A Summer of Rehab

A number of our readers have inquired about how Isabel's physical well-being has progressed as the result of Rehab Therapy. We had reported in the spring that Mum had "leaped the fence" to Rehab Therapy -- a rarity for those that live in Extended Care at Wascana, and virtually unheard of for those who live with the support of a ventilator. We are grateful that Isabel was granted nearly three months of therapy in the Rehab Department of Wascana.

Isabel's considerable strength of gain in her upper body helps her posture and her breathing. She alternated between standing in a standing frame with help from therapists and doing exercises on a sitting mat. She thus has gained strength in her legs as well. Contracture in her ankle joints and feet continues to be a stumbling block in making standing an easier activity. Mum describes her feet as being like cement. On her letterboard, she quipped to one of her specialists: "How about some WD-40?" Then she inquired about duct tape to hold her feet in proper position!

Isabel is now the owner of two new flexi-joint foot splints that are adjustable with an Allen wrench. We were told that she is only the second person at Wascana to be fitted with these custom-made adjustable splints by the Orthodics Department. Therapists continue to problem-solve.

Over the course of 6 five-day weeks, the Rehab Occupational Therapy Team worked with Isabel's hands and arms. For 10 months, Mum could not move her right (dominant) wrist out of its contractured position. With a little arm massage, Isabel can now move her right wrist to open her right hand. She holds a one-inch thick dowel in her hand many hours each day to help keep her fingers open. She can now lift a one pound weight with that hand when provided with some guiding support. Think about lifting a pound of butter ten times up and down beside you. That's what she is doing. Isabel could not move that hand and arm in May. This is progress!

Isabel can also move that hand back and forth on "a skateboard" on her wheelchair table to strengthen her arm. Who ever said that Isabel couldn't take up a new sport at this stage of her life?!?!?

Three times a week during September, Isabel will continue to receive help from a physio-assistant to stretch her muscles and keep her joints strong and flexible. In addition, her volunteer and Extended Care physio-therapists will work with her in standing and mat positions two times a week. Her Extended Care Occupational Therapist will continue to work with Isabel's hands and arms three times a week with the hope that Isabel can drive her own power wheel-chair when it arrives.

"Oh, such slow progress!" you may say! Yes, the progress is slow. This is no surprise to any of us given the utter devastation of West Nile Neurological Syndrome, and that Isabel was one of the most ill of the survivors. When her neurologist admitted her to hospital in August 2007, he indicated that progress would be very very slow over two years. Isabel's rehab physiotherapist said to her this month that she fully believes that Isabel will always continue to make progress -- albeit slow -- as Isabel is so determined and has made measurable gains this summer.

One therapist said, "Isabel -- I wish I could 'can' your motivation and share it with others."

During the recent Olympics, one of our readers wrote: "Cheers to your Mom - she is a Gold Medal winner in the Olympics of Life!"

Mum -- we concur!