Sally's Update

Sally's Training for the Olympics!

As we sat waiting for the Doctor to arrive for the scheduled 4:00 p.m. family meeting, it was hard to miss the agility of this 83 year old woman who is recovering from a major heart event. Sitting upright in the center of her hospital bed, Sally pulled her left leg to the center of her core and began massaging the troublesome foot; the foot that tingles with pain due to nerve damage from the blood clot suffered after removing the heart pump one week ago. While some of her rehab is geared for Cardiac recovery, most of her focus is learning how to walk, with the aide of a walker, due to the lack of sensation or control of her left leg.

Apparently, when blood flow is blocked for any length of time, nerves die. The Doctor explained there are two types of possible damage: the milder type whereby the insulation or myelin is damaged; the recovery time for this type of damage could be as early as 3 weeks up to 12 weeks. The second type of damage is actual nerve damage. The length of recovery time for this type is much longer.....18 months+. At this time, there is no way to tell what type of damage Sally has experienced.

Nonetheless (don't you just love that word!), Sally has attacked rehab with the dedication and fortitude of a Champion. She has surpassed all expectations and will, within days, no doubt, be walking, dressing, and functioning independent of supervision or observation of medical staff. Although she is not happy about the exercises required of her, she brings her fighting attitude to the Physical Therapy room--'let's get it done!'

It now looks like Sally will skip the assisted living part of her recovery and be able to return to her own apartment, supplementing her independent living with Home Health Care and PT/OT visits. Do you hear the roar of the crowd! Sally's gold medal will be--returning to her own home.

No victory laps--just yet. There is much to get used to. The same agility that allows Sally to do near yoga postions in her hospital bed will be stretched as she faces uncertainty about limitations in movement, in endurance....in the seasoning allowance for mashed potatoes! Still, we are stunned, we are amazed, we are filled with joy as we watch our Champion move forward each step of the race....with grace, with beauty, with the strength of an Olympic athlete!

"Go Grandma!"

"We're so proud of you, Mom!"

"We love you Sally!"

"Bravo!"

.....and.......Thank you God!

# posted by Diane Viere @ 8:03 AM