Progress in Higher Gear

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but there hasn't been a lot of changes. Mom's progress continues to grow, she gets stronger each day, and walks a little more every day. She's now somewhat able to get herself from bed to the wheelchair and back again (still with some difficulty, but managing). Also, she is walking on carpet as well as tile, so she is able to get up and down the halls at Vista Ridge a little more often.

When Vista Ridge decided that July 5th would be the magic date, they have now changed some of the therapy rules. They are asking that she spend more time out of bed and moving around. They are asking that she do more to establish her independence. In fact, they are asking that they consider some nights away from the nursing home over the weekends to facilitate her leaving. We are getting ready to host her here whenever she is ready!

She has changed her therapy times- once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Pam & I still think she spends too much time in bed, but that may change- we keep hinting for her to spend more time sitting in a chair and less time in the bed. We'll see if that makes a difference!

July 5

is the magic date. That is the date that has been set by Vista Ridge to have Mom "graduate" from the nursing home and all the therapy. Finally- a goal we all can agree on!!

However, that does cut it close, with Thekla's wedding on Friday, July 10th. Yikes!

But progress continues, and they are talking about changing her therapy from 2 hours one time each day to 1 hour two times each day. That could help speed things up and reduce the "fatigue" factor on her muscles, allowing some time each day for recovery.

Otherwise- everything going on schedule!

ps- Tech Graduation last weekend was wonderful! Wish Mom could have been there...

She's graduated to her own walker...

as you can see by the picture. She's no longer in the huge contraption, but now uses a standard walker to walk around in- and she's walking in the halls! Still in her wedge shoes, but walking!

What we discovered the other day is that she is standing from her wheelchair to her walker- on her own! No one is helping her get to her walker- she is able to use her upper body strength to stand herself up into her walker. We are closer than ever to get her out!

There are two hurdles left: continence and the drop-foot problem. They are working on both. Looks like she has a good shot at making her granddaughter's wedding in July!

On another note- we all enjoyed a visit last night with both our boys, in for Michael's graduation from Tech this weekend. Christopher flies back to NYC on Tuesday morning, so we will enjoy a long "Mother's Day/Graduation" weekend with the whole family- we haven't seen Christopher since Thanksgiving!

One doctor's visit later...

and you would not believe the difference. From a struggling, depressed "old lady" to a person who-- by Friday-- stood with her walker on her own!!!

She went to the doctor's appointment on April 28 with a feeling she was behind, having lost 10 days in the hospital, and feeling pretty disappointed in all of the situations. The doctor, however, was elated. "I didn't' think you would have made this much progress in a year, much less 6 weeks!" was what they quoted him as saying. He gushed on and on about mom's progress and flexibility, ability to stand and walk, and so forth. He wants to see her in three months- regardless of whether she is in the nursing home or not! Those were inspiring words!!

So- she attacked therapy with a new vigor, and is starting to make huge gains again. In fact, yesterday- Friday- she stood for three minutes on her own with her own walker. (The picture above shows her standing with the therapist's walker, a machine that provides much more support than her walker.) Even her new roommate (Peggy, that greeted her upon her return from the hospital) comments that she is 80% better than when she first met her. Things are back on track!