Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Getting into the Rehab Routine

Well, Trish is getting more and more into the routine of her rehabilitation. Each weekday her morning begins at 8:00am and she does not seem to stop for a minute until 3:30pm or so.

She continues to make excellent progress in her therapy sessions, and even though she has not yet seen any change in her paralysis, she continues to develop more and more independence. Late last week she and Scott shared a bitter sweet moment as they ordered her wheelchair. In some ways it was a downer to accept the fact that she may need this long term, but it was also nice to look forward to having a chair designed and fitted perfectly to her needs.

This week Trish has been challenged by some nausea, and has lost her breakfast each day along with all of her medications. We had a meeting with her doctor today, and she is changing the combination of medications to address the nausea, as well as some general tiredness that Trish is experiencing. Trish really does not like to take any medications, and looks forward to the time when her body fully adjusts to her new situation.

One of her new activities is swimming. Under the close supervision of a recreational therapist, Trish spent an hour in the pool on Monday. It felt really good to get in the water, and with the aide of some ankle weights, to actually stand for the first time since the accident. Being upright is such a natural thing for us, Trish has missed this the most. She managed to swim the back stroke for four laps, as well as perform a log roll where she used her arms to right herself after the therapist turned her face down in the water. Much of this was designed to help her build confidence that she could be in the water without fear of drowning.

Scott has returned to work full time this week (they had to drag him kicking & screaming), so Trish has had more time on her own. This is tough on Trish, but may be even harder on Scott. He really has not left her side since the accident and has provided incredible support toward her recovery.

Well, I had better stop for now ... more later this week.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Trish,

Sounds like you are doing great. Just wanted you to know we are thinking of you.

Deniece & Morgan

Anonymous said...

Trish,

You sound so positive and determined. Kris and I want you to know we think and pray for you often. So glad to hear your progress.

Dee and Kris

Anonymous said...

Trish, Emma sure had a great time playing with Hunter and Parker at Peter Piper Pizza today.!!We think of you all the time and love to read that you are getting better and better every day!Your Dad was right when he said you are amazing!Hope you liked Emmas jokes.

Melissa and Emma

Anonymous said...

Trish,

Your courage and strength is inspirational. I am so proud of the progress you have made. Keep up the hard work. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Katy Keaveney

Debbie Cartwright said...

YOU are awesome Trish!! Your progress is the result of your determination and hard work. Keep it up!! My prayers are with you!!
Debbie Cartwright

Linda Reynolds said...

Hi, Trish. My name is Linda Reynolds. I'm your mom's neighbor. I have been praying for you every day and am so inspired by your wonderful progress and positive attitude. You are so blessed to have such a wonderful family/support system. I hope some day I will have the priviledge of meeting you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Trish,

I'm Cathleen, your mom's next-door neighbor. We met briefly a few times--the last time we spoke you were delivering flowers to your mom. I'm so glad to hear you got a visit home and a meal cooked by Chef Scott! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
---Cathleen Beck

Anonymous said...

Hi Trish, Boy you certainly have a full day. Just the thought of all the work you are doing makes me bushed. The workout in the pool must have felt wonderful and given you so much confidence in yourself. All the care you have given your body in the past has given you a real headstart in fighting for your independance. Keep it up, sweetheart. Say "Hi" to Scott and the boys for us. Love Aunt Joy & Uncle Carl

Anonymous said...

Trish,

SOOO Happy to hear that the neck brace is off. That must feel a bit strange after so long a time. The pool experience sounds great. I know that must feel terrific to be able to move. Water therapy is good for body and soul.

So happy that you were able to go home and enjoy some family time outside the hospital. I imagine that you are a bit sick of hospital beds and food.

Know that you, Scott and the boys are in our prayers. Going back to work for Scott was difficult, I know, but a positive step nevertheless.

Myrna & Skip

Bonnie Grimes said...

Hi Trish,
I just wanted to share in your blog and let you know how Awesome your are. When people ask me how I am doing, I always say I get all my strength and inspiration from you. You are a Super Hero in my eyes and my role model. I look forward to all time I get to spend with you, plus I am anxious to learn all the techniques to assist you. I also cherish the time I share with Parker and Hunter, they are fantastic boys! Bill is taking great care of all your pets, giving them lots of love and attention. I am looking forward to the time when you come home so I can be your buddy and do all our special projects together.

All my love,
Mom

Cub Scouts said...

Hi Trish,
I just wanted to say "Hi" from the Perry family. Keep up the great work. I'm glad your dad is doing this blog. It's wonderful to hear your progress and to see all the friends and family's support. Also say "hi" to your Mom. I haven't seen her in a long time too!
Dave & Tawnda & Daniel