If you’ve ever recovered from something, whether it’s an illness, injury, surgery, or something as serious as a stroke, my headline might make sense to you.
Mom has good days and bad days. Days when she has a good bit of energy and others when she’s completely drained. She has some sort of therapy almost every day of the week. Her speech therapy has just been cut back to once a week since she’s doing so well. She continues to get PT and OT twice a week. During PT she’s been focusing on standing and walking and that is pretty draining. This week we went to have her AFO (Ankle Foot Orthosis) measured. It’s going to end up taking a month before it’s ready for her but we’re assured it’ll be worth the wait. This should greatly improve her ability to not only stand, but take more controlled steps since that will eliminate the foot drop that she’s dealing with. As she gets stronger and has better control, the AFO can be adjusted to allow for more movement. That will only happen when she’s able to really pull her toes up toward her shin on her own and hold it there. Everything is a process and baby steps. It’s really overwhelming to think about every joint, muscle, and tendon that is required to stand, walk, and just MOVE in general! Mom’s OT helps her with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). They have been focusing on leaning and stretching. This isn’t important just for getting something from a high shelf – this is necessary just for getting dressed! Think about it – how do you put your pants on? There is definitely leaning involved. And for me, sometimes a little more stretching than I’d like to admit. 😉
All in all things are progressing nicely. We are getting great feedback from her therapists. She’ll have all of her assessments next week. I can’t believe that on Saturday she will be home for a month already!
She has had a few friends come by to visit since she’s been here and it’s been nice. Everyone has been very patient and flexible in working around her therapy schedules and other appointments.
Sunday is her birthday! I know I’m posting this a little late, but some have asked about sending her cards. Cards and letters can be sent to:
Sue Boehm
42636 Emperor Drive
Ashburn VA 20148
Mom has appointments with the cardiologist tomorrow and Monday (echo and the follow up). I’ll report back after the weekend with updates, or tomorrow if there is anything significant.