It has been a while since I posted last, but there really have been no major changes since then. I thought you might enjoy my smilin' gal sporting her new crop of hair. I can't believe she doesn't have a head full of gray ones after all she has been through (I have enough for both of us).
Judi continues to grow physically stronger every day, but she is still unable to control her left side. Everything remains functional (reflexes, stimulus, etc.) so we continue to work at it in hopes that her brain will recognize them again and regain control.
We are moving towards one more relatively minor surgery (if there is such a thing) on her right thumb. The ligament that controls the upper joint in her right thumb was damaged in the accident which prevents her from straightening out her thumb (some of you may recall that this was the only cut she had as a result of the accident). The upper section of her thumb stays tucked down and it has become a significant impediment to her as she has progressed through rehab. We have a couple of options. One is to remove a ligament from another finger or toe and reconnect it there. That is a big surgery and requires extensive rehab. The orthopaedist, occupational therapists and I all agree that this is really not a good option for Judi in her current condition. The other option is to fuse the joint so that the upper section remains in a fixed position. Studies indicate that the upper section remains in a slightly bent position 90% of the time. We had a splint on her thumb for several weeks that had it in the same position it would be fused in and it made a big difference for her. She will have pins in her thumb for 6-8 weeks while the bones fuse and then she should be good to go. I am sure it will be an interesting holiday period, but this should really increase her dexterity.
Speech remains about the same. Very vocal, but still not quit able to put the words together. Occupational and physical therapy remain the same as well. She is being discharged from Outpatient Therapy at the end of this month. I hate that, but the therapists indicate that there is nothing they are doing now that takes a skilled therapist to perform. As much as I hate to admit it, I agree with that assessment. It does not mean she isn't doing well, it only means that we can do everything they are doing at home. She has the opportunity to go back at any time when this position changes. We can certainly do the therapy that she needs, but she loses one thing that I believe is every bit as important (if not more so) and that is the social interaction. She loves to be in the middle of conversations and enjoys interacting with others. I need to get her out of the house and interfacing with others as much as possible.
I am just going to say this from the heart and hope that everyone understands. There are a lot of you out there that are following the blog and care a great deal for Judi. I know it is hard for you to see her in the condition she is in. I also know that everyone's lives are getting busier and busier, but Judi needs your help to continue getting better. If you can just come by and see her for a few minutes, do it. If you can invite her to a little get together, let us know and her caretaker or I can come with her to take care of any needs she has. If she can come to bowling one evening and not create a big distraction, please let me know. I believe that it is one of these interactions that will ultimately cause her to come back to us. Judi has helped a lot of people over the years and now she needs your help. You might be surprised at her ability to interact.
We did have one major issue to deal with over the last few weeks. Judi's caretaker who has been with us since she came home from the hospital had to leave due to medical issues. She has a new caretaker who is very technically capable, but her personality is not quite as bubbly as her predecessor. It looks like Judi and her are warming up to each other pretty well. This is another strain on that social interaction piece I mentioned before. I have been spending a lot of time bringing her up to speed on the little things that make a difference in Judi's day to day living.
I think that hits all the big stuff. I'll update as any significant changes occur. I ask that you continue to pray for us as we start down yet a new path in Judi's recovery. Thanx for everything!
Steve
e-mail: swilk@knology.net
cell: 706-830-8973
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