Journal entry by Nancy Pratt —
So PT is finally moving along. Doug has seen Jake Crane, who does mayofascial release, 3 times. He uses sustained gentle pressure on Doug's head and neck which relieves pain and increases movement. Doug really likes these sessions.
He's also seen Carla Mueller, a therapist he has worked with in the past. She's helping straighten his arms and hands by stimulating and massaging the spinal cord at the neck and shoulder area. She's now working with him to strengthen his gluts and to lift his legs when he walks and not shuffle. He works well with her.
Today he started his PT sessions at Sky Lakes, our local hospital. We were both pleasantly surprised and excited about his therapist, Jordan Rupp. He's going to work on balance and he's going to push Doug! He already had him walk without the walker and just use his hand on a long table for balance. Jordan wants him to do this 2-3 times a day, using the kitchen island. He said he doesn't care as much about the distance as much as the quality, i.e. each time he walks to improve something, like bringing his feet closer together, or looking straight ahead. Jordan is no nonsense and seems very knowledgeable. Yay! 🤸♂️
This last weekend we drove to Portland to stay with our daughter, Lea and to go to one of Erik's high school buddy's wedding near Mt. Hood. Erik and Anna flew out from Minneapolis and the five of us got to hang out together. So much fun! And it was a test for Doug to see how he did with a long car ride and long weekend away from home. Doug was tired driving up but we traded off and stopped half way for lunch, so that helped. Once in Portland, we just kept busy and Doug felt fine. He walked around Lea's small apartment and up and down the embankment outside her place and to the car. The 3 kids were always there to help. So sweet. 🥰
Doug was still feeling good Sunday so we stayed with our good friends, Jay and Sue in Corvallis for the night. Sue always cooks a great meal. This time she made shepherd pie, fresh cucumber salad and homemade rhubarb pie. Yum. 🥘 🥒🥧
We are so lucky to have supportive friends and a loving family. We know they'll be here for us as Doug improves each day. Things are going well.
He's also seen Carla Mueller, a therapist he has worked with in the past. She's helping straighten his arms and hands by stimulating and massaging the spinal cord at the neck and shoulder area. She's now working with him to strengthen his gluts and to lift his legs when he walks and not shuffle. He works well with her.
Today he started his PT sessions at Sky Lakes, our local hospital. We were both pleasantly surprised and excited about his therapist, Jordan Rupp. He's going to work on balance and he's going to push Doug! He already had him walk without the walker and just use his hand on a long table for balance. Jordan wants him to do this 2-3 times a day, using the kitchen island. He said he doesn't care as much about the distance as much as the quality, i.e. each time he walks to improve something, like bringing his feet closer together, or looking straight ahead. Jordan is no nonsense and seems very knowledgeable. Yay! 🤸♂️
This last weekend we drove to Portland to stay with our daughter, Lea and to go to one of Erik's high school buddy's wedding near Mt. Hood. Erik and Anna flew out from Minneapolis and the five of us got to hang out together. So much fun! And it was a test for Doug to see how he did with a long car ride and long weekend away from home. Doug was tired driving up but we traded off and stopped half way for lunch, so that helped. Once in Portland, we just kept busy and Doug felt fine. He walked around Lea's small apartment and up and down the embankment outside her place and to the car. The 3 kids were always there to help. So sweet. 🥰
Doug was still feeling good Sunday so we stayed with our good friends, Jay and Sue in Corvallis for the night. Sue always cooks a great meal. This time she made shepherd pie, fresh cucumber salad and homemade rhubarb pie. Yum. 🥘 🥒🥧
We are so lucky to have supportive friends and a loving family. We know they'll be here for us as Doug improves each day. Things are going well.
-
Me, Doug, Erik and Anna at Pat's wedding near Mt. Hood.
Brittany, Me, Doug, David and Ady watching the first Ducks game.
Me and Doug celebrating my 70th.Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Doug Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Doug's site for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
Invite friends and family to visit the site
