Day 92, Monday Nov. 23

Day 92, Monday Nov. 23

Today was busy, as you can imagine. In therapy Annette learned how to maneuver Jeff up and down curbs and stairs in the wheelchair. It takes a lot of strength and patience. Stairs require a second person for safety, one in front and one in back. 

They then spent time learning how to get Jeff off the ground if he were to ever fall. Of course we are praying and hoping this will never be a problem we come across, but if it were to happen at least we will have the basic tools needed. 

Ideally it would take 3-4 people and a sheet. We are grateful that Jeff and Annette have such a great ward family and neighbors if they ever needed this help, plus there are several family members who live nearby. 

You may be asking why we wouldn't just want to call 911 if this were to occur. Most falls have the potential to cause injury, so in those cases we would leave him where he fell and let the professionals do their work to keep him safe. 

But, there is also the possibility of a failed transfer where he is lowered to the ground. Or if he were to slide off of a piece of furniture and land more gently. In these cases we would need to know the safest way to get him up and would need this knowledge.

They also spent time outside during therapy. Jeff learned pretty quickly in previous outings that the seatbelt in the truck is not adequate to keep him upright. He has to excessively use his arms to hold himself steady so he doesn't fall over with every bump or turn. 

Today they got a large gait belt that goes around his chest (below the arms) and around the whole seat to hold him securely upright. We were thinking he needed something similar to a 5 point racing harness, but this is much less expensive and works great! 

They worked to get medical supplies ordered today. There is quite a list of things they'll need at home that they don't have yet. 

And of course it's time to start signing all sorts of paperwork. They tried to get as much of the discharge instructions and paperwork done today as possible. 

They go home tomorrow and today is the first time they went downstairs to get ice cream. They've heard how amazing it is and have been wanting to try it, but Jeff worries about the extra calories. They also tried a fritter that they really liked and Jeff said, "We kind of broke all the rules and ate a bunch of junk!" 

Finally it was time to relax and soak in the fact that it's Jeff's last night at the hospital. Movie time was not as successful as usual and it wasn't long before Annette had her phone out looking at food recipes. 

After a while Jeff said in disbelief, "This is so boring I'm watching you on Pinterest!" Ha! 

Tomorrow is a big day! Updates will be posted as soon as possible. Thank you for following our dad's progress, we appreciate your support so much!