Very soon after, though, the occupational therapist came in and evaluated him and also taught him lots of exercises he could do on his own.
(He is worried if he is doing them when visitors come that they are going to think he is crazy and that the stroke HAS affected his brain!)
He was disappointed to be told by the occupational therapist that he was not allowed to use his walker on his own and would have to call for nurse assistance even to go from his bed to the bathroom with the walker (something he had been allowed to do in the hospital). The therapist felt he was not safe and could trip since he still really has no movement in that foot and is experiencing such ataxia with his left leg.
Later in the day he was also visited and evaluated by the physical therapist and was given a workout by him as well. David liked his report much better, because this therapist gave David the go-ahead to use his walker. David's spirits soared once more!
He had lots of visits today, all of which he appreciated very much! There was a funny moment too where 3 men were visiting him. One was standing, one was on the bed, one was sitting in David's wheelchair, and David was sitting in a regular chair. The nurse looked around and said, "Who's the patient?!" Unfortunately it didn't occur to David until tonight that he should have pointed to the guy in the wheelchair or on the bed and then snuck out!!!!
He says the food is good - that's always a plus!
I had posted more - expressing where I'm at - suffice it to say I think the shock which had cushioned me a bit from the reality of this seems to be beginning to wear off. I appreciate the prayers that are being said for me as I care for David and as I try to keep all the many home fires burning as best I can.
Strangely enough, about two weeks before this happened, my blog post was the following:
I'm thinking now maybe I would have been fine not knowing!!“If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?”
T. S. Eliot (1888-1965)
2 comments:
Heidi,
These feelings are all normal! During the first week and a half, you were in emergency mode, driven by adrenaline and urgency. Now that David is in a more comfortable place and is mending well, it is to be expected for the adrenaline to wear off. Of course you're overwhelmed! But the Lord is aware of your needs, as well as David's, and you are being prayed for by people you don't even know. I have a scripture that might help:
Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
These words were written by the Apostle Paul, as he was in prison in Rome. He had suffered much in his ministries, and when he said "all things" he was well aware of what that could encompass! You can do this, Heidi. It's taking at least as much faith, strength and courage for you as it is for David, but you both can do it!
Love, Amelia Brogdon
I'm praying for you, Heidi.
Marlene
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