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
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To All,
Yesterday I had the PRIVILEGE of witnessing Steve walk! I truly was overcome with emotion as I saw him take steps with his therapists giving him emcouragement. Now I have seen Steve progress since March, but that has been mainly in his room, while he's in the bed or in his recliner. However, watching yesterday's events, I was given a whole new perspective. Even with all the MAJOR strides Steve has made, his journey is far from over!
I ask that you all say a little prayer each day for Steve. If you could ask God to continue to lay His healing hands upon Steve to help with his swallowing, voice, and physical strength.
I have faith that Steve will overcome the obstacles that are currently in his path. How can you not knowing what he's overcome thus far? The Lord is truly taken residence in this young man. I have to also say the even with all Steve has encountered, he continues to be the most polite young man. If you help aid his arm so he can get that little itch, he thanks you! If you give him words of praise, he thanks you! If he wants something, and needs to write his message, he says, "Would you please....". How many of us would remember those special little words if we were in a similar situation? Steve,...you are my hero!
Peace,
Uncle Don & Aunt Gail
Team Percha...thank you all for the updates.
"Yeah, Come on"...sorry I had to say it!!! Excellent work Steve, and I hope you all have a wonderful day on Saturday at the Golf outing, Steve and family are so blessed that he was able to go and so many people are praying for him and that so many people took the time to go to the golf outing and send donations, and all the hard work Uncle Dave and many others have put into this event. It is amazing what people can and will do for you when put to the test...again a big Thank You to all who contibuted big or small and Have a Great Day, sorry we were not able to be there, we are holding the fort down in Georgia, but we are very happy Rick and Ryan and his good friend Mike and son Matt were able to make it... a long but fruitful weekend...glad to hear the weather was cooperating!!! Hope all of your knees hold up better than Tiger Woods did...but look what he overcame to win, and Steve can do it too!!!!Lots of Love (Aunt) Cheryl, Alyssa and Alexis
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