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Days go by so fast and holidays seem to run together

thejule1

Entry posted by thejule1

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Last week I took Larry to his therapy sessions. The PT gave him some balance and strengthening exercises. One is to stand at the kitchen sink with no cane and put his foot in and out of the open cabinet. He can then grab onto the counter/sink if need be. At the rehab center, he stood on a 6" block of wood and she had him look left and then right, then up and down. He also is to sit on edge of chair and stretch one leg out with other leg bent, leaning in. She went through the machines he used. She wants him back on the leg press which he hates. It's hard getting him in the thing and then putting his legs on the board to push. The OT (hand therapist) used the E-Stim on his left hand but didn't get much from him on that. She then made several suggestions for him to work on at home. These are things Debbie has Bruce do but I have not asked Larry to help with. He can help in the kitchen, setting table, etc. He can put his clothes on shelf when taking them off. Actually, I am thinking I can do it but this gets him in motion and will make him try to do more with his left hand. I gave him the last couple days off here. lol

 

We went to our church on Good Friday's noon service. The church was packed and it was a very moving and spiritual service. The one song we sang brought tears to my eyes as it was a favorite of mine since childhood.

 

Saturday my son came over to put down the mulch I had bought. It was quite a job removing the old and spreading 8 bags of the new. He even cleaned my gutters which were loaded with those little "airplane leaves" from the trees. The yard service finally came after skipping me last time. So my yard is nice and green and looks good for now.

 

Sunday, Larry's kids had other plans, and so it was just my son, Larry and I for dinner out. Larry's daughter and our granddaughter, Emily, will come over tomorrow for dinner. Larry's son will come next weekend. Everyone has their own thing going on Easter. My daughter, who is my most supportive friend also, lives in Michigan and will be here the end of May. Larry loves it when she comes.

 

Before we went out to eat today, I took Larry to a nearby park which has a little pond. The geese were swimming and splashing in it. I wanted Larry to get some fresh air and exercise. I had him walk around but he was ready to go after about 45 min. He said "thanks for not making me stay longer" as we got back in the car. Geez! Why can't he enjoy a beautiful sunny day in the park??

 

Tomorrow will be another Dr. appt. and then therapy again. Life is just one daily routine after another again. I so want to do something fun and exciting. Oh well........

 

Julie

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RLT

Julie, Sounds like you have a full week. It is good to have time with all the kids and sometimes better to just have one or two at a time. I'm impressed by all the work Larry is doing. Today I caught Dick having his elbows on his chair armrests. His hands where enterlaced together except the little fingers which were pressed together and sticking up. I have not seen this position since before his stroke 7 years ago. Then at dinner he used both hands to pull apart and butter his own rolls. Dick's had was useless for at least three years. He now has so much brain damage yet he still is regaining physical skills. Just really saying, don't give up on Larry's hand.

Ruth

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Ethyl17

Julie: sounds like an action-packed weekend. Bet you just love looking out on the yard. Our lawn service did the spring cleanup, but we are not to mowing just yet. Still it is just nice to see everything in bloom and all the mess cleaned up.

 

Julie, Larry does so much more physically than Bruce. I can understand why you might not introduce the house stuff. He has his hands full with his exercises. And a 45 minute walk is amazing. If I can get Bruce to do 10 minutes that is a banner day.

 

My real goal is just to make Bruce understand that he lives in this house as well. You don't want to work on your recovery, that is your choice. But there are no maids here. You will take care of yourself as best you can. Caregivers 4 hours a day, when he is most tired, is fine. But if it is Bruce and I, Bruce is expected to pull his weight. With so much down time the past few days-due to my hip/back issues-he is doing more here and initiating it himself. His transfers are independent-I am standing by, but not helping. Ruthpill offered it might be the putting the affected leg in and out of the vehicle, so he is doing most of that. These are huge for us, Larry does them every day.

 

I too often wonder what Bruce is thinking. These past few days got a little insight into that as it shows in his actions. If you had taken Larry to the park, walked a short distance to a picnic table and had coffee and then walked back to the car, Larry probably would have stayed all afternoon. It is the walking and all that involves including pain, being slow, being unsteady and always tired. So much effort just to take a few steps. We understand as caregivers and lovers, but we can not give in. We have to be the strength.

 

You just keep on truckin. He is making remarkable gains. Fun and exciting may just be a family cookout with a lot of laughs and warmth. Think about it. Debbie

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