Sunday evening, January 5, 2014 8:30pm

"BOOT CAMP" AT BARROWS REHAB

Around St. Joseph's Hospital, they call the Barrows rehab unit "Boot Camp" for living when a person is physically challenged.  John and I believe it!  John has had 5 days of therapy now: physical, occupational, speech and recreation.  He has also had cognitive evaluations and together we had our first neurological/psychiatric consultation.  He is in his third wheelchair as they try to fit him with something that fits correctly until he has more strength and ability to handle the one he will take home. 

It turns out that the weak muscles right now are secondary problems to the rigidity and lack of flexibility John has in his right hip, leg, neck and shoulders.  A lot of his work is to stretch and loosen these areas so he has the range of motion he needs for more active strength building.  Occupational and speech therapists spend a lot of time working on his ability to speak clearly and eat - he is still on pureed food.  John is working hard to eat ALL the food and drink and supplements they give him so he can pass the threshold of consuming at least 2000 calories a day.  Then they will remove the feeding tube (which actually is blocked right now anyway).  All bodily functions have returned and John is very happy about it.Occupational therapists also concentrate on "daily living skills" which are still a challenge for his hands. 

The good news is that John IS making progress.  He can see and feel it although many changes are very slight.  He is encouraged and upbeat and works hard.  His stamina and endurance is slowly increasing.  Today he had four straight hours of visitors - mostly sitting in his wheelchair.  Tom and Dee Ann brought both my parents for a short visit.  He was tired, but not "wiped out" as he would have been 2-3 days ago.  So far, visitors are still being limited and need to call me to schedule.

We have had a good start to 2014.  All of our kids and grandkids arrived back at their homes safely.  The house is empty of voices and laughter - but there is plenty of bedding to wash!  So far, I have left the toys and books lying around as happy reminders of their visit.  For those of you still reading this blog, we continue to be grateful for your prayers and encouragement.