Day 19: End on a happy note

Mom, Dad and Izzy in 2007

Day 19:

I just talked to  Dad who said it was just a remarkable day. As you know, she is paralyzed on her left side but we hope it is just temporary. Today they were working with mom and after some adjustments, pillows and other things, she was able to hold and grasp on to a ball on her left side. At this point, we're just continuing to hold our breath and hope that this is a sign that we can give into, perhaps take as a true indication that her left side might be changing. Although her range of motion and ability to feel her left side is void, they are teaching her to use her left side to her benefit.

My aunt said that in just one day she can do 100 more things and that she is making gigantic improvements.

Tomorrow will be another action packed day and mom is one of the fellow millions of viewers watching the Superbowl! (yes...she loves football)



Day 19: A few ups and downs

Mom and Clay in Colorado



Day 19:

Mom's been at it again...working and working! Her day is filled with therapy and she is pooped. Dad said that the nurses have said that what takes you and I one ounce of effort takes her 10 times the effort.

Imagine that...the next time you get up to get a glass of water pay attention to how your hands and legs move, how your body effortlessly grabs a cup, turns on the water and how seemless you can move it to your mouth.

Mom had a very big moment today...she stood up and... promptly passed out! Luckily she had many people around to help her but considering she hasn't been upright on her feet in almost three weeks, I guess we can't blame her.

Despite her being light headed, this is a huge day for mom! 

Day 18: Rehab

Mom and Dad visiting Izzy at Thanksgiving 2007



Day 18:

Mom hada very busy day of physical therapy. Dad said she worked hard on learning how to use a fork and took to it right away! It was an action packed day and she's sleepy. Hopefully tomorrow they will be able to have mom in a wheelchair take her outside for a change of scenery.

I was able to talk to her last might and she reminded me that dad had a doctors appointment today. She said, "between the two of us, we're a real mess"! Amongst it all, she still have a great sense of humor!



Day 18: Rehab

Let's give a cheer for Dad! 

Of all times, he was doing a skin treatment on his head so his poor face is bright red and peeling. 

He's joking that he's scaring everyone!

Day 18: You know mom's a planner and loves agendas... here is her schedule today:

 

9:00- 11:30 she's doing 3 different kinds of therapy, occupational, speech and vocational. 

12:30 - 1:30: Lunch...perhaps a beautiful plate of mashed potatoes, applesauce and juice

2:00 - 3:00: More rehab

3:00 - 5:00 she rests and no visitors are allowed. 

5:00 on it's a party at Boise's!

Mom is working very hard and being a great student! According to the nurses, she never complains, always is polite and so far, everyone's favorite patient.

Yesterday was filled with mental exercises that would be hard for anyone. She had to name 20 animals in 20 seconds, she had to count backwards from fifty by 3's, remember sequences of words and numbers and recite them an hour later, etc. Very interesting. She is very determined and on a mission.

Day 17: Smile and a giggle

Mom and Dad celebrating Mike Steven's birthday

Day 17: Dad was teasing mom this morning and what do you know...she offered up a smile and a little giggle. Ah...already an amazing day and it's only 9:30am!

Today mom is in the first day of "training"...mom's first day of working with the physical therapist. She will work for about 4 hours on range of motion and various other movements to gauge her abilities. From what we know, it is very tiring and hard work so we imagine once she's done, she will sleep like a baby.

Dad reassured us that the nurses are just wonderful and taking incredible care of mom. Mom also has a roomie who also suffered  a stroke.

If you know mom and dad, you know that every morning (seriously...every morning) they enjoy coffee together, just slowly wake up and start their day. Even if they are apart from each other, they still call the other and drink a cup of coffee as if they were together. I know right, who does that? Well, they do. So today guess what they were able to kick up again....? Yup, you guessed it, mom was not only able to drink her first cup of coffee but she was able to enjoy it with dad. Go ahead wipe 'em, wipe those tears away.

Mom is also mobile, somewhat. They have placed a wheelchair next to her bed and with the help of an aide or family member, she can be wheeled around for a nice change of scenery!

The address should you wish to send cards is:
Good Samaritan Rehab
Boise Taylor: Patient
1012 E. Willetta
Phoenix, AZ 85006

Day 16: 5pm update

Izzy, Dad and Teddy walking around the block at Christmas

 

Day 16: Mom has had a great day and is eating solid foods. She enjoyed munching on strawberries and cottage cheese (yuck!).

The results from the brain scan came back with only positive feedback. Nothing is wrong, there is no indication of any potential future problems and no medication will be needed. The Doctor suggested that she was probably just born with a weak vein. Go figure. 

 

Everyone with mom (Dad and her two sisters: Layne and Jo Jo) have indicated that she's doing great and making great strides. I was able to double check this today and was actually able to talk to mom! Granted, she had just woken up and was a bit groggy but I was able to talk to her and I too can validate her progress. Very alert and on her game. 

 

Dad expected her to be moving within the next 30 minutes to the Rehab Center.

Stay tuned...day 17 is bound to bring more great news. :)

Day 16: Update

I love this picture as I can just see mom saying, 

"Guys...what's the big deal here? I had a stroke and I'm 

getting better...don't worry about it"

Day 16: Gosh, we can't believe it's already day 16! Mom is still in the main hospital and they're just waiting for a room to open up in the Rehab Center.

She is doing physical therapy quite often and it is very tiring as you can imagine. Once she is moved she will most likely be there for 1-2 months. As soon as we get the address, I will post it.

Today they are doing a brain scan which is being done to determine the cause of the stroke. Will be interesting to see what they find.

Also...if you have any pictures of mom or anything that she loves, would you please send to me so I can use it in the blog? (stacy.krems@gmail.com)


Thanks!