Sorry that it's been a couple of days since the last update, but as things get better, there is less new news to write about. Mark had another good day, although he was a bit grouchy during his morning PT. They had him on a tilt table and he was not given pain medication prior to the session so he was a bit irritated. Nonetheless, he did very well. He was able to be distracted by the OT with her exercises and tasks, but he did have ankle pain as well as his right knee. They feel the ankle hurts because they really haven't been used much until recently. Everything needs to get used to working again.
One of the brighter sides to his morning session was that he got to see one of the other patients from the floor on a bicycle. It was a recumbent bicycle and they were teaching him how to use it for an outing. This Air Force staff sergeant has been here about a year in the spinal cord injury program and we got to know him through some of our outings. Now he is on Mark's floor because he has been put into the Transitional Program, which teaches them to be totally independent. After we were impressed by his riding ability, he showed us how he is walking. It was so good to see him with just a walker. He then told Mark that it had taken a year, and he had absolutely hated the tilt table like Mark was on, but in the end it was all worth it. I was very happy that Mark saw all of this and heard this young airman's opinion about the therapy.
Mark, too, has been accepted to proceed into the Transitional Program with a target date of August 1. We are hoping that he will be independent enough by then to be a part of the program, but the date is still flexible. He was delighted that he can be a part of this because he has seen others "graduate" and move on. The progress they make in this program is amazing and he is looking forward to cooking his own meals again as soon as their new apartments are ready here on the site. They are expected to be finished and open by September 1st.
Tomorrow he is looking forward to playing golf. They are having a joint outing with the transitional patients in the morning. They go to a golf course near here and use specially outfitted carts that allow wheelchair patients to drive and play from the cart. I will fill everyone in on the details tomorrow. Til then, ciao!!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
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5 comments:
We know you are working very hard Mark and the Transitional Program will be your next big reward.
Bring on August and show them what you can do !!
Good luck with your game of golf.
We are thinking about you. xxx
Transitional program, great
Mark! Have you played golf before? I have been twice and it was a painful and humbling experience both times. I like driving the cart not the ball!
Keep working hard and those ankles will come back for you. You will continue to "wake up"
those muscles. Be patient kiddo!
Thinking of you on this beautiful
1st day of summer!
Way to go Mark!! The progress you have made is amazing, keep it up. Best of luck with the golf game! I faithfully keep up with the blogs, and you are always in my thoughts, as is your family. Hi to Ann
Mrs Schupp
Mark,
My name is Joe Gentile. You graduated with my son Joseph from Strongsville High.
Joseph joined the Army and was statioined in Hawaii. In 2006 he was sent to Iraq. A year ago yesterday he was seriously injured by a roadside bomb. 95% of the bones in his feet and ankles were broken. He almost lost his feet. Joseph is walking now, with a limp.
My family and I understand how difficult this time was for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Thank you for your service. Please remain positive and keep pushing forward.
-Joe Gentile-
Ann, you a truly incredible. My husband, Jeff, had triple bypass and valve replacement two weeks ago tomorrow and it's been a roller coaster ride ever since. He's making progress, just slower than we'd hope. I know you've done this caregiver role for eight months now and while I knew it was tough, the past two weeks have shown me just how hard it is. Take care of yourself and know that Mark and you are still in our prayers. It sounds like he's making remarkable strides! He is so blessed to have you and Jess. Diana McDonough, Ecolab
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