Fri 21-May-10

Simon is finishing his 6th week at Craig Hospital.  Recently, I’ve been noticing how various therapists combine both physical and mental challenges at the same time:  one had him sit and balance himself on a therapy ball, while doing a sequence of hand motions (cross hands on knees, touch ears, snap fingers, clap hands, etc. etc.), adding another new motion each time, and testing whether he could remember the sequence (it wasn’t easy!!).  Later, another had him repeatedly step on and off on a low balance beam, while simultaneously asking him what state various cities are in!  It's all about re-training the muscles and the brain at the same time, and learning to multi-task again.

Simon was able to open his left eye, just a little bit, for the first time this week.  He can open it only just enough to see a tiny bit, but he says he can see with it.  The doctors warn he will probably have double vision for awhile at least, but it looks like that damaged nerve is starting to regain function, albeit slowly.

He had his first pool therapy session this week, which was pretty tiring - even though the water provides buoyancy and no concussion, the resistance of the water and the current make it difficult to maintain balance.  At the end of his pool exercises, he tried to do a couple of strokes of freestyle (before this accident, he was swimming a mile, about 3 times a week).  He could barely keep his body on the surface of the water – his left arm is too weak, and I think he was surprised at how difficult it was.  Even though he is doing really well overall, this provided a reminder of how far he still has to go.

As I've already reported, Simon is set to go home on May 28, where he will continue to have physical, occupational, and speech therapy.  Thank you to all who have already volunteered to help keep an eye on him when I have to be away from home - he will enjoy the company, and I appreciate the support!  Also - thanks to those of you who have visited him at MCR or Craig, who have sent cards and emails, and have helped keep our garden in top shape!!  The one GOOD thing to come out of all of this, is that we've learned what wonderful, caring friends, co-workers, and relatives we have!

Ann