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!!

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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.