I would like for you to meet another member of Louie's health care team. Jocelyn is the physical therapist that has worked with Louie for the pastseveral months. She may be only 5 feet tall , but I would pair her against anyone for strength and agility. In the beginning she would patiently organize wound vacs, IV's, suction tubes, drains, etc. to painstakingly get him up to first sitting, and later standing and slowly walking to the window. The process of getting him "ready" was long and complicated but she patiently did so for the few steps he was able to withstand. After that she would reverse the whole process to get him back in bed again. He would make progress only to be set back after skin grafts (no physical therapy for 3 weeks). Each time however when Dr. Duke said physical therapy could be resumed she was back again to start over. He has soared under her direction and she has taught me so much!! As each set of goals was met, new goals were determined. She taught us how to work together using the wheelchair, the walker , the IV pole and other apparatus. I did not realize that she was slowly moving us toward independence with only each other. We were able to leave the room -- going to the chapel and even outside. There is certain criteria set for floor patients and he has met each of them. Today, as she put it, was Graduation Day. We will now, three times a day, do the work she set out for him on our own. We will continue toward building his strength as Dr. Duke gets him ready to go home. When he returns to El Campo he will continue physical therapy locally. When Jocelyn first mentioned that she would not be with us each day, I was quite honestly afraid. She is a joy to have around and I had come to think of her as our safety net. We have practiced alone in the evenings this week and I think we are ready to fly. She will still be around the floor to answer questions, if needed. Letting go is hard, but another measure of success. Thank you , Jocelyn!!
Love to all, Ruthie
Pictures from the last day of therapy
Learning to step up and down is literally crucial for his trip home. It get's him in the front door. :) He did great!
Congratulations on your "Graduation Day". What a huge accomplishment for both of you. Continue to trust in the Lord and we will see you home soon.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
Richard & Claudia
You've come a long way and it sure looks good
ReplyDeleteB
Hey Ruthie, It's Anne Rodriguez. We spent many nights in the sticu waiting room together. My daughter was Sue. I am so excited to see Louis is doing so well. I know it has been a very long road for you and your family. I'll never forget what you said to me the first night I was there. I asked you if you ever went home and your comment was "ILL GO HOME WHEN HE GOES HOME" Well looks like you both might real soon. Sue has had several set backs, suffers from POST TRAUMATIC SYNDROME, but she has learned to handle her Fistula very well. She will be back in the Hospital Late March to do the reroute we hope. God bless you and I pray for you and Louis every single day.
ReplyDelete