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!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
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2 comments:
What a tribute this blog will be to Mark one day soon. He will so appreciate all your thoughts and writings during this time in his life.
Dear Mark, Ann, Rich and Pete,
Well, here we are, voices from the past. So glad to hear it was an almost 10 day for you, Mark. We remember the little boy in braces and glasses who has now grown into a handsome hunk of man.
Thank you for fighting for us and submitting yourself to the war. Now no longer the boy, but a courageous, handsome man we hope will continue to pursue your efforts in making yourself well. It sounds like great great strides have been made and we will continue to pray daily for your progress.
We are thankful for your family and pray for them also. They will be your stronghold as will all of us who and the others who wish and pray for your total recovery.
Be well, Sweetheart, and know that time and distance will not separate us from being in your corner every day. Keep plugging.
I may need to hear those bagpipes again you know.
Love and blessings.
Jim and Margo Ziolo
Your old St. Matthews friends.
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