July 10th Update

Post Submitted by Jim Owens:

I have just had a call from Pat. She started her conversation by saying that she had some good news. She reports that Don is feeling better today and is showing some signs of improvement. The therapists have been using a Hoya lift to belt him and transport him to the wheel chair, rest room, to get him to a standing position, etc. They have discontinued this and are now using two people to get him to a standing position and to help him walk. He can distribute weight and walk with the help of two people, and they are thinking about trying a leg brace today to help him to stand. She emphasizes, however, that he cannot walk or stand on his own, and although they are optimistic, he still has a "long way to go."

He can smile and wink now, and yesterday moved him to a regular diet. These are all positives, as this means he can swallow efficiently, and is regaining some use of his facial muscles on the left side. Pat says that he does okay with eating, but that his appetite is not great. The rash and reaction to the stroke medication has subsided, but he is still taking pain meds and muscle relaxers. She reported that he slept through the night on Thursday evening, which is a victory.

Pat says that Don's daily therapy really tires him out, and that his doctors and attendants are still saying that he is not up to seeing visitors yet. She promises to let us know when they, and she, feel he us up to company. They are telling her that they feel he has at least three more weeks of formalized therapy to accomplish, but this can change and become a longer period, depending on their weekly evaluations.

Pat is upbeat and stated that she is doing well and is encouraged by his progress. She emphasizes that his doctors and caretakers are telling her that the key for both of them, and for all of us who are concerned, is patience. Stoke rehabilitation is a long arduous process, and takes a lot of time.