Doing the Laundry

Dad is continuing the rehab process. Once again, it is broken into three parts. Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. Here is an update on each.

In Physical Therapy Dad is working on stretching out the right calf and leg. The blood clots in the right leg are still creating a lot of swelling and giving him a good amount of pain, especially later in the day. He is now walking consistently with the aid of one person to provide support and help with balance. Melissa has now been 'officially' trained and is permitted to take him on walks. I told her to be careful he does not walk her to the car in attempt to escape! He is working on building up endurance and keeping good posture. He has worked on other balancing exercises, which help build strength in both legs and 'the core'. We all know that strengthening 'the core' is the big exercise fad these days, right?? He has practiced climbing steps. He is also working on right arm movement and stretching out the shoulder, which he had surgery on awhile ago to repair some damage.

Occupational Therapy works on an assortment of 'real life' things. I have heard Melissa is really emphasizing that they work with Dad on vacuuming and the laundry. =) Oh, and putting the seat down...if they can do that I think all women would classify these people as miracle workers and send their husbands for 'rehab'! =) In actuality they address fine motor skills, sorting and organizing items, plus the 'real life' skills.

Speech Therapy encompasses so much more than making sounds. Their job is to 'work the brain'. Doctors and other such know it alls are always telling us to keep our brains active as we age with crossword puzzles, word problems, etc... That is the type of stuff they have Dad doing. He is literally working the brain muscle. This includes problem solving, reasoning, and memory exercises. By doing this he is strengthening his brain. He is also teaching it to 'rewire' itself. It helps him to search for new ways to do old things. Melissa has said she is amazed at his improvement in just one week.

Dad also gets to do recreational therapy a couple days per week. This therapy tries to incorporate all three therapies into an activity that is fun and interesting. It also involves other patients. A great idea was that the therapist rolled out some fake golf turf with putting holes. He had Dad stand practice putting. Then Dad had to provide instruction to another patient on how to put the ball. They were not too pleased when Dad tried to set up a Skins Game of a dollar a hole with the guy, but hey...Dad will be Dad! =) Recreational therapy is also beneficial because Dad and Melissa get to know the other patients and their families on the unit.

Dad continues to eat great. He still has a consistent and steady stream of visitors. Many of them(you) back for the 5th, 6th or 7th visit!

Dad wants to go home, but has accepted the fact that these people are the experts and can help him get back to where he wants to be. Of course nothing will help him more than all our prayers, so continue to petition to God through Jesus Christ on behalf of Dad.

Thank you and God Bless.