Weekend at the Rehab center is definitely quieter than weekdays. Saturday Laura had therapy on the docket, but less than normal. And the hour of occupational therapy was a joke; they just put Laura at a table of old-timers playing Uno. Laura was none too pleased - "This is ridiculous" I believe was uttered more than once. PT included a therapist who didn't know Laura's case (called her Linda and asked whether she had had a car accident), but at least the therapy was productive: 25 minutes on a combined hand/leg bike and 3 laps walking around the gym. But, best of all was the two doses of speech therapy. Laura wrapped up the standardized brain trauma cognitive assessment exam they've been doing since Thursday, and she aced it. 99th percential in three categories, and 91st percentile in memory. The therapist said in 15 years she'd never measured anyone at those scores upon admittance. What this means is that Laura is coming into therapy at high functional level, which is good reason to believe she will fully recover.
On Saturday Laura's clavicle started bothering her much more than it had previously. By the evening the pain was agonizing and she requested pain meds, but doc has none on her orders so we settled on ice and extra strength tylenol to get through the night. Megan nursed and left, Laura finally got to sleep, and Kyle got hungry and bored so went out for a crazy night on the town - wings and a beer at Applebee's across the street. I don't think Laura even knew I ever left....
Sunday was a day with no therapy scheduled, but a morning doc visit and he made clear this was not best course of action for Laura so got some PT on her schedule for the day. He also prescribed some percoset for pain, which can be taken while breast feeding. Tom and Judy brought Megan for the day, and Kyle headed back to the lake for a nap and to visit with parents out of hospital setting. Laura and Megan had a good day, and we are trying a new experiment: Megan is spending the night in the hospital room in her pack n' play. She's asleep now, knock on wood that hospital noises and the occasional nurse to check vitals does not make us regret this trial.
Tomorrow Laura gets a brain CT to assess progression of diffusion of hemorrhage and edema. Knock on wood..... :)
On Saturday Laura's clavicle started bothering her much more than it had previously. By the evening the pain was agonizing and she requested pain meds, but doc has none on her orders so we settled on ice and extra strength tylenol to get through the night. Megan nursed and left, Laura finally got to sleep, and Kyle got hungry and bored so went out for a crazy night on the town - wings and a beer at Applebee's across the street. I don't think Laura even knew I ever left....
Sunday was a day with no therapy scheduled, but a morning doc visit and he made clear this was not best course of action for Laura so got some PT on her schedule for the day. He also prescribed some percoset for pain, which can be taken while breast feeding. Tom and Judy brought Megan for the day, and Kyle headed back to the lake for a nap and to visit with parents out of hospital setting. Laura and Megan had a good day, and we are trying a new experiment: Megan is spending the night in the hospital room in her pack n' play. She's asleep now, knock on wood that hospital noises and the occasional nurse to check vitals does not make us regret this trial.
Tomorrow Laura gets a brain CT to assess progression of diffusion of hemorrhage and edema. Knock on wood..... :)
Kyle,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for these updates. Brought tears to my eyes to hear that Megan is going to try spending the night in Laura's room and that nursing continues well. (Laura is an incredible mom and an inspiration to all her friends.) My grampa would love to play a game of uno or dominoes with someone as spritely as Laura. ;) Hope those therapists bring their A game every session. If Laura can, they should too.
I'm guessing Laura is not ready for non-family visitors, and it sounds like you all have a good rotation going to get Megan feedings, naps, etc. But if you could use an extra hand over the weekend, please say the word.
We continue to cross our fingers and toes and we send love to all three of you,
Kirsten (and Chad and Mikayla)
Laura and Kyle,
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear that the doc recognizes that Laura is doing so well that weekends off are not an option. I love that Megan is staying overnight with her mom, and I hope both sleep well knowing the other is nearby. I hope no one at the rehab hospital is surprised any longer at how well you are doing, Laura-we all know you are a rockstar and that your recovery is probably breaking all records! And Kyle, a little time off is what any sane person would need. Power tool time sounds like just the ticket! Thinking of all of you,
Amy and Greg and Emma
Kyle,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know that Tom and I are keeping you, Laura, and Megan in our thoughts. Kirsten is right - Laura is truly inspiring. She's one of the strongest women I know, in so many ways, and a wonderful mother.
Whatever you guys need, let me know.
Hugs,
Heather, Tom, and Thomas (and Zeke)
Hope the brain CT shows progress commensurate with the cognitive assessment exam's awesome results. Good for you for speaking up when the care/therapy doesn't seem to be appropriate..that's the best way to get the necessary changes made. And Kyle, please continue to get out for a few crazy moments each day...very important for you to maintain your strength, focus, and ability to be a care giver. Glad that Megan is adjusting..I'm not surprised. Where is Riley? Is he doing ok or will he be needing a vet psych consult :-) Thanks for the updates.. we are following Laura's progress and pulling for all of you on a daily basis...
ReplyDeleteKyle,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the updates. In particular, I appreciate the plot of time vs recovery on Laura's white board...my kind of thinking. She's a very strong woman and she will return to her old self. Takes time for the brain to heal. And regarding the differential pace of recovery, memory vs motor control, it's not surprising. Two very different neural processes with different repair mechanisms. Please let her know that her second sphere of friends back here in DC are thinking about her, you, and Megan and wishing her a speedy recovery.
Matt Wolfe