The second week in rehab is now over and when I saw Jill stand on her own using the gutter frame , do a quarter turn and then sit I was amazed. She was seated in her wheel chair and moved to the physio table and then back again. Every body was excited, Jill, the two Physios and me. The disappointing thing was that the Physio was at a conference on Friday – Jill home with me on Saturday and Sunday and on Monday Jill had Bone density test and x-rays – The big question is can she replicate that terrific event today. My bet is on Jill she is so keen to be back on her feet.
The week went well with Physio in the mornings, strength Group exercises at 2pm and then a range of bed exercises at 3pm . Jill was usually exhausted by then, but wanted her coffee fix and a walk in the garden. The final step was dependant on the weather.
Weekend came and Jill was sitting in her wheelchair waiting for me when I arrived. I had the Maxi Taxi ordered and we left the hospital at 10.30am – only 5 minutes to home and with Jessie (cat) waiting at the front door for us , Jill’s face was a light with excitement. When asked what she would like first – “Coffee what do you think” was the reply. We had lunch with Pat and Keith and then watched TV and then after dinner watched Jill’s favourite show “Heart Beat” and then off to bed. This is slightly challenging as the transfer to bed relies on me lifting Jill’s legs and pivoting her to a lying position. I will need to work on my ability to achieve that without doing some damage to my back.
Breakfast in bed – cereal, toast and cup of tea. I expected, bacon & eggs or pancakes but I think she is getting happy with hospital food. After Macca & Australia all Over the next thing was toilet and shower. That went very smoothly – even washed Jill’s hair. I had a feeling I was going to be asked to dye her hair – perhaps next week thank heavens. We had roast pork with crackling for lunch and at 5pm when the taxi arrived Jill was keen to stay home.
On Monday Jill was to have her final X-ray and also a bone density scan . She missed her Physio , but was able to take part in the group session. The bone density scan was awkward as we had to transfer to a static bed but half an hour later she was back in her wheel chair waiting in the waiting area for the x-ray. The results of the bone density scan look positive as there seems to have been an increase in the density over the last scans done in 2006 & 2008. I will wait with interest when the doctor explains the numbers. Finally into the X-ray and they manoeuvred Jill into position although she remained in the chair. The changes in the image since the one taken 4 weeks ago was obvious and the technician explained that this will improve even faster now that she is weight bearing on her leg.
More great excitement when we received the 21 week scan of our new grand child – A Girl or Boy – What do you think? Jill’s new goal. She has even suggested some names to Nicole.
OUR GRAND ???????????
Jill asks me each evening when I leave the hospital what time will I be there tomorrow. I usually reply “about 9″. It’s 5 to 9 and I had better get going
See you soon on the net
A remarkable journey indeed.
What would you say to a sufferer of MSA who is contemplating stem cell treatment for the first time? Any regrets?