We are settling in at rehab. A full day of therapy, with double workouts for all of PT (Physical), OT (Occupational), ST (Speech/Cognitve). Megan has been here already for two nursings and will get a 3rd later. Laura is quite tired and eager to sleep during her breaks.
The biggest challenge seems like it is going to be to keep Laura's spirits up. Not surprisingly, Laura seems really down, and she still isn't remembering anything short-term, which makes keeping her spirits high a challenge. So, she asks everyone what she should expect, they all tell her they cannot predict when she will be ready, Laura then presses them on best and worst case, and then Laura gets depressed when she give a range of weeks to many years.
We've put a whiteboard up of her FAQs which she asks repeatedly, partly for my sanity so I can point to it when answering. We're going to get another whiteboard to put up best wishes sentiments from friends, so send them along in comments section and we'll put them on the board. I have received many emails of best wishes, and I apologize for responding to so few. But, time is tight and I am tired too.
In PT this morning she did a bit of walking. Assisted by two PTs but without walker or crutch. She tired quickly but definitely was more stable afoot and better steps than yesterday. It looked very encouraging. She also is much quicker/easier at getting in and out of bed to/from wheelchair.
The biggest challenge seems like it is going to be to keep Laura's spirits up. Not surprisingly, Laura seems really down, and she still isn't remembering anything short-term, which makes keeping her spirits high a challenge. So, she asks everyone what she should expect, they all tell her they cannot predict when she will be ready, Laura then presses them on best and worst case, and then Laura gets depressed when she give a range of weeks to many years.
We've put a whiteboard up of her FAQs which she asks repeatedly, partly for my sanity so I can point to it when answering. We're going to get another whiteboard to put up best wishes sentiments from friends, so send them along in comments section and we'll put them on the board. I have received many emails of best wishes, and I apologize for responding to so few. But, time is tight and I am tired too.
In PT this morning she did a bit of walking. Assisted by two PTs but without walker or crutch. She tired quickly but definitely was more stable afoot and better steps than yesterday. It looked very encouraging. She also is much quicker/easier at getting in and out of bed to/from wheelchair.
Laura's FAQ
Keep up the good work Laura! You have made such progress already and are so strong! Before you know it, all those those therapists will just be trying to keep up with you! Joanne
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that she is moving around a little better. It will take time but she will be back before you know it! Tell Laura the entire MMTC Family looks forward to seeing her up and moving around at Savageman hopefully!
ReplyDeleteKeep making great progress, Laura, and soon this will just be another story in your already adventurous life. Wishing you better than average progress!
ReplyDeleteLaura - you are doing such a great job! Greg and I are amazed at the great progress you are making and are checking in frequently to get updates. We can't wait til you are ready to have visitors!
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteYou may not be able to see it yet, but you are healing and improving so quickly that it makes my jaw drop! Go, go, go then sleep, sleep, sleep!
Amy
I know from experience that rehab is a major roller coaster ride, initially loaded with a few peaks and a lot of valleys, and gradually evening out to something more reliable from day to day. The two things which got us through the worst times were a) a future goal or target date on which to focus (for us it was the upcoming birth of our first child) and b) humor (elephant and knock-knock jokes come to mind, along with Far Side and Johnny Carson's late night soliloquy). You guys have what it takes, and as long as you pace yourselves, I'm sure we will be seeing you on the back stretch. Thinking of you every day...
ReplyDeletexoxo