Had a fabulous visit with Al today!!
He is so proud of himself...and we should all be also. He was alert and admiring the beautiful day outside. He and I also talked about going to the garden soon. (Andrew and Riley, I will take pics for you when we are out there!!) When you come for another visit, you guys will be able to take him out too!
He went down to the PT room this morning with his OT. With both the OT/PT he used the parallel bars today to walk over 80 steps! He walked forward and backward with the assistance of the bars.
He also did 98% of his bike workout, pedaling and all......Al was so proud of himself here also, because the person before him only did 90% of her workout.....so Al KNEW he did a great job! He was very excited to tell me all about it, while I massaged his aching feet and legs. (I will talk about anything...just to get a foot massage....HANKY POO WHERE ARE YOU??) He will kick my butt for sure now. LOL
Al is seeing his own progress. This in itself is a major breakthrough for him. We as spectators have seen little bits of strength and progress, but telling him about what we see isn't the same as actually seeing and feeling it. For him, he has turned the corner!! GREAT NEWS!! He DOES see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it is shining bright from his home!! He has also found that by using the blue ball in his left hand, his strength has become much better. this is the hand he has had issues with for quite some time now, not just since the fall. He showed me today, with the ball in left hand, that he was gripping it, but at the same time trying to throw it out of his hand.....it stayed!! His grip is substantially better......it is truly amazing to see him have that joy in his voice/head/soul again.
While massaging Al's legs today, and yesterday, I notice that the rash is going away. I think being up out of bed is helping the vessels to strengthen also. Every little bit helps!! I think also that since he was started on a little dose of an anti-depressant has helped him a ton too. This without him even knowing it. He is aware that he is taking it, but may not have been aware that he really needed it. After about 3 days of it though, I did notice his change. I am sure once he is home, and things mellow out, he will be able to taper off.
I feel in my heart that things are going to be alright. He has his appointment at OHSU on July 25th, so hopefully he will be scratching his neck in relief that evening!! He is really looking forward to the appointment, and hear some good news. Keep your fingers crossed and say an extra prayer!
On Friday, when Kevin arrived for a visit, he got to Al's room and he wasn't there...He was off being busy in the dining area. He listened to a few stories being told and looked at the "library" section. Here there are several different books, movies, books on tape etc. He didn't find anything at the time but told me about it. He thought it was funny that he was "out" when someone arrived to visit. Kevin too thought this was great I am sure!!
On Saturday, Alice came to visit Al. He had such a great visit! He was looking forward to her coming. I think it was the first visit for them since the fall. thank you Alice.....your brother loves you!
Sunday, Jeff and his niece and nephew stopped in for a visit! the kids brought a beautiful card for Al. They also drew fun things to fill the blank space in the card. He just loved it! At first I didn't recognize Jeff, I have only met him a few times. I thought he was a lost person...lol, then of course Hank and I realized it was Jeff!! Al was so happy to have him visit.
Sunday afternoon, when Hank and I were about to head home, I went to the "library" area and found a book on tape for him. We set it up and left him to create visions in his head. He told me how much he liked it today. Sometimes it is hard for him to focus on the TV or DVD player with all the hustle and bustle going on around him. Having the images in his head was a little more relaxing. He was telling me about the story and said that the characters were making out in the bushes!! LOL I was almost embarrassed, but he thought it was great. Again, every little thing helps!
Rik is home resting herself. She is doing a great job at keeping herself away from her love. I know it is a gruelling task not to see her love on a daily basis, but it is also just as important to keep herself healthy and well. Al and Rik enjoyed a telephone conversation while Jan was there visiting today.
Again, thank you for all the prayers and well wishes. Alvin is getting stringer by the day!
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