To the many, many folks that have kept us inspired and strong through our journey, I say thank you and Happy Thanksgiving. We continue to acknowledge you all as our blessings and wish we had more time to update more often.
Aunt Betty: We've learned the hard way to be patient and home modifications is no exception. After a week, we have one slab poured and no sign of anyone since. With the holidays, I don't expect to see anyone until next week now and won't hold my breath on that one either. We simply do as you said--take one day at a time.
Mama Hen--love you bunches and am glad to hear you have been spoiled with some baby sugars!! Sorry we haven't been able to get Dothan way. Things are hectic and will get more so next week when I go back to work full time but do hope to have a few Fridays to get that way and stop in to see you. Justin does continue to surpass expectations and encourage new comers with his determination.
As of this past week, PT works him hard and the few (and only visits) he has/will have with OT have shown him some exercises to improve his wrist strength. It's just finding the extra time to fit in doing these ourselves.
He told me last night he feels like he is getting more sensation further down his back and he can feel discomfort from leaning against the back of his chair. He already has sensation in the buttocks and can realize when he's been sitting too long. He thought he felt me touching his toes on his right foot the other night when I was doing his leg exercises but it was a fleeting feeling. I just look at each time whether momentarily or more than once as being a good sign. It if happened once, even briefly, it can happen again.
PT Andrew says he can tell the difference in his upper strength and continues to be impressed with how hard Justin works. He said he wishes he had had a way to gauge Justin's strength from day one so he could compare the improvements now.
Justin continues to look for opportunities to acquire transportation so he can go more often than just getting out for "business" things. I hope this comes soon so he can start getting out more. I know we are still early into being home but want to make sure he does not lose his motivation or inspiration or drive to improve.
Still no function in hands or fingers but we continue to pray for that blessing. No other problems with blood pressure although it was a tad-bit low on Monday, no more scares like 2 weeks ago.
As with everyone, days are busy but we will continue to update any improvements or just day-to-day goings on.
We love you all and continue to be ever so grateful for each of you being in our lives.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Home front news
For those still following, I apologize once again for delays in updates.
As of this date, most know that we have been home now working on our 3rd week. Things have been different coming home.
Mama Hen: We are sorry no call yet. We had hoped for a visit this week but our trip to Ft Rucker proved eventful and time consuming. Board transfers are still a work in progress and time consuming, yet almost comical and bonding---definitely requires some patience and trust!!!
Since the BP scare, not too much else traumatic happening. Lots of visitors by way of PT, OT finally came out (even though she's leaving after this week--don't know what will happen then), nurses and evaluations, and of course the Ft Rucker visit that we thought was a "meet and greet" kind of thing turned into a full blown doctor visit, evaluation, order tests and come back in a week thing.
No construction started yet on the house modifications. They finally came out today to discuss a plan and we hope they will be back Friday to start with foundations. Found out that what was originally quoted as a two week event may now run 5 weeks--looks like a wonderful Christmas!! Yet I'm not complaining---getting started gets us closer to finishing.
PT continues to be impressed with Justin's strength & abilities (as do so many that meet him for the first time). Some have given us reason to question why they came out but if we can learn one new technique or better way, then it's worth their time to come out.
Justin thinks he has some tricep action going on. Says it's still too early to get excited but of course I do----anything new is worth some excitement. He's working hard on ab muscles, after what the RN told him about working them while we put him to bed. Funny how sometimes we think it's a spasm or something we did wrong and it's him working hard!!
As of this date, most know that we have been home now working on our 3rd week. Things have been different coming home.
Mama Hen: We are sorry no call yet. We had hoped for a visit this week but our trip to Ft Rucker proved eventful and time consuming. Board transfers are still a work in progress and time consuming, yet almost comical and bonding---definitely requires some patience and trust!!!
Since the BP scare, not too much else traumatic happening. Lots of visitors by way of PT, OT finally came out (even though she's leaving after this week--don't know what will happen then), nurses and evaluations, and of course the Ft Rucker visit that we thought was a "meet and greet" kind of thing turned into a full blown doctor visit, evaluation, order tests and come back in a week thing.
No construction started yet on the house modifications. They finally came out today to discuss a plan and we hope they will be back Friday to start with foundations. Found out that what was originally quoted as a two week event may now run 5 weeks--looks like a wonderful Christmas!! Yet I'm not complaining---getting started gets us closer to finishing.
PT continues to be impressed with Justin's strength & abilities (as do so many that meet him for the first time). Some have given us reason to question why they came out but if we can learn one new technique or better way, then it's worth their time to come out.
Justin thinks he has some tricep action going on. Says it's still too early to get excited but of course I do----anything new is worth some excitement. He's working hard on ab muscles, after what the RN told him about working them while we put him to bed. Funny how sometimes we think it's a spasm or something we did wrong and it's him working hard!!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thursday 11/12
We love you Aunt Betty and Uncle Joe........
And as usual, we need the reminders to keep us posting updates to the many that have helped us see our way through this journey.
I will start with the Monday scare that had dad thinking the worst: BP dropped everytime he attempted to get Justin out of bed. I started the day with leg exercises, arm exercises, a bed bath and clean clothes. Left him as I had before thinking PT was coming out for the first time. BP got as low as 66/46 and scared the "stew" out of dad....so much so that he wouldn't attempt to get him out of bed again and Justin refused to eat in bed.
I left work a bit early and we tried again (not before checking BP first and once again after we got him in the chair). It was better and so was his appetite. No other incident since. Scared daddy......bless his heart!! Justin had this happen once before at VA and he said this time wasn't as bad since he had experienced it before. Didn't help dad---was very cautious for a few days.
PT had come out twice--started Monday and they like him (I haven't met him yet) but if Justin gave a thumbs up, all's okay!! No OT yet but plenty of people coming out---so much I can't keep straight who is in charge of what.
I must say that I still haven't quite gotten the home routine down. I try the stretching at night, stretching 3 times a week in the morning, baths (which haven't been daily yet), meds and all the rest----trying to get a routine yet recognize it's still early into homecoming and limited available space until remods done. He's patient, go figure!!
No chair ready yet. Got word today that equipment isn't ready so no VA trip on the 18th. He was agitated with that news yet I'm hoping enough other stuff is keeping him busy that it won't weigh too heavy until we get the call.
Mama Hen--sorry no call yet to see you. Will figure out something. Can promise if you want to come see the chaos, we're at County Road 1 outside of Enterprise. Will give directions but don't expect you to go out of your way...........just may take some time to hit Dothan area. Have a Dr. appointment on 12/7---will see if that works for you. Most people (especially you having seen him at his worst) don't believe what they see now!!
Have a Ft. Rucker trip Tuesday and sign papers tomorrow for home modification loans. Expect contractors to start next week.
Message to Joe Burley: Ft Rucker took your sticker. SORRY!!! Scraped it right off the window. I told them it was your truck but he didn't seem to appreciate it!! Hope it doesn't cause too much trouble. We went on and off post getting Robyn moved (which still isn't done--lol) and that little fella said "got to come off"...............appreciate the use of the truck VERY MUCH!!!
I'm sure I'm forgetting bunches---have a precious thing wanting to talk at me right now.
Will close for tonight........try another update tomorrow. Love you all, respect and appreciate, believe so much in the power of prayer, keep all of you in our thoughts (Mary & Lydia--thinking of you daily) and will never fully express what it has meant to us that so many have kept us in their hearts and daily lives as we continue our journey!!
Brief Note: Robyn has a hubby coming in for RR this month and a new house trying to get organized. For anyone wanting to house-warm or 1/2 year anniverse or just send a warm 'thinking of you', she would appreciate it!!!!
LOVE YOU ALL and thank you...............prayer makes things happen!!!!
And as usual, we need the reminders to keep us posting updates to the many that have helped us see our way through this journey.
I will start with the Monday scare that had dad thinking the worst: BP dropped everytime he attempted to get Justin out of bed. I started the day with leg exercises, arm exercises, a bed bath and clean clothes. Left him as I had before thinking PT was coming out for the first time. BP got as low as 66/46 and scared the "stew" out of dad....so much so that he wouldn't attempt to get him out of bed again and Justin refused to eat in bed.
I left work a bit early and we tried again (not before checking BP first and once again after we got him in the chair). It was better and so was his appetite. No other incident since. Scared daddy......bless his heart!! Justin had this happen once before at VA and he said this time wasn't as bad since he had experienced it before. Didn't help dad---was very cautious for a few days.
PT had come out twice--started Monday and they like him (I haven't met him yet) but if Justin gave a thumbs up, all's okay!! No OT yet but plenty of people coming out---so much I can't keep straight who is in charge of what.
I must say that I still haven't quite gotten the home routine down. I try the stretching at night, stretching 3 times a week in the morning, baths (which haven't been daily yet), meds and all the rest----trying to get a routine yet recognize it's still early into homecoming and limited available space until remods done. He's patient, go figure!!
No chair ready yet. Got word today that equipment isn't ready so no VA trip on the 18th. He was agitated with that news yet I'm hoping enough other stuff is keeping him busy that it won't weigh too heavy until we get the call.
Mama Hen--sorry no call yet to see you. Will figure out something. Can promise if you want to come see the chaos, we're at County Road 1 outside of Enterprise. Will give directions but don't expect you to go out of your way...........just may take some time to hit Dothan area. Have a Dr. appointment on 12/7---will see if that works for you. Most people (especially you having seen him at his worst) don't believe what they see now!!
Have a Ft. Rucker trip Tuesday and sign papers tomorrow for home modification loans. Expect contractors to start next week.
Message to Joe Burley: Ft Rucker took your sticker. SORRY!!! Scraped it right off the window. I told them it was your truck but he didn't seem to appreciate it!! Hope it doesn't cause too much trouble. We went on and off post getting Robyn moved (which still isn't done--lol) and that little fella said "got to come off"...............appreciate the use of the truck VERY MUCH!!!
I'm sure I'm forgetting bunches---have a precious thing wanting to talk at me right now.
Will close for tonight........try another update tomorrow. Love you all, respect and appreciate, believe so much in the power of prayer, keep all of you in our thoughts (Mary & Lydia--thinking of you daily) and will never fully express what it has meant to us that so many have kept us in their hearts and daily lives as we continue our journey!!
Brief Note: Robyn has a hubby coming in for RR this month and a new house trying to get organized. For anyone wanting to house-warm or 1/2 year anniverse or just send a warm 'thinking of you', she would appreciate it!!!!
LOVE YOU ALL and thank you...............prayer makes things happen!!!!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
9 days home
Well, we have started out 9th day home and once again I find myself apologizing for delays in updating.
First, I must say to all of you Roll Tide Fans-----who scored first!!! I can only imagine how many of you were on the edge of your seats thinking we just might not win..........ha ha
To LT.--his roosting spot is CR 1, down at dad's!!
The week was, as expected, one full of getting routines down, scheduling kept on track and entertaining him since he's confined right now with limited space until modifications can be made. And since dad is playing baby sitter also to "young Justin" (and Preston is a hand full), it will take some time to work out details.
His home health nurse came out last week (he isn't too fond of, said he's leary of anyone that he has to tell how to do their job). Then PT/OT came out for evaluations. She also didn't impress me too much but I should say we are spoiled. Having beed educated at one of the best facilities in the country, it's tough expecting others to live up to that. She was impressed, though, with how much Justin can do for himself and encouraged him to continue. Any form of effort continues to work muscles, and she did offer a suggestion Justin had not thought of, so if you only get one message out of a visit, then it was worth it!!
He has discomfort in his shoulder blades, which as he says--makes us happy, but to him it is uncomfortable and sometimes painful. We tend to get excited over any new thing, whether be pain or not. He was also able to feel the hose extension to his leg bag resting on his knee and chin area. While he seems down that new things were coming almost daily before and have since slowed to once every other week, we continue to be encouraged. He just doesn't understand how he can be regaining so much sensation without improvements in functionality. Yet, we are still only starting month number 5, so we continue to stay positive and thankful.
I must say that Saturday turned out to be an experience (and no it wasn't due to the ball game, lol)....I helped Robyn move some of her stuff to her new home and Justin decided he would ride along. The manual lift doesn't work anywhere near as had hoped with helping get him in and out of vehicles. SO....we went with a board transfer!! But that only works with my car. So once loaded, he sat in the car listening to the game (and music) as we did our loading and unloading. After much exertion---then it was time to grocery shop (so she wouldn't starve in her new home--which moving still isn't finished uggh!) AND Justin was okay with going to WalMart. It was a site with me and Robyn getting him out of the car, so much so we had several people stopping wanting to know if they could help. But we got him out, spent an hour in WalMart and $80 of Justin spending on everything in site (we were starving, so everything looks good when you're hungry) then it was load him back in the car. Somehow, the unloading worked easier but we managed to once again get him in the car and back home. Once home, with Dad's help, we had him safe and sound back in the house.
1:00 getting to bed and that little S**t still wanted to be up by 9 this morning. I miss sleep LOL.
Today we are trying to get some structure around the house, laundry caught up-supplies organized-carpet cleaned (a must, especially with a dog and a 4 year old-ha) and get a game plan for a new week.
PT/OT should be starting this coming week. She hopes to have his PT guy come out early Monday to set goals and a schedule for workouts. Not sure on OT since they lady they have is quitting in 2 weeks and they don't have a replacement. This may be something that means we have to change agencies and start all over again. Another part of being in a new environment trying to get things back to a routine.
Contractor should be out a week from Monday to get started on home changes which will help tremendously just getting some more space and hopefully getting a workout routine will help fill his days, not so much just sitting watching the TV or the wind blow or Preston turn red from all of our clay (another ha ha).
He gets his power chair on the 18th, we pray that will go well. Have no choice but to go back to Augusta for that one. Hopefully soon we will be more "normal" and all of this will become second nature to us all.
We also continue to thank each of you for your support, encouragement, suggestions and overall prayers that have helped us in so many ways!!
We love you all......................Geaux Tigers!!!!!
First, I must say to all of you Roll Tide Fans-----who scored first!!! I can only imagine how many of you were on the edge of your seats thinking we just might not win..........ha ha
To LT.--his roosting spot is CR 1, down at dad's!!
The week was, as expected, one full of getting routines down, scheduling kept on track and entertaining him since he's confined right now with limited space until modifications can be made. And since dad is playing baby sitter also to "young Justin" (and Preston is a hand full), it will take some time to work out details.
His home health nurse came out last week (he isn't too fond of, said he's leary of anyone that he has to tell how to do their job). Then PT/OT came out for evaluations. She also didn't impress me too much but I should say we are spoiled. Having beed educated at one of the best facilities in the country, it's tough expecting others to live up to that. She was impressed, though, with how much Justin can do for himself and encouraged him to continue. Any form of effort continues to work muscles, and she did offer a suggestion Justin had not thought of, so if you only get one message out of a visit, then it was worth it!!
He has discomfort in his shoulder blades, which as he says--makes us happy, but to him it is uncomfortable and sometimes painful. We tend to get excited over any new thing, whether be pain or not. He was also able to feel the hose extension to his leg bag resting on his knee and chin area. While he seems down that new things were coming almost daily before and have since slowed to once every other week, we continue to be encouraged. He just doesn't understand how he can be regaining so much sensation without improvements in functionality. Yet, we are still only starting month number 5, so we continue to stay positive and thankful.
I must say that Saturday turned out to be an experience (and no it wasn't due to the ball game, lol)....I helped Robyn move some of her stuff to her new home and Justin decided he would ride along. The manual lift doesn't work anywhere near as had hoped with helping get him in and out of vehicles. SO....we went with a board transfer!! But that only works with my car. So once loaded, he sat in the car listening to the game (and music) as we did our loading and unloading. After much exertion---then it was time to grocery shop (so she wouldn't starve in her new home--which moving still isn't finished uggh!) AND Justin was okay with going to WalMart. It was a site with me and Robyn getting him out of the car, so much so we had several people stopping wanting to know if they could help. But we got him out, spent an hour in WalMart and $80 of Justin spending on everything in site (we were starving, so everything looks good when you're hungry) then it was load him back in the car. Somehow, the unloading worked easier but we managed to once again get him in the car and back home. Once home, with Dad's help, we had him safe and sound back in the house.
1:00 getting to bed and that little S**t still wanted to be up by 9 this morning. I miss sleep LOL.
Today we are trying to get some structure around the house, laundry caught up-supplies organized-carpet cleaned (a must, especially with a dog and a 4 year old-ha) and get a game plan for a new week.
PT/OT should be starting this coming week. She hopes to have his PT guy come out early Monday to set goals and a schedule for workouts. Not sure on OT since they lady they have is quitting in 2 weeks and they don't have a replacement. This may be something that means we have to change agencies and start all over again. Another part of being in a new environment trying to get things back to a routine.
Contractor should be out a week from Monday to get started on home changes which will help tremendously just getting some more space and hopefully getting a workout routine will help fill his days, not so much just sitting watching the TV or the wind blow or Preston turn red from all of our clay (another ha ha).
He gets his power chair on the 18th, we pray that will go well. Have no choice but to go back to Augusta for that one. Hopefully soon we will be more "normal" and all of this will become second nature to us all.
We also continue to thank each of you for your support, encouragement, suggestions and overall prayers that have helped us in so many ways!!
We love you all......................Geaux Tigers!!!!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Homecoming
For all of you that have helped so much during the last few months, I wanted to thank you.
We arrived home Friday nite around 9pm after a six hour trip. The transfer out of the car upon our arrival was a new experience. The lift we have at home isn't as accommodating as the other one we had available and wouldn't work with my car; therefore, after about 20 minutes deliberation we decided on a manual board transfer. That transfer took about 60 seconds and couldn't have gone better. We thought he was going to have to sleep in the car there for a bit, but things worked out!!
Saturday was hectic, of course.....we went from organized and routine to home and chaotic, things like where's the box with the supplies to where to throw the used linens and supply trash until you can get him up and about. Which "up and about" isn't very much since he's in a pieced-together manual that won't roll across carpet--more home mods to deal with!! Even the Molift won't cooperate that well on carpet, another way for mama to build some muscles, ha ha!
Was late getting to bed Saturday, good thing we gained an hour but Justin doesn't like staying in bed late so Sunday found him a bit off and in need of the structure we had in Atlanta. I told him I was in need of serious sleep but know that we do need to get our system/groove back so this can all fall back into place----can't let the location change get us overwhelmed with schedules and routines.
His impatience is resurfacing and reasonably so, sitting out here looking at corn fields and wind blowing isn't exactly what he's been doing for 4 months and none of us want to see him lose his momentum for rehabilitation. He's qualified for home health so we're waiting to hear how soon that will start---will give him some workouts until we can get transportation and outpatient treatments started; also keeps him with something to do while I work and he's home with Dad and Preston, who will both be busy-one being a kid and the other being tired from handling them both all day (lol)!!!
Mama Hen---he wants to make a trip to Dothan soon when we can get more comfortable with the manual transfers; he asked me to get your schedule so he can come surprise you one day!!
I was due to show up for work Monday but asked for one more day to try to get more organized before trying to fit that into my "new normal" routine. I look forward to seeing each of you and thanking you for everything.
We continue to pray for full recovery and thank God for each improvement, new sensation or overall easy transition........so much that makes such big differences!!!
LT.----you didn't go into the dog house, Justin didn't have his phone for a few days (and it was turned off, by accident somehow). Hope you have gotten your message from him and are feeling some "brotherly love".............
Ms. Henri: we need to talk whenever you have some time that won't interfere with my coming back to work. I need some serious pointers on how to make this all work!!
For everyone: We love you all and are so grateful!!
I now have weight shifts and laundry and unpacking and mail to answer and loans to try to qualify for and a 4 year old wanting to play and a hubby that's been home and now has to relearn all of the things that Justin needs everyday!!! Happy, happy-Joy, Joy--Fun times!!!
Will see some of you tomorrow and will continue to update all of you!!!
We arrived home Friday nite around 9pm after a six hour trip. The transfer out of the car upon our arrival was a new experience. The lift we have at home isn't as accommodating as the other one we had available and wouldn't work with my car; therefore, after about 20 minutes deliberation we decided on a manual board transfer. That transfer took about 60 seconds and couldn't have gone better. We thought he was going to have to sleep in the car there for a bit, but things worked out!!
Saturday was hectic, of course.....we went from organized and routine to home and chaotic, things like where's the box with the supplies to where to throw the used linens and supply trash until you can get him up and about. Which "up and about" isn't very much since he's in a pieced-together manual that won't roll across carpet--more home mods to deal with!! Even the Molift won't cooperate that well on carpet, another way for mama to build some muscles, ha ha!
Was late getting to bed Saturday, good thing we gained an hour but Justin doesn't like staying in bed late so Sunday found him a bit off and in need of the structure we had in Atlanta. I told him I was in need of serious sleep but know that we do need to get our system/groove back so this can all fall back into place----can't let the location change get us overwhelmed with schedules and routines.
His impatience is resurfacing and reasonably so, sitting out here looking at corn fields and wind blowing isn't exactly what he's been doing for 4 months and none of us want to see him lose his momentum for rehabilitation. He's qualified for home health so we're waiting to hear how soon that will start---will give him some workouts until we can get transportation and outpatient treatments started; also keeps him with something to do while I work and he's home with Dad and Preston, who will both be busy-one being a kid and the other being tired from handling them both all day (lol)!!!
Mama Hen---he wants to make a trip to Dothan soon when we can get more comfortable with the manual transfers; he asked me to get your schedule so he can come surprise you one day!!
I was due to show up for work Monday but asked for one more day to try to get more organized before trying to fit that into my "new normal" routine. I look forward to seeing each of you and thanking you for everything.
We continue to pray for full recovery and thank God for each improvement, new sensation or overall easy transition........so much that makes such big differences!!!
LT.----you didn't go into the dog house, Justin didn't have his phone for a few days (and it was turned off, by accident somehow). Hope you have gotten your message from him and are feeling some "brotherly love".............
Ms. Henri: we need to talk whenever you have some time that won't interfere with my coming back to work. I need some serious pointers on how to make this all work!!
For everyone: We love you all and are so grateful!!
I now have weight shifts and laundry and unpacking and mail to answer and loans to try to qualify for and a 4 year old wanting to play and a hubby that's been home and now has to relearn all of the things that Justin needs everyday!!! Happy, happy-Joy, Joy--Fun times!!!
Will see some of you tomorrow and will continue to update all of you!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
