An abnormal duct or passage resulting from injury, disease, or a congenital disorder that connects an abscess, cavity, or hollow organ to the body surface or to another hollow organ.

Bob is still on the ventilator.  He's unable to speak as a result so he continues to communicate by writing.  Efforts to wean Bob off the ventilator and encourage more breathing on his own has not netted any positive results.  The medical staff has said that they've done about as much as they can in the hospital setting and it's going to require significant respiratory therapy to get him off the ventilator.  Plans in the short term are to prepare to move Bob to a rehabilitation facility.  There is a facility closer to Bob's hometown where they can take him which would be very positive as it would be much easier travel back and forth for Lori.  Surgical ICU doctors say Bob would likely be ready to move there in about 2-3 weeks, but due to the fistula the bariatric surgeons say he'll be ready to move to the rehab facility in 5-6 weeks.  Lori plans to wade through this with the doctors this week and determine a game plan as to when and where they'll move him. Please continue to send your well wishes, support and prayers...they are very uplifting for Bob and he has been enjoying the cards and emails folks are sending. Here is the URL again to send patient email directly to Bob: https://secure.muhealth.org/getwell/email.shtml Here is the address to the hospital for cards/flowers, etc: University Hospital One Hospital Drive Columbia, MO 65212 Thanks all! Cards Fan Springfield, MO loseSMART!  loseSTRONG!

I am so glad he is doing better.  I have to go to see Dr Scott on Thursday maybe I can go by and see Bob.  I have thought about  him a lot since his surgery and have sent several prayers his way.

Thanks so much for the update on Bob! I hope that he can get to the rehab center soon. I am glad he has some fight left!  If he is still in Columbia when I go back on October 30th, I will go see him again. By then, he surely will be able to talk! So glad he is moving around and wanting to walk! He and Lori continue in my prayers! LaNeta