Monday, July 7, 2008

update #78 from Linda

Hello! Steve is working with the OT therapist in his room, so I thought I'd take a minute to update everyone.

First of all, Happy Birthday Uncle Russ!! We all hope your day is wonderful. :)

The biggest thing we've noticed with Steve during the past few days is that he's talking so much more. Complete, long sentences. Not always easy to understand, so we sometimes ask him to say one word at a time, or to air write the first letter, etc. He's writing very little on paper now. The easier it becomes for him to talk, the more he says! Last week they did a massage-type therapy to help loosen up scar tissue around his trach site, and we feel that helped him get his voice going. We'll have a conversation with the doctors about this today, to "keep this ball rolling."

Friday night we went to the Kensington fireworks (thanks for the idea, Russ!) and Saturday to a movie. Both late, but good, nights! When we got home Saturday night, Steve sat on the edge of his bed, leaned over and un-velcroed his sandals, and kicked them off his feet! Beth spent Friday night and she and Steve played cards for a long time Saturday morning. He's getting so much better at things like that. His friend Brian visited last night and Steve asked him about a trip he took. Brian didn't know how Steve found out about it...it turned out that he had read about it on Facebook! We pretty much leave him alone when he's on his computer, so it was a nice surprise to discover what he can do with it.

We're having a little problem with the timing of food, water, and meds which has caused him to be sick a few times. But we have a new plan, so are hoping that this is all figured out.

As I told Brian last night, we are so thankful for the visits from his friends...and he has lots of them. You just can't imagine how good it is for Steve to see you, talk to you, laugh at memories, etc.

Have a good Monday, everyone!

Love,
Linda

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Steve & family, I am always reading your blog & cheering U on! Here is a "natural" suggestion to fight car sickness/seasickness that usually works for me on long trips. A gastroenterologist on TV suggested chewing gum. The trick is that you are not adding anything substantive to your stomach, only a little saliva which helps keep the juice following in the right direction, down... On the other hand don't we all get a little car sick driving on Michigan roads?! Celebrating Freedom, pushing for Peace, Marie Carriere

Rob said...

I wish to also mention that Steve had two other visitors last night. His good friends Mike and Jenn also came by to say hello. I mention this because some of you who visit might not realize how important your actions are, and we don’t always acknowledge your visit in this blog. A big part of therapy is stimulation, and recognition. Making Steve remember about the good times, and causing him to think/discuss these memories with all of you is a very big part of his recovery, and is why He is doing so well. We were told that TBI patients should be talked to even while they are "sleeping" in a coma, as well as when they "awake". That they hear us. Subsequent conversations with Steve have proven this theory! The facts are that Steve can tell us of things that were discussed long ago as well as things you mentioned recently.

So Thank You All, Jeff, Jess, Moe, Lindsay(s), Kyla, Brent, Mike, Jenn, Jessie, Lauren, Gina, Carley, Rachael, and those I forgot to mention, for being such a big part of Steve’s' recovery.

Rob