It's been a long time since we have updated the blog. None of us have had much time for writing as we try to keep up with Isabel. She has had a busy month with therapy and watching the Para-Olympics and Curling. Yea! Swift Current, Saskatchewan! What a curling show you and the women of the world are putting on for all of us! (And thanks all of you who wrote about viewing times and websites for the Para-Olympics.)With Isabel now comfortably off the ventilator and oxygen 24/7 for well over a month, she and Rufus are able to travel much more freely in "Wascana". Note the posted map and all the possibilities for the future. Mum can now go to all appointments on her floor on her own. She waves good-bye to the Unit Clerk or a Nurse and off she goes down the halls slowing carefully at the intersections to check the concave mirrors on the ceiling for traffic coming from any direction.
Then with a quick prod, Rufus lll is on his way again. Mum's favourite gear is "7" and as far as we can tell, that's high gear!
As Isabel says: "Letters and visits keep me sane; and the therapists keep me in shape." Right now, Mum is receiving 15 or more physio- and occupational therapy appointments a week that range from daily electrode stimulation of her arm muscles; daily walking (490 steps with one short rest in the middle is her best walk so far); practising standing and sitting and transfers from bed to chair again and again; and cycling with resistance (same as going uphill).
There is no doubt she is in "good shape"! Muscle contracture and neurological damage continue to cause significant restriction in her hands and arms; and balance is sometimes an issue, however, she is flying!
Who would have ever guessed even a few months ago that Isabel would be navigating the lengthy halls of Wascana on her own whether to go to therapy or for a hair appointment.
More news soon, we promise!
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