Timothy and I just returned from seeing the orthopedic surgeon at St. Elizabeth's. He said everything looked good; that Timothy was a quick healer. The bones are beginning to close together, and the alignment is acceptable. We had absolutely no trouble transferring from walker to suburban and back. When we finally left the Dr.'s office, we took off looking for fast food. Timothy said, "This is my first meal away from Madonna." The Taco Inn was a satisfying change. We will continue our search for Burger King and French fries, however, another time.
We are still scheduled to leave Madonna this Friday around 10:00 a.m. Yahoo!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May 7 at 4:30
Timothy had his first bad experience at Madonna today. His community outing centered around a trip across town to a museum. It took 20 min. to get everything organized and Timothy and the one other participant hooked down safely in the van. It took another 20 min. to get to the museum. When we arrived, it was very chaotic with hundreds of noisey school children on a field trip. The two attendents had not brought enough money for them all to get in (they didn't seem to know it would cost). Jessica was with Timothy and offered to pay his way, but they decided to just take the other gentleman on a "tour of the grounds." Brandi, Courtney Jean, and I came in another vehicle so we paid our way in. Then we were told we had only 30 min. to look around before we had to meet and start back. We could hardly find a path to take the wheelchair with all the kids, parents, and supervisors. Besides all of that the two women in charge cannot drive a van very well or competently operate the equipment!
Timothy and I talked and decided he could be using all of this time to better use--lifting weights, practicing walking with his walker, almost anything. Next week we won't be going on group community outings.
Other than that everything is going smoothly.
Timothy and I talked and decided he could be using all of this time to better use--lifting weights, practicing walking with his walker, almost anything. Next week we won't be going on group community outings.
Other than that everything is going smoothly.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May 6 at 3:30
Today we practiced getting Timothy in the suburban again--just he and I with no help. We did all right. On Monday, Madonna is planning on me taking Timothy across town to see Dr. Swanson (leg surgeon) by myself. As I am the one who will be carting him back and forth to therapy sessions in St. Joe, I need to be knowledgeable and confident in how to manage Timothy, the wheelchair, the walker, and the ins and outs of the vehicle. Please wish me luck as we will both be a little nervous.
The highlight of our day was an outing to a local grocery store. We were transported by a Madonna van. Timothy wheeled himself across the parking lot, through the store doors, and down the aisles. He was to locate four items by himself by reading the aisle signs and reading the shelves. He had to make the most economical choices for all items. When we returned, he and the other patient were to date the food items and store them away properly in the "kitchen."
Timothy was excited. He kept saying, "This is the first time I have been "out" since coming here".
The highlight of our day was an outing to a local grocery store. We were transported by a Madonna van. Timothy wheeled himself across the parking lot, through the store doors, and down the aisles. He was to locate four items by himself by reading the aisle signs and reading the shelves. He had to make the most economical choices for all items. When we returned, he and the other patient were to date the food items and store them away properly in the "kitchen."
Timothy was excited. He kept saying, "This is the first time I have been "out" since coming here".
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
March 5 at 5:30
Great news--we'll be coming home May 15! Today the PT took him to my vehicle, and he helped Timothy in the first time, and then I helped him in by myself a second time. I went to Penneys and bought him a pair of sneakers (he has had no shoes this entire time). We are ready to roll.
Goals are for him to walk 15 feet with a walker by then, and be able to navigate his wheelchair by himself before we leave. Tomorrow they are going to start him on what they call "re-entering the community." He and another patient will be taken to places of their choice here in Lincoln. It can be the Harley Davison shop, Wal Mart, park, etc. They will be expected to navigate curbs, sidewalks, doorways, etc. by themselves with maybe a little help at first. They will also be "cooking" one day a week.
The infection doctor arranged for his IV antibiotics to be given only twice a day for 1 1/2 hours each instead of three times for an hour.
Out-patient therapy will be arranged at Heartland in St. Joseph, Missouri and will begin May 18.
I'll post therapy schedules when I know them because we sure want visitors when we get home. We'll be setting up camp at Timothy's house. Thanks again for all the prayers and caring acts of kindness. We couldn't have come this far without you.
Goals are for him to walk 15 feet with a walker by then, and be able to navigate his wheelchair by himself before we leave. Tomorrow they are going to start him on what they call "re-entering the community." He and another patient will be taken to places of their choice here in Lincoln. It can be the Harley Davison shop, Wal Mart, park, etc. They will be expected to navigate curbs, sidewalks, doorways, etc. by themselves with maybe a little help at first. They will also be "cooking" one day a week.
The infection doctor arranged for his IV antibiotics to be given only twice a day for 1 1/2 hours each instead of three times for an hour.
Out-patient therapy will be arranged at Heartland in St. Joseph, Missouri and will begin May 18.
I'll post therapy schedules when I know them because we sure want visitors when we get home. We'll be setting up camp at Timothy's house. Thanks again for all the prayers and caring acts of kindness. We couldn't have come this far without you.
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 4 at 6:00
Timothy had a great day. When I arrived Butch and Jennifer Prussman were visiting with him, and before they arrived, the doctor had taken his trach out. His voice is a little breathy again, but that should end in a day or two. Therapies went well, and the psychologist visited with him a little. He had answers for all her questions. He is telling everyone who visits to be sure and wear their seatbelts. So he did learn something from this experience. He is really enjoying visits from friends.
So now Timothy just has the Halo, the pick line for the IV antibiotic, and a brace on the left leg. Yeah! Yeah!
He and I went to visit with Carl today. He was able to wave and make eye contact. He is starting to come around. Hurrah! Hurrah! Good news all around.
If anyone from home is coming this way by Thursday, we need a favor. Timothy has the UP laptop at his house, and UP has his. Mike can make the exchange Thursday if I have it by then. So if you're coming this way, just call father Tim at home. If this doesn't work no worry, we'll take care of it the next half. If I had known just a little sooner, I would have brought it up with me.
We will learn the new exit date tomorrow!
So now Timothy just has the Halo, the pick line for the IV antibiotic, and a brace on the left leg. Yeah! Yeah!
He and I went to visit with Carl today. He was able to wave and make eye contact. He is starting to come around. Hurrah! Hurrah! Good news all around.
If anyone from home is coming this way by Thursday, we need a favor. Timothy has the UP laptop at his house, and UP has his. Mike can make the exchange Thursday if I have it by then. So if you're coming this way, just call father Tim at home. If this doesn't work no worry, we'll take care of it the next half. If I had known just a little sooner, I would have brought it up with me.
We will learn the new exit date tomorrow!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
May 2nd at 7:00pm
Today Timothy was re-evaluated by all three therapies. Zach, Jeremy and Lisa are spending the weekend in Lincoln with Timothy. Jason Vavara (a railroad buddy) and family came by to visit and brought several magazines for Timothy to enjoy. Otherwise, it has been a pretty quiet day. Timothy's right leg continues to hurt some but otherwise he is pretty comfortable.
Friday, May 1, 2009
May 1 at 3:30
Timothy is back at Madonna. He is in great spirtis, ready to get back to work and to get home. This morning a woman came and brought an ultra sound device that is to promote bone healing. It is to be attached to the site of the bone fracture once a day for 20 min. for several weeks.
To Timothy's railroad friends and others: Timothy has a cell phone now, but not his old cell numbers. So if you haven't heard from him and think you should have its because he doesn't know your number. Give him a call.
Madonna is great but we are all anxious to get home and back to a semi-normal life.
To Timothy's railroad friends and others: Timothy has a cell phone now, but not his old cell numbers. So if you haven't heard from him and think you should have its because he doesn't know your number. Give him a call.
Madonna is great but we are all anxious to get home and back to a semi-normal life.
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