Updating Thursday 10/22

Sorry for the delays (again)!!

Ms. Lue--probably could use a hug right now but would probably cry like a baby (PMSing or something). Got lots to do and seems like so little time.

Looks like tentative date to come home is first week of November. They feel Justin's wrist strength is not strong enough to accomplish some of the goals and said they couldn't spend 6 weeks working on wrists when they could reiterate what he needs for 'the now'. He can come back if he shows any improvements and will be placed on a list should availability be there when he does strengthen and progress.

Days here are busy, busy---especially now with them wanting to hands-on teach me everything. Will work manual transfers next week and he gets on the FES Bike Monday--it works the legs with electrodes (he loves it, was excited). Wanted to do the tilt table too but PT Amanda said she would rather focus on other things than stabilizing blood pressure and weining off the binder---so we'll see what happens. Day program keeps you busy, when you're not doing laundry every day (ha).

Justin continues to be a challenge for them because he doesn't not behave or respond in the "clinical" way---has sensations in areas he shouldn't, feels discomfort in areas that can't be explained, has no use of certain things and some use of others that don't make sense when you piece them together into the whole picture.

He's been hurting awful this week and taking more pain meds than he's done in the past month. He even said he feels plum uncomfortable and it's frustrating because he knows how he wants to move to try to get to feel better but the physical side won't cooperate. His spasms have been so bad at night that he kicks out the quad pads everytime I try to position them (which is not good, his feet are supposed to stay off the bed for pressure points and he's kicking them out every hour), some rough-rough nites as of late. He took his first sleeping pill last night in hopes it would relax his body and help him rest better-----it didn't!!

He's doing more manual transfers this week and is trying to get through today without his Tet Hoses (are for blood pressure and circulation) and can sit in his chair from after lunch until bed time without his binder now. Although, we found out yesterday that his binder helps in more ways than we realized so he said he wasn't going to rush getting rid of that totally just yet!

We had company Monday until early this morning--cousin and friend from Cajun Country. I swear I still see phantom movement--yesterday Brandi was helping with the sling so we could lift him off the mat and it was her first time and the sling was under his right leg and it looked as though he lifted his knee and thigh so she could get it out from under him---he thought nothing of it and kept on doing what he was doing but we looked at each other like "did he just do that" I can move his leg in the chair to do something and it's almost like he moves it back into the spot it just came from. He says (and his therapists too) it's just spasms but how can a spasm be so specific to put a foot or leg back in a specific spot???!!

He's got an E-Stem machine which sends electrical impulses through the body and he's been using that this week on his right arm trying to stimulate wrist action and hopefully strengthening; right wrist is the weakest even though it has more functionality (I told you he was weird).

We are not ready at all for the homecoming---so much to do and so much paperwork; looks like he'll be living out of the living room for a bit and I think he's somewhat nervous about going home but this too shall be overcome and I know the New Year will see us onto a new journey and he'll be settled in and working towards improving in no time.

I want to thank everyone who donated and participated in the yard sale. It was truly appreciated and helped out so very much!!! Also for those who sent words of encouragement and some extra "support", we pray your kindness is blessed 10 Fold.

I was asked today how much community support did we feel we had and I immediately advised the gentleman that we would not have made it this far without the support of my co-workers and friends!!! We thank you all so much, our family is stronger and blessed because of you all...

Now I'm PMSing just thinking about you all (lol)---I know there's so so much I'm forgetting and for all that have followed it's not fair for me to be so scatter-brained so I will try to start getting notes taken again so that when I get a chance to sit in front of the laptop for updates, I'll have it all there to refresh my memory and write it down.

Oh, he took his flu and pneumonia shots yesterday; had me worried last night that he was going to be sick from them but he did good through the night and appears to be better this morning. Just complaining about his neck "hurting like H**L"............

His birthday is Monday and we think we've managed to coordinate a surprise for him up here that he won't be expecting (he was all prepared to have it be just another day). Any birthday wishes you may have, please post them---he's at housing now and can read them on the laptop!!

Well, duty calls in 20 minutes----gotta meet him to set him up for lunch then it's back to the gym for more learning!!

Love you all, will keep you updated (will try harder) and thank you all so very much!!!!!!!!!!