Dorothy was apparently trying to impress the therapists today. By the time I got there, she had already more than doubled the distance she was walking (with her walker, of course).
I had to pass as she headed off to a group communications therapy session, and met her back in her room for lunch. Sitting too long causes her back to hurt, so she opted for lunch in bed.
Later,it was off to the transitional living apartment for some lessons in the kitchen. She chose to make brownies, but refused to eat any because “…they’re fattening”. Several therapists and a pregnant nurse had no problem taking up her slack.
We’re preparing for her return home on the 23rd, which is less than a week away. Hopefully she’ll be as ready as she thinks she is.
I’m thrilled to be able to report good news - so I think I will!
Dorothy is doing better by all accounts since I saw her on Saturday. I almost didn’t recognize her when I saw her in the dining room at lunch today. She was sitting up, her hair combed, and her attractive neck brace all cleaned up when I walked in.
She had nearly finished her meal unassisted by the time I arrived (she hasn’t been eating very good since she got there), and she had saved a piece of salmon for me.
We both got some training for her pending return home during occupational therapy today. We learned how to use the equipment that will help her in the shower and the kitchen in the “transitional apartment” on the rehabilitation ward.
The therapists are very caring and patient in working with us - I guess they get a lot of first-timers.
Anyway - we enjoyed an afternoon of great conversation, and I was able to see Dorothy walk a considerable distance. She was also getting up and down with little or no assistance.She definitely has it in her mind that she will be ready to return home and basically take care of herself very soon. She made that pretty clear. If you know Dorothy - you know what I mean. She’s very (read that as VERY) independent, and plans to remain that way. Of course, for safety’s sake, we may have a friend or two stopping by after she gets home. Hopefully she won’t notice the regularity of the visits and think they’re scheduled or anything…
Today was different. The hospital seems to slow down on the weekend, so Dorothy and I took advantage of it. I decided the shake my fist at the weather and ride the motorcycle (more then twice the gas mileage) to the hospital.
I got there mid-morning, just as Dorothy was returning from physical therapy. Since she was already dressed in sweats and a jacket, I scored a one-hour pass and took her for a spin around the hospital. Since this was her first visit beyond her room and the secret tunnels beneath it all, she had no idea how big the UNC hospital complex was.
We visited the garden areas on both sides of the Children’s Hospital, enjoyed photos, plants, and paintings in hallways and lobbies, and even visited the gourmet coffee shop in the Women’s Hospital. That was my therapy. Dorothy and I have travelled near and far as best friends for nearly 30 years, and it was good to enjoy a few minutes of discovery together again.
I sat in on her speech therapy later on, and she showed that the real Dorothy is just beneath the surface. She was asked to interview another patient in order to get to know him better, and in true Dorothy fashion, got him to open up about hobbies and interests, and found a place to encourage him about returning home.
Then came her turn to be interviewed. He threw in a “bonus question”, asking what she’d do if she had a million dollars. She said things were different now, so there would be some things she’d need to take care of, but that she could probably use most of it to help a lot of other people.
She’s in there…
I was able to be with Dorothy during three therapy sessions today. She demonstrates an incredible will to succeed at every task - physical or mental - but has some serious challenges to overcome.
I’m encouraged when she pushes up out of the bed or the wheelchair, but my heart is screaming as I watch the obvious pain she is in.
Today we rode the hallways, and went to the windows overlooking the street. She enjoyed the warmth of the sun, but the brightness was a bit much. She still doesn’t like to open her eyes much, as she is dealing with double vision caused by damage to an optic nerve.
Her friend, Spring, spent some time with her this afternoon, too. Dorothy was able to confide some of her concerns in a trusted friend, and all I could do was listen.
I was reading the comments some of you have been leaving, and she became somewhat emotional. She was overwhelmed by your prayers and compassion, and asked me to stop. I promised her we’d read the rest later.
Dorothy has been coughing blood since her accident. We though it would subside, but were wrong. We had her chest X-Rayed late this afternoon in the hope of finding the problem.
I hope you’ll join me in praying for a “fixable” problem.
I’m thankful for all the good things I hear from Dorothy and the Doctors. Her Care Team has now projected a release date of April 23rd based on her current progress.
One thing that is still missing is decent sleep. Dorothy has mentioned for several days that she lies awake at night more often than not. Sometimes she’s aware of a painful headache centered in her face, sometimes not.
Yesterday she purposely stayed awake during the day hoping for a good night’s sleep, but called this morning and said she woke up around 2:00 again.
Pray for Dorothy to get the rest she needs.
She has a high threshold for pain, and doesn’t like to ask for pain medication, because she doesn’t like putting chemicals into her body - never has.
After talking with Dorothy on the phone today, I was very encouraged. She called to tell me she was having lunch with other patients in a small cafeteria. Okay…that’s not a big deal.
BUT…when she called back a few minutes later, she was asking if I had found the budget spreadsheet on her laptop. She went on to tell me about how and when different things are paid - by draft, check, or online interaction.
In case you don’t know much about traumatic brain injury - that’s a huge development! Logical thought and memory retention are the goals of many daily exercises victims go through.
Anyway - I just wanted to share what is incredibly good news as far as recovery is going.
Monday was a particularly good day for Dorothy. She gave me a wake-up call bright and early (5:30 to be exact). She thought I’d be awake, and just wanted to chat a little.
That was good. A real conversation. About things that made sense to both of us.
Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy were all quite successful, with new ground covered in each. By the time I arrived this afternoon, she was just finishing up, and we talked about regular stuff for the most part.
As I read cards and blog comments from so many friends and acquaintances, she was noticeably touched. For that, I thank every single person who has taken a moment to leave a note. It means a lot to both of us.
Here’s hoping for another good day, and the Lord’s steady hand on her healing!
Today was a day of painful realities. Our first conversation was a frantic phone call just as church was ending. She has no first-hand memory of her accident, but has been told about it, and apparently remembered today that she had just bought a new bicycle. It wasn’t an inexpensive bike…she remembered that, too.
Fortunately, I’ve been reading a lot about dealing with head trauma victims, and was able to redirect the conversation with a few well chosen words. I don’t care a thing about the bike.
For me the painful reality was acknowledging the beginning of a long road with no guaranteed destination. We always hope bad things will just go away or get better. Things like this happen to other people, not us. I’ve gotten real good at encouraging others, but tend to put on a good front when it comes to me.
While I don’t scare easily, I am sincerely frightened by the possibilities. I’m beginning to understand the phrase “redefining normal”.
Dorothy is feeling a little better this morning. She seems anxious about what the physical and occupational therapists may want her to do. To me, that’s good.
The “normal” Dorothy is one who accomplishes things. She always wants to do it right. I’m glad she remembers that, and will pray she realizes how well she’s doing each step of the way.
I asked her if she had talked with God yet today, and she told me she hadn’t, but was still going to.
Her mother and Uncle Carl are visiting with Dorothy this morning. They made the drive from Kansas to check on her. I hope you’ll join me in praying for a safe trip as they begin the return journey on Sunday morning.