sorry about the belated update, guys! somehow these things just keep getting put on the back burner . . .
yesterday my dad was transferred from the neurology level at Mayo to the Rehabilitation Unit; in fact, today, for the first time, he had a full morning of rehab! when my mom and sisters and i walked into the room this morning, he was fully dressed with his tennis shoes on, maneuvering a wheel chair! this afternoon he'll have some more therapy. he'll have a total of 3 hours of therapy a day, and it will be split between speech, occupational, physical, and recreational therapy. the weekends are normally a little more leisurely, but they DID decide to put in a full day's work today.
a couple of days ago, we took my dad outside for the first time since the stroke . . . we got him all set up in a wheel chair and took him to a little outdoor courtyard that they have at Mayo, and we just walked around and let my dad soak in the sunshine and the fresh air. it was so nice to let him enjoy a change of scenery:)
my dad is completely off all IVs now, and grows stronger day by day. he doesn't have any more diet restrictions -- now he can eat whatever he wants, thank goodness! he always turns his nose up to the hospital decaf coffee, so i think we'll have to make a coffee run at some point, so he can enjoy a TRUE dark roast! the staples have all been removed from his head (40 staples!) and the scar is healing nicely . . . he had a helmet made for him as well just to protect his head while the piece of skull he had removed remains out. he doesn't wear the helmet all the time, but while he is up and about and working with the therapists he puts it on.
communication is our big focus right now. his continues to try and speak to us, but we usually only hear the same word, YOU. he gets frustrated with himself, knowing that he cannot communicate his ideas, but as he continues to get better, we find other ways to communicate -- hand squeezing, pointing, motioning -- and he also tries writing. it will be super exciting for him to begin working with a speech therapist, and see what results will come of it.
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteRonae Rose
It is easy to picture the smile on Geoff's face sitting in the sunshine and being thankful to be outside. We are thankful with you! Keep enjoying every bit of progress together!!! Love, The Nedruds
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful to be able to follow the good news of your father's continuing recovery. Both Sheri and I think of you guys all the time, hang in there.
ReplyDeleteMaggie-I've been looking at the blog every day, hoping for an update, while also appreciating the fact that you've had a LOT going on, which might make it difficult to write an update! :-) But please know I turn to this resource every day. I am THRILLED to know that your dad is now in the Rehab stage. This is fabulous news. Who could imagine he'd come so far, in such a relatively short period of time. I, and all my friends, continue to keep Geoff in our prayers. All my love to ALL of you. Hang in there, and know that many are with you every day in spirit.
ReplyDeleteLove from Julie K.
What encouraging news! Thanks so much for keeping us updated. Love to all of you. We are continuing to pray!
ReplyDeleteWe also thank God and continue to pray!
ReplyDeleteYour good news today brought "tears of joy" to my eyes. What a story Geoff will be able to tell one day. God has been good!
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for you,
Terri E.
Thank you so much for the update, as the rain continues outdoors; we are thirsty for news about Geoff! Oh, I'm so glad he gets to have real coffee soon. I look forward to that cup-o-joe with you all in the near future!
ReplyDeleteYou're in our prayers continuously. May Sunday be a sunny day in all your hearts and minds, as the Lord continues healing your father and husband.
Love,
Steve and Jill
Outstanding news- again!!! Good mojo coming from southern MN. Ladies- these updates are fantastic..... thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteGeoff-I understand you are a cycling brother. Stay in the saddle! You can do this....... what an incredible peloton you have to pull you up and through these mountains on your way to the finish line. Love you,
-Kevin Wilson
I'm so glad to hear of Geoff's continued progress and read your blog with great interest. Geoff and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI have been through a similar situation with my mother and have spent many weeks on the third floor of Mary Brigh. Geoff is in some of the most capable hands around.
My best wishes for continued recovery. Please don't hesitate to let me know how I can help.
Jon Panzer