Who doesn't like the sound of that?! That is right folks, Bill is H-O-M-E! He has been home for a week now and is doing fabulously:)
One week ago he experienced his first car ride in 7 weeks, and reported that is was the best feeling ever! Arriving home was an emotional experience for both Bill and Jamie and they couldn't help but say how blessed they feel. Sentimental story: Bill and Jamie decided to put the "prayer beads" (they received at the hospital from the Chaplain when Bill was still in ICU) from the rearview mirrors in their car as a reminder of the faith and hope that they are so grateful for everyday.
Of course all his rehab friends were sad (but so happy for him) to see Bill go home! His social life has seriously been cut in half since his return home;) No worries though, because Bill of course left his number for his rehab buddies to reach him at if needed, ha!
Adjusting to home is getting easier (it is so much different that being in a hospital of rehab facility that is designed for people who has suffered a stroke and such), but with that being said Bill is right were he wants to be. Getting around the house is becoming easier as well as car rides, etc. When asked, Bill said he had definitely been missing his own bed and of course his 42" HDTV! He was especially glad to be home for Sunday and Monday Night Football and for the Marine Corps Birthday!
Bill continues to to take his blood pressure 3X a day to determine if he needs BP medication or not, and therefore has a "rockin" blood pressure cuff to use at home!
Being out in the "regular' world continues to take adjustment. There are many small obstacles for Bill, but as he continues to gain strength these tasks will become easier for him. Jamie is quite the nurse these days! Her days are centered around driving Bill to Fort Worth 3 days a week for PT and OT (3 hours per day), and on his "days off" they go to the fitness center to use the therapy pool and have joined a water aerobics class! His therapists say the water will be good for him to strengthen his weak areas because it is much easier to balance and work the core and leg and hip muscles. Bill validates this, and says it feels good to be in the water enjoying more range of motion.
On Tuesday of this past week, Bill had his evaluation at the new therapy center for his plan of care. The therapists have high hopes for what Bill will be able to accomplish as based on his progress thus far.
OT worked on some sensory, upper body strength, and fine motor skills. His sensory was good, upper body is good, fine motor in right arm continues to prove weakened due to the stroke. The numbness in his fingers persists on his right hand. His left (not usually his dominate) is actually much stronger at this point. Also, he is having some trouble with his shoulder (possible ligament impingement) and it is causing him some pain. Therapy will concentrate on this, so hopefully it will be resolved with no long term issues.
PT consisted of balance tests and those were not Bill's strong suite, and he will continue to work on improving trunk and core strength and walking independently.
Bill will have a follow up appointment with his neuro surgeon this week and then with the neurologist the following week-and an update will follow each of those appointments. Also, the rehab facility will be drawing his blood to get his INR level to make sure the coumadin is regulating his blood properly. Many Dr. appts are in the future for Bill, whew!
Bill continues to have pain in his legs (those nerves are still trying to wake up!) It is such a blessing for sure, but painful and uncomfortable at the same time. He is walking using his cane now and is doing better everyday. Endurance continues to be an issue and of course the sleepy feeling in his legs. He has gained some weight back (about 7 or 8 lbs!) Thanks to Jamie's Mom and Caddo Grove Elementary for hookin' up all the great meals!
Bill got out in a crowd for the first time this past week for his sons Veterans Day Program and it was surely a spirit lifter. Physically, it was tough on him but he was thrilled to be there and watch his son sing. Plus, Bill is a Marine and so he loved it for sure! He was even able to stand and clap during the "Marine" part of the song that the students sung!
Till next time, thank you again for the love, support, hope and faith that you all have poured out for this family. Also, thank you to everyone who has felt led to donate a little or a lot. It all means so much. Isn't having friends and family AWESOME?!? Keep on praying and believing that Bill's health will be 100% restored.
The best words spoken this past week were: "Baby, we're HOME!"
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Ask & You Shall Receive...
Here's an update folks!
Bill is doing well and continues to live at an inpatient rehab facility (at least for the next week or so!) He is receiving 3+ hours of therapy per day both PT and OT. His PT time is spent working on hip and core and OT has the focus of the upper body (but OT squeezes in a few exercises that help strengthen his core and hips too). He has been spending more time transitioning to the cane versus the walker, but he the cane remains a challenge. Bill is only able to last about 3 minutes using the cane before he becomes very tired and unsturdy, but he's a trooper and continues to push himself! Sidenote: Bill thinks that it is hilarious for him to speak in an "old man" voice when he walks with his cane! He therapist really gets a kick out of him, ha!
When Bill is walking, he continues to lean more on his right leg (his stronger leg) due to his left leg being more affected by the hemotoma. The therapists are really pushing and working him to shift his weight and distribute evenly in his "trunk" area (hips, waist, core).
Just recently, Jamie has been allowed to walk with him in the halls with his WALKER to strictly work on distributing his weight. Before now, this had to be supervised by a therapist. (Progress people!!) However, even with the use of a walker Bill tires very quickly. He can make it down the hall and back about 2 or 3 times before he is worn. But, he is enjoying the extra socializing with the other patients!
Also, Bill and Jamie have been heading outside to soak up some good vitamin D. Bill uses his wheelchair for this (which he isn't the biggest fan of), but regardless of how he makes it outside it seems to be good for his spirits to get out and get some fresh air:)
The main thing holding Bill back from walking just yet is that nerve damage he suffered. The Docs say that nerve damage can take a while to heal and his brain is not fully firing correctly to his legs and the nerves that tell the legs to walk. It is explained like a baby learning to walk. No one actually teaches a baby to walk. The brain naturally transitions in to walking when neurologically ready. It is all very interesting when you think about it (and frustrating as well!) Bill and Jamie know that he will walk again, but it is the process that create doubts and frustrations. Luckily, little improvements can be seen each day! Bill tells Jamie that he and his God daughter Lily (their 6 month old neice) are going to learn to walk together! Also, he has constant numbness in his thumb, index and middle finger on his right hand. The Docs say that this is due to the stroke and he may always have to deal with that.
Some people have asked about the feeling in Bills legs...it is stil s-l-o-w-l-y coming back. He can feel a sleepy tingly feeling in them (but at least he is feeling something, praise God!). He always has a heated blanket on due to feeling sooo cold! They are told that these sensations are completely normal and they are just so thankful for those feelings!
This past weekend, they practiced transitioning Bill into the car during therapy. Mostly it was just getting in and out of the car. Who would think that this task actually needs to be "practiced"? Shows how much we take for granted every day. He did okay with this, but it wasn't easy. You know what they say, practice makes perfect! And practice is what Jamie and Bill plan on doing seeing as how he is set to go home this coming SATURDAY!! (If everything stays on track)
He continues to his INR levels monitored and is awoken 3 times a week at 4 am for this blood draw! Wowsers, that is early! He is still taking coumadin and will continue for the time being. His INR (blood level) is within normal range for him and the main goal to to keep him anticoagulant (clot free!). He was given a CT scan last week after battling a headache, but the CT scan showed "no abnormal findings"! Yea! Jamie hopes that they will do a follow up scan of his brain before he is discharged and she and Bill have this on "the list" of things to ask the Docs.
Once Bill is discharged his level of care is to be determined. Outpatient therapy will be a must and he could be doing that for quite a while. The prediction is 4-6 months depending upon many variables. He will be discharged with a wheelchair, walker, and cane for assistance but they remain so positive that he has come this far in such a short amount of time!
Thank you friends for you outpouring of support, prayers, food, time, cards, and words. Jamie and Bill have gathered so much strength from good friends like you and they are completely humbled and grateful. Keep praying!!
*************************************************************************
You may have noticed a new button on this site. It is a paypal donation button. The money that his collected here goes 100% to Bill and Jamie. As many of you know, Jamie has taken a leave of absence from her job as a teacher to provide constant care and support for her dear husband. As a result of this absence, she is not receiving her regular paycheck. While their spirits are high and the focus is Bill's healthy recovery -this does not stop the bills from coming in. If you feel led in any way to make a donation to this young family, please do so here. This may be anonymous if you choose. Thank you so much for each and every donation made.
Bill is doing well and continues to live at an inpatient rehab facility (at least for the next week or so!) He is receiving 3+ hours of therapy per day both PT and OT. His PT time is spent working on hip and core and OT has the focus of the upper body (but OT squeezes in a few exercises that help strengthen his core and hips too). He has been spending more time transitioning to the cane versus the walker, but he the cane remains a challenge. Bill is only able to last about 3 minutes using the cane before he becomes very tired and unsturdy, but he's a trooper and continues to push himself! Sidenote: Bill thinks that it is hilarious for him to speak in an "old man" voice when he walks with his cane! He therapist really gets a kick out of him, ha!
When Bill is walking, he continues to lean more on his right leg (his stronger leg) due to his left leg being more affected by the hemotoma. The therapists are really pushing and working him to shift his weight and distribute evenly in his "trunk" area (hips, waist, core).
Just recently, Jamie has been allowed to walk with him in the halls with his WALKER to strictly work on distributing his weight. Before now, this had to be supervised by a therapist. (Progress people!!) However, even with the use of a walker Bill tires very quickly. He can make it down the hall and back about 2 or 3 times before he is worn. But, he is enjoying the extra socializing with the other patients!
Also, Bill and Jamie have been heading outside to soak up some good vitamin D. Bill uses his wheelchair for this (which he isn't the biggest fan of), but regardless of how he makes it outside it seems to be good for his spirits to get out and get some fresh air:)
The main thing holding Bill back from walking just yet is that nerve damage he suffered. The Docs say that nerve damage can take a while to heal and his brain is not fully firing correctly to his legs and the nerves that tell the legs to walk. It is explained like a baby learning to walk. No one actually teaches a baby to walk. The brain naturally transitions in to walking when neurologically ready. It is all very interesting when you think about it (and frustrating as well!) Bill and Jamie know that he will walk again, but it is the process that create doubts and frustrations. Luckily, little improvements can be seen each day! Bill tells Jamie that he and his God daughter Lily (their 6 month old neice) are going to learn to walk together! Also, he has constant numbness in his thumb, index and middle finger on his right hand. The Docs say that this is due to the stroke and he may always have to deal with that.
Some people have asked about the feeling in Bills legs...it is stil s-l-o-w-l-y coming back. He can feel a sleepy tingly feeling in them (but at least he is feeling something, praise God!). He always has a heated blanket on due to feeling sooo cold! They are told that these sensations are completely normal and they are just so thankful for those feelings!
This past weekend, they practiced transitioning Bill into the car during therapy. Mostly it was just getting in and out of the car. Who would think that this task actually needs to be "practiced"? Shows how much we take for granted every day. He did okay with this, but it wasn't easy. You know what they say, practice makes perfect! And practice is what Jamie and Bill plan on doing seeing as how he is set to go home this coming SATURDAY!! (If everything stays on track)
He continues to his INR levels monitored and is awoken 3 times a week at 4 am for this blood draw! Wowsers, that is early! He is still taking coumadin and will continue for the time being. His INR (blood level) is within normal range for him and the main goal to to keep him anticoagulant (clot free!). He was given a CT scan last week after battling a headache, but the CT scan showed "no abnormal findings"! Yea! Jamie hopes that they will do a follow up scan of his brain before he is discharged and she and Bill have this on "the list" of things to ask the Docs.
Once Bill is discharged his level of care is to be determined. Outpatient therapy will be a must and he could be doing that for quite a while. The prediction is 4-6 months depending upon many variables. He will be discharged with a wheelchair, walker, and cane for assistance but they remain so positive that he has come this far in such a short amount of time!
Thank you friends for you outpouring of support, prayers, food, time, cards, and words. Jamie and Bill have gathered so much strength from good friends like you and they are completely humbled and grateful. Keep praying!!
*************************************************************************
You may have noticed a new button on this site. It is a paypal donation button. The money that his collected here goes 100% to Bill and Jamie. As many of you know, Jamie has taken a leave of absence from her job as a teacher to provide constant care and support for her dear husband. As a result of this absence, she is not receiving her regular paycheck. While their spirits are high and the focus is Bill's healthy recovery -this does not stop the bills from coming in. If you feel led in any way to make a donation to this young family, please do so here. This may be anonymous if you choose. Thank you so much for each and every donation made.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Stay Tuned!!
Hi Faithful friends! I know you all are probably hoping that this is an update, and my utmost apologies for the disappointment. BUT.........please stay tuned for an update tomorrow guaranteed and something "new" to the site.
For tonight let's lift Bill and Jamie up with kind thoughts and words (maybe a comment or two??). Check back tomorrow evening for the latest news and something special for this special family.
Thanks!
For tonight let's lift Bill and Jamie up with kind thoughts and words (maybe a comment or two??). Check back tomorrow evening for the latest news and something special for this special family.
Thanks!
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