Hello everyone,
Steve had a good day today. It started with PT where they put him on his belly. It would have been OK but they forgot he still has the feeding tube and laying on it did not make Steve happy. Once settled, however, he was able to bend both legs at the knees and bring the shin upwards. His leg strength is gradually improving.
Next was Speech where we found that Steve's' therapist actually contacted Dr. Armonda when she went to DC this week. She somehow met up with him and had him sign Steve's copy of the book "In an Instant". What is interesting is that Steve seems to know who Dr. Armonda is! He also seems to know about the book. I know we talked amongst ourselves while in ICU, about the book and the fact that Steve has the same surgeon as Bob Woodruff, but I do not remember if we ever told him the actual name. Steve must have heard all that was said when we were in his room.
Bob Woodruff is the keynote speaker at U of M's graduation ceremony next week and hopefully will also sign Steve's' book.
She also asked Steve if he could recommend a good vacation spot and he wrote North Muskegon. Using this approach of talking to Steve about subjects he is familiar with really seems to keep him "awake" during the session and is producing better results.
We next went to OT where they worked in conjunction with Rehab Engineering on a computer program that Steve can use to communicate. They let Steve try it out and he was able to spell out his name once he got the hang of it. It is here that we found out that although Steve can see with both eyes, he may not be able to focus on items that are to his left of center. The computer display was altered so that all of the letters appear on his right. Steve has also told me he does not need his glasses to watch the TV which would actually be an improvement in his vision.
Neuro-ophthalmologists are scheduled to examine Steve next week to get a better handle on his vision.
Another thing noticed by Steve's' OT therapist is that he has much better head control without his helmet. She was so surprised that she is planning to do the swallow test earlier than anticipated. This is good news because it would get Steve on the way to removal of the feeding tube and eventually on to normal food.
The last session was PT again and Steve was actually able to do bicep curls with a weight on his right hand.
We also plan to take Nyah, our dog, in to see Steve in the near future. That will be interesting!
Take Care.
Rob
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Restlessness and discontent are the first necessities of progress. (Thomas Edison)
A few short weeks ago you could the restlessness in Steve's eyes. I am sure that there was some discontent involved too. Thus, we now see the progress...leg movement, computer programs to communicate, writing, head movement that impresses to the extent of being able to forsee a test of swallowing. How cool is all this? This journey is showing others that there is hope.
I have a friend who's nephew just recently suffered an injury much like Steve's. It was a very malicious act that impaired this young man, who is now in a hospital in Cleveland. I am know that this blog will begin to serve as a tool for others now. Not only for informative purposes, but also that strong family and friend support, along with positive thoughts and tons of prayers can make miracles happen. Steve is living proof of what glorious works our Lord can, and will do!
God Bless & Good Night!
See you tomorrow Steve....Hope we get a chance to see Tommy Boy!
Love,
Uncle Don & Aunt Gail
P.S Aunt Gail is ready for that game of hangman!
Rob mentions Dr. Armonda. Maryland seems so long ago, but we should not forget the great care Steve received from the medical staff there, beginning with the skills of Dr. Armonda. Then there was the daily care of the nurses and staff who not only cared for Steve, but also gave the family such great support. The list of folks to thank for giving Steve a chance is too numerous to mention here, but you know who you are. I thank you for your God given talents, that you chose to share with others. Please know that this family is VERY grateful for all your efforts that have allowed Steve to continue his journey.
Hey Steve,
It's Aunt Lynn, sorry I haven't written in a while. I have been having some health issues (nothing too serious) and you know how pesky doctors and all the test they want to run can be!!! I am so excited to hear all the good things that are happening. I never doubted your resolve to meet all these challenges with the heart and strength of a warrior! WIth all the love and support you have failure is not an option! And besides you've got that beautiful Danielle and lucky is the man who holds her heart...and I believe my dear,that would be you!!!
See you tomorrow...
Dear Steve, Percha Family and Friends,
I thought I would take this opportunity --- now that Steve has come so so far and is on a very promising path to recovery --- to tell you about my friend Sumit. A friend of mine from college, Sumit suffered in injury freakishly similar to Steve's - he fell down a set of stairs about a month before Steve did, in Philadelphia, while visiting friends, causing severe head trauma. Sumit succumbed to his head trauma and passed away only a few days later.
I'm sorry for this sad story --- but I wanted to show the contrast with Steve's story --- and how Steve's story is one of happiness and hope. You have all been blessed with wonderful doctors, with each other, and with tremendous strength. You are an inspiration to all of us who follow this blog daily.
Steve's determination and your dedication to his recovery have convinced me that life really can lend itself to miracles.
Post a Comment