Lots of News

Monday started out pretty good.  When I got here at a little after 9:00 am this morning, Mom had already begun her physical therapy.  She had used the "roll-ator", the little blue walker, to walk all over the bottom floor.  It was probably close to 300 feet.  No sweat.

Then Dawn had her do a balance walk like she did the other day, but this time, instead of using uneven parallel bars, she was using a rail going up and down a ramp.  It went very well, and she traversed the 10-15 foot ramp several times, both ascending and descending.

She went to do some steps again, which were difficult today, mostly because she had already had quite a workout.  After the steps, Mom was "graduated" to using a cane!  It felt good to her to actually be "walking" and she did very well for her first effort.

Also, some big time news here!  She has been officially cleared to get up out of bed and use the bathroom on her own.  She's been able to do this for a while, but now PT has signed off on it.  Also, they are going to encourage her to walk to the dining room for meals.  She has to use the walker and needs to be aided by a staff member, but she - in the opinion of her PT - is strong enough to do this on her own.

We went to OT next, after a stop in the room to finish some scratch-offs, and Mom got to do some new things.  First, she did the arm bicycle for 15 minutes, which is no big deal by now.  Then, she got to make some oatmeal!  She had to measure stuff out, get up and get the water, take it to the microwave, get it out, stir it up, and bring it back to her wheelchair.  It's obviously a small activity and no huge deal, but for her, it was another step and something new.  She did it without any problem.

After we got back from OT, Ray, the physician assistant, came by.  Things seem to be just fine.  Mom has had some swelling in her ankles, and he said it was no big deal.  Another good milestone too - she's officially back off the oxygen.  The term at this point is "as needed".  She doesn't need to wear it in the room, and we're even going to take the tank off the back of the wheelchair again.

And all this before lunch!  She has an appointment with Dr. Fonseca tomorrow as a follow-up to the surgery.  We'll let you know how it goes.