Journal entry by Carolyn McCullough —
To say dad is happy to be home is an UNDERSTATEMENT, as I'm sure you can imagine.
Way back when this first started, I forgot to mention that after looking at the damage that had been done, the doctors suspected he had a seizure on his way to the hospital. Because of this, he is automatically on a six month suspension from driving. Obviously he is in no shape to drive right now, but I think in a couple of months things are going to get frustrating (especially with his work). It's different putting life on hold like this, and he has said how weird it is he missed out on a whole month because to him, it feels like it is May 4th.
He is currently not using a wheelchair, only a walker. When he starts going out (Drive games, of course) then he will probably use a wheelchair so it is less draining. Therapy will be coming by three times this week (still occupational, physical, and speech). He is doing great on his own though; over the weekend, he slowly went up and down the stairs about four times, he has been doing leg exercises, using 5 lb weights to exercise his wrists and arms, and is taking short walks to the mailbox to get the newspaper. All of this exhausts him and he needs to sit or lay down afterwards, but he is already making SO much progress. He should only be in the neck collar for another week or so. He has lost about 20 lbs, so he is really focused on eating regularly and drinking high- calorie shakes.
Daniel gave dad his phone back to him Sunday, but he still isn't looking at it very much. So if you are reaching out to him, know he is so appreciative and will be getting back to you as soon as he can! We have been reading him all the CaringBridge comments, the cards, and texts he has received. He has been smiling a bunch over the weekend, which is the best sight.
Way back when this first started, I forgot to mention that after looking at the damage that had been done, the doctors suspected he had a seizure on his way to the hospital. Because of this, he is automatically on a six month suspension from driving. Obviously he is in no shape to drive right now, but I think in a couple of months things are going to get frustrating (especially with his work). It's different putting life on hold like this, and he has said how weird it is he missed out on a whole month because to him, it feels like it is May 4th.
He is currently not using a wheelchair, only a walker. When he starts going out (Drive games, of course) then he will probably use a wheelchair so it is less draining. Therapy will be coming by three times this week (still occupational, physical, and speech). He is doing great on his own though; over the weekend, he slowly went up and down the stairs about four times, he has been doing leg exercises, using 5 lb weights to exercise his wrists and arms, and is taking short walks to the mailbox to get the newspaper. All of this exhausts him and he needs to sit or lay down afterwards, but he is already making SO much progress. He should only be in the neck collar for another week or so. He has lost about 20 lbs, so he is really focused on eating regularly and drinking high- calorie shakes.
Daniel gave dad his phone back to him Sunday, but he still isn't looking at it very much. So if you are reaching out to him, know he is so appreciative and will be getting back to you as soon as he can! We have been reading him all the CaringBridge comments, the cards, and texts he has received. He has been smiling a bunch over the weekend, which is the best sight.
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