HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13TH!!! HOPE EVERYONE IS SAFE AND SOUND......
Today however is my beautiful cousins Birthday so I think of it as a happy day...lol
Made it in to see Al a few times today! I arrived this morning and he was having upper leg stimulation using a TENS type unit performed for 10 minutes intermittently by the PT. (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) Gently, she upped the "shock" just until his leg would jump a little. The first time it delivered, it kind of "shocked" him, YES, PUN INTENDED!! Evidently, years ago he had a TENS unit hooked up to his back, and some how while exiting the car, the button was pressed down long enough to give him one heck of a jolt! WHAMMY!! So, I don't blame him for being a little apprehensive! I too own and use a TENS unit on my back and shoulders, I absolutely love mine...sometimes I do give myself a jolt once in a while....keeps us on our toes...LOL Overall, is worked his leg muscles without tuckering him out.
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| Alvin receiving a "shocking" treatment. He dozed off in between sets, no pain... |
This stimulation may have helped his legs relax too. With the PT, he stood, walked to the in room sink, to his wheelchair and back to his bed, this being about a 9ft walk (triangle). He said it really felt good to straighten his back, and again with the relief of the arse pain. Al also requested to be taken into the shower this morning BEFORE OT!! This sounds like the Al I know!! Trying to prep for the upcoming day of OT/SLP/PT....all three were completed by about Noon, he got to have the rest of the day off.....
While the PT was still with Al, I noticed red splotches on his shins and ankles. I asked what this was, it was not there yesterday, and she said maybe it was Petechiae. I took a photo, and researched a little bit. I included a link that explains a bit about the disease. I also mentioned and had the RN come check it out, she assured me she would keep an eye on it. There is no pain, itching or raised bumps, so this is typical of poor circulation she said....and possibly because of all the extra time being up on his feet or upright period. If anyone finds out any more helpful information, please let me/us know!!
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| Right shin & ankle. The dark bruise and come and gone three different times now. |
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| Photo upside down. This is his left ankle. |
Alvin is really looking good other than having the polka dots....his color is great, mouth issues are gone, his hands and arms are able to grasp and push buttons!! This is very, very good news. Today, he was wondering about Rik's doctor appointment, so he used his iPhone and called Lani!! This is the first time he has used his phone on his own! Even the fact that he had to ask for it to be closer to him is huge! Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks....lol
Unfortunately, Rik received the news from her doctor that she has a mild case of pneumonia herself. She has been pretty run down lately, so for the next 48 hours or so, she must stay home and rest....I am sure she will. She does understand that she needs to be strong and take care of herself.
I spoke to the evening RN tonight and asked her to please make a note that Al is being rotated and up as much as possible this weekend. Hoping for a better upcoming Monday than last. Sometime the weekend staff doesn't get him out of bed, leaving the Monday staff to deal with the repercussions of his pain and stiffness. I think that is what happened last Monday when he didn't want to participate much with the OT.
From what we hear, Alice and Marlene are coming to visit on Saturday! Al is really looking forward to this time with his family! It will be a great distraction also, since Rik's presence may be missed by him alot. Talking with Jan and Hank this evening, we plan on making sure Al's spirits are up, even though his wife is down. Hank is also going over in the morning to work in the yard....making sure MOM has everything she needs.
Hope all of you have a fabulous weekend. Oh, and if anyone could possibly spare a little sunshine, please send it our way! Thank you! Hey Jeff W., did you find any typos this time?? lol
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