Date sent: 10/11/99 06:50 PM
Subject:
Moving Day

Ok gang,

Yesterday (Sunday) was a pretty laid back day... rainy and dreary outside, and busy but not exhausting in side. We have noticed that Sundays seem to lag and lull. I guess that is as it should be.

Today, Dan was up walking with a cane and a helper 2 times today. We have realized that most of his "progess" is based on his feeling stronger and compensating from the right side. He is able to do some unconsious movements to support himself while he walks... but, he really can not do any thing new completely volitionally. We are thrilled with his current abilities, but have some shadowed thoughts about the lack of obvious "return" of his movement.

He got a sling for his left arm. This is important because the loose musculature can cause his shoulder to just drop out of the socket eventually (subluxation). There is a constant balance between providing support and help using limited function, and encouraging more function to return...

Which is a good segue into the Mivami Valley Rehabilitation ... I spoke with the admissions person there... It seems the construction business for rehab centers is booming... she said there is construction on the floor as they plan to add more beds to the unit. Also, a private room will be impossible... they are saving them for people who are transferring there from their own hospital .... She told me the name of the doctor who will be assigned to Dan's case (Dr. Watts, who is a Rehabiliation specialist..) and that the philosophy of their unit is "To promote independence within functional limits." When I asked about reducing the functional limits (ie increasing strength and function)... after a stunned silence, she stammered something like "oh, yea, that too." Maybe the rehabilitation community needs to meet up with Bernie Segal or some other positive thinking medical person (like me ;-) ). Ok, enough pessimism. We go, tommorow.

The Plan: We leave Spaulding at 9:00 am Tuesday morning, by chair-car. We will be met at the airport with a wheel chair to get to the gate.. . We have been assigned bulkhead seats, together, and they will have an onboard wheel chair. Another wheel chair will be at the gate in CMH and Ron Schmidt will pick us up. Then we go directly to MVH and check in.

The MVH admissions person said that I can visit Dan any time and continue to be a part of his care. The visiting hours for guests outside the family are 4pm to 8 pm. And, judging from our experience here, that makes sense because the days are so busy.

Finally, as we prepare for yet another transition, we would like to again express our sincere gratitude for all your support. We really have thrived on your notes, prayers, cheers, etc. Thank you.

"I would like to add, your emails have brought home, brought us two homesick puppies, closer connected to home... " --- dan.

With Love,

Abi and Dan

 

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