Thursday, July 19, 2007
Week of July 2, 2007
Monday was therapy day. They worked on Terry's balance and some leg exercises. Lynn can see that he has made MAJOR improvements but she is anxious for him to move more. They had some trouble with the lift again. They called Ted (friend) and he said to see how it goes for a while (then let him know).
Tuesday and Thursday were cleaning the trailer days. Lynn got Terry settled before Beth (friend) came over to help her clean it. Lynn will be going to the festival in Fortville on July 20-22.
Thursday AHHE brought a power wheelchair for Terry to try. It was too tall for the van entry (but it can be adjusted).
Friday was therapy day. The therapists did some evaluations on Terry for improvement. They didn't find too much improvement but Lynn sees it differently - attitude, determination, gratitude, and pain level. After therapy, they picked up Taco Bell and went to the county fairgrounds. Chase, Wyatt, and Rylee (grandkids) were showing their ponies at the county fair. While at the horse show, the announcer mentioned that Terry was there and welcomed him. They were able to watch the kids perform in two events. Then they left as Terry was uncomfortable (he had been in wheelchair for about 10 hours). They enjoyed watching the kids.
Saturday was a Fourth of July party at Lynn's moms house. They had a really good time visiting with family. They made a short stop at home before leaving again to go to Esteina's (DIL) parents house for a fireworks display. They had dinner and visited with friends before the FANTASTIC fireworks show. By the time they got home, Terry was worn out and hurting.
Sunday was a quiet and relaxing day spent at church, short trip to Walmart, and home (after a very full weekend).
Tuesday and Thursday were cleaning the trailer days. Lynn got Terry settled before Beth (friend) came over to help her clean it. Lynn will be going to the festival in Fortville on July 20-22.
Thursday AHHE brought a power wheelchair for Terry to try. It was too tall for the van entry (but it can be adjusted).
Friday was therapy day. The therapists did some evaluations on Terry for improvement. They didn't find too much improvement but Lynn sees it differently - attitude, determination, gratitude, and pain level. After therapy, they picked up Taco Bell and went to the county fairgrounds. Chase, Wyatt, and Rylee (grandkids) were showing their ponies at the county fair. While at the horse show, the announcer mentioned that Terry was there and welcomed him. They were able to watch the kids perform in two events. Then they left as Terry was uncomfortable (he had been in wheelchair for about 10 hours). They enjoyed watching the kids.
Saturday was a Fourth of July party at Lynn's moms house. They had a really good time visiting with family. They made a short stop at home before leaving again to go to Esteina's (DIL) parents house for a fireworks display. They had dinner and visited with friends before the FANTASTIC fireworks show. By the time they got home, Terry was worn out and hurting.
Sunday was a quiet and relaxing day spent at church, short trip to Walmart, and home (after a very full weekend).
Week of June 25, 2007
Terry works with one therapist for his hand - stretching and bending left arm, elbow, and shoulder. The main focus is the left hand but all of his upper body needs attention.
His other therapist is working on his balance and strengthening his lower body. They talked about the best way to use the therapy time. They are all working toward the same goal - Terry walking - so any ideas are appreciated.
Terry's shoulder is healed so they will be scheduling his first aqua therapy session.
Tuesday they went to New Castle - visited the nursing home he stayed at and went to Michael's (son) work.
Wednesday at therapy, the therapist gave them some more tools and wraps for Terry to use on his fingers throughout the day. (Some days Terry is pretty aggressive with his therapy on his own but other times Lynn has to push him.)
The other therapist put him on the tilt table again. He also hooked up some electrodes to Terry's right thigh (those muscles seem to be lagging behind the others). It took a while but he finally got some results.
Thursday Terry was a little depressed but Lynn reminded him that they needed to count their blessings. They worked on some exercises to chase away his blues.
Friday Terry had another shower. Ted (friend from church) picked up the van.
Saturday they worked on some therapy at home since the van was with Ted. They stopped for lunch and a nap. After the nap, Ted called and said he was done with the van. When they got it back, they ran a few errands. Terry took another shower when they got home.
Sunday Terry planned for Lynn to go shopping with a friend - Helen. She had a really good time and bought some new stuff for the bathroom. When she got home, they went to visit Michael (son) at his work. Later that night, she decorated the bathroom with the new items she bought.
His other therapist is working on his balance and strengthening his lower body. They talked about the best way to use the therapy time. They are all working toward the same goal - Terry walking - so any ideas are appreciated.
Terry's shoulder is healed so they will be scheduling his first aqua therapy session.
Tuesday they went to New Castle - visited the nursing home he stayed at and went to Michael's (son) work.
Wednesday at therapy, the therapist gave them some more tools and wraps for Terry to use on his fingers throughout the day. (Some days Terry is pretty aggressive with his therapy on his own but other times Lynn has to push him.)
The other therapist put him on the tilt table again. He also hooked up some electrodes to Terry's right thigh (those muscles seem to be lagging behind the others). It took a while but he finally got some results.
Thursday Terry was a little depressed but Lynn reminded him that they needed to count their blessings. They worked on some exercises to chase away his blues.
Friday Terry had another shower. Ted (friend from church) picked up the van.
Saturday they worked on some therapy at home since the van was with Ted. They stopped for lunch and a nap. After the nap, Ted called and said he was done with the van. When they got it back, they ran a few errands. Terry took another shower when they got home.
Sunday Terry planned for Lynn to go shopping with a friend - Helen. She had a really good time and bought some new stuff for the bathroom. When she got home, they went to visit Michael (son) at his work. Later that night, she decorated the bathroom with the new items she bought.
Week of June 18, 2007
They are working on getting a power wheelchair for Terry.
Ted (friend from church) came to look at van. He said it doesn't need to much work, and he would do it on June 30.
Terry went to the eye doctor. His vision has changed and he will be getting new glasses.
They are still waiting on the aqua therapy until a sore on Terry's should has healed completely.
Terry received a new brace for his arm. It bends a couple of fingers more (they seem to be lagging behind the others). Terry really is a challenge for his therapists, but they keep coming up with fresh ideas. On Friday, the therapist put Terry on a tilt table. They strapped Terry to the table and then stood him up. He was standing and bearing weight on his right leg. It was GREAT!! He was "standing" for about thirty minutes. It was great to be able to get off his bottom and just change his perspective for a while.
Terry go another shower on Saturday. It is getting easier every time he has one, and he enjoys it.
Ted (friend from church) came to look at van. He said it doesn't need to much work, and he would do it on June 30.
Terry went to the eye doctor. His vision has changed and he will be getting new glasses.
They are still waiting on the aqua therapy until a sore on Terry's should has healed completely.
Terry received a new brace for his arm. It bends a couple of fingers more (they seem to be lagging behind the others). Terry really is a challenge for his therapists, but they keep coming up with fresh ideas. On Friday, the therapist put Terry on a tilt table. They strapped Terry to the table and then stood him up. He was standing and bearing weight on his right leg. It was GREAT!! He was "standing" for about thirty minutes. It was great to be able to get off his bottom and just change his perspective for a while.
Terry go another shower on Saturday. It is getting easier every time he has one, and he enjoys it.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Week of June 11, 2007
Terry had a EMG (nerve test) on Monday. The doctor looked at Terry's left hand (it has drawn up in a claw). The doctor hooked Terry up to several lead lines & "shocked" him. The doctor moved the lines several times, as well as sticking needles in and shocking him. It was unfortunately painful, but the news was GREAT! All of the nerve impulses are working. There is of course some damage, but with time and therapy it will heal. After the doctor visit, they went to visit with Terry's uncle & aunt - Jimmy & Shirley. After the visit, they went to his therapy session.
Tuesday Terry had a power wheelchair evaluation. The doctor gave them a RX for the wheelchair. There was suppose to be a 5 page questionnaire for insurance but the doctor had not received it. Lynn contact AHHE to see what they should do. AHHE is contacting the doctor and working on it for her. They will have to wait and see what happens now.
Wednesday - Terry got a haircut and went to therapy today. Jimmy (son) dropped the van off at the shop to be worked checked out.
Thursday - Quiet day. Received news that the van had several problems - they are wondering if the shop is just telling them that to get more work. A friend from church will look at it more and possibly he can fix it.
Friday - Terry had PT & OT today. The sessions are going very well and there are improvements daily.
Saturday - They babysat Garrett and Logan (grandsons). Esteina (D-I-L) had to work. Amanda (daughter) & Curtis came over with Kenzie & Ava (Curtis' daughters). Amanda left to go to work but everyone else stayed. Curtis was a great help watching kids while Lynn did stuff with Terry. They enjoyed seeing and playing with the boys. Later on Tony (son) and his kids (Seth, Levi, & Lydia) cam over for a visit. Terry got his first shower at home (the bathroom is almost done). It was great to finally be able to shower in the new bathroom. This was the most relaxing shower yet.
Sunday - They went to Mt Comfort United Methodist Church (their old church). Terry wanted to go there and thank them (several people there sent cards, prayers, etc). When they arrived they were greeted by a few old friends. It was nice to see familiar faces from so long ago (they left there in 1989 to help plant the church they attend now). Everyone in the church had been praying for them. Terry wanted to show them the VISIBLE proof of God's care and healing. He spoke for 3-5 minutes recounting some of the less-know miracles. Later on that day, Eric (grandson) came over. He is back for a visit from the Marines. He will go back for more training, then he will be deployed to Iraq (they also have a nephew - Josh - who will be deployed about the same time). Terry had another visitor - Guy (friend) who was up from SC for the Formula One race.
Tuesday Terry had a power wheelchair evaluation. The doctor gave them a RX for the wheelchair. There was suppose to be a 5 page questionnaire for insurance but the doctor had not received it. Lynn contact AHHE to see what they should do. AHHE is contacting the doctor and working on it for her. They will have to wait and see what happens now.
Wednesday - Terry got a haircut and went to therapy today. Jimmy (son) dropped the van off at the shop to be worked checked out.
Thursday - Quiet day. Received news that the van had several problems - they are wondering if the shop is just telling them that to get more work. A friend from church will look at it more and possibly he can fix it.
Friday - Terry had PT & OT today. The sessions are going very well and there are improvements daily.
Saturday - They babysat Garrett and Logan (grandsons). Esteina (D-I-L) had to work. Amanda (daughter) & Curtis came over with Kenzie & Ava (Curtis' daughters). Amanda left to go to work but everyone else stayed. Curtis was a great help watching kids while Lynn did stuff with Terry. They enjoyed seeing and playing with the boys. Later on Tony (son) and his kids (Seth, Levi, & Lydia) cam over for a visit. Terry got his first shower at home (the bathroom is almost done). It was great to finally be able to shower in the new bathroom. This was the most relaxing shower yet.
Sunday - They went to Mt Comfort United Methodist Church (their old church). Terry wanted to go there and thank them (several people there sent cards, prayers, etc). When they arrived they were greeted by a few old friends. It was nice to see familiar faces from so long ago (they left there in 1989 to help plant the church they attend now). Everyone in the church had been praying for them. Terry wanted to show them the VISIBLE proof of God's care and healing. He spoke for 3-5 minutes recounting some of the less-know miracles. Later on that day, Eric (grandson) came over. He is back for a visit from the Marines. He will go back for more training, then he will be deployed to Iraq (they also have a nephew - Josh - who will be deployed about the same time). Terry had another visitor - Guy (friend) who was up from SC for the Formula One race.
Week of June 4, 2007
Terry went for his PT/OT evaluations at HMH. After seeing the therapists, it was decided that Terry would go M-W-F from 3 to 5 for several weeks. Lynn hopes they will be able to add water therapy soon (T-Th). Terry's pain level is so far down that he is able to do so much more. They are adjusting to the new routine as well. They are learning their limits (and pushing them a little each day) and progressing all the time. They spent time working on getting Terry in and out of the shower chair. They had a few snags, but finally realized that the manual lift and sling are the way to go with the shower chair. They made a few trips to Walmart this week and a trip to New Castle Motorsports Park (go-cart track where Michael-son works) and Sams Club. They also went to watch the horse show at the fairgrounds in Greenfield. Arlyne (daughter) and grand kids (Chase, Wyatt, and Rylee) were showing. Terry and Lynn watched the egg race, pole bending, flags, and some of the barrels. This brought back a lot of memories - Terry used to show at open horse shows with Arlyne and Amanda (daughters). On Sunday, they went to church again. It is wonderful for them to be able to join in fellowship with other Christians. The van lift is having some problems, so a couple of friends at church looked at it. They will take it in for service next week. They stopped at Walmart and CVS after church to pick up some things. After they took their stuff home, they went to Arlyne and Thomas' house for swimming and dinner. Lynn got to enjoy some pool time with Rylee (granddaughter). After dinner the grand kids all got on their ponies and practiced barrels, poles, and flags in the riding arena. Terry and Lynn had a very busy week. They enjoy going out and getting around - the van is the greatest thing.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Week of May 28, 2007
This blog will now be updating on a weekly basis. Terry had visitors and therapy this week. He had a doctor's appointment on Tuesday with a hand specialist. X-rays were taken when they got there. The doctor measured all of Terry's hand, wrist, and finger-bending abilities. The doctor wants Terry to have an EMG test as a baseline (Lynn believes it measures nerve function). That test is scheduled for June 11. In the meantime the doctor has order aggressive hand therapy for which Terry will need to go to Hancock Memorial for out-patient therapy - starts Monday June 4. They come back to the doctor in 6 weeks.
The bathroom remodeling is going well. The tile will be laid this week. The tile was completed this week. It looks great - there is some around the bath tub, in front of the shower, and of course the floor. The plumber also came and finished all of his work, so they will be able to use it starting on Sunday. The trim man came and measured for all the trim. There is still plenty left to do but it should be completed within a week or so.
Terry had an appointment with his pain management doctor. He was very pleased with how GOOD Terry looked. The doctor adjusted a couple of Terry's medications. Hopefully this will help several areas. Terry is healing more in his nerves, so there is more discomfort rather than pain (which is DECREASING with healing). Terry is cutting down on the pain medication and increasing the dose on a medicine that helps with the effects of nerve regrowth (tingling, numbness, burning). Hopefully in a few days they will see improvement.
Terry got a trapeze bar to work on some therapy at home. Lynn is anxious to see his improvement with this additional tool.
They went to church again - it is so GREAT for them to be able to go to church. They picked up Chase (grandson) and took him to church with them. It was a good week.
The bathroom remodeling is going well. The tile will be laid this week. The tile was completed this week. It looks great - there is some around the bath tub, in front of the shower, and of course the floor. The plumber also came and finished all of his work, so they will be able to use it starting on Sunday. The trim man came and measured for all the trim. There is still plenty left to do but it should be completed within a week or so.
Terry had an appointment with his pain management doctor. He was very pleased with how GOOD Terry looked. The doctor adjusted a couple of Terry's medications. Hopefully this will help several areas. Terry is healing more in his nerves, so there is more discomfort rather than pain (which is DECREASING with healing). Terry is cutting down on the pain medication and increasing the dose on a medicine that helps with the effects of nerve regrowth (tingling, numbness, burning). Hopefully in a few days they will see improvement.
Terry got a trapeze bar to work on some therapy at home. Lynn is anxious to see his improvement with this additional tool.
They went to church again - it is so GREAT for them to be able to go to church. They picked up Chase (grandson) and took him to church with them. It was a good week.
Day - 103 May 27, 2007 Sunday
They went to CHURCH today. It has been such a long time and they are really ready to be there. When they got to church there were balloons in the foyer, and everyone clapped for Terry. The kids at the church daycare made a sign - "Welcome Back Mr. Terry!". It was almost like coming home for them. Terry said a few words during the service - thanking everyone for their prayers and generosity throughout the last 3 1/2 months. He told them he knew it was only by God's grace that he was alive, and that God had been carrying him the whole time. The service was great and they are looking forward to many more.
After church they went over to Mark & Donna's (Esteina's parents) for a visit. While there Terry started feeling uncomfortable, so they took him out of his wheelchair and sat him on the couch. He REALLY enjoyed that. The had a very good time - it was a relaxing change from home. Esteina (DIL) took care of Terry, while Lynn looked after Garrett and Logan (grandsons). They headed home around 6 and had a quiet evening.
After church they went over to Mark & Donna's (Esteina's parents) for a visit. While there Terry started feeling uncomfortable, so they took him out of his wheelchair and sat him on the couch. He REALLY enjoyed that. The had a very good time - it was a relaxing change from home. Esteina (DIL) took care of Terry, while Lynn looked after Garrett and Logan (grandsons). They headed home around 6 and had a quiet evening.
Day - 102 May 26, 2007 Saturday
No big plans for the day. Esteina (DIL), Garrett, and Logan (grandsons) came over to visit. The boys love riding their toys down Terry's ramps into the house. They all went to Taco Bell for lunch. After that they made a Walmart stop. They had a really good day. It is a early night - tomorrow is Terry's first day back at church.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Day 101 - May 25, 2007 Friday
Terry had a good night. They slept for seven hours - only waking once for about 5 minutes. It is so much more restful when they can do that. The PT/OT therapists came today. There was also another evaluation - the visiting nurse felt like she really wasn't necessary. Someone came to assess that. It was decided that she would no longer come since Terry is medically healthy. Lynn can always call with any concerns if needed. Arlyne (daughter) and family came for dinner. They always enjoy visitors. It is great for them to spend time with family and friends at HOME! The rest of the evening was quiet - just enjoying time together.
Day 100 - May 24, 2007 Thursday
Terry and Lynn slept until 7:30 am today. There isn't any therapy scheduled for today, so they will exercise on their own. They are going out today - Lynn needs an allergy shot. They will also go to Walmart to do some shopping. Jimmy (son) to the van to have the tie-down straps installed. He got back around 12:30 pm. He helped Lynn get Terry in his wheelchair. Then Lynn got herself ready to go. They started loading Terry in the van around 1:20 pm and were on their way. They arrived at the doctor early, so they had to wait a few minutes. Once they were done at the doctor's office, they headed to Walmart. They shopped for quite a while, Lynn pushing Terry and pulling the grocery cart. It went fairly smoothly but was tiring for both of them. They arrived back home around 4:30 pm. She got Terry out of the van and started unloaded groceries. She called Curtis (Amanda's boyfriend) to help get Terry back in bed. (She looks forward to when they won't have to rely on other people to help - they can go it themselves.) It had been a LONG afternoon, so they had a fairly quiet evening. A few visitors stopped by to visit.
Day 99 - May 23, 2007 Wednesday
Terry felt pretty good today. The nurse and the therapist came, and they exercised as well. It was warm outside, so they spent some time on the front porch. It is very NICE for them to be home!
Day 98 - May 22, 2007 Tuesday
Terry has an appointment with the neurosurgeon today. He still wasn't feeling well, so Lynn tried to see about changing his appointment (that was not possible). She found out the appointment was an hour earlier than she thought, too. They had to hurry to get ready to go. A Hancock County Senior Services van picked them up at 9 am. First Terry had X-rays, then he saw the doctor. The doctor said everything looked good. He asked Terry to move his knee. Terry said he wasn't strong enough but did move his foot quite a bit. The doctor was very pleased. After surgery in February, the doctor did not think Terry would be able to move his legs. He thought Terry would be paralyzed - GOD IS SO GOOD! His miracles in Terry's body are evident every day. The doctor said Terry didn't need his back brace (turtle shell) any more, and that he is released for weight-bearing activity as tolerated. Now the REAL work begins!! They got home around 1 pm, and the rest of the day was fairly quiet.
Day 91 - May 21, 2007 Monday
Terry wasn't feeling very well today. They cancelled the therapy session that was planned and asked for no visitors. It was a LONG day. He didn't really improve the rest of the day. It was a rough night, too.
Day 96 - May 20, 2007 Sunday
Terry and Lynn have quit setting the alarm for his 4 am pain pills. If he is up and asks for them, he gets them. Otherwise he doesn't get them until he wakes up. They bought some straps to tie Terry down in the van - it is Garrett's birthday party today. They go to NCMP (New Castle Motorsports Park) where the party is being held. Several people introduce themselves to Terry (they heard about his story on NCMP's website). They were all very impressed with him. They stayed for about two hours. They showed several people the van. One generous friend offered to pay a third of the cost for the van. Lynn and Terry continue to be overwhelmed by the caring and blessings that come their way. After getting home, it was a quiet evening.
Day 95 - May 19, 2007 Saturday
They are having the van delivered today. They are very excited about being more mobile. Lynn's mom and dad came for a visit today and brought her aunt and uncle (Liz & Bill). They enjoyed some time outside in the sunshine. Bobby (son) and Patty (girlfriend) also showed up. They all enjoyed a nice dinner together. The van didn't arrive until 10:30 pm. They decided not to go to church since the tie-downs still need to be installed. They had a very peaceful night.
Day 94 - May 18, 2007 Friday
The OT therapist came today to do her evaluation on Terry. She wanted to set goals and find out what his most pressing goal is. She is going to work on his functional gains with his hands as well as transfers to improve his mobility. The people brought the van by around 11 am. It looks good. It doesn't have tie-downs in the back (the driver was the one in the wheelchair). They will need to get them installed. They will get the van tomorrow and possibly go to church on Sunday. It was a good day. They had several visitors and went outside. They enjoyed being together at home.
Day 93 - May 17, 2007 Thursday
Terry is having an evaluation by the home care lady today. Also Lynn will be contacting AHHE to get a new bed. It will be delivered in the afternoon. Lynn is training everyone (family and friends) on transfers with Terry, so whoever is around can help. The transfers are getting easier for Terry (his healing continues). Lynn also called about a van they are interested in buying - it has a wheelchair lift. The people are bringing it by tomorrow. The home care lady did her evaluation. It was decided that the nurse would come twice the first week, then she would only come once a week. PT will come twice a week and OT three times a week. The new bed was delivered - Lynn was very pleased with it. The evening was much better.
Day 92 - May 16, 2007 Wednesday
When Lynn got home last night the ramps were installed (by their church). They looked great and are ready for the big day today. Terry is coming home. He had his last breakfast at HH, and then got ready to leave. They went outside for a little while; the van (from Hancock Senior Services) won't be there to pick Terry up until around 1 pm. They have been saying their goodbye's to the staff for the last two days. All of the staff wanted to be scheduled for today, so they could see Terry off and wish them well. HH had family members and friends of the residents write notes on why the resident was so special to them. Terry received his "treasure chest" today before he left. They made their final rounds saying goodbye and ended up in the dining room. It was after 1 pm but the van wasn't here yet. Lynn called and checked. It was on the way just running a little behind. The van arrived around 1:30. Terry was loaded up and Lynn followed. She took several pictures of the homecoming. Jimmy (son) was waiting at the house. Terry had a quick tour of the bathroom (still being remodeled) and then got it bed. All the excitement had wore him out. He wanted some of his Valentine's Day pie (Lynn made a cherry pie for him and kept it frozen). After moving him around a few times, Lynn decided that the bed was too soft. It was very difficult to move him around. It was a difficult night. They didn't get much sleep.
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