Hello, everyone! I had a conversation with a friend the other day, and the subject of visiting Steve came up. I just wanted to make sure everyone knows that he loves visitors and everyone is welcome. He has therapy during the day, but not in the evenings. You can usually find us in his room (6111 on 6A) after 5:00. He does need lots of sleep, so we generally ask that you don't stay later than 9:30. :)
In case you're wondering what to expect...
Steve hangs out in his room in the evenings, watches tv, plays board games, etc. He can do some talking and can write anything he needs to, so communication is not a problem! We go no further than a lounge down the hall, so are always available if something comes up. If you'd like to visit and want to call first, our phone numbers are 248-568-6091 (Linda) and 248-568-6092 (Rob).
As far as this weekend goes, we're taking him out on Sunday for the afternoon, but have no other definite times/plans for anything else. Hope you all have a good weekend!
Love,
Linda
Friday, August 29, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Update #88 from Rob
Hope all is well.
Several things have happened since the last update that bear mentioning. First, is that Steve seems to be dealing with the seizure med issue. While we feel He is not yet totally back to where he was before the meds, he is getting noticeably stronger every day. He is walking almost unaided in PT, please see the video,and the therapists in OT, have his left hand and arm doing things they never did since the accident.
Passing the swallow test has unleashed the "eating monster" within Steve and he has forced us to develop a routine so he can fit "pleasure feedings" as the docs call them, in between his therapies during the day.
The docs must have a master plan for Steve as his stay has been uncharacteristically ,extended to OCTOBER 10th.
As Steve's rehabilitation seems to drag on, I fear some may be trying to predict when Steve will fully recover. Please do not waste energy dealing with this. I ask that all who read this Blog reference Uncle Rick's note of August 10th and also the following passage.
One of the Neuro PA's in Bethesda wrote a note on Steve's football, when Steve was in his darkest hours. It dealt with "I AM" and Linda found this when she researched it.
This passage defines our Family and has kept us going. It reads as follows;
I was regretting the past and fearing the future
Suddenly my Lord was speaking
"My name is I AM"
He paused, I waited, He continued,
"When you live in the past with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard.
I am not there. My name is not I WAS.
When you live in the future with its problems and fears, it is hard.
I am not there. My name is not I WILL BE.
When you live in this moment, it is not hard.
I am here, My name is I AM".
.......... it seems so easy to worry about things we cannot change nor predict.
But this video is proof that positive thoughts and prayers, " in this moment" work miracles.
Thanks
Rob
Several things have happened since the last update that bear mentioning. First, is that Steve seems to be dealing with the seizure med issue. While we feel He is not yet totally back to where he was before the meds, he is getting noticeably stronger every day. He is walking almost unaided in PT, please see the video,and the therapists in OT, have his left hand and arm doing things they never did since the accident.
Passing the swallow test has unleashed the "eating monster" within Steve and he has forced us to develop a routine so he can fit "pleasure feedings" as the docs call them, in between his therapies during the day.
The docs must have a master plan for Steve as his stay has been uncharacteristically ,extended to OCTOBER 10th.
As Steve's rehabilitation seems to drag on, I fear some may be trying to predict when Steve will fully recover. Please do not waste energy dealing with this. I ask that all who read this Blog reference Uncle Rick's note of August 10th and also the following passage.
One of the Neuro PA's in Bethesda wrote a note on Steve's football, when Steve was in his darkest hours. It dealt with "I AM" and Linda found this when she researched it.
This passage defines our Family and has kept us going. It reads as follows;
I was regretting the past and fearing the future
Suddenly my Lord was speaking
"My name is I AM"
He paused, I waited, He continued,
"When you live in the past with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard.
I am not there. My name is not I WAS.
When you live in the future with its problems and fears, it is hard.
I am not there. My name is not I WILL BE.
When you live in this moment, it is not hard.
I am here, My name is I AM".
.......... it seems so easy to worry about things we cannot change nor predict.
But this video is proof that positive thoughts and prayers, " in this moment" work miracles.
Thanks
Rob
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
swallow study, etc.
Hi! Thought you'd love to know that Steve did well on the swallow study! He's not cleared on liquids yet, but other things he loves like cereal, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes are fine. Such a relief. THANK YOU all for your prayers and energy.
He also had an amazing day in therapy. In PT he walked un-aided with the hemi cane...wobbly, but usually able to keep himself upright even if he stumbled. They also had him walk (with one person's assistance) using a regular cane. He did great with that. I'm guessing it's smaller size gave his feet more room to move. In OT he worked with "Rob" who is a clinical specialist there (the man who knows about the massage technique for Steve's trach site). He had him doing all sorts of things with his left arm, and strengthening his trunk and shoulders. We could see improvements even from AM to PM therapy.
A good day! :)
Love,
Linda
He also had an amazing day in therapy. In PT he walked un-aided with the hemi cane...wobbly, but usually able to keep himself upright even if he stumbled. They also had him walk (with one person's assistance) using a regular cane. He did great with that. I'm guessing it's smaller size gave his feet more room to move. In OT he worked with "Rob" who is a clinical specialist there (the man who knows about the massage technique for Steve's trach site). He had him doing all sorts of things with his left arm, and strengthening his trunk and shoulders. We could see improvements even from AM to PM therapy.
A good day! :)
Love,
Linda
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
update #87 from Linda
Hello! I hope you had the chance to look at Danielle's videos. Steve is getting stronger every day! We are all walking with him in PT so that we can be cleared to walk with him at other times. He does the walking...we're there to help support his left arm and steady him if needed. They had him standing against a wall on Friday in PT and looking in a mirror to help him see how to keep his shoulders straight. They're also working on stairs and walking in a variety of ways. He walks better just using a gait belt and a person on each side of him, but they also use a cane/walkers to help him learn to walk more independently.
In OT Patrick has been doing lots of work with Steve's left arm and hand. He can open and close it better all the time, and can maneuver it to hold (although not strongly yet) a cup, etc. His shoulders are weak, so lifting his arms is challenging. His right one is coming along, though, which makes it possible to bring food to his mouth or scratch an itch on his head. Depending on the position he's in, he can do this alone or with a little help from us.
He has been tasting a variety of foods...very slowly and carefully...a swallow study is scheduled for Wednesday. Please send positive energy and prayers!
Rob brought Steve home for a couple hours yesterday, then we went to the Dream Cruise. We were there for about six hours...way too much for me, but Rob and Steve loved it! We ran into many of his friends there, then all met up at the end of the day so he could visit with them. He also had visits from friends on several other days this week. It would be so easy for these people to go on with their lives and busy schedules and not find time for Steve, but they don't. We are so thankful for them.
Have a good Sunday everyone!
Love,
Linda
In OT Patrick has been doing lots of work with Steve's left arm and hand. He can open and close it better all the time, and can maneuver it to hold (although not strongly yet) a cup, etc. His shoulders are weak, so lifting his arms is challenging. His right one is coming along, though, which makes it possible to bring food to his mouth or scratch an itch on his head. Depending on the position he's in, he can do this alone or with a little help from us.
He has been tasting a variety of foods...very slowly and carefully...a swallow study is scheduled for Wednesday. Please send positive energy and prayers!
Rob brought Steve home for a couple hours yesterday, then we went to the Dream Cruise. We were there for about six hours...way too much for me, but Rob and Steve loved it! We ran into many of his friends there, then all met up at the end of the day so he could visit with them. He also had visits from friends on several other days this week. It would be so easy for these people to go on with their lives and busy schedules and not find time for Steve, but they don't. We are so thankful for them.
Have a good Sunday everyone!
Love,
Linda
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Update #86 from Danielle -Videos
Hey everyone!
I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything....and I apologize for that. I figured it was about that time to 'video update' you all. As Rob mentioned previously, Steve did have a minor set-back when he was introduced to the new seizure medications. It basically made him more relaxed. Fortunately, he seems to have fully adapted to the meds and is continuing to become stronger than ever! In the first video you will notice that he is able to stand up all on his own. You'll also see him using a cane. This is a technique the physical therapists use from time to time to help him stabilize himself. However, you'll see in the second video that Steve seems to speed walk without the cane. There is no doubt that he is vastly improving in more ways than one and he continuously is a joy to be around. :)
Enjoy!
-Danielle
Video 1:
Video 2: (Same day)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
A moment to reflect
Good Afternoon Linda, Rob, Beth and Danielle. I know Grams is taking a few days off for a needed break. I wanted to share something with each of you today, but really a story for all of us. There is a guy that I used to work with who follows Steve’s story daily. This guys name is Steve as well. His interest is the fact that his mom went through many the same battles as Steve as she fought back from a terrible stroke. Steve, the one I know in GA, sees so many similarities in the two stories. Well, last week Georgia-Steve and I were having lunch. He asked some questions about Michigan-Steve’s progress and we had a little exchange that went something like this:
Steve: “Sounds as though your nephew continues to fight the fight”
Me: “He sure does”
Steve: “With everything you know, everything you’ve seen and read and observed, where do you think Steve will be one year from today?”
Me: “It’s hard to say. The doctors have been very up front and Steve continues to make progress. It could be that in a year he may still need ……….”
Steve: “Who do you think you are?”
Me “?”
Steve: “How can you sit there and pretend to have any clue as to where Steve will be. He has proven every one of you wrong with his ability to overcome most obstacles put in his way. So you (pointing at me) are going to discredit his progress by pretending to know how far he will come. The progress is in Steve, always has been, always will be. His strength, his dedication, his will: those are what decide his progress, not you and I guessing what we think will be.”
Me: “I stand corrected”
Steve: “Obviously every case is different and obviously there are a range of potential outcomes, with differing degrees of probabilities attached to each – “all I know” is what I experienced, namely a 70 year old woman who previously could do the NY Times Sunday crossword puzzle in less than 15 minutes to one who couldn’t pronounce the word “the” – then, years later, was able to once again do the NY Times puzzle. My mom had a massive stroke. She was paralyzed from the neck down and on a feeding tube for over a year. We cared for her day in and day out and four years later she danced the night away at my wedding and welcomed her granddaughter into the world. Today – no practical physical limitations, walking, up-and-down stairs, fully self-sufficient, plays bridge, etc. etc. etc. Please don’t discredit Steve by pretending you know how far he’ll come. That his for him to decide”
Stay strong Steve
Uncle Rick
Steve: “Sounds as though your nephew continues to fight the fight”
Me: “He sure does”
Steve: “With everything you know, everything you’ve seen and read and observed, where do you think Steve will be one year from today?”
Me: “It’s hard to say. The doctors have been very up front and Steve continues to make progress. It could be that in a year he may still need ……….”
Steve: “Who do you think you are?”
Me “?”
Steve: “How can you sit there and pretend to have any clue as to where Steve will be. He has proven every one of you wrong with his ability to overcome most obstacles put in his way. So you (pointing at me) are going to discredit his progress by pretending to know how far he will come. The progress is in Steve, always has been, always will be. His strength, his dedication, his will: those are what decide his progress, not you and I guessing what we think will be.”
Me: “I stand corrected”
Steve: “Obviously every case is different and obviously there are a range of potential outcomes, with differing degrees of probabilities attached to each – “all I know” is what I experienced, namely a 70 year old woman who previously could do the NY Times Sunday crossword puzzle in less than 15 minutes to one who couldn’t pronounce the word “the” – then, years later, was able to once again do the NY Times puzzle. My mom had a massive stroke. She was paralyzed from the neck down and on a feeding tube for over a year. We cared for her day in and day out and four years later she danced the night away at my wedding and welcomed her granddaughter into the world. Today – no practical physical limitations, walking, up-and-down stairs, fully self-sufficient, plays bridge, etc. etc. etc. Please don’t discredit Steve by pretending you know how far he’ll come. That his for him to decide”
Stay strong Steve
Uncle Rick
Thursday, August 7, 2008
weekend
Steve wants to see "Pineapple Express" this weekend. If anyone would like to come with us, please give us a call or email!
248-568-6091 (Linda)
248-568-6092 (Rob)
lindapercha@gmail.com
Thanks :)
248-568-6091 (Linda)
248-568-6092 (Rob)
lindapercha@gmail.com
Thanks :)
Monday, August 4, 2008
update #85 from Linda
Have just a minute or two between therapies, but wanted you to know that we've watched Steve get stronger and talk more during this past weekend. Not where he was, but so much better than a week ago!
He's also doing a great job eating. He's only allowed a few things, but this is a huge milestone...we can actually take a walk and stop for ice cream!
Yesterday two of his friends were visiting, and talking about a variety of topics. Rob got in the middle of the conversation and was confused about some things. After trying to explain to him over and over and over, Steve shaped his fingers like a gun and pretended to shoot himself. They all got a laugh out of that. Later that night Rob was saying something that was frustrating me, and Steve started laughing and asked, "Do you want my gun?"
Everyone...today is Uncle Rick's 50th birthday!!! Rick - we're thinking of you and hoping your day is wonderful. :)
Have a good day everyone. I'll write more soon.
Love,
Linda
He's also doing a great job eating. He's only allowed a few things, but this is a huge milestone...we can actually take a walk and stop for ice cream!
Yesterday two of his friends were visiting, and talking about a variety of topics. Rob got in the middle of the conversation and was confused about some things. After trying to explain to him over and over and over, Steve shaped his fingers like a gun and pretended to shoot himself. They all got a laugh out of that. Later that night Rob was saying something that was frustrating me, and Steve started laughing and asked, "Do you want my gun?"
Everyone...today is Uncle Rick's 50th birthday!!! Rick - we're thinking of you and hoping your day is wonderful. :)
Have a good day everyone. I'll write more soon.
Love,
Linda
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