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June 10, 2013
Apr 26 Email: Last Day at the Facility
Date: Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:49:20 -0400
From: Jon Nathan
Subject: Neuro update: Fri 04/26
Good evening everybody, and thanks for sticking with me. It is
Friday night, and my last night here in the rehab clinic. I'm looking
forward to going home tomorrow morning.
Today was actually a bit of a rough day for me. I slept extremely
poorly last night because I had to wake up to urinate three or four
times. That I am allowed and enabled to navigate to the bathroom
on my own just made it worse. The doctor ran some blood and urine
tests, but was unable to identify anything interesting. Maybe it
was just a culmination of all the drugs, stress, and work that I've
been doing for the last week.
Being so exhausted caused me to struggle through my early-morning
OT session. I don't think I regressed, but I don't think I made a
much specific progress. We went over a lot of previous exercises
and set up more for my upcoming discharge.
Morning PT was also difficult. With so many things to concentrate
on, and my mind a bit sluggish, I was a little sloppier than usual.
But I tried to get through it while focusing on some specific
muscular control, including back and shoulder tension release. We
went over exercises for my discharge as well.
After morning therapy, I underwent a routine discharge leg sonogram.
This was to confirm the lack of blood clots or DVT. I used this
exam as a opportunity to take a quick nap ;-). I got my blood sugar
and energy levels back up with some coffee and fruit at lunch. I
declined the heavier portions of my meal, including the pizza and
extra cereal. Maybe part of my intestinal issues have been that I
have just been eating too much. I cut back at dinner too, so maybe
that will help.
Afternoon OT was a brief evaluation of my ability to shower, dress,
and groom completely independently. I had no problems doing this.
Since this had been one of my original goals, I guess I can be
pleased with my progress.
Unsurprisingly, we still don't have any neuropathology results.
This weekend I plan to continue the exercise routines outlined by
my therapists. Next week, I will have in-home therapy provided by
contractors. After that, I will be participating in an outpatient
rehab program at my local hospital. I don't know the frequency or
duration of that yet.
I'm sorry if today's update seems a little weak. A number of factors
conspired to tire me out for the day. I'm continuing to come to
grips with my new condition. There are times when my head feels
completely clear and I don't understand that there's anything wrong
with me. But then I try to do something simple, my body does not
respond, and I am jolted back to reality. I am trying to stay as
positive as ever, but as I've said before, I am still trying to
find a reasonable balance between all of the factors. I may need
to take more note of the old adage, "work smarter, not harder."
Don't worry though, I will not fall down a hole or regress. It will
just take time, effort, and smarts to overcome.
Once again, continued thanks for your continued support. I really
appreciate everyone's encouragements and kind thoughts.
-Jon
Posted by jon at June 10, 2013 3:52 PM