Bob McQueen - MO - Friday, 9/14 Update

Men's Board, I just got off the phone with Lori McQueen (Bob's wife) and here is the latest update... Bob is still unconscious and has not come to for any significant length of time.  He has however opened his eyes from time to time.  It's important to remember that he was under heavy sedation for an extended period of time so it's not unusual for the drugs and their effects to linger in the system.  Nurses did turn Bob over on his side yesterday at which time he did open his eyes and had his wits about him enough to focus on the side rail of the bed and grab it with his hand...so that's a positive step.  Bob is fidgeting and moving around in his bed quite a bit so they do have him strapped in for his safety.  Just a few minutes before I spoke to Lori she said she rubbed on Bob's chest with a good amount of pressure in hopes to aggravate him enough to wake up, but he didn't come to. On Wednesday, they did have a scare - that was later discounted and thought to be a result of over-medication.  Bob's heart rate dropped dangerously low for a period of time.  Soon after Cardiologist did and ECG which showed no issues and it was thought to be a one-time issue caused by his meds and no cause for concern. This morning, 2 out of 3 of Bob's JP drains were removed and Dr. Scott believes the third can be removed soon.  They opted to leave the third drain in just as a precaution. Lori said that Bob's bed has been raised bit by bit over the last several days in hopes to help Bob breathe more on his own...as he does so, they will lower the ventilator settings bit by bit.  If he continues to make progress, it's believed that he may be off the ventilator in approximately 2 weeks.  Once the ventilator is removed, and if Bob is conscious, they will be able to remove the feeding tube and get him on fluids/nutrition orally. Doctors have told Lori that if all goes well in the next two weeks or so...off the ventilator, regains consciousness, etc that it might be possible to move Bob to a rehabilitation facility in Mt. Vernon, Missouri which is closer to their home.  Since he's been unconscious and bed ridden for so long, he's going to require a considerable amount of physical therapy and rehab in order to get functioning fully again (including walking). Lori is going back home today to spend time with their kids and also will have to work a few days prior to returning to Columbia.  There is family there in Columbia to check in on Bob while she's away.  Thankfully Dr. Scott has provided a letter of medical necessity for Lori to give to her employer which should excuse her absence from work without consequences.   You gotta love Wal-Mart!  Slow as it may seem, it does sound as if Bob is making progress.  It's important for us to remember as Bob makes these tiny steps forward, that our well-wishes and prayers are more important than ever.  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!

Thanks for getting the update to us. Brian

Thanks for the update! A mountain range of improvements left yet to conquer, With little steps at a time. Thanks for keeping up with Bob and Lori for us all. Best Wishes- Dx

 

 

 

Thanks Cards Fran for the update.

 

Great to hear that he is showing a little improvement! CF - thanks so much for being the messenger for the board.  Your updates are a testament to your commitment and care for all the brotherhood of this board! I still can't wait to start giving Bob grief here in the Locker Room again!

Thanks, CF

Let's pray that it's only the drugs that have kept him like this. Really glad to hear that he actually grabbed the bed rail!

Come on Bob!

Dave

Thanks for the update.... our thoughts and prayers continue for Bob and his family

thanks Cards Fan.... I am ever amazed at how fortunate we are... russ

Thanks for the update, CF. 

Thinking about and praying for Bob and his family everyday. Thanks for the update CF. Troy