Susan’s Story

Site created on April 26, 2018

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Newest Update

Journal entry by Matt Schenkel

She Walks! She Talk! She can even wiggle her thumb!

Wow, Is the week at Mayo finally over? (See last update to understand.)  I guess it's time for another update. 

Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers.  They are all working, albeit slowly.  Susan continues to make progress.  She is walking with a quad cane but still uses the wheel chair for long trips and when she does not have her AFO (Ankle Foot Orthotic) on.  Without the brace, her left ankle continues to roll to the outside.  She can now shrug her shoulder and can sometimes get some pulling action from her left arm.  What is amazing is that she can wiggle her thumb and sometimes her forefinger.  We were told that the large muscle would come back first and it would be a long time for the fingers.  Hopefully this means she will continue to full recovery. 

Susan's brain recovery is coming along also.  She still is a bit emotional and cries a lot, especially when the kids come home and then have to leave again.  She is going out more but still requires me to be with her in case she needs me.  I was teasing her the other day while she was in the shower.  When we first started showering, she would not want the water to get in her face.  She was commenting on how much better she is doing because she now puts the water on her face to rinse.  So I took the opportunity to say, "Yep, you're growing up."

Currently, I am beginning the search for a companion for Susan in the afternoons.  I think she is ready for a break from me.  I would like to try to find someone through personal references if possible rather than going through an agency.  If anyone out there knows someone who does this sort of thing, please send them my way.

Thanks again for all you prayers and support.  Keep them coming.

Matt
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