Julie: Larry is doing so well. The Saebo and Estim, like everything else stroke, take a long time. Bruce has been Estimming the shoulder for three years now. Shoulder is back in it's socket - good news, the muscles get reminded that they need to move, more good news. Still no movement. When he does move it, he uses his back muscles, which he has done from day one. Hand still has nothing. I insist on daily exercises and his over-night splint to avoid contraction. But, in all fairness, Bruce's Neuro from day two said don't expect much on the arm-hand, so we work for the status quo and no backsliding.

I am so pleased with the swallowing improvement. You were dreading this week without Speech, stepped up and already see success. For me as well, that would have been the area of the most focus and it is paying off. You may find he will be less picky when he has more confidence in the swallowing as a whole. Less fearful of certain foods; types, textures.

Bruce has a lift recliner chair. It was a gift from our Contractors. Their Mom had purchased it for their Dad after his stroke and she gave it to us. Dad had passed, Mom had remarried and the boys brought it and set it up. I know what it cost. In the early days, since the remote is on Bruce's right side, once it was reclined, he was safe. I could take a shower and dress. Bruce was very impulsive early on, so this was a safe area for me. Then with the overtoning, while I hand Bruce the remote so he can adjust himself, his hip has so abducted, it is uncomfortable!

So, it is important before you invest, that Larry sit in one, for move than 5 minutes and try the remote to make adjustments himself. Back and hip support is the most important. Personally honey, since he has none of the physical difficulties that Bruce has, I think he will love it. Little side table for his liquids and snacks, lamp for reading. Problem may be for you, getting him out of it! - LOL. Support and pressure relief is the key. And if you both feel the other chair is not working and you want him out of the WC for some time - yes, that is what you want, the investment may be worth it. It can be adjusted so many different ways to get pressure off that bottom and back. It would be nice if you could get like a 30-day trial. Something to think about.

Last night I had to put an afghan on the bed at 2am. It was 60 degrees here! What a difference. Today we had showers and when I got home at noon, Bruce still had a flannel shirt on and asked me to close some windows - LOL. Weekend is to be a bit warmer, but no humidity and with the week we had, am looking forward to some jaunts and time out of the house! He sure needs it! Enjoy, Debbie

Texas will join you in triple digit temps today and most of next week! It's just the kind of weather you kind of wish there was an escape route out of it and that's probably why so many people go south in the winter time to escape the very cold weather!!

The biggest thing is the electric bills being so high trying to keep cool a little!

My wife got me a lift chair for Fathers Day but it's downstairs and I'm mostly upstairs in the bedroom where there is no more room for a chair that size! My computer desk, big night stand, refrigerator, cabinet beside it for storage, a couple dressers, chest of drawer, TV stand, I'm about to run out of room! I still got little stuff sitting everywhere like paper shredder and bench at the foot of our bed!