Well, here it is the end of January already. Today marks the twelfth week since the accident. Amazing how our life was changed in an instant. However, today was probably Mark's best day since the day before the accident.
He did his usual speech therapy lessons this morning. He complained about his new braces, which he managed to unlock the controls on and adjust to a miserable setting before I rescued him and removed them for a few hours. He had a nap, and big lunch, and got ready for PT. He was hoisted out of bed (and helped with the buckles) and put into his wheelchair. We grabbed his sunglasses with the intention of going outside after therapy. He promptly put them on the top of his head and we were ready to roll.
He worked extremely hard in therapy with sitting up, leg lifts, arm lifts and bicep curls with weights on his good arm, range of motion exercises with his bad arm, and crunches. When the PT Lindsey asked him to do a few more (he had done about 10) he asked what if I told you NO! She laughed and said okay. The OT Frederica had him playing a game matching pegs of different colors in a board. Then he had to pick them off the board and put them in a bag. Her object was to make him stretch to reach one and put it in the bag one at a time. Instead he reached once and grabbed each one in one hand and dropped about three or four in the bag at once, thereby reaching only about three times instead of twelve. The doctor keeps saying that there is nothing wrong with his problem solving skills.
After therapy, he put his shades back on and out we went. I took him over to the patio at the Fisher House so he could see it and we sat there for a while and read the cards he received in the mail. Then he asked for a glass of water and we went inside so I could show him where I was staying. He thought it was very nice, like a fancy hotel. He especially liked the kitchen which is huge.
We headed back to his room because he was exhausted at this point. He had finally stopped complaining about the braces and left them alone. Despite the fact that he doesn't like them, I actually think his legs feel better with them than they do without because they are in the right position. He will also have to wear his back brace for the next two months as well. After we got him into bed I asked him what kind of day did he think he had and he said a ten. I told him I thought I would save a ten for the day he could stand or walk, and he consented but then agreed with our good buddy Jose when he said it was definitely a 9-3/4!!!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Better, much better!! Today, although he was in pain still (and will be) was much better than yesterday. He was in his wheelchair this morning and then did his speech therapy. They do "lessons" with the emphasis on building his attention span and focus. He sat up to have lunch. He fed himself very well and was even able to eat with the back brace on, which has been adjusted to fit more comfortably.
He had a short snooze after lunch so he could be ready for the "pain terrorists". Again he was lifted into his wheelchair and we rolled down to PT. He did range of motion exercises and "bridges" which is laying on your back with your knees bent and picking up your butt. He actually did this on his own when the PT was helping him put his shorts on yesterday. She didn't think he was ready for it, but now it is part of the PT exercises. He also played Connect Four with the OT and won! She's been beating him, but today he got her two games to one. They do this as a distraction to keep him in a sitting position for longer periods of time, but it also helps build his hand eye coordination and cognitive skills.
After PT, the guys from orthopedics came and fitted his second leg brace. He now has two new ones that have controls at the knees to adjust the amount of flex. Little by little they will straighten them out and hopefully, they will straighten his legs. He has to wear them all the time with breaks here and there during the day. He wasn't too happy with them, but they do work a lot better than the previous immobilizers. They are trying these and if they don't work the way they want, they will probably have to serial cast them like his arm, which is looking great by the way.
He was able to stay up in his wheelchair for about two hours today which was great. He even sat in it after PT for a haircut. The stylist came to his room and trimmed up his wonky "do" and evened everything out. It grew in very uneven from having been shaved when he was in the coma.
It was definitely an eight day including a dinner he liked and gobbled up!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Well, it seems to go in cycles. Several very good days and one in the dumper. Today was one of those, I'm afraid. Mark was in extreme pain most of the day today.
His legs were especially stiff and tight, which makes the knee and hip pain more intense. The scans did not show bone ossification which is good, so they are going to again increase the medication for the spasticity. They are also considering first casting his ankles and then his knees. The ankle casts will place his feet in the proper position without interfering with a sore on his heel and serves a twofold purpose because the heel will heal. (Whew!) Then serial casting the knees will straighten his legs out like they did his left arm. They removed that last cast today and turned it into a splint for night wear. It will act as a retainer so to speak.
The doctors are pleased with the way his overall cognitive function is progressing. There are still periods of confusion but the agitation has decreased except when he is in pain. They are working with him on his attention and short term memory and both are getting better. Of course, these are problems which may continue for the rest of his life, but they will teach him methods to cope. The doctors, nurses and therapists know exactly how to handle the issues as they arise and that is a great comfort. They also listen and acknowledge what I observe and what I think is best for Mark and that is more than I could have ever hoped for.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Whew! We had an extremely full day today. It started with a bone scan after breakfast. Next was a cast change. They did the final one today, will remove it tomorrow and turn it into a splint to be worn at night. He then had lunch of mac and cheese, and on to PT. The prosthetics department fitted him for a special leg brace for his right leg to be worn when he is in a wheelchair. It is a range of motion leg brace which can be adjusted to move his knee various degrees. He still has to wear his immobilizers three hours a day, and that is getting better. He was in less pain today overall, but the second time they were put on, he was able to tolerate them better and longer. Progress!! He had the second part of the scan this afternoon and then this evening after dinner, he had his back and pelvis X-rays. He never even had time for a snooze today. Although we did get in our reading. He talked with his dad and brother on the phone and each got a different version of his day. He told Peter he had surgery on his legs to figure out why they were stiff and he told Rich he had played golf--naturally, both were rather tall tales!
We had a couple of special things happen though. Mark has not been at all animated in speech or facial expressions and this is common. It takes the brain a while to bring back that function. Yesterday, he said something funny in the monotone voice he has right now, and when I laughed he looked at me and smiled spontaneously. It was something I had been waiting for all these weeks. It wasn't a big smile, but a "natural" one nevertheless. Then today, on our way back from radiology, the unit orderly was teasing him about getting his left hand working again. He told Mark he plays against all the guys in Playstation and he takes no mercy. He always wins, and it would be an embarrassment for him if he had to beat Mark if he only used one hand. Mark looked at him and laughed. Again, not a big laugh, but a laugh! Travis and I hooted and hollered when he did it and he laughed again. Even the orderlies know what a big step these little things are, and they are delighted when each patient achieves one.
Overall, again a nine day without a doubt!!!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
He finally had a meal from the kitchen that he actually liked--ravioli! The fellow in the room next door stopped by to say hi and saw Mark eating ravioli and was encouraged about his lunch. Unfortunately he was then disappointed when he found out he had chicken! You just can't please everyone.
He had a visit from my aunt and my cousin this afternoon. He was very happy to see his "Nonni" as she was to see him. My aunt brought him some chocolate truffles and he enjoyed one of those as well. My cousin and I were able to get him to wear his knee immoblizers and bribed him with more truffles and chocolate cake. It worked! He didn't complain too much about the pain since he was distracted. He had his chocolate cake and milk and when he finished, told me it was good but would have been better with ice cream too. Nothing like bribery to get the job done!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
There is not too much to report today. Being a Saturday, the hospital is quiet and things really slow down a lot. Mark did have physical therapy, but it is not as intense as during the week. We were hoping to go outside, but it started to sprinkle and was cool, so we spent the afternoon reading and talking.
Mark was in quite a bit of pain tonight. His legs were very stiff today and it is difficult to get him to keep his immobilizers on. He did manage 30 minutes which was good, and I read to him to get his mind off them. They have increased the medication to help with the spasticity, so hopefully, it will work.
The nurses and aides are very nice, and his aide tonight, Rick, even brought some books to him, so they could read. He was giving him a choice of things to read. It is nice that so many of them go above and beyond to help him get over the boredom. They are kind, dedicated people.
Friday, January 25, 2008
It cannot be the end of January already. It seems like the year just started. We had a good day today, but I cannot say I was a witness to all of it. Mark did well with his morning therapies and ate breakfast and lunch well by himself. I took the opportunity today to spend the afternoon away from the hospital at the urging of nurses and psychologists. I did have some errands to run, so when I mentioned it to Mark, he said "Go ahead, I'm in good hands." He did have the "A-Team" with him today, so I felt comfortable. He does need to be alone on occasion and so do I.
I returned to the hospital after dinner, and he was a little restless. They told me he had a good day and that therapy went well. We read and opened mail and he calmed down. He got cleaned up and ready for bed, chatted with the nurses and was ready for more reading which helped him fall asleep. So, all in all, it was a good day for both of us.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Well, today was down a bit on the scale to about a six, but there was bound to be a day when he was not as up which is normal. He was in quite a bit of pain because his legs were very stiff and that makes him very uncomfortable and grouchy. He did well with speech therapy and occupational therapy. He ate his whole breakfast himself and it actually tasted fine.
He had some limitations with physical therapy because of the stiffness. They hoisted him up out of bed with a special sling lift and put him in the wheelchair. When the gals asked him if it made him nervous he said "Hell no, I've done this from a helicopter hundreds of feet in the air." Naturally, he thought it was the most fun of the entire day. However, it started to rain and he couldn't go outside, so they exercised his legs and called it a day. He will be re-Xrayed late next week for his back and pelvis, and I think they are going to do a bone scan. He may be released from wearing the back brace which would be nice. It is rather uncomfortable and will make therapy easier.
He has a big issue during the night. He worries when the shift is going to change. He knows his head nurse will not be there and he likes and trusts her. He also does not sleep the whole night and gets agitated. They are making an effort to just use the couple of nurses and aides he really likes and relates well to in the evening and overnight shifts. Hopefully, this will help. He doesn't get agitated during the day, and if he starts, we can usually use techniques that help without drugs. The interesting thing is that the doctor and nurses say they have never had a patient with this type of brain injury actually know the time of the shift changes and bring up the subject. No one has told him when this is, he has just figured it out himself, looks at the clock and asks who's coming on duty. Nothing, and I mean nothing, passes his nose without him sniffing it in!
It has been eleven weeks today since the accident. It is extremely hard to imagine. I said from here on our lives have been divided from BTA (before the accident) and ATA (after the accident). Do you suppose I have been around the military too long? I am making up my own acronyms!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
It was another good day and a busy one. Mark had his cast replaced by the occupational therapists and they were able to extend it another five degrees, which was wonderful according to them. He did not have to be sedated and remained calm throughout the procedure. He did have medication prior to the recast, but it was just his regular dose of anti-agitation medication. He didn't mind the sound of the saw.
He then proceeded to eat lunch and fed himself. He struggled a little with the plate, and they are going to provide one that will be easier for him to use, since it won't slide around. He relaxed a bit after lunch, but then went on to physical therapy. They took him to the physical therapy floor to work out. He told them he didn't like the special Barton chair they had him in and wanted a wheelchair instead. Tomorrow that's on the agenda. He was tired, but he got through the therapy without much of a fuss. He did take a nap after his "workout".
Another bright spot was that his nurse, Grisel, who is just the most wonderful caretaker in the world, asked him to put a goal for her on his info board (a board with the date, nurse, doctor, etc.). By her name he wrote, "bee nice". The spelling wasn't correct, but it is the first time he has written anything. We were delighted. Later in the day she asked him to write something else and give her a "present". Of course, Mark drew a square with a bow on top!! We just looked at each other and laughed. The writing and drawing are a real step, because they haven't even started that therapy with him yet. It was also interesting to note that his printing was better than it was before the accident. Go figure!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Sunshine and warm temperatures!!! And Mark enjoyed both today. We were finally able to take him outside in his special chair. It was a treat. We went to the hospital patio for a short time and although he complained about his hip pain, he did enjoy being outside. Later he told everyone that he had played basketball and went to the zoo. We did see the basketball court next to the patio, but the only animal we encountered was a squirrel.
When we got back to his room, he had lunch and a nap. Then it was on to physical therapy. He sat at the edge of the bed and held himself up by just balancing with his hands for ten minutes which was very good. He wore his leg stabilizers twice for 30 minutes and 40 minutes which was also good.
Reading seems to take his mind off the pain, so we did that until the doctors came around for grand rounds. They were discussing his memory at one point and asked if there had been any improvement in his short term function. I mentioned that he was better with names and especially remembered the names of the nurses and aides he really liked best. He then piped up that he had selective memory. This brought roars of laughter from the group. When they asked him other questions he responded well. When the subject of food was brought up he told Dr. Scott, the head of the unit, that most of it tasted like it had been in a warehouse for six months before it was served. Naturally, this brought another round of laughter. I think he liked the audience. Ever the comedian.
Tomorrow they will remove his cast and put on a new one. Then the therapy will take place in the PT room with additional equipment. Hopefully, tomorrow will be like today and we will score another "nine".
Monday, January 21, 2008
Due to the holiday today, things at the hospital were very quiet. I had hoped to take Mark outside, but unfortunately, it was a little cool and we were not able to find the special chair he needed to be moved outside. We are going to try again tomorrow, hopefully with better results.
So, instead, we had a quiet day of reading. I decided that Mark should become an honorary member of my book club and yesterday, I began reading him the selection for this month. He seems to be enjoying it, although he does have some trouble remembering what it's about when we stop. I remind him about what we've read and go on. He really finds it relaxing and it keeps him from getting agitated. He looked like he had fallen asleep at one point and I stopped reading. He opened his eyes and asked why I stopped. I explained and he said just because his eyes were closed it didn't mean he wasn't listening! I continued on. One of the nurses is reading the same book and she's from Cleveland too. We're ahead of her, so Mark told her she had to catch up!
Mark's short term memory is not good, as is typical in injuries like this. The nurses come in and out and ask Mark to tell them their names. They told me today, that he's getting better but that his problem solving skills do not seem to be impaired. He looks at their name tags and then gives them the name. They have started turning their ID badges around so he can't cheat. They told me that a lot of the guys on the unit don't think to look at the tags. He seems to have no trouble with the guys and even calls them from his room and waves. The gals are teasing him about it.
The other soldier who was transported here with Mark from Walter Reed is in the room next door. He stops in every day to check on Mark. Mark remembers his name, Donald, but thinks they were in Iraq together. Don is a staff sergeant and since he doesn't have a platoon any longer decided today that he and Mark were going to be a new unit. His wife and I just laughed and thought that's all this rehab unit needs. Mark thought that would be a great idea. Don was hurt in an IED blast in Iraq and is ambulatory, but had a serious head wound and broken arm. His wife and I have become very friendly. They are a nice young couple with a ten year old daughter.
I would say on our scale, that today was a seven. All the therapists are back tomorrow, so that will mean a change in Mark's cast, and all the rest of the treatments. Wish us luck!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
According to Mark, today was only a five, but I think he was too hard on himself. I would certainly rate it at least a six, but more like a seven. It wasn't as good as yesterday, but he was in a little more pain today and had more agitation.
He didn't like his lunch, so I brought him some Italian soup I had made for our "Sunday family dinner" here at the house. I had made it to share and knew it would be something he would like. It made a hit, but not nearly as big an impression as the homemade peach cobbler one of the other women made. Miss Rosie's cobbler was rated "delicious" while my soup was just a "very good". We were happy to see him enjoy it all.
The "Sunday Dinner" started a couple of weeks ago, when we got together and cooked a very large donated ham. Everyone contributed and we put together a dinner from "house" food and individual contributions. It breaks up the week and the husbands and sons who can travel over to the Fisher House, join us. Those that can't get their dinners taken to them and we even use the food processor to include those, like Mark, who can't eat solid food yet. We all feel productive and that's a plus for us as well.
He has had a number of the nurses doing the one to one at the hospital sign up for his care specifically. There are several whom he is very fond of and vice versa. It is so comforting to see how much these people care about him and enjoy him, even when he is being obstinate. They are, without a doubt, a special group of people and we are lucky to have them helping us.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Okay--here is today's rating straight from the kid himself--he had "9" day!!! Yes he did! He was awake this morning when we got there and was proud of the fact that he had a shower. This was his first goal and the doctor said fine when he found out they had a shower bed. They are going to get him a duplicate back brace so he will be able to sit in the shower and not worry about getting the brace wet. They take a little while to dry so he will need two, in the meantime he will use the shower bed, which is like a padded tub.
He complained much less about the pain today. His legs are stretched out most of the time and he is moving them out more on his own. His left leg is stronger than the right, but there is great improvement in both. He kept his leg brace on the left leg for almost an hour.
He was also quite chatty. He had Jose as his aide today and they always find things to talk about. He and I had a discussion about his old laptop which is now mine. I told him I peeled off the stickers he had on it and he told me that the "I pee in pools" sticker was probably not my style! Right! I told him about the blog and Rich mentioned that we were rating the days from one to ten. He said he hadn't had a ten day yet, but he thought today was a nine. We agreed. He and I have homework from the speech therapist. We have to look at the calendar every day and cross off the previous day and discuss the day, date, etc. So I made him do this and he looked at me and said, quite annoyed, "I can f*&#ing read a calendar!" He then apologized for the language. I told him I had promised Katherine I would do this every day and we had to keep my promise. He reluctantly agreed. He does not realize that he gets the days, dates and times mixed up and this really does help.
He also had several phone conversations. He talked to his grandfather, his Uncle Tom, Peter, and finally Jessica. They had a good conversation and it really made her day. We were so happy they had the chance to do it.
So as you can all tell, it was just about the best day in the last two months. We believe they will continue.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Mark was definitely doing an impression of Rip Van Winkle today. He had been up early, had breakfast with the occupational therapist, got dressed, and fell sound asleep. Then he stayed asleep even though he had to be moved into the hall so they could replace the window in his room. While asleep, the doctors had rounds, discussed him, we went into a family meeting with the team and they moved him back into his room. He slept through it all. It was good to see him sleep without being sedated and be so peaceful.
He woke long enough to tell us he didn't like lunch. He is not so fond of the food even though it has been upgraded from puree to mechanical soft. I guess if you have to actually chew it, you can taste it. I can start making him some of the things he likes that fit into the category, so I will. That should help. He was given a drug to sedate him while they removed the first serial cast that was put on on Wednesday. They were able to move his arm down another 20 degrees and put on a new cast. He will go through this probably twice more and then his arm should be straight. They will turn the last cast into a removable splint that he will wear at night like a retainer. He was slightly awake during this, but conked out right after and stayed that way until we left.
Even though it was a sleepy day for him, he seemed to need it and was quite comfortable during his waking moments.
Last night we met a very interesting, sweet individual. When I arrived here last week the the Seargent Major who is one of the Army liaison people here, mentioned to me that Mark reminded him very much of another young soldier here at the hospital. He arrived about six months ago in much the same condition as Mark, with one exception, they thought they would have to amputate both legs. He was just out of a coma, had confusion and agitation, severe leg injuries, you name it. The SGM told me he wanted me to meet this young man because he knew he would be an inspiration for me to see. We met him at a dinner given in honor of the soldiers here by the Military Officers Assistance Association. I had seen him in the unit, but did not realize he was the soldier the SGM was talking about. I was struck by the resemblance to Mark, skinny, short dark hair, and big eyes with long eyelashes (except his are blue)! When we talked to him we found out they are the same age, 22 and he had been in a Bradley that hit an IED (improvised explosive device). He is currently living in the transition housing program here on his way to living independently again. He is in a wheelchair with a huge smile on his face. He asked us about Mark and plans on spending time with him now that we said it was fine. Mark's nurse told us that he is one of their greatest success stories and that they expect Mark to be another. After seeing this young corporal, you definitely have to BELIEVE!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Mark had a nine today! It was a very good day, with a lot of activity. He started out with a scan of his abdomen, so breakfast was delayed. He made up for that when he got back. He had occupational therapy and was cooperative throughout. He was talking to everyone who visited and didn't get agitated at all.
At lunch he was evaluated by the speech therapist and was taken off pureed food and put on a soft mechanical diet. He did well with his chewing and swallowing, but just has to stop talking with his mouth full! When the pain terrorists, as he calls the PTs, showed up he was put in his back brace, did his leg exercises and put in the wheelchair. He was sore and tired but did well. Then he was put back to bed and a knee brace was put on which helped stretch his knee. This remained on for thirty minutes and then it was switched to the other leg for thirty minutes. He was sufficiently exhausted after all this. He did eat a good dinner, but got a little agitated afterward due to being tired. He was sound asleep shortly after. All in all, it was a day of great promise.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Well, I have heard that the "scale" of one to ten has been beneficial to some of the readers of this blog. So I have to say that today was definitely an 8. Mark was sleepy this morning due to medication he was given before an echo cardiogram. But when he finally woke up, he was not restless and irritable. He had slept through his evaluation to progress to less pureed food, so I think he was sorry about that, but of course, soon forgot that they were even going to do that.
He did have his left arm put in a serial cast. It will be removed Friday and his arm will be lowered some and then recasted. They will then take that one off on Tuesday. They will then give him his new brace which can be adjusted to flex his arm. He has also been fitted for his knee braces which work the same way. He will wear those about two hours a day. His legs were much more flexible today and he was able to keep them straight for long periods of time. Hopefully, the new medications are working to allow him to tolerate the discomfort and pain. He was cleared today to get out of bed and back into a wheelchair.
He has trouble remembering the names of the therapists (there are quite a few) and so they go over their names every day. He is getting better at their names and those of the nurses. However, his nursing aide tonight was a nice man named, Enrique, and as soon as he walked in Mark called him by name. For what ever reason he remembered Enrique and asked about Jose, the other male aide who he likes a lot. Nothing like male bonding at it's best.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Our day today was about a seven. Mark did not sleep well again last night and was worn out this morning. They have changed his pain and anxiety medications and, hopefully, this new combination will work. He was quite sleepy most of the day, but did do well with physical therapy. He was not awake enough to participate in speech therapy very well. When he did wake, he was much more cooperative and not agitated which was such a relief. His doctor explained that this is a situation that is trial and error in that everyone responds differently to a TBI and everyone reacts differently to the medications used. Sometimes the medications need to be changed because one combination will work for a while and then suddenly it doesn't. I asked him if he was putting it nicely that it's a crap shoot and he smiled and said "pretty much".
Mark has been eating well, despite the fact that the food is pureed and pretty awful. Tonight he asked for steak and beer. When we told him he couldn't have a beer he said anything else alcoholic would be fine. We promised him as soon as he could have it, we would at least give him a steak!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Well, if there are ten days and one days, then this one fell about a four or five. Mark did well with his therapies. His range of motion in his left arm has improved very nicely. He sat up with his new back brace and balanced with very little aid, even on his own for a short time. His speech therapy was wonderful. He thought the questions and reading situations were too easy. He only had a little trouble with days and dates, which is very common. However, he was in pain and extremely agitated for a good part of the day. I do think the therapies were a distraction, but then he goes back to complaining about pain and fidgeting a lot.
He needs to wear a mitt on his hand to prevent him from pulling out his catheter and picking at things, but he constantly tries to bite at the Velcro to take it off. A couple of days ago he removed an IV port from his arm with his mouth and then spit it out onto the bed! He even manages to grab things with the mitt. In fact, this afternoon he grabbed my arm with it, pulled my hand to his face, and then accused me of hitting him. It wasn't funny at the time, but the aide and I finally convinced him he did it himself. Then he apologized and gave me a hug. It can be so frustrating to want to help him to no avail. He knows he's being unreasonable but can't help it. He is not sleeping well at night, and this is also part of the problem.
Well, tomorrow we start over again, and hopefully it will be a six or seven day. I really need to BELIEVE that!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Mark had a good day today. Even though he complains about pain, he was much less agitated and the medications seem to be working better. They have changed a number of the drugs to be longer lasting with less grogginess. He has been moving his left hand and fingers much more than before. Now when you ask him to squeeze your hand, he really does it with strength which is a great improvement over a few days ago.
He watched television with his aide and me this afternoon. It happened to be a show he had seen so he kept telling us what was going to happen. We just kept laughing, but he was absolutely correct about everything they were doing on the show. Then the three of us had a funny face making contest. We were trying to get him to make faces and exercise his facial muscles. It was very entertaining. He did not get agitated until it was past suppertime and the trays were late. Once he ate, he was a happy person again, and didn't need medication.
Speaking of dinner, he's not too crazy about the food, but loves the desserts! Go figure.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Hello everyone! Today was better for Mark. He was much less agitated and is starting to get more accustomed to the environment here. He has had physical, occupational, and recreational therapy. They have cut back on the physical therapy from what they did at Walter Reed due to the amount of pain he has been having. The doctors here think it may have been too much, too soon. They are remaking his back brace and leg braces. They are going to cast his left arm for 72 hours in a more downward position, then will lower it, and recast it again for 72 hours. This allows for a slow extension of the arm from its contracted position. They will then fit him for an arm brace.
He enjoyed a visit today from my cousin and her husband who live near here. They were happy to see him and he did recognize them after a bit of haze after waking up from a nap.
I am staying at the Fisher House which is very nice. I have my own room and bathroom and there is a communal kitchen, laundry, family room, dining room and living room. It's beautifully decorated with soothing colors and comfortable furniture. The other women (mostly) in the house have been very pleasant and are in the same situation as I am to varying degrees. Their husbands and sons have all had severe injuries of some kind, but most have had TBI with other complications like Mark. One has a husband who is a retired Army sergeant who had a car accident and is older than the others, but it's not any less devastating. Another woman, whose husband is a minister and suffered a spinal cord injury in a fall, has a beautiful voice and sometimes just starts singing old hymns. She worried that we would think she was loony, but we all enjoy it. Perhaps we wouldn't if she didn't sing so well. We even have a three month old little guy in the house who is adorable. His dad is here in rehab and he is with his mom. He's a little cutie, with no lack of attention.
We have a group support meeting on Saturday mornings where we discuss everything and anything. The psychologist/social worker who leads the group is a quadriplegic who was injured years ago in a high school football game. He and his dog Parker visit the fellows in the ward and keep everyone sane. He is an inspiring individual who is extremely independent. The doctor in charge of the program doesn't want the wives and mothers discussing the patients at the house, because he feels we need time away from all of the stress, so we try to chat about other things and leave the issues for the group support meeting.
I feel that Mark and I are in good hands, and so does Rich who saw things for himself the last couple of days. I do BELIEVE this will work out well.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Well, today was a little better, although Mark did sleep quite a bit today to make up for the sleepless nights over the last few days. The doctor didn't even want to bother him this morning because he wanted him to rest. He has had a lot of pain recently and they are trying to determine if there has been any change to the pelvis. They took another set of X-rays, ordered new leg braces, and a new back brace. They have been evaluating everything again and again to determine the best course of action. Hopefully, it will all be resolved soon.
I met the entire medical team today. Doctors, therapists, social workers, etc. Everyone has a job and everything is coordinated. They are going to have a family meeting with us next Friday where they discuss their goals and ours. Tomorrow we have a family support group meeting with other parents and wives. It is good being around others in the same situation, as I have mentioned before. You don't feel so alone in the situation.
There will be some setbacks over the course of this treatment I am told, and they assure me that this is normal. They also assure me that these hurdles get jumped and that Mark will improve after each. I think they have seen so much that they know what they're saying and I just have to BELIEVE!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Well today was not as good as some of the previous days. Unfortunately, Mark was so agitated last night that he never fell asleep until five this morning. He did rest well then, but he now has a fever again and they are running cultures to find out why. Probably due to a urinary tract infection, but they did have to reinsert a catheter again. He has a good appetite and eats and drinks well. They are giving him between meal snacks and that helps too. He has a full time attendant which is nice. They have been wonderful with him and know just how to handle the problems. I help by feeding him and talking to him, etc. Today I was busy with paperwork and details, so it was good that he has company all the time.
He had his physical therapy appointment cancelled today, because he has been complaining of pain. They decided to re-xray his pelvis to determine what, if anything, has changed. Hopefully, it will be resolved soon. The doctor told me today that they expect that he will be here at least two months (March 11) before he could walk with aid, and it may take a little longer. Then they will determine the next course of action.
My accommodations are very nice and the people are very helpful. They only have two paid staff who are here during the day, and the other times, it's just family members like me living here in the Fisher House. I have met other moms and wives and with everyone in the same position, it's good to have people to relate to. One woman is here with her husband, but she has a son who had a severe brain injury due to a car accident several years ago, so this is her second time doing this. I can't even imagine going through this again.
However, I am told that all the things Mark is experiencing is normal and to be expected with the injuries he has and the move. The doctor told me not to be discouraged, because all through the treatment there are the occasional setbacks and they always overcome them. So we will just have to keep the miracles coming. Remember the catchword is BELIEVE!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Mark is now at the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center. He arrived here last night. When I got here this afternoon, he seemed glad to see me. I was told by the social worker that he kept asking when I was getting here. He has an attendant with him at all times. He has been agitated and has been grabbing and picking at things and has started putting things in his mouth. The attendant yesterday and today was a lovely lady who started speaking to him in Spanish and Italian. It was funny to see. I feel comfortable with someone with him. He was extremely agitated late this afternoon and evening. There have been changes in his diet, routine and medication over the last couple of days and I think these are factors. I will be meeting with the medical team tomorrow morning and am anxious to see what they say. I will update everyone tomorrow if the internet connection cooperates!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
We had another good day today, although Mark really complained about pain in his hips, knees and legs from the physical therapy the last two days. Today's was lighter with just sitting up exercises and stretching. Then it was "classroom" time, by being wheeled around the hospital floor (which is quite large) and reading all the signs with the therapist. He did remarkably well with words like pediatrics, psychiatry, prostate center, comprehensive breast center to name a few.
Mark had a few visitors today as well. Ann's cousin Tony and his wife, Mary came to see how he was doing. When they introduced themselves, he said he was glad to finally meet them. And he knew that Tony was his "Nonni's" son, as he calls our aunt. We were really surprised that he made the connection so easily. He also had a visit from one of the other sergeants in his unit in Italy. Those of you who read our emails from Aviano may remember Jenny who was our driver and helper in those first weeks. She was home on leave in Virginia and heads back to the unit tomorrow. He was glad to see her and asked about her husband, Tony, another sergeant in the unit who is currently deployed in Iraq.
He did have a period of hyperactivity when watching the Redskins-Seahawks game. He repeats everything the announcers say and it's almost too much stimulation for him when he is tired, so we turned it off. As much as he would like to watch the big game Monday night (OSU vs. LSU), it would be to the benefit of the nurses if they don't turn it on. We'll just let him know the outcome, but only if OSU wins!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Mark continued to make progress again today. He had physical therapy where they had him sitting up without the wheelchair and just the support of the therapist. He did exercises to improve holding up his head and back. They then put him on the tilt table and had him hold the parallel bars at a 70 degree tilt. He did well for 9-1/2 minutes, backed off to 30 degrees for a rest, and then back up to 70 degrees for an extra few minutes. He was absolutely exhausted and in quite a bit of pain after, but he did it. When we asked him if it was good to have done it despite the pain, he said yes, but wasn't too convincing. Needless to say, he had medication and slept a good part of the rest of the day.
Unfortunately, one of those naps was during a visit from Gen. Colin Powell. He stopped by to visit the patients, and looked in and saw Mark was asleep. He shook my hand instead and asked about him. Quite the distinguished gentleman. He was very nice to the nurses and a group of Army practical nursing students who were on the floor today. When Mark woke from his nap and I told him who he had missed, he was actually disappointed.
We will just have to see what tomorrow brings!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Today marks eight weeks since Mark's accident. At that time, his life was in jeopardy and the prognosis, if he lived, was grim. We are happy to report that today he reached a big milestone.
The physical therapists, with the consent of the doctors, put Mark on a tilt table and had him "stand" at a 45 degree angle. This is the first step in introducing his legs to weight again. He did beautifully. He was a little anxious at first, but then managed to stay in this position for almost 15 minutes which was a major accomplishment. He was even able to stay up in his wheelchair for an additional 45 minutes before asking to go back to his room -- quickly! He did take advantage of the opportunity for a long nap and then lunch. Everyone on the medical team was very pleased.
He was also officially accepted to the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center and will be transported next week. There the therapy will be extremely intensive and we are sure he will step up to the challenges. When we said we were jumping into the new year with both feet, we didn't expect this, but we are extremely pleased.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
We had another good day today, and are very thankful for each one. Mark's speech continues to improve, although it is still void of emotion. When you ask him to laugh, he says ha ha, but that's a start. The agitation has been much less as well. He only required one dose of medication all day.
His physical therapy session went very well and tomorrow he will start on some new things after a consultation with the doctors and therapists. The doctors are amazed at how far he has come in such a short time. We pray that this continues and he works hard at all the various therapies.
One of the team doctors had been on leave for the holidays and was just speechless when he saw him today. His reaction was understandable when he read the original report that had been written at the time of the accident, which stated that if Mark lived, he would probably not awake from the coma and would remain in a vegetative state. I was with the doctors when he reported this, and the head of the team heard this, looked at me, and we both laughed. It's amazing that I can do that now, since we had been told this the day after we arrived in Aviano. We are convinced that all those prayers have produced a miracle.
Mark also had a great conversation with his former 4ID commander, CPT. Clyde. He, too, had not seen Mark since just before Christmas, and was delighted with the change. He walked in the room, said "Hey SGT. Lalli, how are you?" Mark looked up and said, "I'm fine CPT. Clyde, sir." and shook his hand. They went on to have a discussion about someone else they knew from Fort Hood. These are the kind of little things that make your heart soar.
Again, tomorrow we hope for another little step toward our final goal.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
It is almost inconceivable to believe that today starts a new year and that in a week it will be two months since Mark's accident. The last eight weeks is like a dream that I think I will wake up from, but there it is the next day. I look around the hospital at other parents and their soldier children and realize that we are not the only ones walking around in this dream state. Families we met in the ICU unit, have now moved to other wards as we have, and their sons are making big steps in their recoveries as well. Today, a new plane arrived from Germany with more wounded and another round begins as their families arrive. It seems to be an ongoing cycle, unfortunately.
Mark had a good day again today. We have noticed a trend in the agitation over the last couple of days, and think we might have hit on something. He is much better after he has eaten and today, when his lunch tray never showed up, we had a real problem. We started feeding him ice cream which they have on hand on the floor for the patients and he started to get quieter. Finally, when lunch was brought up, after many phone calls and threats from the head nurse, he was fine. Then when he woke from a nap and was agitated, we fed him dinner and he was fine. The sweating and agitation went away and he needed no medication. The nurses have also made note of this and the night nurse is going to try giving him food and supplements tonight to see if it continues to work. They, and we, are going to tell the doctors about our little experiment. They have the medication if they need it, but both this afternoon and tonight it wasn't necessary. They check his blood sugar all the time and it's been fine, but keeping him level with enough food might be a big plus. Besides, he can certainly use the extra calories.
As the Lalli's jump into the new year with both feet, we wish all of you a happy, healthy 2008.