Rich asked me to send a progress update.  I apologize for not communicating for some time now.  There have been a lot of moving parts to take care of since Rich is happily back home, but there are time constraints for me.

Rich is making great progress and able to do much more for himself.  He continues to go to PT/OT at St. Mary’s for 2 hours a day three times a week, and works very hard. He and his “Power Chair with pink wheels” (no surprise there) get into the Van to tackle his work.  When he has 2 days off from formal PT/OT, he has caregivers who work with him in all aspects, including walking outside with a walker to strengthen his core.

He was cleared this past week to go up and down the stairs with someone monitoring.  He had been confined to the upper level since July 3 and was looking forward to get back into his home office and steam room.  That has been great for him.  

He is anxious to get back to work, however, we have agreed that his therapy in reaching full potential takes precedence.  His right arm and shoulder are still mostly paralyzed. So he will continue to focus and work on recovery to his greatest extent possible, knowing he will come back to work stronger and at his fullest potential once his work is done at PT/OT.  Rich has lost over 50 pounds and is quite proud of that, as it also helps with mobility.  I am proud of him also, though we do have to keep buying clothes that don’t fall off😉.

Feel free to call him.  He cannot write thank you’s for all of your kind wishes to him, as his right arm is still not working-but they are working on that at PT/OT.  His cell is 507-254-9161.

With love and thanks,

Rich and Janet