So how is Isabel's health?

Many of you have inquired recently about Isabel's health so we decided that it is time to do an update.

Is Isabel still on the ventilator?   Isabel does much of her breathing on her own but a ventilator continues to provide 8 extra puffs of air each minute to support her.  She has two laptop size ventilators -- one for use in her room and one on her wheelchair for outings.

Is Isabel eating now?  Isabel receives 4 meals a day through her food peg into her lower abdomen.  She cannot swallow well enough to chew and swallow food so she receives her high nutrient food as a liquid. Does she miss eating?  Yes, she misses cooking and the taste of favourite foods such as asparagus, rhubarb, roast beef and spring salads.  But she is very thankful that she can receive such high quality nutrition to support her strength. 

Can Isabel speak?  Mum's vocal cords continue to be paralysed from the effects of the virus. We don't yet know if she will be able to speak in the future. 

Why can't Isabel use an electronic speech device?  She can -- and has --  but at this time she has chosen the more efficient letterboard. 

How many hours is Isabel up each day?  Isabel is in her wheelchair on average 12 hours each day.  She reads, watches TV-DVDs-videos,  listens to music, enjoys her terrace garden and outings, visits with the staff and family and friends, and receives physiotherapy and occupational therapy in her chair.

So where does she go when she leaves her room?  To the outside terrace across from her room where her garden is planted; to the sunny solarium down the hall where she hosts friends; throughout the halls of Wascana that are filled with art and windows overlooking courtyards and a children's playground; on Wascana Park's trails to Wascana Lake a 10 minute roll away.  The trip to Wascana Lake with two daughters to see Canada Geese and young goslings was her latest outing this past week.

Does she tire quickly?  Not unless she is doing a hard physical work-out in therapy.  Yes, Mum enjoys visitors for a lengthy period of time. Communication is slower than it used to be as visitors need to learn to follow Mum on her letterboard. Mum likes her visitors to stay for an hour or more if they are able.

Is Isabel's physical strength returning?  Yes. Isabel has excellent torso and leg strength.  She is slowly gaining strength on her paralyzed right side.  She has good strength in her left arm and both legs.

How is her thinking ability?  Sharp as a tack. As always.  Mum's personality and her ability to process and communicate thoughts remain unaltered from the virus.  The therapists tease her that she multi-tasks and must focus on her stretches as she often exercises, uses her letterboard, and thinks about the next thing to say or do -- all at the same time.   It is a miracle that her cognitive ability is as it always was.  This is a rare occurrence as many people who have been as ill as Mum with West Nile Neurological Syndrome have lost some cognitive function.

What other good news can you tell us?  Isabel's health since moving to Wascana has improved more than many medical specialists thought possible.  The progress is slow as it is for all survivors of West Nile Neurological Syndrome,  but it is continuous progress.

When is a good time to visit?

Sat and Sun between 9 am - 7 pm.

Mon thru Fri between 11 am - 7 pm except for 3:15-4:00; and except between 2-3 on Wed.

Do I need to call before I visit?  Isabel welcomes drop-in visitors OR you can call Catherine at 306-270-6394 or email: catherine.barnsley@usask.ca to check out a time.

Mum said on her letterboard on Saturday:  CAN'T TALK....CAN'T WALK....CAN'T EAT....CAN'T BREATHE ON MY OWN....BUT I AM DOING QUITE WELL.

There it is ~ you have the latest update.

Isabel gives thanks every day for the varied staff who support her healing ~ and to all of you who read the blog, write, phone and visit.  Thank you!