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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