Day 103, 104, 105, & 106
I was pretty rattled after Glenn's home visit, I will admit that I couldn't really talk about it too much without shedding tears, but I had a visit with some supportive family and friends, went for a facial, and have decided to come to terms with the reality of the next few months. I also went back to start training at the store, so that will give me something else to focus on during the week.
Glenn, however, did very well after coming home. He was emotional when he first got here, but the kids really talked him around, and the rabbit for some reason, raced around under the chair, so we were distracted by that. We shouldn't have to do too much renovating to get Glenn around the house, but I do have to get the deck built and a lift installed. Glenn has voted for the lift, and I guess he will be able to operate it himself, a ramp will take a fair bit of power to get up, although they are going to try to get a power chair for him. This will be to provide him with better quality until he can walk. I don't know, we'll never be able to find him if he can motor around with that much ease. We'll see what happens on Thursday.
We were invited to have lunch with the Ag Expert crew, and enjoyed talking to and meeting the people Glenn has spent so much time with. They miss him of course, and I encouraged them to come for a visit, as Glenn is very happy to see them. They are very supportive of us, and Jackie has agreed to join the FCC team on a huge bicycle (I think I heard 10 people per bike, but someone also said 30) ride. They are raising money for the Heart and Stroke foundation, so Jackie will probably be looking for pledges. I'm not sure how that works, more in a few days.
Today was Conference day, and the Dr. was very pleased with the improvement Glenn has shown. We were last in conference on the 8th of May, so he really noticed a difference, and the charts also show improvement on many levels. He stressed that the leg stiffness will probably last the next year, but that there is steady improvement. He was interested in the computer ability Glenn has and was also going to keep updated on the use of the software. I asked him about the swelling in Glenn's right hand, and he said that it is normal, because circulation is aided by the movement of muscles, and since Glenn's hand isn't moving that much, it is swollen. He said the best hand splint is another hand, so we will hold and manipulate his hand a bit more(with instruction, of course)
All in all it has been a fairly busy and stressful weekend. It was a huge hurdle to jump, but although we wobbled a bit, I think for the most part we are OK. Glenn needed the assurance of getting home, and the prospect of being able to come more is going to take him a long way. I think I needed the reality check of his limitations right now, and although I didn't like it, I know that he will get better, and a lot of this is necessary for his safety. He wants and needs his independence back, so we will work toward that goal.
I have rambled on a bit tonight, but there was a lot going on, and it was time to get it out. Thanks for caring, and reading this journal of mine, I do try to keep it fairly informative, so bear with me if it gets a bit mushy once in a while!
'Til next time,
Louise
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
May 24 & 25
Day 101 & 102
The past few days have been full. On Thursday, I went to conference with the speech path team about computer programs to aid speech. Glenn was right in there, and impressed the ladies with his knowledge and ability to type. He was given some demo programs, and they asked him for feed back. He is to use them and critique them, they are excited that such a knowledgeable person will use these programs and be able to give them feedback. Our regular OT was also there and stressed to us that we be sure that the program actually be "fast enough" for Glenn, seeing how he knows so much and is now beginning to speak. They were very aware of that, and wanted feedback anyway, as this is a perfect opportunity for them to know what would be more helpful to people.
Yesterday was a hard, emotional and necessary day for Glenn and the rest of us. The therapists brought Glenn to the farm, and we brought him into the house. Needless to say, he was emotional, I couldn't talk to him for a little bit, and let the kids handle the process of lifting him up on to the deck and into the house. We toured the house, after sitting at the table for a while, and settled down. The therapists were measuring and observing what we will need to do to make the house accessible to Glenn at this time. Nothing that can't be done fairly easily, although we may have to move the computer out of the small bedroom. The bathroom door will have to be enlarged, and it would be better if we could do the bedroom door too, but we'll start with the front deck and access lift or ramp.
When it was time for them to go, Jackie's comment was that it was wrong for Dad to be leaving again. He did look sad, but knew he had to go. I think I can't say anything more about that.
We had a wiener roast for supper, as Jackie and I had cut back most of the jungle around the yard. It is good grass weather, and we'll be at it again in a few days, but it was OK to be doing that kind of job the rest of the afternoon. I'm going in to see Glenn this afternoon, so we'll see how he feels now that the visit is over, I'm sure he has ideas about what he heard.
'Til next time,
Louise
The past few days have been full. On Thursday, I went to conference with the speech path team about computer programs to aid speech. Glenn was right in there, and impressed the ladies with his knowledge and ability to type. He was given some demo programs, and they asked him for feed back. He is to use them and critique them, they are excited that such a knowledgeable person will use these programs and be able to give them feedback. Our regular OT was also there and stressed to us that we be sure that the program actually be "fast enough" for Glenn, seeing how he knows so much and is now beginning to speak. They were very aware of that, and wanted feedback anyway, as this is a perfect opportunity for them to know what would be more helpful to people.
Yesterday was a hard, emotional and necessary day for Glenn and the rest of us. The therapists brought Glenn to the farm, and we brought him into the house. Needless to say, he was emotional, I couldn't talk to him for a little bit, and let the kids handle the process of lifting him up on to the deck and into the house. We toured the house, after sitting at the table for a while, and settled down. The therapists were measuring and observing what we will need to do to make the house accessible to Glenn at this time. Nothing that can't be done fairly easily, although we may have to move the computer out of the small bedroom. The bathroom door will have to be enlarged, and it would be better if we could do the bedroom door too, but we'll start with the front deck and access lift or ramp.
When it was time for them to go, Jackie's comment was that it was wrong for Dad to be leaving again. He did look sad, but knew he had to go. I think I can't say anything more about that.
We had a wiener roast for supper, as Jackie and I had cut back most of the jungle around the yard. It is good grass weather, and we'll be at it again in a few days, but it was OK to be doing that kind of job the rest of the afternoon. I'm going in to see Glenn this afternoon, so we'll see how he feels now that the visit is over, I'm sure he has ideas about what he heard.
'Til next time,
Louise
Thursday, May 24, 2007
May 22 & 23
Day 99 & 100
Holy smoke, that one went by me. 100 days ago life changed for the Mitchell crew, and has affected a fair circle of people along the way. It has been difficult, scary, and not a little frustrating, but we are not sinking.
Glenn likes to talk in phrases, so word by word we figure out what he's saying. I still need the board, but when I know what he's trying to say, it is there, just a bit slurred. He responds verbally more readily too, so it is coming back to him.
We are going to have a home visit tomorrow. It will be very emotional for all of us, so we will try to keep it as low key as possible. This is an assessment of our house, to see how easily Glenn could maneuver etc. We also need the input as to access, so it will be very informative. I'll find out more today, but I think the scheduling has been done.
In OT on Wednesday, Glenn was working on rolling himself over, and was pretty close to getting there. That's the first time I've seen him do that on his own, so there is definitely improvement there. I've been asked by a few people if he can walk yet, and the short answer is no. In therapy with support from a few people, he takes steps, but his balance and strength is only good for sitting up on his own, and he needs help to do that. He is still pretty helpless in many ways, but when you think how far he has come, he's doing very well. I have to keep reminding myself that it all takes time. The earliest we can expect would be the 6 month mark, as the healing will take that long at least, and more likely will take the next few years. Yes years, but it will get better and is getting better. I think everyone wants to be reassured, and I do too, that we will have Glenn back soon, but it will take more time, so be patient, and keep up your support of us, we are in this for the long haul.
Thanks for your comments and it is always good to have visitors.
'Til next time,
Louise
Holy smoke, that one went by me. 100 days ago life changed for the Mitchell crew, and has affected a fair circle of people along the way. It has been difficult, scary, and not a little frustrating, but we are not sinking.
Glenn likes to talk in phrases, so word by word we figure out what he's saying. I still need the board, but when I know what he's trying to say, it is there, just a bit slurred. He responds verbally more readily too, so it is coming back to him.
We are going to have a home visit tomorrow. It will be very emotional for all of us, so we will try to keep it as low key as possible. This is an assessment of our house, to see how easily Glenn could maneuver etc. We also need the input as to access, so it will be very informative. I'll find out more today, but I think the scheduling has been done.
In OT on Wednesday, Glenn was working on rolling himself over, and was pretty close to getting there. That's the first time I've seen him do that on his own, so there is definitely improvement there. I've been asked by a few people if he can walk yet, and the short answer is no. In therapy with support from a few people, he takes steps, but his balance and strength is only good for sitting up on his own, and he needs help to do that. He is still pretty helpless in many ways, but when you think how far he has come, he's doing very well. I have to keep reminding myself that it all takes time. The earliest we can expect would be the 6 month mark, as the healing will take that long at least, and more likely will take the next few years. Yes years, but it will get better and is getting better. I think everyone wants to be reassured, and I do too, that we will have Glenn back soon, but it will take more time, so be patient, and keep up your support of us, we are in this for the long haul.
Thanks for your comments and it is always good to have visitors.
'Til next time,
Louise
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
May 20 & 21
Day 97 & 98
Progress, progress, Glenn progresses steadily. We practice his words everyday, and he tries more and more to say it before he resorts to the letter board. Jackie says it is like teaching a toddler, but faster! He had a good holiday weekend, a fair bit of company on Sunday, but not too many yesterday. That's OK, because he is gaining control of different things, and it is good not to be distracted too much. The nurses are really good with him, and when he can speak fully, it will be interesting to hear the conversations, because they are interesting already, and he's just starting to talk.
There's really not much more to say, my yard hasn't burned up, the weather has been wet, and a little cool, and we are carrying on, upward and onward.
'Til next time,
Louise
Progress, progress, Glenn progresses steadily. We practice his words everyday, and he tries more and more to say it before he resorts to the letter board. Jackie says it is like teaching a toddler, but faster! He had a good holiday weekend, a fair bit of company on Sunday, but not too many yesterday. That's OK, because he is gaining control of different things, and it is good not to be distracted too much. The nurses are really good with him, and when he can speak fully, it will be interesting to hear the conversations, because they are interesting already, and he's just starting to talk.
There's really not much more to say, my yard hasn't burned up, the weather has been wet, and a little cool, and we are carrying on, upward and onward.
'Til next time,
Louise
Sunday, May 20, 2007
May 18 & 19
Day 95 & 96
I stayed home on the 18th as I had the flu or something. I was definitely under the weather, which explained a few things that were going onThursday. It seems to have straightened out, but I sure didn't want to spread it around in Wascana. It's probably a good thing, because a fire that had been in the garbage hole was fanned by the wind on Friday and sure enough it was in flames again. The problem was the direction of the wind, so I watched it and threw a bunch on dirt on it to smother it somewhat. I don't think the rain will have put it out either, so we'll have to dump a tank of water on it if it continues to smolder.
Jackie, Dale and Colin all visited with Glenn that day and he told me that he had other company too, so he wasn't alone. He did miss me though, and was glad to see me again on Saturday. He had been having spasms again on Friday, so sure enough, he could move his right leg with more control. He has a list of words to practice too. He tries harder to say things before he resorts to the letter board, so we are getting used to how he is saying things. His tongue is more in control, although it still goes out the right side more than the centre. He can move it from side to side now, so that is coming along now too.
The botox is definitely affecting the tension in his arm. It can be straightened almost entirely, and while it still hurts to uncurl his fingers, when they are uncurled, they will rest on an object without trying to curl back up. His index finger is extended more often than not, and although he can't make them move yet, I feel more optimistic that will happen.
Nice weather for the long weekend, but my sister in up north sent pictures of her newly snow covered lawn, and said it was -8 overnight on Saturday, so it could be worse!
'Til next time,
Louise
I stayed home on the 18th as I had the flu or something. I was definitely under the weather, which explained a few things that were going onThursday. It seems to have straightened out, but I sure didn't want to spread it around in Wascana. It's probably a good thing, because a fire that had been in the garbage hole was fanned by the wind on Friday and sure enough it was in flames again. The problem was the direction of the wind, so I watched it and threw a bunch on dirt on it to smother it somewhat. I don't think the rain will have put it out either, so we'll have to dump a tank of water on it if it continues to smolder.
Jackie, Dale and Colin all visited with Glenn that day and he told me that he had other company too, so he wasn't alone. He did miss me though, and was glad to see me again on Saturday. He had been having spasms again on Friday, so sure enough, he could move his right leg with more control. He has a list of words to practice too. He tries harder to say things before he resorts to the letter board, so we are getting used to how he is saying things. His tongue is more in control, although it still goes out the right side more than the centre. He can move it from side to side now, so that is coming along now too.
The botox is definitely affecting the tension in his arm. It can be straightened almost entirely, and while it still hurts to uncurl his fingers, when they are uncurled, they will rest on an object without trying to curl back up. His index finger is extended more often than not, and although he can't make them move yet, I feel more optimistic that will happen.
Nice weather for the long weekend, but my sister in up north sent pictures of her newly snow covered lawn, and said it was -8 overnight on Saturday, so it could be worse!
'Til next time,
Louise
Thursday, May 17, 2007
May 15,16 & 17
Day 92, 93, & 94
Three months and counting. It was really hot here today. The tractors are rolling, and some are getting close to done. I took a trip around to see what is going on in the country side, and it looks to be more than half done. The rain sure made everything green and clean.
Glenn's right arm is straightening out more all the time, and it doesn't hurt as much to straighten his fingers on the right hand. I've seen those fingers quiver, and that hasn't happened in a while. His right leg is shaking and twitching more all the time too. The nurses and therapists stand him more, and he is getting more steady. He can sit up for quite a while without too much wobbling, and is more straight as he sits. He was quite hunched over, but now can hold himself quite upright. So much to do over, and it is so touching to see the progress. He doesn't measure the successes like I do, he is too busy. But I'm relishing each new retrieval, and continue to pray for more. He is working hard at speech, and although they decided to keep the feed tube for a bit longer, his swallow is improving, and the pathologist is pretty sure that he will recover his speech. Time is the answer.
We are considering access to our house. I was ready to call in the troops, but decided to gather as much information as possible before choosing a ramp over a lift. There are many factors, permits to be acquired, and designs to be considered. I will need more input from professionals, so that it will be done correctly. A lift could be resold, but a ramp would be pretty permanent. As time goes on, Glenn's needs will also change, so there should be no rush.
As you have probably noticed, I haven't been posting everyday, the urgency has eased somewhat, and we are into the slugging stage. Sheer determination is also the name of the game. Keeping up Glenn's spirits hasn't been hard, but it is still something I worry about. He was very quiet today, and I asked him why. He just shrugged, no reason, and I guess everyone has a quiet day once in a while. He perked up after his afternoon rest, so fatigue plays a pretty big role in all of this. I also pray that he rests well at night, because the brain heals itself while you sleep. I guess his brain is fine, but it is working overtime to get past the injury in his brain stem. I'm more hopeful of a good recovery all the time.
'Til next time,
Louise
Three months and counting. It was really hot here today. The tractors are rolling, and some are getting close to done. I took a trip around to see what is going on in the country side, and it looks to be more than half done. The rain sure made everything green and clean.
Glenn's right arm is straightening out more all the time, and it doesn't hurt as much to straighten his fingers on the right hand. I've seen those fingers quiver, and that hasn't happened in a while. His right leg is shaking and twitching more all the time too. The nurses and therapists stand him more, and he is getting more steady. He can sit up for quite a while without too much wobbling, and is more straight as he sits. He was quite hunched over, but now can hold himself quite upright. So much to do over, and it is so touching to see the progress. He doesn't measure the successes like I do, he is too busy. But I'm relishing each new retrieval, and continue to pray for more. He is working hard at speech, and although they decided to keep the feed tube for a bit longer, his swallow is improving, and the pathologist is pretty sure that he will recover his speech. Time is the answer.
We are considering access to our house. I was ready to call in the troops, but decided to gather as much information as possible before choosing a ramp over a lift. There are many factors, permits to be acquired, and designs to be considered. I will need more input from professionals, so that it will be done correctly. A lift could be resold, but a ramp would be pretty permanent. As time goes on, Glenn's needs will also change, so there should be no rush.
As you have probably noticed, I haven't been posting everyday, the urgency has eased somewhat, and we are into the slugging stage. Sheer determination is also the name of the game. Keeping up Glenn's spirits hasn't been hard, but it is still something I worry about. He was very quiet today, and I asked him why. He just shrugged, no reason, and I guess everyone has a quiet day once in a while. He perked up after his afternoon rest, so fatigue plays a pretty big role in all of this. I also pray that he rests well at night, because the brain heals itself while you sleep. I guess his brain is fine, but it is working overtime to get past the injury in his brain stem. I'm more hopeful of a good recovery all the time.
'Til next time,
Louise
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