Hello everyone.
This is just a short note to advise you all on some nice things that happened this weekend.
After a hard week in PT where we have seen gains in strength, Linda and I decided to get Steve out of the Hospital again. We loaded him into our van and took a drive around Ann Arbor.
We showed Steve the renovations being done to the "Big House", his old haunts like Church Street, and the airport he flew in to......what seems like so long ago. The bouncing caused by the Ann Arbor streets caused a slight upset stomach, so we cut the drive short after about an hour and a half. We figure we must have had him reclined a bit too far. All and all, it was a great day. Steve's ability to get in and out of the van shows just how far he has come.
Sunday night was "movie" night. We again put Steve in our van and met Beth at the theatre where we watched "Get Smart". Seeing Steve react to the funny parts and sit there with us like nothing ever happened to him, was good for the whole family. He tolerated the van ride without incident. When we went to get back into the van, Steve decided it was time to get in like he used to. He put all his weight on his right leg and put his left foot and leg into the van and pulled himself into the seat just like anyone else would!!
It occurred to me tonight that back at the end of March, just as Steve transferred up to rehab, Lin and I used to hear doctors say, " What Steve has going for him is his youth and intelligence. What he has against him is that it has been six weeks since the accident and he is not making much progress". Well.............. it has now been just 4 months and 2 weeks since Steve was hurt and look at him now!! As we helped him climb into his bed, he looked over at Lin and SAID "please get me the remote" as clear as ever.
Steve is coming back, believe it!!
Thank you all for your support, prayers , and positive energy.
Rob
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Hanging out in PT
Hey Everyone,One of Steve's Physical Therapist took this picture of us this morning in therapy and we all got a kick out of it. Steve walked over to us with the help of his therapists and was practicing his balance by sitting in a normal chair. It cracks us up because he looks like he's just hanging out, having an everyday conversation with us. =)
Have a good day!!
-Danielle
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Update #75 from Linda
Hi!
I'm in the day room at the hospital right now while one of our favorite aides (Eric) trains a new aide in the technique of helping Steve get washed up and dressed. After a look of sheer terror, Steve agreed to let them do it! :)
First of all, from all of us, Danielle...have a wonderful birthday! The story of Steve deciding what to give you for your birthday is one that will make me smile forever. I hope your day is beautiful and amazing, just as you are!
Yesterday they decided to extend Steve's stay until 7/11. That's Uncle Dave's birthday! They had Steve walking on the treadmill and around the room with therapists supporting him, but no "walker" and he does better all the time. We contacted New Balance and got advice on shoes...it turns out that they actually had some to recommend for Steve...a less sticky sole, and a boxier style so one foot doesn't hit the other as often when they cross as he walks. We'll see how this goes, but based on yesterday they seem to work better for him.
Just a little reality check...the mom of another patient just came in and asked how Steve is doing. Her daughter is a patient here, too. We hadn't seen her in awhile, and assumed she had moved on to another facility or home. It turns out that she got pneumonia and it did terrible damage. According to her mom, it is "just a matter of time". Please keep Lena in your thoughts and prayers.
I think I'd better head back to see how everyone survived. Everyone...have a wonderful day!
Love,
Linda
I'm in the day room at the hospital right now while one of our favorite aides (Eric) trains a new aide in the technique of helping Steve get washed up and dressed. After a look of sheer terror, Steve agreed to let them do it! :)
First of all, from all of us, Danielle...have a wonderful birthday! The story of Steve deciding what to give you for your birthday is one that will make me smile forever. I hope your day is beautiful and amazing, just as you are!
Yesterday they decided to extend Steve's stay until 7/11. That's Uncle Dave's birthday! They had Steve walking on the treadmill and around the room with therapists supporting him, but no "walker" and he does better all the time. We contacted New Balance and got advice on shoes...it turns out that they actually had some to recommend for Steve...a less sticky sole, and a boxier style so one foot doesn't hit the other as often when they cross as he walks. We'll see how this goes, but based on yesterday they seem to work better for him.
Just a little reality check...the mom of another patient just came in and asked how Steve is doing. Her daughter is a patient here, too. We hadn't seen her in awhile, and assumed she had moved on to another facility or home. It turns out that she got pneumonia and it did terrible damage. According to her mom, it is "just a matter of time". Please keep Lena in your thoughts and prayers.
I think I'd better head back to see how everyone survived. Everyone...have a wonderful day!
Love,
Linda
Monday, June 23, 2008
Update#74----The Golf Outing---From Rob
This post was moved to maintain numerical order.
Steve and his family had an outstanding day Saturday.
As mentioned previously, Uncle Dave put together a wonderful Golf Outing in Steve's honor. Steve, with some help from Mom and Beth, actually got to try out his putter for awhile. Even the weather cooperated, as it rained while we drove to the course, stopped long enough for 18 holes and started again just as we got Steve back in the van!
When some "life altering" event hits your family, one thing we have observed in particular, is you learn about people. You learn there is support you never knew existed.
You learn your son has aunts, uncles, and cousins who do endless things such as start a blog, give up their time to visit, plan Golf Outings, (Dave, bring the truck over now!), and a Grandmother that simply cannot stay away from the hospital!
You learn your son has true friends that visit him consistently and those who cannot visit, post
their support and prayers on the blog.
You learn your son has a girlfriend whose family shows their support in so many totally unexpected ways. Relatives, some who have never met Steve, donate their time, energy and dollars in support.
You see complete strangers sending donations, so that for instance, a new car could be won for a hole-in-one and so possible medical expenses will be offset. And you see 112 golfers show up under the threat of thunderstorms to make the Golf Outing a success. In the mix of these players there are, again, people who have never met Steve, but who have learned about him from family members. People from the Arena Energy Foundation, Behler-Young, Federal Mogul, Knology and Timkin companies for example.
And last but certainly not least, you see that your son has two young women in his life that are without equal, Beth and Danielle.
Thanks to all that attended the Outing and who continue to read this blog.
Have a great weekend.
Rob
Steve and his family had an outstanding day Saturday.
As mentioned previously, Uncle Dave put together a wonderful Golf Outing in Steve's honor. Steve, with some help from Mom and Beth, actually got to try out his putter for awhile. Even the weather cooperated, as it rained while we drove to the course, stopped long enough for 18 holes and started again just as we got Steve back in the van!
When some "life altering" event hits your family, one thing we have observed in particular, is you learn about people. You learn there is support you never knew existed.
You learn your son has aunts, uncles, and cousins who do endless things such as start a blog, give up their time to visit, plan Golf Outings, (Dave, bring the truck over now!), and a Grandmother that simply cannot stay away from the hospital!
You learn your son has true friends that visit him consistently and those who cannot visit, post
their support and prayers on the blog.
You learn your son has a girlfriend whose family shows their support in so many totally unexpected ways. Relatives, some who have never met Steve, donate their time, energy and dollars in support.
You see complete strangers sending donations, so that for instance, a new car could be won for a hole-in-one and so possible medical expenses will be offset. And you see 112 golfers show up under the threat of thunderstorms to make the Golf Outing a success. In the mix of these players there are, again, people who have never met Steve, but who have learned about him from family members. People from the Arena Energy Foundation, Behler-Young, Federal Mogul, Knology and Timkin companies for example.
And last but certainly not least, you see that your son has two young women in his life that are without equal, Beth and Danielle.
Thanks to all that attended the Outing and who continue to read this blog.
Have a great weekend.
Rob
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Update #73 from Danielle
Hey all~~
Here's a quick video of Steve walking without the standing prop! He's gaining more and more strength and doesn't need as much support around him. He's also doing a much better job at keeping his head up and shoulders back...GO STEVE!!!
Here's a quick video of Steve walking without the standing prop! He's gaining more and more strength and doesn't need as much support around him. He's also doing a much better job at keeping his head up and shoulders back...GO STEVE!!!
PS: Thank you from everyone who contributed to yesterday's event. It was a huge success, and it was so great for Steve to see all of you!! Until next time....
-Danielle
Thursday, June 19, 2008
update #72 from Linda
Hello! Today was a good day. As Rob mentioned, Steve has been struggling with acting weak/tired for the past few days, which makes therapy frustrating for everyone. The doctors eliminated one dose of the muscle relaxant per day as of Tuesday afternoon, and that seems to have made a big difference. He did a great job today with transfers (and there are lots of them in a day!), and in kicking his left foot farther forward while walking in PT. The PT therapists had the doctors watch Steve today to see if they should use botox injections in his leg(s) to reduce tone, but the doctors want to keep working on strengthening and stretching (we also have things to do with him at night) first. We are very glad to hear that this was their decision.
Steve continues to work hard with Patrick in OT, and is now also working with "Rob" who is a clinical specialist in that department. Today they worked on swallowing (this is also being addressed in Speech)...Rob discovered that if he held his hands a certain way on Steve's chest and throat he could talk/swallow better. This is probably due to scar tissue from the trach limiting movement of some muscles in that area. Rob said it's not something that's corrected surgically, but will improve as chest, shoulder, etc. strength improves.
They gave Steve a motorized wheelchair to try out. In no way are they giving up on his walking...this will help him hold his head up better, and also help with some vision issues. Steve steers with a joystick. Someone can walk behind him and use handles to help steer if needed, which happens often at this point. Today I wasn't paying close attention and he hit (and knocked off the track) an automatic door. Luckily Uncle Don was there to fix it and save the day! Good thing, because I think Grams was about to strangle me. :)
After therapy and spending some time outside today, Steve used his computer for several hours. You or I might spend 15 minutes doing what it took him hours to do, but I was totally amazed watching him. He is incredibly patient. A doctor from neuro-psych spent time with him today and also came to the conclusion that he's handling his situation well. One of our goals is to get him out of the hospital more. PT will be working with us to teach him to transfer to our car so we can take him for rides. In the meantime, we're taking lots of walks (and finding out just how hilly Ann Arbor is!).
Have a good Friday, everyone. Please hope/pray for nice weather on Saturday!
Love,
Linda
Steve continues to work hard with Patrick in OT, and is now also working with "Rob" who is a clinical specialist in that department. Today they worked on swallowing (this is also being addressed in Speech)...Rob discovered that if he held his hands a certain way on Steve's chest and throat he could talk/swallow better. This is probably due to scar tissue from the trach limiting movement of some muscles in that area. Rob said it's not something that's corrected surgically, but will improve as chest, shoulder, etc. strength improves.
They gave Steve a motorized wheelchair to try out. In no way are they giving up on his walking...this will help him hold his head up better, and also help with some vision issues. Steve steers with a joystick. Someone can walk behind him and use handles to help steer if needed, which happens often at this point. Today I wasn't paying close attention and he hit (and knocked off the track) an automatic door. Luckily Uncle Don was there to fix it and save the day! Good thing, because I think Grams was about to strangle me. :)
After therapy and spending some time outside today, Steve used his computer for several hours. You or I might spend 15 minutes doing what it took him hours to do, but I was totally amazed watching him. He is incredibly patient. A doctor from neuro-psych spent time with him today and also came to the conclusion that he's handling his situation well. One of our goals is to get him out of the hospital more. PT will be working with us to teach him to transfer to our car so we can take him for rides. In the meantime, we're taking lots of walks (and finding out just how hilly Ann Arbor is!).
Have a good Friday, everyone. Please hope/pray for nice weather on Saturday!
Love,
Linda
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Update #71 from Rob
Hello everyone, hope all is well.
The first great bit of news is LINDA IS BACK! Our team is whole again just like Steve's' head. Steve can now have his Moms' undivided attention.
Steve's head and side pain from surgery have dropped to a level 2 and 1 (10 = worst) respectively. It won't be long before these are just a memory. Headaches are not totally gone yet but have greatly reduced just as we hoped they would. Steve has not required any pain relief meds for the last 4 days.
We have noticed that Steve does seem to be tired later in the day. Although he won't admit it, we and his therapists believe that he is fighting to stay awake at certain times. On one occasion, we asked him to close his eyes for 2 minutes and we also covered his eyes. He fell into a deep sleep in 30 seconds! This, coupled with the introduction of a muscle relaxant seems to have weakened Steve. We consulted with the doctors and decided to drop the second dose of one of the stimulants Steve is receiving. Our thoughts were that it may be preventing deep sleep overnight. We will also closely monitor the effects of the muscle relaxant and maybe alter that dose as well.
The therapists in OT are working to restore mobility to Steve's left arm and hand. They have used low voltage electrical stimulus and Steve is now able to relax his fingers and arm more easily. My greatest fathers day present to date was seeing Steve actually turn his left hand palm down and back on his own!
They have also noticed that Steve is commanding the muscles that control his upper body correctly, but they are too weak to work adequately. More strengthening exercises will be done to correct this.
Somehow while working two jobs, Steve's Uncle Dave has managed to put together a Golf Outing in Steve's' honor. This outing is complete with a REAL 2008 Ford Mustang GT500 to be given to the first hole in one, Sponsors for the holes, a Las Vegas hole, Putting contest, T-Shirts (Thanks Dennis) and the list goes on..........and over 100 entrants. This was to be kept secret from Lin and I, but from what I have been able to learn, Danielle's Dad and Uncle have been quite involved also. To put this in perspective, it has taken Dave over 2 years to get his truck over to my house so I can fix a leak, and now he does this!
Steve is blessed to have so many people pulling for him. Our deepest Thanks goes out to all that have planned and decided to participate in the Golf outing, as well as to those that read this blog.
Rob
The first great bit of news is LINDA IS BACK! Our team is whole again just like Steve's' head. Steve can now have his Moms' undivided attention.
Steve's head and side pain from surgery have dropped to a level 2 and 1 (10 = worst) respectively. It won't be long before these are just a memory. Headaches are not totally gone yet but have greatly reduced just as we hoped they would. Steve has not required any pain relief meds for the last 4 days.
We have noticed that Steve does seem to be tired later in the day. Although he won't admit it, we and his therapists believe that he is fighting to stay awake at certain times. On one occasion, we asked him to close his eyes for 2 minutes and we also covered his eyes. He fell into a deep sleep in 30 seconds! This, coupled with the introduction of a muscle relaxant seems to have weakened Steve. We consulted with the doctors and decided to drop the second dose of one of the stimulants Steve is receiving. Our thoughts were that it may be preventing deep sleep overnight. We will also closely monitor the effects of the muscle relaxant and maybe alter that dose as well.
The therapists in OT are working to restore mobility to Steve's left arm and hand. They have used low voltage electrical stimulus and Steve is now able to relax his fingers and arm more easily. My greatest fathers day present to date was seeing Steve actually turn his left hand palm down and back on his own!
They have also noticed that Steve is commanding the muscles that control his upper body correctly, but they are too weak to work adequately. More strengthening exercises will be done to correct this.
Somehow while working two jobs, Steve's Uncle Dave has managed to put together a Golf Outing in Steve's' honor. This outing is complete with a REAL 2008 Ford Mustang GT500 to be given to the first hole in one, Sponsors for the holes, a Las Vegas hole, Putting contest, T-Shirts (Thanks Dennis) and the list goes on..........and over 100 entrants. This was to be kept secret from Lin and I, but from what I have been able to learn, Danielle's Dad and Uncle have been quite involved also. To put this in perspective, it has taken Dave over 2 years to get his truck over to my house so I can fix a leak, and now he does this!
Steve is blessed to have so many people pulling for him. Our deepest Thanks goes out to all that have planned and decided to participate in the Golf outing, as well as to those that read this blog.
Rob
Thursday, June 12, 2008
update #70 from Linda
Hello! I hope all is well with all of you.
A few big things that have been happening with Steve...
Laura is now in charge of his swallow study/therapy, and has given him tiny spoonfuls of water and chocolate pudding/milk mixed together to get a feel for the swallowing issues Steve has. She said she'll take him next week for more extensive tests to get a better feel for things, and to get him on the road to eating again. You can imagine how exciting this is for all of us. It may take some time, but we're so glad things are moving along in this area.
Steve is now assigned to "Patrick" for OT and we're very excited about that. Patrick has worked with Steve before and is pretty aggressive when it comes to therapy; Steve enjoys working with him.
Pivot transfers make life so much easier...no more sling/lift! Rob has been "cleared" to do them, too.
Steve's headaches have all but disappeared after his surgery and recovery from it. Such a huge relief.
Things are rolling along!
Take care, everyone.
Linda
A few big things that have been happening with Steve...
Laura is now in charge of his swallow study/therapy, and has given him tiny spoonfuls of water and chocolate pudding/milk mixed together to get a feel for the swallowing issues Steve has. She said she'll take him next week for more extensive tests to get a better feel for things, and to get him on the road to eating again. You can imagine how exciting this is for all of us. It may take some time, but we're so glad things are moving along in this area.
Steve is now assigned to "Patrick" for OT and we're very excited about that. Patrick has worked with Steve before and is pretty aggressive when it comes to therapy; Steve enjoys working with him.
Pivot transfers make life so much easier...no more sling/lift! Rob has been "cleared" to do them, too.
Steve's headaches have all but disappeared after his surgery and recovery from it. Such a huge relief.
Things are rolling along!
Take care, everyone.
Linda
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Update #69 from Danielle
Hey everyone!
Steve has been very entertaining lately. =) He often joins in on conversations by talking, which is becoming more and more understandable. He's starting to 'talk' with clearer syllables and he's using his mouth to pronunciate words much more. It also seems as if he doesn't have to concentrate as much to make his voice than he did before. If for any reason we cannot understand what he's trying to say, he usually resorts to 'air writing'. This has become extremely useful and he even tries to say the letter as he's writing it. He's so determined!
He also continues to improve in Physical Therapy, (which is evident by his postponing discharge date!) It's very evident that he's gaining more and more strength as each day passes. It definitely doesn't take as much effort from others to help him stand either. We watch in amazement as he puts more weight on his knees everyday. It's by far his favorite thing to do. Occupational Therapy has also helped with his 'standing strength'. They have a standing prop that doesn't allow him to walk but helps him practice standing by forcing him to hold his whole body up in the correct position. He used this on Friday for a whole 15min! It's still difficult for him to hold his head up for a long period of time, but there's no doubt he's improving with that as well.
Speech has probably been the coolest therapy lately. We have been noticing that when Steve doesn't 'think' about what he wants to say, he can say it. But as soon as he is told what to say, you can just tell by looking at him that he's trying so hard to do so...and at times it's very difficult. Even with small commands involving his mouth are so easy if it's an automatic response command. For example, if I put a tiny sponge dipped in water in front of him, he'll open his mouth. If I ask him if he wants a little kiss, he'll pucker up. But, if we just ask him randomly if he can open and close his mouth...it takes some time. It's kind of a strange thing to completely understand and grasp why this happens. Rob realized this, however, and started to ask Steve question's that had an automatic response answer. For example, 'Peanut Butter and ___' , 'Stop and ___'. He said every single answer to these (about 3 pages worth!) with Rob and with the speech therapist. The speech therapists are all very excited about this!
He's had a pretty busy weekend already. Because Steve was technically readmitted into the Rehab floor from Neuro, he is considered a new patient. All of the new patients have therapy on weekends for about 3 weeks. So between the many visitors (which have been fantastic) and therapies, he's had a very entertaining weekend so far!
Hope all is well with all of you, and I hope to post another video of Steve's progress in therapy very soon!
-Danielle
Steve has been very entertaining lately. =) He often joins in on conversations by talking, which is becoming more and more understandable. He's starting to 'talk' with clearer syllables and he's using his mouth to pronunciate words much more. It also seems as if he doesn't have to concentrate as much to make his voice than he did before. If for any reason we cannot understand what he's trying to say, he usually resorts to 'air writing'. This has become extremely useful and he even tries to say the letter as he's writing it. He's so determined!
He also continues to improve in Physical Therapy, (which is evident by his postponing discharge date!) It's very evident that he's gaining more and more strength as each day passes. It definitely doesn't take as much effort from others to help him stand either. We watch in amazement as he puts more weight on his knees everyday. It's by far his favorite thing to do. Occupational Therapy has also helped with his 'standing strength'. They have a standing prop that doesn't allow him to walk but helps him practice standing by forcing him to hold his whole body up in the correct position. He used this on Friday for a whole 15min! It's still difficult for him to hold his head up for a long period of time, but there's no doubt he's improving with that as well.
Speech has probably been the coolest therapy lately. We have been noticing that when Steve doesn't 'think' about what he wants to say, he can say it. But as soon as he is told what to say, you can just tell by looking at him that he's trying so hard to do so...and at times it's very difficult. Even with small commands involving his mouth are so easy if it's an automatic response command. For example, if I put a tiny sponge dipped in water in front of him, he'll open his mouth. If I ask him if he wants a little kiss, he'll pucker up. But, if we just ask him randomly if he can open and close his mouth...it takes some time. It's kind of a strange thing to completely understand and grasp why this happens. Rob realized this, however, and started to ask Steve question's that had an automatic response answer. For example, 'Peanut Butter and ___' , 'Stop and ___'. He said every single answer to these (about 3 pages worth!) with Rob and with the speech therapist. The speech therapists are all very excited about this!
He's had a pretty busy weekend already. Because Steve was technically readmitted into the Rehab floor from Neuro, he is considered a new patient. All of the new patients have therapy on weekends for about 3 weeks. So between the many visitors (which have been fantastic) and therapies, he's had a very entertaining weekend so far!
Hope all is well with all of you, and I hope to post another video of Steve's progress in therapy very soon!
-Danielle
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
update #68 from Linda
Hello! I just got home from the hospital, and wanted to take a minute to share how well Steve is doing. He's back "home" in rehab, with all his pictures and other stuff in his room, the remote he likes, and the medical people who are his biggest cheerleaders. Rob figured out today that if he gets one pain pill every three hours it controls the pain but keeps his head clear for therapy, etc. He had a full day of therapy today and handled everything well. Rob said he actually had a fantastic day in PT. They also extended his stay until June 27th!
Beth, Steve, and I had a couple hours together tonight, and we had lots of laughs. It was so nice. Steve communicated through a combination of talking (not easy to understand, but we're getting better at it), air writing, hand signals, and writing on paper. He told a funny story about someone in PT, talked about Carl the lobster, and planned ways to shop for a birthday gift for Danielle (one idea was that he could sit in his wheelchair and hang onto a car while we drove him to the store!). I told him we need to write a book about this experience, and he said that Carl needs two chapters! I remember receiving a note from our cousins Ken and Kathy awhile ago, and they said they looked forward to the day when Steve would wake up and be Steve again. It struck me tonight that, in so many ways, that is happening.
I hope life is good for all of you!
Love,
Linda
Beth, Steve, and I had a couple hours together tonight, and we had lots of laughs. It was so nice. Steve communicated through a combination of talking (not easy to understand, but we're getting better at it), air writing, hand signals, and writing on paper. He told a funny story about someone in PT, talked about Carl the lobster, and planned ways to shop for a birthday gift for Danielle (one idea was that he could sit in his wheelchair and hang onto a car while we drove him to the store!). I told him we need to write a book about this experience, and he said that Carl needs two chapters! I remember receiving a note from our cousins Ken and Kathy awhile ago, and they said they looked forward to the day when Steve would wake up and be Steve again. It struck me tonight that, in so many ways, that is happening.
I hope life is good for all of you!
Love,
Linda
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
surgery update #5 from Linda
Tonight we gave Steve a mirror to look in and he said "I have a whole head now!" :)
Surgery Update #4 from Rob
Just wanted to say that Steve should be back in Rehab today, June 3rd. His pain is decreasing to the "six level" and pain meds are not needed as often. It was quite a new experience for him, as well as us.
Steve seems to be able to ignore the pain he feels unless asked about it. I know the nurses are so pain conscious, but I sometimes wish they would let Steve tell us when he needs the meds. This is contrary to the nurses' training however as I know they want to stay "ahead" of the pain, so we do not get in the way of this.
A Neuro PT therapist came in to the room Monday and we got Steve out of bed and into a recliner chair, by doing a pivot transfer. She also gave us a list of range of motion exercises we should do 3X a day. Steve indicated that it felt good to stand up and get "out of bed" so we let him sit there for a couple of hours. We plan to now coordinate our exercise efforts with those of the therapists.
The head and abdomen drains were removed Monday and the bandage also. I'm glad we saw the incision and the staples in Bethesda first. It is a bit unnerving to see it all again. The surgeon came in , as well as a host of other doctors and all said Steve is cleared to go back to rehab. The surgeon had a bit of fun with Grams, the conversation went this way;
Grams: Doctor, how many titanium plates were needed to attach the bone flaps.
Doctor: Oh lots!!!!................ I didn't count them but the nurses do so we can charge for them!!
When he left, I sincerely thanked him again for his efforts and he said" Your welcome---anytime".
I said doc, we are not planning on doing this Again!
"Sick" humor??
Through the "fog" of pain meds, Steve still seems to be more aware than before and it is pleasing to know that all that is left now is recovery. No surgery hanging ominously over our heads.
Danielle is back from a short trip and it is nice to see her and Steve communicating again.
Once back in rehab, we will get back to the business of therapy and visitors.
Thank you all for your help in getting past this step.
Rob
Steve seems to be able to ignore the pain he feels unless asked about it. I know the nurses are so pain conscious, but I sometimes wish they would let Steve tell us when he needs the meds. This is contrary to the nurses' training however as I know they want to stay "ahead" of the pain, so we do not get in the way of this.
A Neuro PT therapist came in to the room Monday and we got Steve out of bed and into a recliner chair, by doing a pivot transfer. She also gave us a list of range of motion exercises we should do 3X a day. Steve indicated that it felt good to stand up and get "out of bed" so we let him sit there for a couple of hours. We plan to now coordinate our exercise efforts with those of the therapists.
The head and abdomen drains were removed Monday and the bandage also. I'm glad we saw the incision and the staples in Bethesda first. It is a bit unnerving to see it all again. The surgeon came in , as well as a host of other doctors and all said Steve is cleared to go back to rehab. The surgeon had a bit of fun with Grams, the conversation went this way;
Grams: Doctor, how many titanium plates were needed to attach the bone flaps.
Doctor: Oh lots!!!!................ I didn't count them but the nurses do so we can charge for them!!
When he left, I sincerely thanked him again for his efforts and he said" Your welcome---anytime".
I said doc, we are not planning on doing this Again!
"Sick" humor??
Through the "fog" of pain meds, Steve still seems to be more aware than before and it is pleasing to know that all that is left now is recovery. No surgery hanging ominously over our heads.
Danielle is back from a short trip and it is nice to see her and Steve communicating again.
Once back in rehab, we will get back to the business of therapy and visitors.
Thank you all for your help in getting past this step.
Rob
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)