Physical therapy was another change-up. Bill has had a lot of visual cues given to him for biofeedback to improve walking. There is the machine to show how he is balanced, to encourage shifting more weight to the left side. In their apartment, we put green dots on the floor as stride targets.
Today Jeff added an audio cue: a metronome app to hint at a "normal" stride. And it was on a treadmill.
A stop for a leg brace adjustment, then...
An amazing trip to Marquis acute care, Bill and Ayn's home away from home last year, two and a half months. The last time staff saw him, he was mostly being moved from bed to wheelchair with a lift, although he was just learning to use a slide board to go from one to the other.
We first came across nurse Tori and CNA Heidi. Bill got up from the wheelchair on his own, took a few steps, and their jaws dropped. Then smiles.
Next we went to the central area. Michele went to find Dr. Creitz for us ( I had called earlier to make sure she would be there). With more people assembled, he again stood and walked quite a bit. The doctor stood with her hands clasped tightly, almost as in prayer, with her chin resting on the hands. She closely watched his feet. CNA Jowanna noticed from the dining hall -- another jaw drop, and running over for a hug.
I pointed out that Dr. Creitz seemed speechless. "I'm just ... Wow... Thrilled..."
She moved next to me and dabbed her eyes with a tissue. I asked "Allergies?" She answered, "No, no, happy." She gave Bill a hug, "My you're tall!" Then she asked about medications and exercise and therapy and blood tests for kidney function. She remembered everything about him. "Remember, no Sipro," as if we would ever forget.
Claire, speech therapy, came by. We sure wish she had been there during all of Bill's stay, but having a baby interrupts the work!
Such an emotional but rewarding visit. I thought it was good for everyone to see how much improvement can still be made when a patient leaves them.
Legacy of Federal Control
3 years ago
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