Joanie had OT with Kristin today. Since Joanie has some shoulder pain, Kristin's first goal is to try to eliminate that. Likely the pain is as a result of not using her left arm and letting it dangle from time to time. Joanie continues to try to be aware of that the arm is doing. There is daily improvement, but that remains the most challenging area to work on. Kristin has applies some tape to the shoulder to force the head of the arm bone into closer proximity with the socket of the shoulder. We will see how effective this proves to be.
"One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love."
Sophocles (496 BC - 406 BC)
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Day 41 & 42, Tuesday & Wednesday
On Tuesday, it was with bittersweet feelings that Joanie bid adieu to her home care therapists. Each one had a different personality and brought unique aspects to Joanie's recovery. Scott, the PT, gave her a good evaluation, wrote up complete notes to take to the next PT, and then gave her a nice workout. Joanie practiced getting up off the floor unto a sofa and also to a standing position. He then took us outside for a walk, sans cane, for Joanie to practice swinging her left arm. He even had us hold hands so I could swing her arm for her. Robin, the ST, gave her a good workout involving the mouth, lips, tongue, and face. She also had her read sentences putting emphasis on different words. In chatting with her, we discovered that she lives about four blocks away and we've been watching the progress she and her husband have made converting a barn into a home. Sandy, the OT, finished up a long day with continued emphasis on the shoulder, arm, and hand. This continues to be the area that needs the most work and yet, Joanie shows continual progress.
My brother showed up during Speech and he and Troy left for a couple hour mountain bike ride. Galen always enjoys being around Troy because Troy is always so enthusiastic, especially if it involves bicycles. When they were finished, Troy made some adjustments to Galen's bike.
Joanie went down to Outpatient Rehab at the hospital for PT & OT evaluations. She saw several therapists who'd seen her as an inpatient and they all made positive comments about her improvements. She enjoyed that very much. The hospital clinic seems the best fit for Joanie since she needs all three disciplines and it is the only place to get Speech Therapy. We've scheduled all of the month of July and many days she'll be seen by all three therapists without a lot of driving around.
Diane, the PT, evaluated her and was pleased with her progress. She'll be able to continue with the same help that Scott gave her. Joanie also met with Kristin, an OT she saw in TCU. Kristin seems to have forgiven Joanie for soaking her when she was instructing Joanie in how to shower! Kristin had been asking after Joanie's progress and was also excited to see some of the things Joanie can now do.
It was nice for Joanie to get out of the house and she's looking forward to being challenged to new levels.
"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance..."
Revelation 2:2
My brother showed up during Speech and he and Troy left for a couple hour mountain bike ride. Galen always enjoys being around Troy because Troy is always so enthusiastic, especially if it involves bicycles. When they were finished, Troy made some adjustments to Galen's bike.
Joanie went down to Outpatient Rehab at the hospital for PT & OT evaluations. She saw several therapists who'd seen her as an inpatient and they all made positive comments about her improvements. She enjoyed that very much. The hospital clinic seems the best fit for Joanie since she needs all three disciplines and it is the only place to get Speech Therapy. We've scheduled all of the month of July and many days she'll be seen by all three therapists without a lot of driving around.
Diane, the PT, evaluated her and was pleased with her progress. She'll be able to continue with the same help that Scott gave her. Joanie also met with Kristin, an OT she saw in TCU. Kristin seems to have forgiven Joanie for soaking her when she was instructing Joanie in how to shower! Kristin had been asking after Joanie's progress and was also excited to see some of the things Joanie can now do.
It was nice for Joanie to get out of the house and she's looking forward to being challenged to new levels.
"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance..."
Revelation 2:2
Monday, June 23, 2008
Day 39 & 40, Sunday and Monday
Sunday was very relaxing, for Joanie. We worked on a few exercises, watered outdoor plants, and walked a little bit. We continue to push using the left hand and are seeing some progress. Now when she's drying her hands in the bathroom, she can reach up with her left hand to the hanging towel to dry it off. This is a big stretch for her. Her left shoulder continues to hurt because she's not able to use the arm enough. It tends to just hang. We have exercises that will strengthen it and we try to support the arm when she's sitting.
I had an interesting experience today. For the past two weeks, I've selected the clothes Joanie's going to wear. She's given me only a limited amount of input. Yesterday, I did the same thing and she would have none of my choices! I was annoyed and so had her go to her closet to select her own clothes. It takes way more time and I was impatient. After having my patience stretched it finally hit me that it is a good thing for Joanie to be engaged. It means that she's involved and taking more control. I see some trying times ahead as I practice patience and she regains more self determination.
Meanwhile, Troy and his girlfriend, Chelsey, have spent the afternoon gold panning. Chelsey was expecting to pan enough gold to pay off her student loans.
Today, Scott, the PT, was here bright and early. Among other tasks he had her carry a small cup of water in the kitchen, using only her left hand. Even opening and closing the fingers is a difficult task. When she spilled a small amount on the deck, Scott commented that she was smart to not spill on the floor or he would have had her wiping it up from the floor. Joanie really relates to him and spends a lot of time laughing and commenting on the difficult tasks he has her do. He then proceeded to have her walk up and down the stairs off the deck twice. We then moved to the front yard where he directed her to walk on our path made of river rocks. He described it as a trip to Europe with cobblestones! She did amazing well. Joanie took a short nap after Scott left.
"The miracle, or the power, that elevates the few is to be found in their industry, application, and perseverance under the prompting of a brave, determined spirit."
Mark Twain
I had an interesting experience today. For the past two weeks, I've selected the clothes Joanie's going to wear. She's given me only a limited amount of input. Yesterday, I did the same thing and she would have none of my choices! I was annoyed and so had her go to her closet to select her own clothes. It takes way more time and I was impatient. After having my patience stretched it finally hit me that it is a good thing for Joanie to be engaged. It means that she's involved and taking more control. I see some trying times ahead as I practice patience and she regains more self determination.
Meanwhile, Troy and his girlfriend, Chelsey, have spent the afternoon gold panning. Chelsey was expecting to pan enough gold to pay off her student loans.
Today, Scott, the PT, was here bright and early. Among other tasks he had her carry a small cup of water in the kitchen, using only her left hand. Even opening and closing the fingers is a difficult task. When she spilled a small amount on the deck, Scott commented that she was smart to not spill on the floor or he would have had her wiping it up from the floor. Joanie really relates to him and spends a lot of time laughing and commenting on the difficult tasks he has her do. He then proceeded to have her walk up and down the stairs off the deck twice. We then moved to the front yard where he directed her to walk on our path made of river rocks. He described it as a trip to Europe with cobblestones! She did amazing well. Joanie took a short nap after Scott left.
"The miracle, or the power, that elevates the few is to be found in their industry, application, and perseverance under the prompting of a brave, determined spirit."
Mark Twain
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