update #109 from Linda

Hello!

So the latest news is that Steve is in the process of being discharged from the intense rehab program he has been in. We are being trained for home therapy, and we'll check in with the rehab team a couple times each month. The therapists feel that, while they see some improvements, he has reached a plateau when it comes to "functional improvements." To tell you the truth, it took us a couple weeks to wrap our head around that one, and probably haven't yet. But as the days have gone by, and we've had conversations with the medical people, we have come to an understanding about this decision. Everyone involved admits that they have no idea how far Steve will progress because every case is different, he often does better with some tasks at home, we have lots of things on our summer schedule, this will give us the time to try new things that we've wanted to try, people plateau then once again start progressing, etc. etc. We also have the names of a couple doctors and programs that people have recommended that we plan to check out. The other night I told Steve that this would require a big commitment from all of us to make it work but I thought it was an opportunity for new and good things to happen. He said, "I like the way you think." We worried that this decision would discourage him, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Recently I told him there are people who think he should be depressed and he just rolled his eyes. Have no idea where he finds this strength but am so thankful that he has!

His left arm has really been coming along, especially during the past couple of weeks. They no longer have to use a deltoid aid (a contraption that supports his arm and shoulder while doing OT tasks). He has the strength to lift his arm (slowly, awkwardly) and pick up pegs, cones, etc. (slowly, awkwardly), and it is a wonderful thing to see. At home he turns light switches and water faucets on and off with it. He doesn't say much, but you can tell how happy he is to see this happening. That has always been one of his top goals.

I've been doing some checking around and found a place to take Steve for a lesson at a driving range. They had a one-person cart with an adjustable seat, and he leaned against it (with a seat belt on) and hit a bucket of balls just using his right arm/hand. At first he couldn't connect with anything, but you could see him analyzing the situation and then start hitting pretty much every ball. Nothing went very far (maybe 10 feet or so) and he was very off-balance, but it was so nice to see him in that environment. I asked him about it later and he said it was good to be on a driving range again, but the instructor was useless! I laughed because he really was, but at least Steve got to use their cart.

Voicing is one of those things that's good at times and non-existent at others. Today in Speech he was reading pairs of words (vat, fat; van, fan; etc.) and he had to choose one to say and we guessed what he was saying. Did a great job. He was also asked to name two things with handles, two sweet things, two sour things, etc. I laughed at his answer for two sour things - a lemon and your mood in a traffic jam!

Another funny story...we were invited to visit friends at their lake front home on Memorial Day (an absolutely wonderful day for all of us) and a pontoon boat ride was planned. Rob and I walked with Steve across the lawn and down a long dock to where the boat was. Rob was in front walking backwards, then Steve, then me. Too much combined weight! As we walked the dock started to sink. We just kept going, kept our balance, and didn't fall in the lake (and got Steve safely on the boat), but it was quite a feeling and quite a sight!

Plans are rolling along for the golf outing. Being on the receiving end of something like this changes your life. Can't find the words. Today in the car I told Steve some of the latest details, and reminded him once again that there are so many people out there who are on his team. Thumbs up and a big smile. He knows and is thankful, as we all are.

Thank you for continuing to read this blog and send prayers and power to Steve. This is a long journey, but we really have no doubt that the ending will be a good one! Watch for some golf outing pictures to be posted soon. Take care of yourselves and each other!

Love,
Linda