Thought everyone would enjoy a quick video of Dad. One of Dad's nurses caught the footage on his cell phone for us to enjoy. If you can make it out, you can see the hemi walk in Dad's right hand, and some sort of strap that the therapist is using for safety around Dad's waist.
I'll provide another update soon, but I wanted to get this footage out as soon as possible.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Therapy for all
Dad, Mom, my younger brother and I met with the therapists today. A sort of "round table" discussion on Dad. Sort of.. because the table was actually rectangular, but you get the idea.
Leading off the discussion was Ruth, the nurse or assistant to Dad's doctor while at Jim Thorpe. She said that everything relating to his medical condition was good. She went through a variety of medications explaining why each was prescribed. It's kind of funny to think of Dad on Ritalin, but it's actually a common prescription for brain injury patients. Helping to concentrate, etc. They also have him on anti-seizure medication. While I'm unaware of Dad suffering from any seizures, it's fairly common for brain injuries.
In terms of the anti-seizure medication, it makes me think of that old joke. The one about the elephant repellent system. Guy goes on about how well it works, other guy says something about there not being any elephants in town, first guy remarks about how well it works.
Second up today was the physical therapist. Dad is walking better, although he clearly (as is to be expected) is suffering from muscle atrophy on his right side. He actually walked 200' with a hemi walker. I think it's a hemi walker. It's smaller than what you typically picture, and designed for someone using only one arm. So, the 200' is good, but Dad is still largely ignoring his right side without encouragement. They kept referring to it as motor planning, awareness, etc. With a little help, he can get out of his wheelchair. With a little more help, he can walk reasonably well, but not quite well enough to go unassisted.
The really good news at this point in the meeting was the consensus among all of the center employees that Dad would continue to progress for another 6 to 12 months. They couldn't say how far he would get, or what limitations would remain. But it was very good news to know that he hasn't reached those limitations yet.
The occupational therapist "Doni" was up next. She really emphasized the "re-directing" and the motor planning issues. Things as simple as brushing your teeth. She said that just earlier this week, he could brush really well, but got confused when he was told to rinse. He'd just start brushing again. I'd point out that he's really really stubborn, but this is related to the stroke. Either way, he's now rinsing without much confusion.
All-in-all his ability to take care of his own hygiene needs is improving better than expected. He's determined to do everything himself, however he'll always need some assistance, or at least special accomodations as it relates to showering, etc. We've all seen those shower seats, or something like them. He just needs a shower that's easy to get into, and then some safe way to sit down while he bathes.
Kimmie, the speech therapist followed occupational therapy. She said that his cognitive expression is suffering right now. Same stuff I've been saying, only more technical. He gets frustrated with his inability to put his feelings, wishes or thoughts into the right words. He is saying many more 'real' words than the jargon he was using at first. She encouraged him to focus on using one or two words to convey what he wanted to say. Oddly enough, he still insists on forming complete sentences.
I'll insert this as it's appropriate for the context, but my eldest daughter called shortly after the meeting came to an end. She does this everyday when getting home from school. I used the opportunity to put Dad on the phone. He talked to her only briefly, but I was surprised how much of it I could understand. What really made me smile was the bubbly voice on the phone when Dad handed it back to me, "DAD, I COULD UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING HE SAID TO ME!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, to say the least.
As a wrap-up, the case worker "Ruth" ran through their recommendations. They still recommend a 24-hour skilled nursing facility at this time. He's close, but still needs help with most daily functions. He shouldn't be left alone, for sure. If not a 24-hour facility, some sort of an adult daycare, or in home aides to assist with his daily needs.
Dad disagrees, and wants to go home immediately. The center is keeping him through the weekend, so we need a definitive plan by Monday. I don't really know for sure what we're going to do at this time. We plan to talk about it more the next few days. It was a good meeting, and certainly encouraging to the family, if not a little disappointing for Dad himself. He still wants to go home. Obviously, sooner than later.
Leading off the discussion was Ruth, the nurse or assistant to Dad's doctor while at Jim Thorpe. She said that everything relating to his medical condition was good. She went through a variety of medications explaining why each was prescribed. It's kind of funny to think of Dad on Ritalin, but it's actually a common prescription for brain injury patients. Helping to concentrate, etc. They also have him on anti-seizure medication. While I'm unaware of Dad suffering from any seizures, it's fairly common for brain injuries.
In terms of the anti-seizure medication, it makes me think of that old joke. The one about the elephant repellent system. Guy goes on about how well it works, other guy says something about there not being any elephants in town, first guy remarks about how well it works.
Second up today was the physical therapist. Dad is walking better, although he clearly (as is to be expected) is suffering from muscle atrophy on his right side. He actually walked 200' with a hemi walker. I think it's a hemi walker. It's smaller than what you typically picture, and designed for someone using only one arm. So, the 200' is good, but Dad is still largely ignoring his right side without encouragement. They kept referring to it as motor planning, awareness, etc. With a little help, he can get out of his wheelchair. With a little more help, he can walk reasonably well, but not quite well enough to go unassisted.
The really good news at this point in the meeting was the consensus among all of the center employees that Dad would continue to progress for another 6 to 12 months. They couldn't say how far he would get, or what limitations would remain. But it was very good news to know that he hasn't reached those limitations yet.
The occupational therapist "Doni" was up next. She really emphasized the "re-directing" and the motor planning issues. Things as simple as brushing your teeth. She said that just earlier this week, he could brush really well, but got confused when he was told to rinse. He'd just start brushing again. I'd point out that he's really really stubborn, but this is related to the stroke. Either way, he's now rinsing without much confusion.
All-in-all his ability to take care of his own hygiene needs is improving better than expected. He's determined to do everything himself, however he'll always need some assistance, or at least special accomodations as it relates to showering, etc. We've all seen those shower seats, or something like them. He just needs a shower that's easy to get into, and then some safe way to sit down while he bathes.
Kimmie, the speech therapist followed occupational therapy. She said that his cognitive expression is suffering right now. Same stuff I've been saying, only more technical. He gets frustrated with his inability to put his feelings, wishes or thoughts into the right words. He is saying many more 'real' words than the jargon he was using at first. She encouraged him to focus on using one or two words to convey what he wanted to say. Oddly enough, he still insists on forming complete sentences.
I'll insert this as it's appropriate for the context, but my eldest daughter called shortly after the meeting came to an end. She does this everyday when getting home from school. I used the opportunity to put Dad on the phone. He talked to her only briefly, but I was surprised how much of it I could understand. What really made me smile was the bubbly voice on the phone when Dad handed it back to me, "DAD, I COULD UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING HE SAID TO ME!" Her enthusiasm was infectious, to say the least.
As a wrap-up, the case worker "Ruth" ran through their recommendations. They still recommend a 24-hour skilled nursing facility at this time. He's close, but still needs help with most daily functions. He shouldn't be left alone, for sure. If not a 24-hour facility, some sort of an adult daycare, or in home aides to assist with his daily needs.
Dad disagrees, and wants to go home immediately. The center is keeping him through the weekend, so we need a definitive plan by Monday. I don't really know for sure what we're going to do at this time. We plan to talk about it more the next few days. It was a good meeting, and certainly encouraging to the family, if not a little disappointing for Dad himself. He still wants to go home. Obviously, sooner than later.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Looking for inspiration
Another transition is closing in on us very quickly. The center has announced that Dad has reached the end of his rehabilitation with them. His last night will be Thursday, and we'll be moving him Friday.
You'd think that was good news. As Dad is still in need of almost constant care, it presents a rather substantial hurdle to taking him home. The center is recommending a 24-hour facility where he can continue to rehabilitate for another 100 days. 100 days is the magic number that the medicare system has placed on this phase of his recovery.
At this time, we're still weighing all of our options. We'd all like to bring Dad home now, but are trying to be realistic as we face our own limitations in providing the care he continues to need today. It looks like we're going to spend a little time with counseling staff from the center tomorrow. We need to ask more questions and get a realistic idea of what is and is not possible at this time.
Hang in there Dad. We're trying.
You'd think that was good news. As Dad is still in need of almost constant care, it presents a rather substantial hurdle to taking him home. The center is recommending a 24-hour facility where he can continue to rehabilitate for another 100 days. 100 days is the magic number that the medicare system has placed on this phase of his recovery.
At this time, we're still weighing all of our options. We'd all like to bring Dad home now, but are trying to be realistic as we face our own limitations in providing the care he continues to need today. It looks like we're going to spend a little time with counseling staff from the center tomorrow. We need to ask more questions and get a realistic idea of what is and is not possible at this time.
Hang in there Dad. We're trying.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Watching basketball
I got my game yesterday. I mentioned a little ways back how much I've enjoyed watching basketball with Dad. I got to do it again yesterday. Mom worked out that day pass I mentioned in an earlier post, and Dad got to come home for a little while.
He arrived an hour or so before the game, and got a quick trip around the house with help from my brother. He was anxious to show Dad all the work he had accomplished during Dad's stay in the hospitals. I heard Dad very clearly stating "wow." Quite a few of them, to be honest. He was clearly happy with what had transpired in his absence.
It didn't take long for him to tire, so Dad only caught the 2nd half of the game. I'm not sure that he didn't get the best nap he's had in a while, as he was able to sleep on his own bed. I'm not sure how often we checked on him during that brief time. You'd have thought someone had a newborn in the house. Regardless, it was good to sit next to him and exchange a rather clumsy high five during one point late in the game. Funny, now that I think about it. There wasn't nearly as much complaining during this loss as you would have witnessed earlier in the season.
My sister supplied us all with chocolate shakes from Wendy's. Since the frosty has become Dad's primary source of nutrition the last week or so, she felt like it seemed fitting that we all eat along with him. He seemed pleased by the sentiment.
I also witnessed him moving his right hand. The movement required intense focus, and it was little more than extending his fingers, and then subsequently squeezing them into his palm. But it was more than I've seen in the last 5 weeks. At this point, you'd have to describe any real motion on his right side in that same manner. It requires great focus and effort. I don't know what the future will bring along these lines. It's nice to imagine him fully mobile again, and able to use his hand as he used to. I don't know if that's realistic, but I'm hopeful for his sake that he'll go as far as he wants.
It was a good day. A nice afternoon spent relaxing with family, watching sports, and eating horribly fattening foods. The kids were running through the house, lots of joyful screaming and giggling. Everyone was relaxed, and Dad was happy. I'm told that he continued that frame of mind as he returned to the clinic. Hopefully with more motivation to rehabilitate and return for good.
He arrived an hour or so before the game, and got a quick trip around the house with help from my brother. He was anxious to show Dad all the work he had accomplished during Dad's stay in the hospitals. I heard Dad very clearly stating "wow." Quite a few of them, to be honest. He was clearly happy with what had transpired in his absence.
It didn't take long for him to tire, so Dad only caught the 2nd half of the game. I'm not sure that he didn't get the best nap he's had in a while, as he was able to sleep on his own bed. I'm not sure how often we checked on him during that brief time. You'd have thought someone had a newborn in the house. Regardless, it was good to sit next to him and exchange a rather clumsy high five during one point late in the game. Funny, now that I think about it. There wasn't nearly as much complaining during this loss as you would have witnessed earlier in the season.
My sister supplied us all with chocolate shakes from Wendy's. Since the frosty has become Dad's primary source of nutrition the last week or so, she felt like it seemed fitting that we all eat along with him. He seemed pleased by the sentiment.
I also witnessed him moving his right hand. The movement required intense focus, and it was little more than extending his fingers, and then subsequently squeezing them into his palm. But it was more than I've seen in the last 5 weeks. At this point, you'd have to describe any real motion on his right side in that same manner. It requires great focus and effort. I don't know what the future will bring along these lines. It's nice to imagine him fully mobile again, and able to use his hand as he used to. I don't know if that's realistic, but I'm hopeful for his sake that he'll go as far as he wants.
It was a good day. A nice afternoon spent relaxing with family, watching sports, and eating horribly fattening foods. The kids were running through the house, lots of joyful screaming and giggling. Everyone was relaxed, and Dad was happy. I'm told that he continued that frame of mind as he returned to the clinic. Hopefully with more motivation to rehabilitate and return for good.
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