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| On the NuStep |
It had taken awhile for the approval to come though the insurance---as once again, the primary care doctor's office had screwed up the codes.... I finally just asked the neurologist to send in the script. After he did that, it was approved within a day.
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| Bob Walking the Hall at Rehab That's 40 feet of railing! |
I was quite pleased that he has the same therapists assigned to him as last time.
In fact, the main PT requested his assignment when she saw his file come in. It is good to have Bob working with therapists who he likes and who like working with him!
Since we were there last, they have remodeled the facility and now have a railing that is twice as long as the old one. A big challenge for Bob! Especially since he lost some of his strength and endurance since November.... He did manage to walk that rail three times yesterday.
A new problem he's dealing with this time around is the curling toes on his left (unaffected) foot which causes him a lot of pain when he walks. So now, he's not only paralyzed/weak on the right side but has pain each time he steps down on left foot.
I have to admit he's a real trooper for getting up and trying to do it.
And me, I don't have any big delusions this time around. If they get him up on that hemi-walker, great! If not, as Bob would say, "oh well"... I'm just happy to have a break from doing all those at home exercises.
This time, we made his goals simple: to increase muscle strength and endurance. Hopefully, he will "progress" with those goals. And we'll see what happens.
9 comments:
Hi Diane. I started reading your blog a few months ago and am really enjoying it. I admire you for the sacrifices you are making for your loved one. I believe my wife would do the same if necessary. I had a hemorrhagic stroke October 201l, and like Bob, I have begun to experience some crossover from my left, affected, side to my right in the form of pain, numbness, and weakness. Like so many other things, no one warned me this could happen and my research hasn't turned up any information. Do you know why this is happening to Bob? I wish you both the best.
It's great to see those pictures of Bob working out in physical therapy. Having the same therapist from the past working with him has to make Bob feel much more comfortable overall.
I hope Bob can continue his therapy beyond the end of March. Yes, Bob is definitely a trooper in all his efforts, but you are a true angel in all you do for him.
Hugs & prayers to both of you. Dan
Diane,
The idea is to keep goals simple and doable. I myself am back in therapy since my shoulder has healed enough to do the stretching. But in your heart you want so much more.
Glad you have some respite therapy to help with Bob's daily grind. I've thought long and hard about getting a home health nurse or aide in to help with Mr. T but so far I haven't.Mainly because his resistance to the idea. I keep plugging along.
Jim, the neurologist explained that sometimes if there is damage in the right hemisphere of the brain, the "wires get crossed" while the brain attempts to heal itself and that results in odd muscle contractions etc. showing up months and/or years post-stroke.
Bob's main damage was in the left hemisphere, but he did have some cross over the midline.... in his case, he's developed a "dystonia" or contracture of muscles in his neck and right foot.
You know... I'm wondering, no matter why his neck is doing this, the result to him is the same. Maybe it should be treated with a neck brace, at least part of the day, like hand splints are. The thing is, while it is hanging there, it is pulling everything from the other side out of it's normal place, and will keep the bad side shortened. Balance will be lost, as well as being able to see what he is doing or looking at correctly. Maybe while doing therapy, so he can have a better perspective while trying to walk and exercise? Just a thought, it's all trial and error, best wishes.
I did wear a neck brace 2 years myself, after a neck injury, and it was a relief to have it on, holding up my head so I didn't have to strain to. Sure, I'd take it off when it made other parts sore from weight bearing, but it's like most things, switching back and forth for the best feel at the time.
I am so glad that Bob is getting therapy again.
I know there must be a good reason why you haven't changed to another primary care doctor, but... it sounds almost like the PC doctor should be sued, too! Grrr.
Great to hear that Bob is back in therapy, and that you are getting a bit of a break.
No one ever told me about the possibility of "crossed wires"...I don't remember ever being affected that way, but it would be nice to know that there's a possibility of these things happening...
How wonderful it is to see the pic of Bob walking along the handrail. You and he are both inspirations ... With your determination,, commitment and persistence despite how hard the work is.
Hi Diane!
I am printing out the last few days of you blog for my mom and dad. It was so good to read that you were able to make it to the book fair! We all think of you way more often than we write. Sending love from WI :)
Tami, Aunt Betty and Uncle Earl
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