Jeff had a pretty good day today with a little extra fun thanks to his awesome occupational therapist. We'll get to that later.
His day started off really well with his awesome nurse, Johnathan, who got him up and showered, with other morning necessities completed, and back to bed before breakfast! Jeff said Johnathan even took the time to wash his hair twice to help his itchy, dry scalp. He did shower twice a day before this, after all!
It tired him out, as usual, so after he and Annette finished breakfast he took a nap until therapy. He really likes this routine best and we are so grateful for Johnathan's help to get it accomplished today. We know that's a busy time of morning so it means even more to us that he put our dad as a higher priority.
An unfortunate realization was made today. Better now than when he's home and not being monitored as closely. After his shower Jeff went without a shirt. His body is unable to regulate his temperatures, something he's already struggled with. Until now we've seen how he can get overheated easily and get a fever. Now we learned the opposite is just as problematic.
Annette said his skin was ice cold to the touch. Going without a shirt after a shower isn't a good idea. His core temperature dropped a whole two degrees! He can't feel if he's too warm or too cold until it's too late. At least now we know to be more conscious of it.
He sat in the sun with warm blankets while lifting weights just before PT in order to elevate his temperature to a more healthy range. Thankfully it was an easy fix without lasting consequences. Lesson learned. Needless to say, Annette went and bought him a zip up fleece sweatshirt when she left this evening to prevent it from happening again.
They used to split his physical therapy between an hour in the AM and a half hour in the PM. Jeff felt that it wasted time getting everything set up twice and asked if they could combine the two sessions in the morning. They were great about it and he's really liked doing the hour and a half in the mornings.
He excels at everything they ask him to do. With practice and patience he improves each and every day on the tasks that are given to him. While we all want to see him make a full recovery, and are hoping and praying for it, the goals they set in PT are based on what he can currently do.
This means finding tools and learning skills for his current disabilities. He only has the top half of his arms, can't use his hands, and has nothing below his nipple line. When he eventually gets to Neuroworx they will be focusing more on what he can have in the future instead, so the goals will be much different.
Jeff fed himself lunch again today! Annette cut everything up into bite sized pieces and says he did a really good job and he's getting really good at using his special silverware.
The company that made Jeff's wheelchair came in to fix some issues with it. They adjusted the headrest so it was at a better angle and then replaced the generic plug with one meant for that specific model. They also discussed a pressure release seat that's available for his chair. They figure out where his pressure points are and can custom make the seat to fit him specifically and reduce the pressure to those areas.
Occupational therapy was in the afternoon with Josh, one of our favorites! He sure didn't disappoint today. He actually spent quite a bit more time than what he had allotted helping our dad. They looked online at different gadgets and things, like grabbers that would allow Jeff to pick things up from off the ground for example.
They also watched videos of how other wheelchair bound people have solved common problems they deal with and what tips and tricks they've learned along the way, like how to close a door when the hallway is too narrow to negotiate very easily.
A goal Jeff and Josh set was that Jeff would be able to work his TV remote. To accomplish this Josh found him a little gadget that attaches to his straightened pointer finger and allows him to poke things like buttons on a remote or even computer keys. It has proven to be much more effective than the other method Jeff was using to type and he is very excited! It's also much smaller and easier to use.
With Annette and Blake's help Jeff was able to get important book work done today in between everything else. Cherie also helped by printing off bills so they can be sent out.
An old friend, Kevin Leak, came to visit and even helped Annette transfer Jeff from his wheelchair back to bed. It's much easier to do with two people and it feels good to be involved, even in such a small way. We are grateful he took the time to visit and gave such loving service while he was there.
It's incredible to see so many people willing and wanting to participate in Jeff's healing process. Family members and visitors taking an interest in what he's learning and even helping during therapy... we are so grateful to all of you. Your actions give invaluable encouragement and support.
Most of his pain is located in his shoulders and the back of his neck. Those are the muscles he is now using to compensate for the rest of his body not working. That load is an incredible strain as he learns to move his body and balance. It also puts strain on his incision which, in the nicest of terms, is extremely uncomfortable. He is also counting down the days until he can get the neck brace off and hopes that it will help him be more comfortable.
Annette prepared Jeff's dinner and he was able to feed himself again. After that Annette left and Blake (Cherie's husband) stayed until bedtime. They watched Avatar, one of Jeff's favorite Sci-fi movies. Blake says the only interruption came when it was pill time and they didn't even have to press pause.
The end of another successful day. Every day that hope overcomes despair is a success, but Jeff does far more than just search for hope. He works for it. In every therapy session, every conversation, and every prayer he works to improve his circumstances and in turn gains hope.
His life is drastically changed, but it's not over. The most important thing is that he understands the difference and accepts it, which he has! Thank you to everyone who continues to remind him of his purpose on this earth and the potential he still has to live a full life.
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