Thursday, March 26, 2015

Update # 193

8 Years

Jeff did not do 3 hours of rehab today – only did 2 hours 50 minutes. But boy, did he work.

Occupational Therapy first had Jeff use his arms and legs as much as possible to help transfer himself from bed to wheelchair using the sliding board.

Next was Jeff’s first group session. 8 people in wheelchairs sat in a circle each holding a hand weight of 1, 2, or 3 pounds. Jeff began using a 1 pound weight. Arm and leg exercises varied for the 30 minute session.

OT immediately followed taking Jeff to the first floor gym. They again had Jeff practice transferring from wheelchair to “bed” (workout table). She had Jeff then sit on the edge and balance himself using abdominal muscles. He made it 20 minutes! While in sitting position, he also did arm exercises and leaning side to side plus back & forth. They worked Jeff’s hands by having him put pegs in holes.

Physical Therapy then took over while Jeff was still in the gym. He practiced different leg presses. Today’s bike session was only for 10 minutes. They did try to have Jeff stand at the parallel bars but he only made it halfway up. (needs that standing frame upstairs) On the way back to his room, Jeff had to try to wheel himself – did 30 feet.

After lunch and rest time, OT returned for more leg and arm exercises. PT showed up not long afterwards and did more arm/leg exercises.

There was only one time today when Jeff said he could not do something. In the group session, he hesitated on a leg exercise. The tech said to just try and – he did it. He is worn out at the end of his work day but is very happy with what he has accomplished. Jeff continues to feed himself as much as possible. And we’ve noticed how he helps more when he needs to be turned in bed.

It will be exciting to see how far Jeff has come at the end of a full week at rehab. We think he’s done great already. Thanks for cheering on Jeff with your emails. He smiles when he hears your words. Prayers are still important.

love,

Marcia