Take a look at the new pictures posted here today...that's my girl!!! She has been working so hard each day and it really, really shows. Caitlin has made a new friend at the hospital who seems to be an inspiration to her as well! Bill was injured in a skiing accident right after Christmas. He arrived on the rehab floor last week, is highly motivated in his recovery, and Caitlin took notice. They have been in physical therapy at the same time and a beautiful friendship has been born! Caitlin has been cruising around in an electric wheelchair and enjoying her independence. Last Saturday morning I was reading the newspaper and realized Caitlin hadn't come back into her room. I went looking for her and there she was in the therapy room "coaching" Bill through his therapy. He has been a great reinforcer for Caitlin's successes the past few days. His cheering Caitlin on is so heartwarming. He calls himself "Uncle Bill"! Both he and his wife, Jill, and his entire extended family have been so sweet to Caitlin. The cheering for Caitlin by the therapists and the nurses has been huge in keeping that smile on her face while she works her heart out. Sometimes there are tears in the process but it seems Caitlin bounces back and continues to work hard. Each day I am amazed to see what Caitlin can accomplish.
My friend, Susan, came up to work a bit with Caitlin to get her voice going with music. Caitlin and Susan were listening to the music from Mama Mia and Caitlin was moving her lips to the beat of the music a bit. Susan wants Caitlin to visual her vocal cords moving each day and work with the music. So, Caitlin and her dad are doing this in the evening. Can you just see Tim singing the Dancing Queen? Of course, he is and Caitlin is giggling the whole way through! It was so interesting to watch Caitlin moving her mouth while trying to get those sounds out! She was moving her tongue with correct placement. This was great in the fact that she couldn't move her tongue anywhere after the second stroke. We had read that some stroke patients can sing even when they can't talk yet and this inspired Caitlin, for sure!
Caitlin just keeps smiling her way through each day and bringing a smile to the faces of many others at the hospital...especially me!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Busy Days and Tired Nights!
Caitlin has been busy with her life in Acute Rehab. She has definitely enjoyed adding water therapy to her routine twice a week. As long as this is added at the end of her day she can return to her room and crash. If water therapy is in the morning she has a hard time staying awake during her other therapies.
Caitlin has been using an electric wheelchair to cruise around on the rehab unit. She does quite well steering it and trying to maintain a slow enough speed. You can get going a little too fast rather quickly...I accidentally did that on my test ride! It currently is in the plan for Caitlin to have an electric wheelchair of her own. Apparently, they are customized and can be quite an elaborate creation. It will be nice for Caitlin to have a greater sense of independence with this wheelchair.
Yesterday Caitlin and I came home for an hour with Roger (PT) and an assistant, Mel. They came to do a home evaluation so that we could see what adaptations we would need to make in order for Caitlin to spend time at home. I was so excited to put Caitlin in my car and walk her into the house. Our friend, John Christensen, built a ramp so we could get in the front door very nicely. It was just so nice to see Caitlin in the living room with a smile on her face. Sadie, our dog, had her head in Caitlin's lap while Caitlin patted her head. Amazing how dogs just seem to know what we all need, lots of love! It seems as if there are minor things to do in our home to get it ready. We learned that we have to have two exits with ramps to meet ADA regulations. I have been moving furniture around to figure out wheelchair accessibility and make it feasible for Caitlin to function in our home. I have also been looking into a recliner chair that is powered by a remote that Caitlin could use herself. The chair will get her to an almost standing position which would make transferring her to the wheelchair much easier. All these things bring an element of excitement as well as fear of what lies ahead. I still have much to learn about transferring Caitlin and we need to learn how to work together to do this.
As I prepare our home I have also been looking at information of neuro rehab facilities in Las Vegas. The case manager at the hospital has been looking into what alternatives would provide the best opportunities for Caitlin's recovery as well. It is all a bit overwhelming and confusing at this point. Caitlin will continue to need intensive therapy in all areas for quite some time but we don't know if what Reno has to offer will be extensive enough. It is a roller coaster ride of emotion to say the least. Each day is different and unpredictable in many ways. But the bottom line always is I am so proud of all Caitlin has accomplished!
Caitlin has been using an electric wheelchair to cruise around on the rehab unit. She does quite well steering it and trying to maintain a slow enough speed. You can get going a little too fast rather quickly...I accidentally did that on my test ride! It currently is in the plan for Caitlin to have an electric wheelchair of her own. Apparently, they are customized and can be quite an elaborate creation. It will be nice for Caitlin to have a greater sense of independence with this wheelchair.
Yesterday Caitlin and I came home for an hour with Roger (PT) and an assistant, Mel. They came to do a home evaluation so that we could see what adaptations we would need to make in order for Caitlin to spend time at home. I was so excited to put Caitlin in my car and walk her into the house. Our friend, John Christensen, built a ramp so we could get in the front door very nicely. It was just so nice to see Caitlin in the living room with a smile on her face. Sadie, our dog, had her head in Caitlin's lap while Caitlin patted her head. Amazing how dogs just seem to know what we all need, lots of love! It seems as if there are minor things to do in our home to get it ready. We learned that we have to have two exits with ramps to meet ADA regulations. I have been moving furniture around to figure out wheelchair accessibility and make it feasible for Caitlin to function in our home. I have also been looking into a recliner chair that is powered by a remote that Caitlin could use herself. The chair will get her to an almost standing position which would make transferring her to the wheelchair much easier. All these things bring an element of excitement as well as fear of what lies ahead. I still have much to learn about transferring Caitlin and we need to learn how to work together to do this.
As I prepare our home I have also been looking at information of neuro rehab facilities in Las Vegas. The case manager at the hospital has been looking into what alternatives would provide the best opportunities for Caitlin's recovery as well. It is all a bit overwhelming and confusing at this point. Caitlin will continue to need intensive therapy in all areas for quite some time but we don't know if what Reno has to offer will be extensive enough. It is a roller coaster ride of emotion to say the least. Each day is different and unpredictable in many ways. But the bottom line always is I am so proud of all Caitlin has accomplished!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Start of Another Week
Caitlin finished up the week with another trip to the therapy pool on Thursday. She smiles with exhaustion when it is finished. The trip to the pool is quite a big outing as Caitlin has to go out of the hospital and across the street which means getting a coat on and off and then getting changed out of wet swimming clothes in the locker room. I am not sure any of us ever thought how much work all the every day stuff is. I am very hopeful that the water therapy continues this coming week as well. Caitlin's right arm seems to be more relaxed afterwards and she definitely points it out to me with a smile. The muscle tonicity in that right arm causes it to be very tightly clenched to her chest. This week she also began wearing an air splint on the right arm. This entails straightening her arm out and encasing it in a tube that is the length of her arm. The tube is blown up around her arm and holds it straight. She wears it a few hours each day until it becomes uncomfortable. Her arm gets hot inside this and you can see the frustration on her face while this is on. You definitely know when it is time to take it off.
Caitlin has enjoyed reading text messages on her phone but hasn't really done much as far as responding. She smiles as she reads each one but then turns her phone off. We will continue working on the texting but it seems to be a more difficult task than I thought it would be. In the meantime she is having fun with the DynaVox. Caitlin's fingers are moving quickly over the keyboard that has now been attached to the machine. She will type messages for people and then when they walk by in the hallway she hits the talk space. They always seem to be wondering where the voice has come from. This has been fun for her and gotten many laughs from others.
Weekends are hard in that the whole acute rehab floor is very, very quiet in comparison to the week's activity. Yesterday Caitlin and I took a walk down the hallway and it really felt like we were in a morgue. She had tears running down her cheeks and the loneliness was very overpowering for both of us. We try very hard to keep things going to cheer her up but still that quiet seems to take over. Today Kim, a CNA who Caitlin adores, is having a beauty day with Caitlin. They are doing her nails and straightening her hair. I will attempt to take her outside for a walk in the wheelchair. The temperatures are in the 50's and it is just beautiful in the sunshine. In my heart I just wish so badly that I could put her in the car and drive her up to Tahoe. The snow on the mountains paired with the blue sky are a favorite of Caitlin's. I know this is definitely something to look forward to! Monday begins Caitlin's 13th week in the hospital and I am beginning to look at more than just today. I have to look at what adaptations to our home that we will need to make to bring Caitlin home when the time comes. We are also researching and looking at what will be the best decisions for Caitlin's recovery when she does get released from the hospital. Those decisions will be huge when the time comes. But for today I am taking a deep breath and headed out to make it the best day possible! Have a good one too!
Caitlin has enjoyed reading text messages on her phone but hasn't really done much as far as responding. She smiles as she reads each one but then turns her phone off. We will continue working on the texting but it seems to be a more difficult task than I thought it would be. In the meantime she is having fun with the DynaVox. Caitlin's fingers are moving quickly over the keyboard that has now been attached to the machine. She will type messages for people and then when they walk by in the hallway she hits the talk space. They always seem to be wondering where the voice has come from. This has been fun for her and gotten many laughs from others.
Weekends are hard in that the whole acute rehab floor is very, very quiet in comparison to the week's activity. Yesterday Caitlin and I took a walk down the hallway and it really felt like we were in a morgue. She had tears running down her cheeks and the loneliness was very overpowering for both of us. We try very hard to keep things going to cheer her up but still that quiet seems to take over. Today Kim, a CNA who Caitlin adores, is having a beauty day with Caitlin. They are doing her nails and straightening her hair. I will attempt to take her outside for a walk in the wheelchair. The temperatures are in the 50's and it is just beautiful in the sunshine. In my heart I just wish so badly that I could put her in the car and drive her up to Tahoe. The snow on the mountains paired with the blue sky are a favorite of Caitlin's. I know this is definitely something to look forward to! Monday begins Caitlin's 13th week in the hospital and I am beginning to look at more than just today. I have to look at what adaptations to our home that we will need to make to bring Caitlin home when the time comes. We are also researching and looking at what will be the best decisions for Caitlin's recovery when she does get released from the hospital. Those decisions will be huge when the time comes. But for today I am taking a deep breath and headed out to make it the best day possible! Have a good one too!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
A Very Proud Caitlin!
Yesterday when I got to the hospital Caitlin was in bed with a huge grin on her face. She pointed to the DynaVox, an electronic communication device on which she types messages and then can have it speak for her, and was insistent I push the correct spot for talking. The message she had typed for me said, "I walked fifty feet with Roger today!". I was so excited! Soon I heard many cheers from the nurse, CNA, and wife of another patient that Caitlin had been walking with the assistance of a physical therapist on both sides. Of course with Roger and Loren on either side Caitlin was in her glory! It really did happen and Caitlin was glowing with pride!
Today, Caitlin got wheeled over to the therapy pool at St. Mary's Fitness Center and had her first hour of in the water therapy. It was more happy moments. Caitlin's trust and confidence in the physical therapists is phenomenal. Paul, put her into a chair that gently glides one down into the heated pool. He then had a floating device around her neck and another floating pad under her hips. He held her as she floated in the water. That grin and wide eyed look lasted the entire hour she was in the pool. Paul had Caitlin moving her left leg and using it to move her right leg as well. He worked on relaxing Caitlin's right arm which is usually clenched to her chest unless someone straightens it out for her. It was so exhilarating to watch this therapy take place. Caitlin's cousins, Brett and Rachel, were in Reno overnight to see Caitlin before they flew back east to their respective colleges. They sat in the very hot room of the heated pool with me as we watched. In Caitlin's honor we were sweating quite a bit! We were also laughing quite a bit because as Caitlin was being taken out of the pool the women in the adjacent water aerobics class were all watching Caitlin as they were doing an exercise moving their arms up and down. I told her they were cheering for her. They picked up on it and all the women were working hard at waving their arms up and down while smiling big at Caitlin. It was just priceless!
We continue to attempt to get Caitlin to eat more. She isn't very fond of protein powder added to food. She is liking some soups these days which is a great diversion from the smoothies but doesn't pack in the calories. We now understand more that her tongue isn't strong enough on the right side for her to move food from side to side. This is necessary to get food to the back of the throat to swallow. Also, when food gets stuck on the roof of Caitlin's mouth she doesn't have the tongue strength to get it off. On a positive note though, Caitlin is drinking quite well from a cup which definitely helps the intake of fluids. Her favorite is an orange julius type drink her dad has been making her in the Magic Bullet. She then drinks from the Magic Bullet mug. Watching her sit with her left leg crossed over right leg with her face buried in the mug as she concentrates on drinking is such a happy sight. Each day Caitlin is coming back stronger and stronger. She is laughing and joking with everyone on the Acute Rehab Unit. What a great group of people they are! It is so wonderful to walk into Caitlin's room and see her surrounded by laughter, love, and encouragement! It does feel so very good to be celebrating Caitlin's accomplishments with her!
Today, Caitlin got wheeled over to the therapy pool at St. Mary's Fitness Center and had her first hour of in the water therapy. It was more happy moments. Caitlin's trust and confidence in the physical therapists is phenomenal. Paul, put her into a chair that gently glides one down into the heated pool. He then had a floating device around her neck and another floating pad under her hips. He held her as she floated in the water. That grin and wide eyed look lasted the entire hour she was in the pool. Paul had Caitlin moving her left leg and using it to move her right leg as well. He worked on relaxing Caitlin's right arm which is usually clenched to her chest unless someone straightens it out for her. It was so exhilarating to watch this therapy take place. Caitlin's cousins, Brett and Rachel, were in Reno overnight to see Caitlin before they flew back east to their respective colleges. They sat in the very hot room of the heated pool with me as we watched. In Caitlin's honor we were sweating quite a bit! We were also laughing quite a bit because as Caitlin was being taken out of the pool the women in the adjacent water aerobics class were all watching Caitlin as they were doing an exercise moving their arms up and down. I told her they were cheering for her. They picked up on it and all the women were working hard at waving their arms up and down while smiling big at Caitlin. It was just priceless!
We continue to attempt to get Caitlin to eat more. She isn't very fond of protein powder added to food. She is liking some soups these days which is a great diversion from the smoothies but doesn't pack in the calories. We now understand more that her tongue isn't strong enough on the right side for her to move food from side to side. This is necessary to get food to the back of the throat to swallow. Also, when food gets stuck on the roof of Caitlin's mouth she doesn't have the tongue strength to get it off. On a positive note though, Caitlin is drinking quite well from a cup which definitely helps the intake of fluids. Her favorite is an orange julius type drink her dad has been making her in the Magic Bullet. She then drinks from the Magic Bullet mug. Watching her sit with her left leg crossed over right leg with her face buried in the mug as she concentrates on drinking is such a happy sight. Each day Caitlin is coming back stronger and stronger. She is laughing and joking with everyone on the Acute Rehab Unit. What a great group of people they are! It is so wonderful to walk into Caitlin's room and see her surrounded by laughter, love, and encouragement! It does feel so very good to be celebrating Caitlin's accomplishments with her!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year!
Last night as I left Caitlin I walked out of the hospital feeling so very hopeful and amazed at her day. I had listened to her laughing, watched her smiling with an ear to ear grin, observed her writing a long note of her own initiation to the physical therapist, had her show off for her neurologist by bringing her left leg up across the bed and give him a gentle kick and a high five with her left hand, watched her type on the keyboard to inform me of the condition of a patient across the hall that we were concerned about, and that wasn't all of it. So many little things occurred all day long and actually all week long that the list just keeps going on and on. Caitlin gets really frustrated when she isn't able to communicate or I should say when others don't understand her but that happens less and less. We are learning to understand her gestures and expressions quite well. Especially that "Caitlin look" when she thinks you are totally ignorant...one I saw frequently in previous years...but then again I am the mom! On Friday Caitlin is going to add "in water" physical therapy to her "on ground" therapy schedule. They are going to hoist her down into a very warm therapy pool to work on reducing the muscle tonicity on the right side of her body. They are going to give it a try to see how it works and if Caitlin likes doing this. Caitlin's physical therapist, Roger, is just amazing in what he gets Caitlin to do. They really do work well together and you can tell she completely trusts in everything he says. The success of her movement is totally grounded in that relationship. Whatever Roger says, we all must do...the rules according to Caitlin! Roger will not be doing the water therapy but his colleagues will and since he is supportive of this I am sure Caitlin will give it her best effort!
Caitlin will begin attempting to use her cell phone today. If you would like to send her a text message I do believe she may be ready to answer it. The way she is keyboarding lends me to believe that the cell phone will be extremely motivating as well. Her cell phone # is 775-560-6164 in case you don't have it! I can only ask graciously ask that everyone keep praying and holding positive thoughts for Caitlin during 2009!
Caitlin will begin attempting to use her cell phone today. If you would like to send her a text message I do believe she may be ready to answer it. The way she is keyboarding lends me to believe that the cell phone will be extremely motivating as well. Her cell phone # is 775-560-6164 in case you don't have it! I can only ask graciously ask that everyone keep praying and holding positive thoughts for Caitlin during 2009!
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