Tuesday, December 24, 2013

top ten posts: balancing acts

One of the biggest events of the year was Bill's spinal surgery in April. He's doing great now and has a positive attitude, although he isn't fully recovered.
It was a scary time but also one of seeing the world of medicine and rehabilitation: very inspiring and humbling for us both.
This post picks up during his 2-week rehab stay.

Practicing balance with Katie, PT.

Bill is working very hard this week on the rehab unit at Riverside.
I didn't doubt that he would, but it's hard to watch him
push through the pain and muscle weakness.
I know he's frustrated that he has such a long road.
Upper arms that worked before are significantly weakened from the surgery.
Balance needs work.
And his gait, the signal that first alerted us to his problem,
must be retrained.

Bill's making steady progress,
albeit not as rapid as he'd like.
He's doing a lot more self-care,
but isn't allowed to walk anywhere alone.
In his down time, if not napping,
Bill makes a phone call or two, can text,
reads the paper and watches TV.
He's made a couple of buddies on the unit,
some of whom have challenges greater than Bill's.

The PTs and OTs continue to amaze me.
They show compassion and humor,
but with an iron-will determinedness to help Bill
become independent again and come home.

Your messages, cards, calls and meals mean so much.
Every card is on display in his room,
and I read him the texts and e-mails.
I know you are a great encouragement.
Thank you, thank you!

Please pray for a increased stamina ... and a target release date!

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