Days 134 to 140, Jan. 4-10

Days 134 to 140, Jan. 4-10

This week went well, much of the same routine. It's great to find some normality in all the changes. Each day is still a struggle in its own way, but we are all plugging through. 

Monday proved to be pretty busy. Jeff, Annette, Julee, and Tylee went to IMC for Jeff's follow up appointment with his neurologist, Dr. Dodds. The only concerns were with the development and prevention of pressure sores. While Jeff has been diligent to do pressure releases for the problem areas on his butt, he discovered an abnormal pressure point on his back. 

Jeff had broken a rib or two in a previous accident and the way it healed makes the bone poke out. When doing pressure releases for his butt he was inadvertently putting more pressure to that spot on his back. Unfortunately it led to a sore opening over the area. It will be tricky to figure out a way to reduce pressure to the spot on his back and keep it off his butt. So many things to think about! 

After the appointment Jeff and Annette went to the shop to get winter tires on the truck while Julee worked on some chores around the house. 

Later it was time for occupational therapy with Kasey from TOSH. We are so grateful to him for being willing to meet at Jeff's house. Jeff said, "It's awesome he comes here. It saves time and the process of getting me in and out of the car and driving."

Kasey and Jeff worked on his finger brace again. They made it shorter to allow for a tenodesis (teen-oh-dee-sis) grasp so Jeff can pick things up. The best way to describe what this means is to relax your hand with your wrist bent and then straighten your wrist. Your thumb will automatically meet your fingers. This is the only way Jeff is able to make his fingers functional. 

Here is a picture of the finished product. Jeff is modeling tenodesis. 

Relaxed wrist, hand hangs down. 

Straight wrist and his thumb meets his fingers. The white part around his thumb and wrist helps move the thumb inward for a tighter grasp between his thumb and finger. The black strap holds his other fingers out of the way so he is able to use his pointer finger to navigate his touch screen on his phone and to type. Now he can even pick things up without having to take the brace off. 

Even the smallest of things can help improve Jeff's quality of life and we are so thankful for the tools he's been provided with! Kasey has been such a blessing with his knowledge, patience, and perseverance to get this right in order to meet all of Jeff's needs. 

On Tuesday morning Jeff's suprapubic catheter clogged and it was only quick thinking and action that prevented lasting complications. There is no doubt Jeff and Annette were guided by the Spirit of what to do until Julee could arrive to help replace it. 

Later they went to Neuroworx. Because of scheduling conflicts it was the first time Jeff and Annette had to go without help for transfers. Annette was able to do it despite her anxiety and we are so proud of her! It isn't an easy task at all, but she did it! When asked how it went she answered, "We did okay." 

Jeff reports it was a typical workout and everything went well. Unlike TOSH where Jeff only works with one OT, he has three physical therapists at Neuroworx that he rotates with. Matt, Matt, and Mike. We are grateful to them for all of their help! 

Wednesday was a day to relax and take a break from therapy. Joyce and Clifton Green came and brought Jeff's favorite lunch from Village Baker. Clifton helped Annette clean up the basement more, organizing all of the things that are now being stored there. 

Thursday meant another trip to Neuroworx. Again Annette did the transfers alone. She went to Costco while Jeff worked out.

Friday was what Jeff called, "The big TOSH day." After hearing about the pressure sore over the broken rib on Jeff's back, Kasey set to work trying to find a solution. Unfortunately, the manufacturer of Jeff's chair doesn't do custom cushions for the backs of their chairs. Instead, Kasey cut out a six inch section of the chair's hard foam and replaced it with soft foam where the rib/sore is. 

Kasey then used some white lithium grease to fix a creaking noise on the power chair that had been bothering Jeff for a long time. Finishing touches were also put on the finger brace pictured above (pictures are of finished product). 

Some anxiety has set in over the insurance only allowing Jeff to work with TOSH for 20 visits a year. He currently works with Kasey twice a week. Jeff said, "We'll blow right through them and we're not sure what to do about it." If we've learned anything through this trial it's that the Lord provides and we need to trust in Him that everything will work out. Prayers over this matter will be appreciated! 

Saturday was a relaxing day without much to report. Sometimes this is the best kind of day

Sunday morning was busy as they scrambled to get ready for nine o'clock church. Jeff says they were late even though they arrived before sacrament meeting started. He used to go early every week and is struggling with this change even though they put forth their best efforts to get there as early as possible. 

In the evening it was spaghetti dinner with the kids and grandkids. Afterwards Jeff watched car shows with Ryan like the good 'ol days. 

Jeff and Annette received a card from a neighbor that touched us all. It thanked them for their example and for the blog. We are grateful to be able to share Jeff's story and progress on this blog. It has been a blessing to all of us in one way or another. Your feedback is appreciated so much! 

Jeff says, "You all think we're better than we really are." This is a concern he's had a few times since we started the blog. 

There are many days when patience runs thin and tempers flare. What else can be expected? But we keep on going and that's what matters most. Our testimonies have been tried day in and day out. With the exercise has come strength and a confirmation of the truth of the gospel. 

The one thing that keeps being reiterated through everything is that our Father in heaven is aware of us. He knows our needs, our desires, our struggles, and our pain. And He cares. Over and over we have seen how loved we are through acts of service from others, answered prayers, and patience we didn't know we had. 

Thank you all for your constant support and the strength it gives us. We aren't perfect and at times it seems that nothing is going right. Despite that, we know we aren't alone and we are loved. We know that no matter where you find yourselves, or whatever the situation, you are also loved and watched over. Keep the faith; it's what gets us through the good days and the bad.