March 17, 2012

Mrs. Doug called and said they are coming home next Saturday!  He will be able to come home in her vehicle and home health will be coming in at different times to assist.  The rest of the time, Mrs. Doug will be able to take care of him.  She said she'd let us know what kind of help she will need in terms of people coming to help sit with him.  I'm sure many will want to help by bringing food, but she said they don't eat enough for it to be necessary for someone to bring food everyday.  (He's not on double portions anymore!)  She said maybe every 2-3 days someone could bring a meal and that would be plenty for them. 

They are going to take the feeding tube out on Monday so he will be completely "unplugged" at that point.  She thinks the trach will be healed by next week as well.  

She got his evaluation Thursday.  He has walked 200 feet with a 4-pronged cane.  They are building up the left shoe a little, which helps him pick up the right leg better.  She said before they get done he's liable to be 7 feet tall!  But at least it's working!  With the leg built up, he could walk better and didn't have to have the brace on his leg. 

As for his speech, they have started working with his writing more.  She would write down a word and he would write a word with similar letters, but he wasn't getting the exact word.  So if she showed him the word "pen" he wrote the word "pan" or something like it.  They have been giving him pictures to choose from and ask him questions such as, "which one would you comb your hair with?"  And he would point to the comb.  Or "which one would you open the door with?" and he would point to the key.  Also, he's started using the ipad some more.  Johanna had sent some pictures in an email and he was looking at them and had to make it scroll down to see the rest of him and he was able to do that. 

In OT they were able to stand him up and balance him for about 7 minutes without anyone touching him.  They also had him trying to shoot a basketball in a goal.  He made at least 2 points!  Then they brought the goal closer and had him toss bean bags into it and shift his weight.  He was able to do that without help as well.  He could feel when he was getting off balance and shift himself back around to correct.  The therapist was right there to help catch him if he needed it.  They've continued the e-stim on his right arm and hand.  He's been having some leg cramping in his right leg, but she thinks it's because they've been working it so much. 

Otherwise, they've just enjoyed sitting outside and soaking in the nice weather this week.  They are looking forward to being home, even though they realize that will be a big transition for them.  The therapists have encouraged them by telling them that once he gets home in his familiar surroundings, he will really continue to improve.  Mrs. Doug and Bro. Dale are aware that they will not be able to do this alone.  It will take a lot of grace and strength from the Lord as well as help from friends and family.  Start praying now that God will give them peace, strength and discernment as they evaluate what their needs are so they will be able to communicate those needs to those of us who are eager to help. 

"¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
 ² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
 ³ he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
   for his name’s sake."  Psalm 23:1-3