Shout Out from Rehab!

Hi Friends, it's that time again...

Bill is doing well in in-patient rehab. He is getting 3+ hours of intense therapy per day (and it is really working him!) However, it does not stop him from being the social butterfly that he is-he has made so many friends while here, ha!

Funny story: There is a woman that was here when Bill first moved in whom Bill refers to as "Miss Joy". Well, last week "Miss Joy" was released and moved back home and she and Bill said their goodbyes. At the beginning of this week "Miss Joy" called Bill on his cell phone to check on him and see how he was coming along! He said he was doing just fine and asked how she was doing back at home. Jamie got a real kick out of this! Not only because of how sweet she thought it was of "Miss Joy" to check on her man, but that Bill is giving his telephone number out to older women! Ha!

In medication news, Bill began coumadin this week. The Docs have ordered for his blood to be drawn twice a week to check PT INR level to make sure his blood is regulated to the correct level. It is a very precise science to maintain the blood at a level that is not too thin and not too thick. The worse thing that could happen would be another clot (NO!!)

Bill is continuing to gain back strength, but needs even more strength in his hip abductors and stabilizers (the PT refers to this as the trunk area of his body). This strength is required in order for him to gain balance and be able to walk independently. As of right now he is requiring the assistance of a walker to walk. He is doing well when using the walker, but his mobility is very slow and unbalanced. He tires easily due to his lack of strength and overall weakness. He can stand with weight on his right leg, but not his left (remember the clot on his spine was on the left side and has caused those nerves to be damaged more greatly). He is however performing exercises that he was not able to do before which is a sign of great progress, yippee! Both Bill and Jamie are constantly being reminded of what a long process this is to be-he still has a ways to go before he returns to his "normal" self. Bill attempted to do some walking with a cane today, but it didn't go so well. It was decided that he will continue the use of a walker (or parallel bars he uses during PT) until he has gained enough strength and mobility to use a cane. The nerves that have been affected take some time to heal, but it is good news that he is able to feel something. The therapists say that they are not concerned that he will never walk again-HE WILL! However, it is his strength and nerves that are giving him the most grief. The nerves must heal and his trunk area must become stronger before he will be independent of the walker. Of course, Bill is such a go-getter and he become extremely frustrated and emotional at times when he is trying to walk.

Both Bill and Jamie realize how blessed they were that he has no known permanent damage. The feeling is coming back in his legs and has worked it's way down from his hips to his rear to his legs and feet. This is normal (hallelujah!) and such great news that he is healing appropriately. He's still very tingly and cold. He describes it as feeling like his body is asleep.

Bill has lost close to 20+ lbs along the way and Jamie is working hard to bulk him right back up! He has two protein shakes a day (about to bump it to 3) and she feeds him an extra dinner! Bill thinks that this is hilarious that she is so concerned by his weight loss:) She believes that getting is weight back up could help with his strength and endurance.

As for when Bill will be released is still undetermined, but please pray that it is no sooner than he needs! The intense therapy that he is getting while in in-patient is exactly what he needs right now, and the longer he can receive that type of therapy the better.

Jamie continues to be Bill's cheerleader/protector/advocate. She is tired too at the end of the day! She says "Coffee is my best friend these days!"

Jamie and Bill want to especially thank everyone that has visited, prayed, kept up with the blog, and been a great support system to them. They still need those prayers and support so keep 'em coming!

Till next time....