Tuesday and Thursday are Mark's favorite days and most dreaded days all rolled into one. He absolutely loves the pool therapy but hates the PT that follows. He has to go onto an Erigo table, which he lovingly refers to as the "rack". He gets strapped onto it and his feet are put into foot forms. His thighs are strapped in place and then a computer extends his legs and moves them in an actual walking motion. This mechanical walking actually mimics the exact movement of the legs when you walk. Then the table is tilted upward gradually and the extension of the legs is increased. As you can imagine, it is extremely painful. He hates it and everyone knows. It is very difficult to watch, but I must help by distracting him as much as possible. The pool therapy is very relaxing and the warm water helps stretch the muscles and joints. That is why the therapists work with him on the Erigo after the pool time.
He did so much better today at this than last Thursday so at least when they were done he had something to compare. Last week he took 291 steps in 15 minutes and today he was able to do 640 in 23 minutes, which as you can tell is quite an improvement. It is hard for him to gauge his improvement from day to day, but he is making lots. It's not easy of course, but he knows he has to do it and keeps a positive attitude until he is actually in the painful situation. I don't know that I could under the circumstances.
He is also progressing very nicely in speech, vision and occupational therapy which is wonderful. We are just about to the six month mark and the fact that he has come this far in that time is remarkable. Unfortunately, there is still a way to go so we have to keep his spirits up.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Friday was a beautiful warm day with crystal clear skies and low humidity. The perfect day to view the Airfest at MacDill AFB here in Tampa. We took the bus and two vans with the patients and enjoyed a preview performance at the airfield. The recreation department packed a picnic lunch and we had ringside seats for an absolutely spectacular view of paratroopers, jets, and vintage planes all performing above us. The fellows really enjoyed themselves and Mark was in his element. He knew every single plane and its history and was able to answer everyone's questions. (Again, all that stored up knowledge just coming to the surface.)
We had a fun Saturday as well. We had a wonderful visit from some friends from Cleveland and Atlanta who were here in town for a few days. It was especially good to see them all. Then the boys in the unit and the rec therapist put on a cookout with one of the fellas cooking chicken, steak and hot dogs. Needless to say, Mark had his share and more to eat.
In the evening, two other moms, one of the wives, and I were invited to a fund raiser for Operation Helping Hand which was put on by the Republican Club of Wellington. OHH is a huge benefactor for the Fisher House and the VA and especially recognizes active military personnel here. When we were invited we had no idea we would be the guests of honor. We were introduced, given flowers and presented with letters from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. Peake. Our hosts were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bowman, who live in Wellington. He is the Chief of Staff of Veterans Affairs. They are a lovely couple. We were also honored by Rep. Virginia Bowen-Waite, who is the congresswoman for the district and a fierce advocate for veterans rights and benefits. It was good for us to get out and enjoy an evening socializing, since so much of our time is spent at the hospital. They even had a karaoke "idol" contest and one of our own decided to sing. She was by far the youngest person in the room, and won first prize! We do think she was given extra consideration, however.
Today was warm and we enjoyed a quiet day just doing next to nothing. We are planning an outing for next weekend since we have been given the use of a wheelchair accessible mini-van and plan on spending Mothers Day with my family. It should be interesting to go off on our own for the first time. We'll keep you posted!