Monday, September 14, 2009

Half Way!

Well. Here we are, half way through the treatment. Monday was another “typical” therapy and injection day. The first hour was spent on stretching and movement. I got another good video of Trish kicking her leg:

The movement of her legs is still exciting to see. However, we do keep it in perspective and realize that a lot more muscles need to connect in order for her to be able to move her legs in any other position other than lying on a mat with minimal resistance. She still does not have any movement while she is just sitting in her chair. Of course we hold out hope that through therapy and the stem cell treatments this will change!

She stood in the parallel bars again today, but it was with different therapists whose technique for helping her was different. This made it a lot more difficult for Trish and a lot more tiring. Still, it is good to see her stand up.

The therapy sessions here are really intense both mentally and physically. Trish is sure glad that she started therapy at the Neuro Institute in Tempe a few weeks before coming to Costa Rica. The Dr.'s here continue to stress the importance of continuing therapy when Trish gets home and she is looking forward to working with her therapists there too.

Trish’s nerve pain and muscle spasm were up again today, but we are taking this as a good sign that things are starting to try and reconnect.

The injection went fine. They seem to have issue with getting an IV into Trish, which they have to do about once a week. Today was one of those days and it took a couple of tries to get it in. Today Trish got a back injection and an IV injection of stem cells. You know the routine, back to the hotel for the 5 hours of rest to let those stem cells start working!

Tuesday, 9/15/09 is Costa Rica’s Independence Day. Nobody works so we get the day off. If Trish is feeling well, we are planning on going to a little island they call Turtle Island. It's called this because of the shape of the island, not because there are lots of turtles on it. Anyway, it looks like a tropical paradise with white sand beaches and all.

Trish is up with no headache following her injection so it looks like we are headed to the beach tomorrow to relax!

4 comments:

Pam Stressman said...

We are so happy Trish is not having a headache today, but I know how those IV attempts can hurt! Wonderful video Scott. Good thing you were not within reach of those kicks! Have a wonderful day tomorrow at the beach, we will be anxious to see the beautiful pictures! Love, Mom & Dad

Alicia Somsen said...

Awesome to hear and see- keep up the amazing work Trish! Hope you both get to relax a bit and enjoy Turtle Island.
Blessings, Alicia

Anonymous said...

Way to go, Trish!!! Kick that little theropist right across the room. Glad you are having some fun along with all your amazing hard work and pain. Enjoy the Turtle Island paradise. love, Aunt Joy

Myrna said...

So glad to see your progress Trish. Enjoy turtle island and can't wait to see the pictures.

Myrna