Day 134,135 & 136
The days go by and June is almost over already. Glenn surprised me by standing up with only a bit of a pull from the nurse. He also stood at the bathroom bar by himself for a good while the other day. Just when I said nothing startling had happened, I'm startled. He has gotten strength back in his left leg, but says that his right leg is quite a way behind. That may be, but I was so surprised at how he lifted himself out of that chair! We are trying to transfer him into the car, I didn't actually do it on Wednesday, but the OT seems to think that it is not impossible, so we are going to practice again tomorrow. The therapist sat Glenn in the car, then asked if we wanted to go for a drive! Glenn said yes, so we headed for the country. We went as far as White City, Glenn wanted to drive through the Markusson lot, so we looked at the combines, sprayers, haybines, and other stuff sitting out and about. He checked out the crops along the way, commented on the constructions going on, and generally caught up with what is going on outside his room. It was a nice break, and yes, he was telling me where to go, but I didn't listen all the time!
Bill and Ida Mae came up to the room yesterday (the 27th) and we discussed our plans for our anniversaries. Glenn had some input, so I think we got most of it sorted out. Now the kids need to take over a bit, and we'll have a celebration. Thirty years ago, and really that is hard to believe. People who are married that long are old, and really that can't be us!
It's been a busy week, graduations and pre-wedding plans have involved us to a certain extent. We have had extra company as a result, and it is nice to welcome people who have been following our progress from far away. The internet is a wonderful and somewhat scary thing in our lives, and I never dreamed that so many people would be following what we are doing, but it is a real time saver, and a good way to keep people updated on Glenn and me. I still talk a lot about Glenn's progress, but it would be far more consuming if I didn't post occasionally for interested friends and family to read. Thanks again for all your prayers and best wishes, it makes this so much easier to face.
'Til next time,
Louise
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
June 20,21,22,23,24, & 25
Day 128,129,130,131,132,&133
I'm actually not sure how many weeks we're at, so I don't know if that is a good thing or not. I'm busy and trying to keep a lid on things around home and seem to spend a lot of time on the road. So be it. Right now that is what I have to do, and I'm not really complaining, but I do think it would be good to spend a normal day at home soon.
The work at the store keeps my brain sort of in shape, and I like what I'm doing. Glenn misses the company, and last night he was really sad. I asked him if I could help and he said no, but it is hard to leave when he is despairing. I'm lucky that he doesn't do it often ( Lord knows he could), but it is really heart wrenching when he does. The helplessness comes back full force, and I must support and be there as best I can. He's doing so well, but still has deep fear of where this will all end up. He was tired, he is standing more, and getting heavier workouts, so I image that was part of it. I'm going to start helping with his transfers, so that means we'll get passes to come home, and the sooner the better. He must be safe though, so that is our priority.
Sunday seems to be our day for lots of company. Our nurse on Sunday was really entertaining us, and was happy to visit with our company. The staff is very good to Glenn, and I have no complaints about any of his care givers. Jackie's favourite spot is in the bed, whether Glenn is in it or not, so we had a picture taken of the three of us. Glenn and Jackie were in the bed and I was sitting beside them, so I imagine we look pleased. Saturday Glenn didn't have any company until Colin and I got there after 6:00 P.M. so he said it was a long day. I told him he was going to have to start going around the floor to the sun room to break up the day, and the next day that's where I found him. He can't leave the floor himself yet, but I think he will be able to go soon.
On Monday I went in to have an orientation with the accessible van that is available through volunteer services at the hospital. It is fairly straight forward, but they need to put people through a few paces before they let you go out with it. Again, safety is the issue, so we learned how to strap down the chair inside the van. I don't know if I'll use it, it will depend on how the transfer practice goes this week. That is, I'm going to train with the therapists to move Glenn into and out of my car. If that goes well, we will then be able to get passes more easily, and not have to book the van.
There's not much more progress to report, he is steadily getting stronger, and the speech is getting better too. Nothing startling has happened recently, so it is slow and steady right now. We have applied for a pass for the week end, so I'll probably find out today if we can have it. I'm still filling out forms and waiting for doctors reports, but I'm getting through it.
'Til next time,
Louise
I'm actually not sure how many weeks we're at, so I don't know if that is a good thing or not. I'm busy and trying to keep a lid on things around home and seem to spend a lot of time on the road. So be it. Right now that is what I have to do, and I'm not really complaining, but I do think it would be good to spend a normal day at home soon.
The work at the store keeps my brain sort of in shape, and I like what I'm doing. Glenn misses the company, and last night he was really sad. I asked him if I could help and he said no, but it is hard to leave when he is despairing. I'm lucky that he doesn't do it often ( Lord knows he could), but it is really heart wrenching when he does. The helplessness comes back full force, and I must support and be there as best I can. He's doing so well, but still has deep fear of where this will all end up. He was tired, he is standing more, and getting heavier workouts, so I image that was part of it. I'm going to start helping with his transfers, so that means we'll get passes to come home, and the sooner the better. He must be safe though, so that is our priority.
Sunday seems to be our day for lots of company. Our nurse on Sunday was really entertaining us, and was happy to visit with our company. The staff is very good to Glenn, and I have no complaints about any of his care givers. Jackie's favourite spot is in the bed, whether Glenn is in it or not, so we had a picture taken of the three of us. Glenn and Jackie were in the bed and I was sitting beside them, so I imagine we look pleased. Saturday Glenn didn't have any company until Colin and I got there after 6:00 P.M. so he said it was a long day. I told him he was going to have to start going around the floor to the sun room to break up the day, and the next day that's where I found him. He can't leave the floor himself yet, but I think he will be able to go soon.
On Monday I went in to have an orientation with the accessible van that is available through volunteer services at the hospital. It is fairly straight forward, but they need to put people through a few paces before they let you go out with it. Again, safety is the issue, so we learned how to strap down the chair inside the van. I don't know if I'll use it, it will depend on how the transfer practice goes this week. That is, I'm going to train with the therapists to move Glenn into and out of my car. If that goes well, we will then be able to get passes more easily, and not have to book the van.
There's not much more progress to report, he is steadily getting stronger, and the speech is getting better too. Nothing startling has happened recently, so it is slow and steady right now. We have applied for a pass for the week end, so I'll probably find out today if we can have it. I'm still filling out forms and waiting for doctors reports, but I'm getting through it.
'Til next time,
Louise
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
June 17,18 &19, 2007
Day 125,126 & 127
Glenn had a room full of company when I got there on Sunday. The kids showed up in force, along with a little pet dog, and everyone was relaxed and enjoying being together with Dad. Jackie usually climbs on the bed with Glenn, and they are both content to be close. Jackie was a little tired and a lot hungry, so we went down to the cafeteria for some munchies. My Mom and Dad and Wendy found us there, so we visited some more. All in all it was a good day.
Monday it rained, so I went in early to watch Glenn in therapy. We actually talked more, because the OT needed to fill out the requisition for the power chair they want Glenn to have. She cautioned us again that it could take quite a while for it to come through, but we seem to have that time right now.
I worked a the Avonhurst Co-op Tuesday morning (I'm learning the new POS system and how to post transactions to it to help with the book keeping), but was able to go to the conference with Glenn in the afternoon. The doctor said he was very impressed with Glenn's progress, and told both Glenn and me that we are doing a good job. That was very encouraging to hear. Glenn is now scheduled to have botox injected into his right ankle to loosen up the joint, as he has trouble getting his leg to swing through. It doesn't bend enough at this point, so his physio thought that since it was so effective in his arm that it would help his leg. The doctor agreed, and he is on the list for the July clinic. Glenn talked for himself through most of the clinic, and was for the most part very clear and understandable. He is making great effort now to have his voice and opinions heard, and I say Hallelujah. He is still not going to start eating for a bit, but it will be soon.
I'm purchasing the deck material this week (I hope) so that should make for a building weekend soon. I'll keep you posted.
'Til next time,
Louise
Glenn had a room full of company when I got there on Sunday. The kids showed up in force, along with a little pet dog, and everyone was relaxed and enjoying being together with Dad. Jackie usually climbs on the bed with Glenn, and they are both content to be close. Jackie was a little tired and a lot hungry, so we went down to the cafeteria for some munchies. My Mom and Dad and Wendy found us there, so we visited some more. All in all it was a good day.
Monday it rained, so I went in early to watch Glenn in therapy. We actually talked more, because the OT needed to fill out the requisition for the power chair they want Glenn to have. She cautioned us again that it could take quite a while for it to come through, but we seem to have that time right now.
I worked a the Avonhurst Co-op Tuesday morning (I'm learning the new POS system and how to post transactions to it to help with the book keeping), but was able to go to the conference with Glenn in the afternoon. The doctor said he was very impressed with Glenn's progress, and told both Glenn and me that we are doing a good job. That was very encouraging to hear. Glenn is now scheduled to have botox injected into his right ankle to loosen up the joint, as he has trouble getting his leg to swing through. It doesn't bend enough at this point, so his physio thought that since it was so effective in his arm that it would help his leg. The doctor agreed, and he is on the list for the July clinic. Glenn talked for himself through most of the clinic, and was for the most part very clear and understandable. He is making great effort now to have his voice and opinions heard, and I say Hallelujah. He is still not going to start eating for a bit, but it will be soon.
I'm purchasing the deck material this week (I hope) so that should make for a building weekend soon. I'll keep you posted.
'Til next time,
Louise
Sunday, June 17, 2007
June 13,14,15 &16
Day 121,122,123 & 124
I've been working at the store a few full days, and was unable to see Glenn as much, which is good and bad. He misses the company, and I miss being there, but I have something else to occupy myself with, which should help my general state of mind. I don't know, I was OK, but this really can't hurt, we didn't spend all of our time together before so this is getting back to normal. I still have a guilt feeling, or perhaps anxiety is better, but that may be normal for the next year or so anyway.
Glenn does continue to gain control of himself. In OT on Thursday, I saw him standing for the first time in a long while,. They were holding him, and he had his hands on the table in front of him, but the therapist could look up at him and commented that he was taller and her, so that was a bit emotional for me. His right leg is weak, and they needed to brace his knee to keep it from buckling, but he stood there a couple of minutes, and really didn't seem to have any balancing issues. His right had moves more all the time, and he can noticeably shrug his right shoulder now, so the lines have been established, they just need to be reinforced.
I went to see him after work on Friday, and I was starving, so we went to the cafeteria. I forgot to take his letter board, so he had to talk to get me to understand him. We did better than usual, but were stuck on a few things. It now occurs to me that we should do that more often, because he needs the practice. Colin found us on the terrace outside the cafeteria, and we were talking about music. Glenn thought the boys should do a ballad for Grandma and Grandpa, but we understood MELON not ballad. We played 20 questions, but I had to get the letter board, I couldn't get melon out of my head. Colin leaves today for Boissevain, Montana on a company road trip to the Gibson guitar factory there. His comment was that he hoped they would give him a guitar, but I told him not to pin any hopes on that. He flies from Regina to Calgary, Calgary to Denver, and then Denver to Boissevain, so he will take most of the day getting there. He had offered to drive, but he asked the wrong person, so he had to use the tickets they got for him. He is going with someone he knows, so at least he'll have company.
I told Glenn that I wouldn't be in on Saturday, so he was a bit sad on Saturday. Jackie went to see him and helped him shave and brush his teeth. I didn't talk to the other kids, except Dale and Desi, so I don't know if he had more company or not. One of his nurses was entertaining him though, so I'll have to find out what happened from him today. There was the annual Avonhurst Father's Day supper last night, so I didn't have time to go into the city. We had a nice time. Jackie, Dale and Desi came too, and Colin decided to stay home and get ready for his trip today. The community is very friendly and supportive, and it was good to see everyone. No one made the macaroni salad, so I haven't been let off the hook yet!
That's about all for now, I wish a Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there, please say a prayer of thanks that Glenn can still enjoy these days too!
'Til next time,
Louise
I've been working at the store a few full days, and was unable to see Glenn as much, which is good and bad. He misses the company, and I miss being there, but I have something else to occupy myself with, which should help my general state of mind. I don't know, I was OK, but this really can't hurt, we didn't spend all of our time together before so this is getting back to normal. I still have a guilt feeling, or perhaps anxiety is better, but that may be normal for the next year or so anyway.
Glenn does continue to gain control of himself. In OT on Thursday, I saw him standing for the first time in a long while,. They were holding him, and he had his hands on the table in front of him, but the therapist could look up at him and commented that he was taller and her, so that was a bit emotional for me. His right leg is weak, and they needed to brace his knee to keep it from buckling, but he stood there a couple of minutes, and really didn't seem to have any balancing issues. His right had moves more all the time, and he can noticeably shrug his right shoulder now, so the lines have been established, they just need to be reinforced.
I went to see him after work on Friday, and I was starving, so we went to the cafeteria. I forgot to take his letter board, so he had to talk to get me to understand him. We did better than usual, but were stuck on a few things. It now occurs to me that we should do that more often, because he needs the practice. Colin found us on the terrace outside the cafeteria, and we were talking about music. Glenn thought the boys should do a ballad for Grandma and Grandpa, but we understood MELON not ballad. We played 20 questions, but I had to get the letter board, I couldn't get melon out of my head. Colin leaves today for Boissevain, Montana on a company road trip to the Gibson guitar factory there. His comment was that he hoped they would give him a guitar, but I told him not to pin any hopes on that. He flies from Regina to Calgary, Calgary to Denver, and then Denver to Boissevain, so he will take most of the day getting there. He had offered to drive, but he asked the wrong person, so he had to use the tickets they got for him. He is going with someone he knows, so at least he'll have company.
I told Glenn that I wouldn't be in on Saturday, so he was a bit sad on Saturday. Jackie went to see him and helped him shave and brush his teeth. I didn't talk to the other kids, except Dale and Desi, so I don't know if he had more company or not. One of his nurses was entertaining him though, so I'll have to find out what happened from him today. There was the annual Avonhurst Father's Day supper last night, so I didn't have time to go into the city. We had a nice time. Jackie, Dale and Desi came too, and Colin decided to stay home and get ready for his trip today. The community is very friendly and supportive, and it was good to see everyone. No one made the macaroni salad, so I haven't been let off the hook yet!
That's about all for now, I wish a Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there, please say a prayer of thanks that Glenn can still enjoy these days too!
'Til next time,
Louise
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
June 9,10,11,&12
Day 117,118,119,&120
Tomorrow is the four month mark on this journey of ours. That's 17 weeks today, and I can hardly believe that it has not been longer, yet it has gone by quickly in some strange way. Time warp, or being taken out of normal routine, stress, busyness, whatever it is, it is June, and summer is upon us. When Glenn went in, it was -38 that morning, and was the coldest week of the winter. Things are so green now, I hope he can get out to see it soon.
The really big development over the weekend was some movement in his right hand. He looked amazed and disbelieving but sure enough his pinkey was moving. By Sunday morning he could move his thumb, and tonight he had all but the ring finger showing some life. What a relief! It will come more quickly now that a pathway has been forged, so he will use it more all the time. He will have a swallowing assessment tomorrow, and perhaps he will soon be eating. That is the biggest obstacle remaining, so here's hoping. He does swallow better, but whether he can actually start to take anything by mouth will be decided tomorrow for the next 2 weeks.
Glenn has been given a conditional license to drive his power chair, and he does quite well. He can motor around with a bit of guidance, and likes the independence it gives him. It is a bit big for him, so I hope he gets a smaller one of his own soon.
I've been training at the store, and took care of it myself today for the first time. I don't think I had any big problems, but I will find out soon enough. The lawn mower continues to give us headaches, but I'll try to keep it going. I might have to call in someone with a bit more mechanical knowhow if it doesn't respond to my band aids better than this!
People I meet are still passing on prayer wishes for us, and I do appreciate the concern for us. It is a real slug fest now, and I will admit I'm tired of the drive, and would like to stay home and work in my yard more. But when I get into Glenn's room and say hi, and we start to talk about what is going on , what needs to go on and the usual stuff we always talk about, then it's OK. This is what we have to do now, and next year will be different. He gives me strength to keep going, I'm there for support. I will start to do a bit more of his care in preparation of his visits home, so that is a good incentive.
'Til next time,
Louise
Tomorrow is the four month mark on this journey of ours. That's 17 weeks today, and I can hardly believe that it has not been longer, yet it has gone by quickly in some strange way. Time warp, or being taken out of normal routine, stress, busyness, whatever it is, it is June, and summer is upon us. When Glenn went in, it was -38 that morning, and was the coldest week of the winter. Things are so green now, I hope he can get out to see it soon.
The really big development over the weekend was some movement in his right hand. He looked amazed and disbelieving but sure enough his pinkey was moving. By Sunday morning he could move his thumb, and tonight he had all but the ring finger showing some life. What a relief! It will come more quickly now that a pathway has been forged, so he will use it more all the time. He will have a swallowing assessment tomorrow, and perhaps he will soon be eating. That is the biggest obstacle remaining, so here's hoping. He does swallow better, but whether he can actually start to take anything by mouth will be decided tomorrow for the next 2 weeks.
Glenn has been given a conditional license to drive his power chair, and he does quite well. He can motor around with a bit of guidance, and likes the independence it gives him. It is a bit big for him, so I hope he gets a smaller one of his own soon.
I've been training at the store, and took care of it myself today for the first time. I don't think I had any big problems, but I will find out soon enough. The lawn mower continues to give us headaches, but I'll try to keep it going. I might have to call in someone with a bit more mechanical knowhow if it doesn't respond to my band aids better than this!
People I meet are still passing on prayer wishes for us, and I do appreciate the concern for us. It is a real slug fest now, and I will admit I'm tired of the drive, and would like to stay home and work in my yard more. But when I get into Glenn's room and say hi, and we start to talk about what is going on , what needs to go on and the usual stuff we always talk about, then it's OK. This is what we have to do now, and next year will be different. He gives me strength to keep going, I'm there for support. I will start to do a bit more of his care in preparation of his visits home, so that is a good incentive.
'Til next time,
Louise
Friday, June 8, 2007
June 5,6,7,&8
Day 113,114,115,&116
The bane of our civilized society is paperwork. You can hardly go to the bathroom without turning in a 4 page report on what goes on , what could be improved, how much does it cost, what your coverage will be, etc. etc. I'm just getting started too. I started on the farm books at last, so I reconciled January, and now I'm on a roll. Glenn had year end set up so that was pretty easy, and I just had to brush off the rust or what ever is clogging up my recall and get at it. I should be caught up soon, provided I don't have a major melt down again.
The weather has been nice enough for Glenn to go touring outside. It sounds as if they will let him go into the power chair on Monday, and are applying for a chair for him. (Again this involves a long application form, which thankfully I'm not required to fill out!) The chair he has been in is a "Loaner", and he will have to give it up if another person needs to use it. He should be in it for a while anyway.
He is doing very well otherwise, his heart has been behaving this week so far, so that is good. He is still on the tube feed, but his speaking and swallowing are improving all the time. He made the hard 'g' sound today, that is the first time he has managed it, so I was happy. These things just seem to happen when they are ready to happen. He told me one of his therapists from the General popped in to see him this week, and told him to come back to 5A when he can. He will be happy to do that, I'm sure, and thank-you to the staff there for being so very good to us while we were there. I know some of you are following the blog, and I'm happy to know that you are.
Jackie successfully rode the 30 person bike for Heart & Stroke. She raised $302.00 dollars, and the team she rode with almost $8000.00. (That was FCC, the company Glenn works for). Her comment was that she didn't expect it to be as hard as it was. Thank-you to everyone who supported her, it was a good thing to be involved with. I took pictures, but forgot my digital, so bought a disposable camera, and will get them developed and saved on disc, so perhaps I'll be able to post some.
I put in a couple more training hours at the store, and my boss says I'm going to have to go solo soon! Oh boy! I really don't want to crash the system then! But I have to do it sooner or later I guess, otherwise what good am I? It has been a good thing for me to do, and Glenn is content to have me do it. The sense of crisis is not so strong, and life needs to be lived, no matter what doors are opened and closed to you.
Just a note about the party in July, if you could please RSVP to me about the tea, that would be great, we have a few question marks.
'Til next time,
Louise
The bane of our civilized society is paperwork. You can hardly go to the bathroom without turning in a 4 page report on what goes on , what could be improved, how much does it cost, what your coverage will be, etc. etc. I'm just getting started too. I started on the farm books at last, so I reconciled January, and now I'm on a roll. Glenn had year end set up so that was pretty easy, and I just had to brush off the rust or what ever is clogging up my recall and get at it. I should be caught up soon, provided I don't have a major melt down again.
The weather has been nice enough for Glenn to go touring outside. It sounds as if they will let him go into the power chair on Monday, and are applying for a chair for him. (Again this involves a long application form, which thankfully I'm not required to fill out!) The chair he has been in is a "Loaner", and he will have to give it up if another person needs to use it. He should be in it for a while anyway.
He is doing very well otherwise, his heart has been behaving this week so far, so that is good. He is still on the tube feed, but his speaking and swallowing are improving all the time. He made the hard 'g' sound today, that is the first time he has managed it, so I was happy. These things just seem to happen when they are ready to happen. He told me one of his therapists from the General popped in to see him this week, and told him to come back to 5A when he can. He will be happy to do that, I'm sure, and thank-you to the staff there for being so very good to us while we were there. I know some of you are following the blog, and I'm happy to know that you are.
Jackie successfully rode the 30 person bike for Heart & Stroke. She raised $302.00 dollars, and the team she rode with almost $8000.00. (That was FCC, the company Glenn works for). Her comment was that she didn't expect it to be as hard as it was. Thank-you to everyone who supported her, it was a good thing to be involved with. I took pictures, but forgot my digital, so bought a disposable camera, and will get them developed and saved on disc, so perhaps I'll be able to post some.
I put in a couple more training hours at the store, and my boss says I'm going to have to go solo soon! Oh boy! I really don't want to crash the system then! But I have to do it sooner or later I guess, otherwise what good am I? It has been a good thing for me to do, and Glenn is content to have me do it. The sense of crisis is not so strong, and life needs to be lived, no matter what doors are opened and closed to you.
Just a note about the party in July, if you could please RSVP to me about the tea, that would be great, we have a few question marks.
'Til next time,
Louise
Monday, June 4, 2007
June 1,2,3 &4
Day 109,110,111,112
I've been busier than usual, or back to usual, depends on how you want to look at it. I've put more time in at the store because it is month end and all that entails. I still haven't crashed the system, although I have made it think! That was scary, and I was sure I was going to get a "fatal error", but it didn't happen so I guess I'll get to stay for a bit longer.
Month end also saw some of the kids pack and move, which somehow always involves me. They did most of it, and I helped stock the cupboards a bit. I hope they stay put for a while.
Glenn's heart started racing a bit on Friday, and on Saturday they decided it needed monitoring, so they packed him off to the ER again. He was not happy about that, and although it was remedied fairly easily, it must have brought back some memories for him. Once we got back to Wascana, he relaxed and we did the normal evening routine. I hope that doesn't happen again, but no one seems to know why it happened, so it is possible that will be something that will happen from time to time.
Colin has been doing a quick demo recording for another band, so I haven't seen him for a few days either. Chris is working regular hours, so we usually see him on the weekend. He got the call from the hospital on Saturday, so he was covering it until I got there. The kids really step up to the plate when they have to and I really can't thank them enough, and I probably don't. I'll have to fix that.
My front step and the lilac that needed moving, are moved, so it's on to designing and buying materials for the deck. Turns out my snow angel can move trees too! Glenn has definite ideas about the deck, so we have to figure out what is required from him. It can be a little tricky, but we'll get there.
I'm on iron, and my thermostat has hit new highs! I don't know if this will last long, but I'm sure warm these days. I know, I know, I'm 50 now what did I expect? I really enjoy air conditioning!
'Til next time,
Louise
I've been busier than usual, or back to usual, depends on how you want to look at it. I've put more time in at the store because it is month end and all that entails. I still haven't crashed the system, although I have made it think! That was scary, and I was sure I was going to get a "fatal error", but it didn't happen so I guess I'll get to stay for a bit longer.
Month end also saw some of the kids pack and move, which somehow always involves me. They did most of it, and I helped stock the cupboards a bit. I hope they stay put for a while.
Glenn's heart started racing a bit on Friday, and on Saturday they decided it needed monitoring, so they packed him off to the ER again. He was not happy about that, and although it was remedied fairly easily, it must have brought back some memories for him. Once we got back to Wascana, he relaxed and we did the normal evening routine. I hope that doesn't happen again, but no one seems to know why it happened, so it is possible that will be something that will happen from time to time.
Colin has been doing a quick demo recording for another band, so I haven't seen him for a few days either. Chris is working regular hours, so we usually see him on the weekend. He got the call from the hospital on Saturday, so he was covering it until I got there. The kids really step up to the plate when they have to and I really can't thank them enough, and I probably don't. I'll have to fix that.
My front step and the lilac that needed moving, are moved, so it's on to designing and buying materials for the deck. Turns out my snow angel can move trees too! Glenn has definite ideas about the deck, so we have to figure out what is required from him. It can be a little tricky, but we'll get there.
I'm on iron, and my thermostat has hit new highs! I don't know if this will last long, but I'm sure warm these days. I know, I know, I'm 50 now what did I expect? I really enjoy air conditioning!
'Til next time,
Louise
Friday, June 1, 2007
May 30 & 31
Day 107 & 108
Jackie is taking pledges, she has an envelope, either give us a call or I can get her to email you. We would like to thank-you in advance, this is a new commitment for us now.
Glenn practised in the power chair yesterday, and really liked it. They will get him to practise all of next week before they will let him use one as his regular chair. It will give him much more mobility at this time. I would stress that he will still be in therapy to walk on his own, so this would actually prevent his legs from stiffening further. He also has a mouth appliance to exercise his tongue, and he was not quite ready to give up his tube feed. They do not want him to try to eat too soon and choke or inhale his food, and get his lungs stressed out, so he is content to do it this way for awhile longer yet. I think that really blows some minds that he isn't more anxious to eat, but food has never been that exciting to him, so I understand better than most would.
The really exciting news is that in OT on Wednesday, his helper told me that he had raised his right hand into an upright position from the wrist! That is so awesome, at last! He seemed a little disbelieving himself, but I'm telling you it was great news to me. That is the first sign of movement there in a long while. The botox is doing what it is supposed to do, and nature and the body are doing the rest. Medical science is mind boggling to the novice for sure.
On the Louise front, I'm apparently anemic, so the doctor has started me on iron supplement for a month to see if there is improvement. That was not at all what I expected to hear, so who knows? Everything else is OK, so perhaps the stress has manifested itself this way. I'll have to fry up some liver!
Well that's about all that's new, I started working part time at Avonhurst so that should be good for my mind too. So far I haven't crashed the system or anything, so I'll keep going.
'Til next time,
Louise
Jackie is taking pledges, she has an envelope, either give us a call or I can get her to email you. We would like to thank-you in advance, this is a new commitment for us now.
Glenn practised in the power chair yesterday, and really liked it. They will get him to practise all of next week before they will let him use one as his regular chair. It will give him much more mobility at this time. I would stress that he will still be in therapy to walk on his own, so this would actually prevent his legs from stiffening further. He also has a mouth appliance to exercise his tongue, and he was not quite ready to give up his tube feed. They do not want him to try to eat too soon and choke or inhale his food, and get his lungs stressed out, so he is content to do it this way for awhile longer yet. I think that really blows some minds that he isn't more anxious to eat, but food has never been that exciting to him, so I understand better than most would.
The really exciting news is that in OT on Wednesday, his helper told me that he had raised his right hand into an upright position from the wrist! That is so awesome, at last! He seemed a little disbelieving himself, but I'm telling you it was great news to me. That is the first sign of movement there in a long while. The botox is doing what it is supposed to do, and nature and the body are doing the rest. Medical science is mind boggling to the novice for sure.
On the Louise front, I'm apparently anemic, so the doctor has started me on iron supplement for a month to see if there is improvement. That was not at all what I expected to hear, so who knows? Everything else is OK, so perhaps the stress has manifested itself this way. I'll have to fry up some liver!
Well that's about all that's new, I started working part time at Avonhurst so that should be good for my mind too. So far I haven't crashed the system or anything, so I'll keep going.
'Til next time,
Louise
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