The Doctors tried today to see if his restlessness was caused by his restraints. They took off the "posey" belt, which previously was around his waist all the time when he was in his chair. Only nurses and therapists have the keys to unlock the posey belt and allow him to stand up and walk or do some other activity. Today he was without a posey belt, and seemed to realize it. As soon as I turned my back to get his DVDs he was stood up and was trying to get in bed. I was holding onto him as quick as I could, but he will probably have to go back into his posey belt to keep him from hurting himself. He still dramatically overestimates his abilities and balance.
He is showing dramatic physical improvements, he can wheel himself about the ABI unit quickly. He is also able to walk up and down stairs with only one person holding onto his arm. He's able to brush his teeth, eat meals, clear dishes, and perform other daily chores with minimal instruction. His voice is coming back, slowly but surely. His sentences still show signs of Fluent Aphasia (not making sense even though individual words are correct) We are still waiting for his Posttraumatic Amnesia to go away, which will mark a significant milestone in his recovery. Overall he's making progress and I'm looking forward to being certified tomorrow to help him walk around the unit. This weekend when he has a rest from therapy it will be great to be able to go on walks with him. We'll see how long he tolerates his big brother's help.
Love,
Austin and Team 44
What is Forrest dreaming about tonight?
Hopefully summer afternoon rides on Riley
Austin you are such a great brother! You are such an inspiration. Thanks for the great blogging. I love reading the updates. Keep up the great work. Praying for you guys!
ReplyDeleteLove
Cousin kelly
Oh Austin, Forrest will be SO appreciative of his big bro's assistance! :) Very glad he was able to enjoy some Panera- comfort food does the body and soul wonders!
ReplyDeleteSending much love to all of you!
xxox,
Adela
Dearest Forrest: Now, chocolate chip cookies! THAT is good news!
ReplyDeleteCaroline and I eagerly read your blog every morning before she gets on her 6:20 a.m. school bus (TOO early!) and I want to write back every single day because we are so proud of all your hard work and progress. Caroline can really relate to some of what you are going through, especially speech and physical therapy. Her PTs were notoriously bad at math..they always got mixed up at counting reps so she'd have to do more. Sneaky, sneaky, but usually very nice people!
The weather is really annoying up here in the Landmark 'hood. A nice warm spring tease, followed by icey rain, then just plain cold. But we can feel spring trying to break through. There is a green tinge coming on in the grass and the birds are singing like they know something.
However, every warm day brings the lowly STINKBUGS out. I actually sat on one the other day, so Christina said "Mommy sat on a stink bug!" and her dad, Dean, said "well, I guess he met his match!" That's enough stinkbug humor for today...or any day.
Alright, "Champ". You and your amazingly wonderful Team Forrest are just awesome. Your athlete's brain and body is working so hard, your humor is brilliant and we are so proud of all of you.
Team Forrest Cheerleaders
Carina and Caroline
Forrest's strength really seems to be returning fast. How are his fractures?
ReplyDeleteJust want you to know we celebrate each of 44's accomplishments and all of your attention and hard work with him. Blessings, Kathy
Forrest is making tremendous progress in such a short time it is amazing. Thanks Austin for keeping us all posted. It has even changed dramatically since I was there last weekend. Moving from pureed mystery meat to Panera soup and chocolate chip cookies is a decided move up I would think Forrest would say. It's great to see the pictures of him walking and then peacefully sleeping. It's great to know he is healing at a rapid rate but as you say it comes with the mixed blessing of he is trying to get more active than may be safe for him. I'm sure he appreciates big brother keeping a close eye on him or at least he will later.
ReplyDeleteForrest is doing such a great job working at his therapy, I know he is exhausted at the end of the day. Keeping him entertained sometimes is a full time job when he's not in therapy.
You and your Mom are doing a phenomonal job keeping all the balls in the air and still taking care of each other. Hang in there, I'll be there to help you three in a couple days.
Dad Team Forrest
Every day, more and more, you make your way back. Why am I not surprised that you are raring to go and keeping everyone on their toes?! Never one to back down from a challenge, I am sure you are livening things up at Shepherd considerably.
ReplyDeleteIt's grey and getting ready to rain up here, hope it is nice for you this weekend to go cruise around the grounds with Austin. We are taking good care of Dad while he is up here, but I know he misses you guys a lot and can't wait to get back down there and see all the progress you've made. Chocolate chip cookies?! Hurray!! Can you dip Bagel Bites in milk, too?! Maybe next week.... =)
Keep up all the amazing strides, mister... every day bringing you closer and closer to home.
xx
Hello from rainy Kentucky! I'm so impressed and encouraged by your rapid recovery, Forrest. Like a lot of folks who comment on this blog, I look forward to your family's updates each day. You are determined and have accomplished things unimaginable for most people even twice your age. Keep up the excellent work, and the ravenous appetite, too! At this rate you'll be back on Riley in no time.
ReplyDeleteYes sir Forrest....due to your indomitable spirit, the posey belt will remain our friend. Safe is good and without it, you would be trying to run down hallways. It won't be long though. I can attest to the fact that you are fearless and quick...and all with a smile! Keep it up Champ! Miss you.
ReplyDeleteExcellent progress Forrest! It was so awesome to see the video of you walking down the hallway! Austin, you have been an amazing source of support for your brother and your family. You all hang in there - every day is a new gift and another opportunity to do great things.
ReplyDeleteXo, Laurie
Oh yes, the "posey"! I was once a prisoner of the "posey" and I had some strong opinions about that! It did keep me safe though while all those broken bones were healing. I know how badly you want to get back to being yourself... You are streaking toward recovery so keep up the hard work. Hey Forrest, are you interested in trying some "hippotherapy"? If so, I may have a couple of recommendations for you, right near the Shephard center. I am going to be visiting two programs there in Atlanta next week and I will pass the info on to your mom and dad in case you might like to get back on a horse a little sooner than later... Horses brought me back after mt accident so I highly recommend it! Go Forrest!
ReplyDeleteMy family and I are so happy to see Forrest doing so much better. We are members of Amissville United Methodist Church and we put him on our Prayer Chain--where the whole church prays for wonderful people like Forrest. We put him on there the day we found out. We are so glad that all the prayers paid off. We will continue to pray for him!
ReplyDeleteSarah Henry
Highland School