Paul's Update - 02/10/06

Dear Friends:

Another great day ... Paul had a full night sleep and slept in this morning but when the therapists came in around 1pm he was ready for them. He helps them get him out of bed and he sits well on the side of the bed. He can reposition his body to be where he can help or be more comfortable. When he got downstairs the really good stuff started!! He wasn't very interested in working with the dowels (dropping when Sheila hits a pan). He had the cap for the trach on for a total of about an hour. He isn't making much sound with it yet but breathing through his mouth and nose should help improve that. Sheila asked him to blow a Kleenex and he really tried hard. She also had a breathing exercise tool that the patient blows into a tube attached to a bottle. At the bottom of the bottle there is a ping pong ball. If he blows hard enough he should be able to move the ping pong ball. He couldn't move the ball yet but he worked very hard and was able to blow into the tube. He even grabbed the device with his left hand and tried to get it up to his mouth….by himself! He blew into it about 4 times. When they moved on to the cones that he has to pull apart he was ready and was able to pull them apart and reach with his left hand over to Tabby on his right side. He was asked to reach as far as he could to reach her. After a few tries he moved his left arm across his body and then turned his body at the waist to the right side in order to reach further!! WOW…what great reasoning! The best thing today was that they worked with the pulley/sandbag exercise and he was able to grip the handle and pull the sandbag up. He did that about 6 times. He has a lot of strength in his left arm. The right arm didn't go as well but he tried really hard ... he even wanted to use his left hand to help his right hand work!! He is able to nod his head in response to questions more now and can give us an idea when he is too tired to continue. It is really nice to get feedback from him about what he needs. It isn't all the time but at least he is able to do it from time to time. He stayed in the wheelchair for about another hour and a half after he got back to his room but was totally exhausted after that. Bobby was there when we left and is staying overnight. What a miracle this week has been. We are seeing glimpses of our Paul coming back! Praise God!! Have a great & safe weekend!!

Love and Hugs, Lynne & Carl