Thursday Updates
WOW...we have quite a crowd checking in on the Main Man. Thank you so much for your support!
So each Thursday is a rather large day as the MD's make their rounds as do the Therapists. Before I give you the feedback I thought you should learn of his progress. First of all, Skip went through some intense rehab therapy on Monday and Tuesday and they gave him roughly 5 hours each day of therapy. He did amazingly well but they decided to taper it down a little, as it was a bit much. So I left Carmel on Tuesday night and was in Fresno, Modesto, Hanford and Visalia on Wed and all day today. Prior to leaving, I stayed with the Main Man until 630 on Tuesday night. We had a great time together and actually I was able to spend time with Skip and Tom Wilson. Tom and Skip really enjoyed each other and I enjoyed being there with them as well! I had heard from the nurse that they are beginning to really focus in on his right side of the body. During that day, they had him moving his right hand and actually doing some excersizes. I however was unable to see him move his hand on command but I'm sure he couldve been tuckered out. On Monday and Tuesday and all days since then, they have Skip wheeling and pulling (with his left foot) himself to the rehab/excersize room in the wheelchair all by himself. This was and still is a lot of work but we are amazed at how quick this has come and his ability to do it on his own. So on Tuesday night, both Tom and I enjoyed hanging out and they actually had brought Skip some food, he was able to again feed himself on his own. This food, isn't what I would call the Gourmet style that you may be used to, especially if you have eaten what Skip can make. But it's actually blended and pureed(sp?) it doesn't smell bad but Skip is able to take it one bite at a time and do ok with it. Tuesday was also notable because Skip had his cathater removed...(woohoo!!! Yea...!) and I'm sure it's much more comforting for him and us to know he's working on his own! He probably kill me...for posting that in a blog but I feel you would be happy to hear that he's got feeling down there and the plumbing works!
Skip continued on Wednesday with more rehab and the Speech and Occupational therapists are impressed with his progression. On Wednesday night I called his room, and spoke with my mom, she actually held the phone up to Skip and he did much more than mumble..! Skip had said "hi Jason, how are you" then I told him how well the Blog was doing, then he said or it least it sounded like "you are so great (or gracious)" and he was referencing the site. So again, he's very cognizant of conversations and the content. It's really comforting to know that his mind is intact! It's even more comforting when your Dad can say hi and your own name...! The mumbles are still 100% present and will continue to be there but as he begins to build strength in the vocal areas, and his brain continues to rebuild...the speech and conversation will only continue to improve! So I was delighted and touched to talk with Skip. He kept slurring and mumbling for a bit as he must have a bunch of pent up conversation. I again told him to be patient as this will come and get easier in time. I couldn't understand much after the first 5-10 words. But that was completely OK because I enjoyed feeling his effort and hearing his attempt and drive to speak.
I know that there have been many visitors since Tuesday so I apologize I don't know of you all, but I'm very sure that Skip is enjoying the visits!
So to Thursday updates...The MD waited to meet with our family last, as he had a long day and had some unfortunate and difficult news to the patients prior to Skip. The MD told us that Skip is going to be there for another 3-4 weeks. This is really a good thing. As you may know, if they aren't seeing much improvement, then they get you out earlier but if they are seeing steady improvement, they want to keep you in as long as possible to maximize the return on therapy. So this 3-4 weeks is great because the MD says that Skip is truly improving and making some great strides. The Speech therapist is also going to graduate Skip from Baby food to Stroke food. I believe the consistency of the food isn't pureed but instead a bit chunky or requires a bit of chewing. The ST also said that his speech and language is on a great track of improvement. The Occupational Therapist said that today, she used an ace bandage and wrapped both of Skips hands together. She then tossed a ball to him and asked to bump it back with both hands. He did it fairly well, I wasn't there to watch but I can imagine his motor skills were tested and both sides of his body and brain were trying to work together. The OT believes there's some good or decent movement in the right side. This also goes back to the MD recommendation that they want to keep him and continue to work with him. As much as we want him back home and he wants back home, these steps of rehab are working and they'll continue to push the limits and watch the improvement process closely. So he's staying there and will continue excercises like these to further rehabilitate.
If you are able to visit Skip during the week, you will notice a binder in the room for providing updates and comments on things during your visit. Please feel free to make an entry with anything you learn. We have the log book to keep as informed as possible and find it helpful to see what things are going on during each visit.
As I mentioned earlier in this blog, I'm impressed with all of you visiting the site daily with your morning coffee for an update. I will continue to do my best and provide updates on the Main Man. As you can see from this update, it took me a few days for a progress report so I will do what I can but if you pay a visit to Skip and would like to send me the feedback, I'd be happy to post that as well. Simply send me an email and I'll update the gang.
I will definitely be doing updates each time I visit with him to keep us all informed, and I will also update you after the Thursday visit from the MD.
Again, we thank you so very much for keeping tabs on the Main Man. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers during this time of rehabilitation. Lots of love, The Crist Family!
So each Thursday is a rather large day as the MD's make their rounds as do the Therapists. Before I give you the feedback I thought you should learn of his progress. First of all, Skip went through some intense rehab therapy on Monday and Tuesday and they gave him roughly 5 hours each day of therapy. He did amazingly well but they decided to taper it down a little, as it was a bit much. So I left Carmel on Tuesday night and was in Fresno, Modesto, Hanford and Visalia on Wed and all day today. Prior to leaving, I stayed with the Main Man until 630 on Tuesday night. We had a great time together and actually I was able to spend time with Skip and Tom Wilson. Tom and Skip really enjoyed each other and I enjoyed being there with them as well! I had heard from the nurse that they are beginning to really focus in on his right side of the body. During that day, they had him moving his right hand and actually doing some excersizes. I however was unable to see him move his hand on command but I'm sure he couldve been tuckered out. On Monday and Tuesday and all days since then, they have Skip wheeling and pulling (with his left foot) himself to the rehab/excersize room in the wheelchair all by himself. This was and still is a lot of work but we are amazed at how quick this has come and his ability to do it on his own. So on Tuesday night, both Tom and I enjoyed hanging out and they actually had brought Skip some food, he was able to again feed himself on his own. This food, isn't what I would call the Gourmet style that you may be used to, especially if you have eaten what Skip can make. But it's actually blended and pureed(sp?) it doesn't smell bad but Skip is able to take it one bite at a time and do ok with it. Tuesday was also notable because Skip had his cathater removed...(woohoo!!! Yea...!) and I'm sure it's much more comforting for him and us to know he's working on his own! He probably kill me...for posting that in a blog but I feel you would be happy to hear that he's got feeling down there and the plumbing works!
Skip continued on Wednesday with more rehab and the Speech and Occupational therapists are impressed with his progression. On Wednesday night I called his room, and spoke with my mom, she actually held the phone up to Skip and he did much more than mumble..! Skip had said "hi Jason, how are you" then I told him how well the Blog was doing, then he said or it least it sounded like "you are so great (or gracious)" and he was referencing the site. So again, he's very cognizant of conversations and the content. It's really comforting to know that his mind is intact! It's even more comforting when your Dad can say hi and your own name...! The mumbles are still 100% present and will continue to be there but as he begins to build strength in the vocal areas, and his brain continues to rebuild...the speech and conversation will only continue to improve! So I was delighted and touched to talk with Skip. He kept slurring and mumbling for a bit as he must have a bunch of pent up conversation. I again told him to be patient as this will come and get easier in time. I couldn't understand much after the first 5-10 words. But that was completely OK because I enjoyed feeling his effort and hearing his attempt and drive to speak.
I know that there have been many visitors since Tuesday so I apologize I don't know of you all, but I'm very sure that Skip is enjoying the visits!
So to Thursday updates...The MD waited to meet with our family last, as he had a long day and had some unfortunate and difficult news to the patients prior to Skip. The MD told us that Skip is going to be there for another 3-4 weeks. This is really a good thing. As you may know, if they aren't seeing much improvement, then they get you out earlier but if they are seeing steady improvement, they want to keep you in as long as possible to maximize the return on therapy. So this 3-4 weeks is great because the MD says that Skip is truly improving and making some great strides. The Speech therapist is also going to graduate Skip from Baby food to Stroke food. I believe the consistency of the food isn't pureed but instead a bit chunky or requires a bit of chewing. The ST also said that his speech and language is on a great track of improvement. The Occupational Therapist said that today, she used an ace bandage and wrapped both of Skips hands together. She then tossed a ball to him and asked to bump it back with both hands. He did it fairly well, I wasn't there to watch but I can imagine his motor skills were tested and both sides of his body and brain were trying to work together. The OT believes there's some good or decent movement in the right side. This also goes back to the MD recommendation that they want to keep him and continue to work with him. As much as we want him back home and he wants back home, these steps of rehab are working and they'll continue to push the limits and watch the improvement process closely. So he's staying there and will continue excercises like these to further rehabilitate.
If you are able to visit Skip during the week, you will notice a binder in the room for providing updates and comments on things during your visit. Please feel free to make an entry with anything you learn. We have the log book to keep as informed as possible and find it helpful to see what things are going on during each visit.
As I mentioned earlier in this blog, I'm impressed with all of you visiting the site daily with your morning coffee for an update. I will continue to do my best and provide updates on the Main Man. As you can see from this update, it took me a few days for a progress report so I will do what I can but if you pay a visit to Skip and would like to send me the feedback, I'd be happy to post that as well. Simply send me an email and I'll update the gang.
I will definitely be doing updates each time I visit with him to keep us all informed, and I will also update you after the Thursday visit from the MD.
Again, we thank you so very much for keeping tabs on the Main Man. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers during this time of rehabilitation. Lots of love, The Crist Family!
posted by Jason Crist at 10:23 PM
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