Thanks for checking back in with us.
Mom is making tiny steps toward waking up. We've seen a few smiles today, especially when getting her teeth brushed and minty chapstick applied. The nurses told the ICU doc that, "She likes to do more for her daughters than for us."
The EEG has shown no seizure activity, so the mass of electrodes were just removed -- Yay! This makes her head more comfy and moving her around easier. The plan is to get her up into the chair a few times today. They use a soft sling to lift her out of bed and into the chair...a nice floaty ride. She also needs to be stimulated in other ways so that she interacts more with the world; we talk a lot, move her arms and legs, and make sure she knows how strong she is and how much everyone loves her.
The doctors remain confident that she'll recover with time. The problem is complex and difficult to understand: "Aboulia" involves a disruption of communication among parts of the brain, and this includes her emotions and motivation. SO, in addition to the physical aspect of recovery, she needs to regain the will to act in various ways. That will come with healing and a lot of pushiness from us.
Dad and Brian are back in Glen Arbor, where Dad is getting his medical treatment. He definitely misses Mom's comforting presence in the house and can't wait to get back to Grand Rapids tomorrow. We're researching rehab facilities in the Traverse City area, where she'll be able to get intense physical, occupational, and speech therapy -- all with the goal of getting Mom back home.
In the meantime, thanks to Uncle Glen, we have a boombox in the corner playing Chopin preludes.
8 comments:
My best to your mom during her recovery, Nancy.
-Julie
Sending lots of love and prayers!
She's so lucky to have all of you there loving and encouraging her!
Again, thank you for the updates. I check every morning and evening to see if there is an update.
You are doing such a good job with loving pushiness and creative activity. Thanks for this detailed report. We are grateful for your blog.
Still praying for you Alyce Jean and for you, Rich,and all the children.We hope this weekend goes well and that your family finds for you a helpful place which
also pleases you. How thoughtful of Glen to bring you music. We love you.
MR
Dear children of AlyceJean and Rich, have you read the article online by Chritine/the-spoon theory/ ? It talls how people who for one reason or another cannot articulate how they are feeling are told they, like everyone else every morning get twelve spoons. Sometimes it's hard, for those who can't speak or or when able to emotionally speak, to say how they are doing. If tomorrow is a three spoon day for me, I know can't both make soup and do all the laundry and anyone in ear shot knows what or what not to expect of me. Maybe in the future days to come,your mom can tell you how many spoons she has on any particular day. Christopher had 8 spoons a few days ago; Bob had six--the same day I had three, so we helped each other out. With this theory of the spoons "speaking for us," we don't have to come up with descriptive words which add up to how we are feeling one day or the next. I realize this may work sometime in the future for your mom but in the meantime you can practice with each other and your dad. Just a suggestion. The author's name of the spoon theory is Christine Miseranddino.
It's 22 pg. article but I think I've given you the basics for now. In your postings which are so well done--real and yet full of hope,there is a picture of a bride. Could that be your daughter, Val? Sometimes times goes by so slowly and
other times much too fast as you must experiencing both with your mother and your children. Take good care of each other, and, Richard, I hope your face is healing. When you and I were young, we never heard of "SPF 30" Tell me how important it is to remember. With love and prayers for you all, MaryRuth
Dear Nancy and Val, Soon your mom will be receiving Evancho singing softly and
so sweetly to bless your mom. I send it as healing sweetness for you all.
It comes with our prayers for blessing and healing and knowing you are
remembered. Love to you all, MaryRuth and Bob.
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