Knit 1, Read 2

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Scott Gets Better Every Day

We had a big day today. Before Scott is usually out of bed, we were in the physical therapist’s office. He had a good evaluation – due to his hard work he was ahead of where the therapist expected him to be and he was worked pretty hard for the first visit. Normal walking speed is about 2-3 miles per hour. Scott was walking at .7 mph at one point! Almost half speed! Granted, it was only for a few seconds, but that was a momentous few seconds.

Later in the day, we went in for x-rays and a doctor’s visit. The x-ray coordinator noticed we came without our usual entourage of ambulance drivers and the gurney. He walked in under his own power – albeit with braces and walker!

After the x-rays, it was upstairs for a visit with Dr. Dinkins. I like that man more all the time. He took lots of time with both of us today. I have been concerned that Scott has been discouraged and slipping closer to depression and mentioned it – OK, well, I stressed out about it – and Dr. D told me he empathized with Scott because of his own experience with hospitalization for 30 days. He told me to hang in there – Scott is just missing the battle of work. The two of them finally convinced me it is a man thing (I refrained from calling it testosterone poisoning) and I felt better.

Scott showed off before we left by walking out of the room without the walker and the doctor told him to get rid of the walker and move up to canes! So, first stop was CVS to buy a couple of black canes with pistol grips – no old men making good twisted ones on every corner around here- and away we went.

To celebrate a day where Scott said he experienced every emotion he’s ever known and our good news from the two main caregivers in his life right now, we went to Applebee’s to celebrate by eating out for the first time in over three months. We chose there simply because they have high stools and he could actually sit down to eat.

By the time we got home he was beyond tired. It is now 9:30 and he is out like a light. I’m pretty tired tonight, too. I’m looking forward to having the day off tomorrow. Weatherman promises storms. It will be a good time for me to do our taxes. Lyn’s and Aaron’s will take 15 minutes total and ours will take just a couple of hours. I don’t know why I put it off every year to the last minute. At least this year I had a bit of an excuse.

No more news unless you are interested in my knitting and felting projects…no? Well, then this will have to do till the next installment of “Scott Gets Better Every Day.” Thanks for all your support and prayers. We’ve needed every one of them!

Thursday, April 02, 2009

April 2

No pic. Can't figure out how to get it from phone to blogger.
Yesterday, April 1, 2009. Scott’s first foray into the wilds of Hickman County since January 14. He was shirtless because we thought the trip would be to the end of the driveway and back. Instead, he was feeling adventurous, so we rode about 10 miles - through the countryside and down the highway a bit (Hwy 7 and Brown Hollow for those in the know) for him to begin getting used to motion again. The ramp that made getting out possible was built by Gary, Kita, and me last weekend. I just had to finish the last part yesterday to get him from ramp to ground. He’s been outside three times now and it has been a big lift each time.

He will be released from home health tomorrow and we will start outpatient rehab as soon as we can get an appointment with Lyn’s hero, Steve. He has been able to sit on a stool and in the car (that took a bit of maneuvering, believe me!) Every day brings something new he is able to do or just does despite everything. He’s managed to put his braces on by himself several times now, though it is still easier with two people.

Pain is still an issue, but not nearly like it was, except occasionally at night. It is getting harder to convince him to take any of his medication, so I know he is on his way back to being himself.

I figure by the end of May he will be walking without the walker or without the braces – maybe without either! He can’t wait till he’s back on the track putting in his three miles a day. Guess I’ll have to go with him. Ick. I love him, but I hate to exercise.

Scott says he feels like he’s been hibernating in a cave all winter. He’s experiencing a sort of time warp, going to sleep when it was snowy and 11 degrees and waking to redbuds and 60s!