Judi continues to advance physically and mentally. Progress is slow, but steady.
Based on her mental and physical health, we will be transitioning from Home Health to Outpatient Therapy at the end of this week. I suspect we will utilize the Walton Rehab Outpatient program for this phase. The facility is very nice and provides easy access to the other physical needs she may have (her brain injury doctor is in the same building). We are pretty excited about getting her back in this environment. It provides her access to a wide array of equipment to focus on her specific needs and it provides a good social environment as well. Those of you that know Judi also know she loves to socialize. I personally believe it will do her good to be around others who are also recovering. She is also a VERY competitive lady and I am hopeful she will "kick it up a notch" to show others what she can do.
Still working on yes/no responses. She is getting better there, but still a long way to go. She is keenly aware of everything going on around her and clearly understands even subtle comments/humor.
She continues to do everything necessary to talk (vocalize, move lips, whispers at times, etc.) and just needs to do it. Pulsing several doctors and speech professionals, the belief is that she just needs to make that last connection and then will step out of there with her bad self. There is nothing indicating that this connection won't ultimately occur.
As previously noted, she shows the most gains in the physical arena. She is beginning to move her left leg under her control (as opposed to some spontaneous movement). This is excellent news and is what we hoped the standing frame would stimulate. Hopefully we will get her walking in a harness in outpatient therapy soon. This will be awesome physical and mental therapy for her (and for me). I suspect it will be excellent mental medicine to know that she will indeed be able to get out of the wheelchair.
Judi continues to eat well and I am sure she will enjoy our traditional Thanksgiving Day feast. I have already factored her needs into our menu and it should be gastronomical treat for all.
I have been getting Judi out of the house every day I am off and taking her somewhere. This past weekend we finally got to the park at the lake and it did both of us a lot of good. We spent an hour just talking (still difficult for me to do all the talking and her listening) and enjoying the awesome weather. She clearly recognized the location and remembered the things I talked about. We are going to make the trip to the Columbia Zoo for the Christmas lights after turkey day. She had a blast there the last time we went and the trip is short enough for her to be able to tolerate it. If you have never been, it is worth the trip.
I have tried not to get philosophical on the blog, but I have a few things that I think need to be said as we approach Thanksgiving. First and foremost I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you that have lifted Judi and/or our family up in prayer this year. I have been blessed to see God's work up close and personal. I have watched the love of my life go from fighting for her very survival to a very real possibility of a full recovery. If that's not a miracle, I don't know what one could be. THANK YOU ALL Second I would ask that all of you step back and take a close look at your lives and what is truly important to you and your family. There is no guarantee that any of us will be here tomorrow and there are some things that we should simply just "do it" and quit coming up with reasons it can wait. I will tell you that if I had generated a list of the top 10 things most important to me the day before Judi was injured and compared it to what is important to me today, they would be VERY different lists. I encourage each of you as a family make that list and DO IT! And last, but not least by any means, there are a lot of people around us that are in desperate need this year. The wars and the economy have brought many families to a point where they too have the same lost feeling I have faced this year (and many of you have as well). If you can, reach out and help them as well.
Soooooooooo.... HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Steve
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Making Progress Slow and Steady
Judi continues to grow stronger physically and mentally.
The standing frame is already paying benefits. She enjoys standing and is able to work on other skills at the work table simultaneously. I think this allows her to stand longer since she is focused on other things and her body goes to its natural position.
Judi's awareness level continues to improve as evidenced by her reaction to things that go on and/or are said around her. We are also starting to have some success with yes/no responses using the new switch system with audible feedback. We still have a long way to go there, but we are encouraged by what we are seeing.
Judi is eating well and she has no difficulty swallowing or managing what she is eating now. I suspect we will do another swallow study in the next week or so and I believe the restriction on having to thicken her liquids will be removed. I think she will also be able to begin eating foods that have not been "chopped up" quite so much. She does a good job feeding herself and the independence is obviously good for her. We'll also evaluate what to do with the PEG after the next study. There are some distinct advantages to keeping it, but it does present a source of infection still and she has become increasingly interested in pulling on it.
Thanx to everyone for the continued support and prayers.
Steve
The standing frame is already paying benefits. She enjoys standing and is able to work on other skills at the work table simultaneously. I think this allows her to stand longer since she is focused on other things and her body goes to its natural position.
Judi's awareness level continues to improve as evidenced by her reaction to things that go on and/or are said around her. We are also starting to have some success with yes/no responses using the new switch system with audible feedback. We still have a long way to go there, but we are encouraged by what we are seeing.
Judi is eating well and she has no difficulty swallowing or managing what she is eating now. I suspect we will do another swallow study in the next week or so and I believe the restriction on having to thicken her liquids will be removed. I think she will also be able to begin eating foods that have not been "chopped up" quite so much. She does a good job feeding herself and the independence is obviously good for her. We'll also evaluate what to do with the PEG after the next study. There are some distinct advantages to keeping it, but it does present a source of infection still and she has become increasingly interested in pulling on it.
Thanx to everyone for the continued support and prayers.
Steve
Monday, November 2, 2009
Steady Improvemnt (Part 2)
I will keep this post short since it is nearly identical to the last. Please don't mistake this for a plateau, she IS steadily improving.
Getting physically stronger every day. We do have her standing frame (finally) and hope this will have a big impact on restoring strength to her left leg.
Mentally she continues to become more aware, but the consistent "yes/no" response continues to elude us. We will continue to focus a lot of attention here.
Speech - any minute. She is becoming increasingly vocal and experimenting with sounds. It won't be long.
She continues to eat well and is enjoying many of her old favorites.
Although Judi is doing better every day, she still has a long way to go. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we take on new challenges. I am convinced that Judi's recovery so far is nothing short of a miracle and that the power of prayer from people all over the world has made the difference.
Steve
Getting physically stronger every day. We do have her standing frame (finally) and hope this will have a big impact on restoring strength to her left leg.
Mentally she continues to become more aware, but the consistent "yes/no" response continues to elude us. We will continue to focus a lot of attention here.
Speech - any minute. She is becoming increasingly vocal and experimenting with sounds. It won't be long.
She continues to eat well and is enjoying many of her old favorites.
Although Judi is doing better every day, she still has a long way to go. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we take on new challenges. I am convinced that Judi's recovery so far is nothing short of a miracle and that the power of prayer from people all over the world has made the difference.
Steve
Monday, October 26, 2009
Steady Improvement
This will be short and sweet so that I don't just repeat what was in last weeks update.
Judi continues to show progress on a slow and steady basis. She is visibly stronger physically and this is probably her area of greatest improvement. She is able to sit with minimal assistance for several minutes (sounds small, but is a huge accomplishment from where she was just a few weeks ago). We are still waiting to get the standing frame (long saga), but we continue to stand her up with assistance from 2-3 of us and she tolerates it well.
Mentally she continues to become more aware of what goes on around her. She clearly understands most of it, but still struggles with the "yes/no" responses. I did get her an electronic switch setup that provides audible feedback and we will continue to work with her on this front. Her laughter is still the best medicine for us and I can tell it does her good as well. We did take her back to her old office at Augusta Oncology Associates this weekend and she clearly recognized the surroundings and several memories were obviously stirred (thanx Jules for your support). We will continue to expose her to these types of things to help her "snap back," but in a controlled fashion.
Speech - any minute.
She is eating well and for all practical purposes is off the tube feedings. We do still supplement her when we are concerned whether or not she is getting enough calories based on "what" she eats as opposed to "how much." Please don't tell her!
Thanx again for all the prayers and support. Don't hesitate to call and visit. The only reason I ask that you coordinate with me on them is to ensure there is no conflict and that she is physically ready for a visit (she still gets tired easy).
Steve
Judi continues to show progress on a slow and steady basis. She is visibly stronger physically and this is probably her area of greatest improvement. She is able to sit with minimal assistance for several minutes (sounds small, but is a huge accomplishment from where she was just a few weeks ago). We are still waiting to get the standing frame (long saga), but we continue to stand her up with assistance from 2-3 of us and she tolerates it well.
Mentally she continues to become more aware of what goes on around her. She clearly understands most of it, but still struggles with the "yes/no" responses. I did get her an electronic switch setup that provides audible feedback and we will continue to work with her on this front. Her laughter is still the best medicine for us and I can tell it does her good as well. We did take her back to her old office at Augusta Oncology Associates this weekend and she clearly recognized the surroundings and several memories were obviously stirred (thanx Jules for your support). We will continue to expose her to these types of things to help her "snap back," but in a controlled fashion.
Speech - any minute.
She is eating well and for all practical purposes is off the tube feedings. We do still supplement her when we are concerned whether or not she is getting enough calories based on "what" she eats as opposed to "how much." Please don't tell her!
Thanx again for all the prayers and support. Don't hesitate to call and visit. The only reason I ask that you coordinate with me on them is to ensure there is no conflict and that she is physically ready for a visit (she still gets tired easy).
Steve
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Slow and Steady
Judi continues to improve at a slow and steady pace. My world on the other hand seems to constantly pick up speed. I just realized last night that I had missed a week on updating the blog. It just seems like I run out of hours before I run out of things on my "to do" list, so bear with me as I try to establish a new routine.
Judi continues to grow measurably stronger on almost a daily basis. PT/OT continues to focus on her core and she is visibly more comfortable and confident during these sessions. We have a standing frame coming in from Louisiana this week and we are looking forward to getting this therapy back in her routine. Having one here will allow her to spend as much time standing as she can tolerate while doing other things as well (TV, eye/hand coordination activities, etc.).
Speech - any minute!
Mentally, she is still coming back to us slowly. She obviously understands most of what goes on around her and we are able to get her laughing on a fairly frequent basis. This can be in response to sounds, comments and even spelled words. As I said before, hearing her laugh does all of us a lot of good. We have still been unable to establish a reliable yes/no response system with her. We are wondering if Judi needs some specific auditory feedback when she answers to help her become consistent. What I mean by this is the use of a switch that when she presses it responds audibly "yes" or "no." If anyone knows where I can get a system that does this, please let me know ASAP. If not, I am going to try and build one myself (ideas are welcome).
She is eating well and is helping a great deal in the routine daily tasks (getting dressed, brushing teeth, etc.). We did get a van and she has enjoyed getting out of the house. We planned to have a picnic this weekend, but the weather has not cooperated. She has enjoyed visits from many of you and she always seems to improve a little after spending time with her friends. Just drop me a line if you want to come by and we'll figure out a way to make it happen.
I did go back to work this week and it was one of the most difficult things I have had to do in a very long time. Both of us had some adjusting to do, but it is working out fine. She has a huge smile waiting for me when I walk in the door and I can't describe how much that touches me. She has bonded well with the lady that stays with her so we are considering it a "win-win" for now. I want to thank everyone for the continued prayers and well wishes. I know we wouldn't be this far along without you!
Steve
Judi continues to grow measurably stronger on almost a daily basis. PT/OT continues to focus on her core and she is visibly more comfortable and confident during these sessions. We have a standing frame coming in from Louisiana this week and we are looking forward to getting this therapy back in her routine. Having one here will allow her to spend as much time standing as she can tolerate while doing other things as well (TV, eye/hand coordination activities, etc.).
Speech - any minute!
Mentally, she is still coming back to us slowly. She obviously understands most of what goes on around her and we are able to get her laughing on a fairly frequent basis. This can be in response to sounds, comments and even spelled words. As I said before, hearing her laugh does all of us a lot of good. We have still been unable to establish a reliable yes/no response system with her. We are wondering if Judi needs some specific auditory feedback when she answers to help her become consistent. What I mean by this is the use of a switch that when she presses it responds audibly "yes" or "no." If anyone knows where I can get a system that does this, please let me know ASAP. If not, I am going to try and build one myself (ideas are welcome).
She is eating well and is helping a great deal in the routine daily tasks (getting dressed, brushing teeth, etc.). We did get a van and she has enjoyed getting out of the house. We planned to have a picnic this weekend, but the weather has not cooperated. She has enjoyed visits from many of you and she always seems to improve a little after spending time with her friends. Just drop me a line if you want to come by and we'll figure out a way to make it happen.
I did go back to work this week and it was one of the most difficult things I have had to do in a very long time. Both of us had some adjusting to do, but it is working out fine. She has a huge smile waiting for me when I walk in the door and I can't describe how much that touches me. She has bonded well with the lady that stays with her so we are considering it a "win-win" for now. I want to thank everyone for the continued prayers and well wishes. I know we wouldn't be this far along without you!
Steve
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Things Are Moving Fast
Just a short post this week.
Judi's therapy sessions are going well and we continue to make progress. We were able to get a mat table where she can do a huge number of exercises focused on strengthening her "core." Thanx to Michelle Jones for allowing us to borrow one for a while. We are in the process of getting her a standing frame to use at home. Hopefully we can find one to rent since they are so expensive, but the benefit is potentially so great for her we will buy one if necessary. These two pieces allow us to focus a lot of "load bearing" exercises to her left side which is the traditional therapy to activate the nerves in these extremities.
Judi continues to eat well and improve at eating on her own (most days). We hope to have her off the tube feeding next week. We will probably keep the PEG in until she is capable of eating/drinking all consistencies. This provides a reliable method to ensure she gets her medications and a backup to feed her if necessary.
I think we have figured out why she isn't talking. She has difficulty opening her mouth when you ask her to (e.g. to brush teeth). When it is a reflex (e.g. yawning), she opens it fine so we know there is no mechanical reason. She is very vocal, but most of the time she keeps her mouth closed. We'll keep working here to help her restore that control and maybe that will open the "flood gates."
Mentally Judi continues to grow. She clearly understands most of what goes on around her and memories are returning at an increased pace. We have started looking at picture albums from way back to the time when we started dating. She stays totally focused on these and there are tears at times as well. I'll admit it brings back some emotional memories for me as well. We continue to work numbers, colors, shapes and letters and she is doing very good in this area. We have still not been able to establish a consistent "yes/no" system where she can communicate with us.
I plan on going back to work the week of 10/12 unless something new comes up. That is going to be very hard for me to do for many reasons. I am eternally grateful for all of the support from my bosses and co-workers over the last several months. We have identified a wonderful lady to take care of Judi during the day while I am away. She is very experienced and will be able to help Judi a great deal. I'll also admit that I need to get some balance back in my life as well. If you want to visit, just drop me an e-mail so I can coordinate it. Most people tend to come at the end of the day, but if you can come during the day, she usually has more energy.
Thanx again everyone,
Steve
Judi's therapy sessions are going well and we continue to make progress. We were able to get a mat table where she can do a huge number of exercises focused on strengthening her "core." Thanx to Michelle Jones for allowing us to borrow one for a while. We are in the process of getting her a standing frame to use at home. Hopefully we can find one to rent since they are so expensive, but the benefit is potentially so great for her we will buy one if necessary. These two pieces allow us to focus a lot of "load bearing" exercises to her left side which is the traditional therapy to activate the nerves in these extremities.
Judi continues to eat well and improve at eating on her own (most days). We hope to have her off the tube feeding next week. We will probably keep the PEG in until she is capable of eating/drinking all consistencies. This provides a reliable method to ensure she gets her medications and a backup to feed her if necessary.
I think we have figured out why she isn't talking. She has difficulty opening her mouth when you ask her to (e.g. to brush teeth). When it is a reflex (e.g. yawning), she opens it fine so we know there is no mechanical reason. She is very vocal, but most of the time she keeps her mouth closed. We'll keep working here to help her restore that control and maybe that will open the "flood gates."
Mentally Judi continues to grow. She clearly understands most of what goes on around her and memories are returning at an increased pace. We have started looking at picture albums from way back to the time when we started dating. She stays totally focused on these and there are tears at times as well. I'll admit it brings back some emotional memories for me as well. We continue to work numbers, colors, shapes and letters and she is doing very good in this area. We have still not been able to establish a consistent "yes/no" system where she can communicate with us.
I plan on going back to work the week of 10/12 unless something new comes up. That is going to be very hard for me to do for many reasons. I am eternally grateful for all of the support from my bosses and co-workers over the last several months. We have identified a wonderful lady to take care of Judi during the day while I am away. She is very experienced and will be able to help Judi a great deal. I'll also admit that I need to get some balance back in my life as well. If you want to visit, just drop me an e-mail so I can coordinate it. Most people tend to come at the end of the day, but if you can come during the day, she usually has more energy.
Thanx again everyone,
Steve
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Busy Busy Busy
Well, we have been home for a little over a week and things are continuing to evolve on a daily basis. I didn't think I could be any busier than I was before, but I am busier than a three legged cat in a litter box (you'll have to use your imagination to get the picture).
We have completed the initial Home Health speech, occupational and physical therapy evaluations. We tried as much as possible to pick up where we left off at Walton. In some cases it was not possible to continue specific therapies at home (e.g. standing frame), but we were able to come up with activities that accomplish essentially the same goal. The Home Health program will continue until she is strong enough to participate in an outpatient therapy program. I suspect that will be 4-6 weeks and we'll keep the same focus areas that we had at Walton.
Judi is eating very well and hopefully the next swallow study will show some significant improvements. She is feeding herself, but the technique needs a lot of work. Meal time is a true test of patience, but you have to let her do it if she is going to learn. Much of it is continuing to develop her eye/hand coordination again.
We have made significant gains on the mental front since being home. Judi will essentially follow any command that she understands. She has become very inquisitive in many areas, but anything mechanical in nature totally intrigues her and she has to figure out how it works. As you can guess, she usually figures it out pretty quickly. She is very good picking colors and now we are working on numbers and letters. She is also starting to recall memories from the past. I talk to her almost constantly when we are together and as mentioned before, I believe she understands all of it. Today I asked her if she remembered what she did to me the first time we went to the beach together (that was 30 years ago), and she busted out laughing. As previously stated, I won't tell you all our secrets, but that was clearly the right response. I can't tell you how uplifting it is to hear her laugh. Jessica also comes running when she hears her because it just validates to us that Judi is there and we just need to help her come back.
We have had some very emotional days as she continues to absorb what is around her and where she is physically/mentally. I don't think she remembers what happened to her, but I think she realizes that she has a serious brain injury and some associated physical limitations. She gets very frustrated at times when she is not able to get her body/mind to do what she knows it should do. I will admit we have had some good cries together and it usually does both of us good. Those are usually followed by a little quiet time holding her close and praying with all the energy I have for the strength to carry on. Those prayers have been answered every time and it seems that the spark in those brown eyes of hers gets a little brighter when we work through these. Although these are emotionally draining, they are all good signs that her cognitive side is returning.
As far as talking, I expect her to start at any minute.
I need to thank all of you for your continued support and prayers. I need to give special thanx to my brother and some very generous members of his church. They are all builders by trade and are providing the labor to build a sun room on the back of our house to give Judi a wonderful place to recover since all of our bedrooms are upstairs. I also need to give a special thanx to Mary Ellen and Christine from Judi's Weight Watcher's group for the wonderful meals they brought for us last week. The food was awesome and I am signing up for the program if this what they get to eat!
Steve
We have completed the initial Home Health speech, occupational and physical therapy evaluations. We tried as much as possible to pick up where we left off at Walton. In some cases it was not possible to continue specific therapies at home (e.g. standing frame), but we were able to come up with activities that accomplish essentially the same goal. The Home Health program will continue until she is strong enough to participate in an outpatient therapy program. I suspect that will be 4-6 weeks and we'll keep the same focus areas that we had at Walton.
Judi is eating very well and hopefully the next swallow study will show some significant improvements. She is feeding herself, but the technique needs a lot of work. Meal time is a true test of patience, but you have to let her do it if she is going to learn. Much of it is continuing to develop her eye/hand coordination again.
We have made significant gains on the mental front since being home. Judi will essentially follow any command that she understands. She has become very inquisitive in many areas, but anything mechanical in nature totally intrigues her and she has to figure out how it works. As you can guess, she usually figures it out pretty quickly. She is very good picking colors and now we are working on numbers and letters. She is also starting to recall memories from the past. I talk to her almost constantly when we are together and as mentioned before, I believe she understands all of it. Today I asked her if she remembered what she did to me the first time we went to the beach together (that was 30 years ago), and she busted out laughing. As previously stated, I won't tell you all our secrets, but that was clearly the right response. I can't tell you how uplifting it is to hear her laugh. Jessica also comes running when she hears her because it just validates to us that Judi is there and we just need to help her come back.
We have had some very emotional days as she continues to absorb what is around her and where she is physically/mentally. I don't think she remembers what happened to her, but I think she realizes that she has a serious brain injury and some associated physical limitations. She gets very frustrated at times when she is not able to get her body/mind to do what she knows it should do. I will admit we have had some good cries together and it usually does both of us good. Those are usually followed by a little quiet time holding her close and praying with all the energy I have for the strength to carry on. Those prayers have been answered every time and it seems that the spark in those brown eyes of hers gets a little brighter when we work through these. Although these are emotionally draining, they are all good signs that her cognitive side is returning.
As far as talking, I expect her to start at any minute.
I need to thank all of you for your continued support and prayers. I need to give special thanx to my brother and some very generous members of his church. They are all builders by trade and are providing the labor to build a sun room on the back of our house to give Judi a wonderful place to recover since all of our bedrooms are upstairs. I also need to give a special thanx to Mary Ellen and Christine from Judi's Weight Watcher's group for the wonderful meals they brought for us last week. The food was awesome and I am signing up for the program if this what they get to eat!
Steve
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