Down in the Dump Days

Not a whole lot of good news to report lately. Jon had a terrific day on Saturday--good company, good conversation in general, first shower in 10 weeks--but as usual good days have been followed by down in the dump days and this week has been no exception. He continues to be extremely picky about eating as he has no appetite and complains about the physical therapy regimen. I can hardly wait till he’s in Dodd Hall with other spinal injury folk so he can’t complain about his injuries being special!

Along with specialized therapy for spinal cord injuries Dodd Hall also has specific programs for closed head injuries which can affect cognitive thinking, attitude, and physical capabilities--I think; group and individual therapy and “cheerleading”; and counseling for reconciling with what life has thrown their way.

Medically Jon has just one problem standing in the way...the spot on his lung that doesn’t seem to clear up with normal therapy. A pulmonologist will be looking at the CAT scans and chest x-rays tomorrow to decide if he wants to go down into the lung to see what is actually going on. Once that is taken care of he is cleared for the trip to Columbus, if accepted by Dodd Hall.

In physical therapy Jon is working on getting his thumbs hooked on the knobs of the wheels and moving his hands forward. His right arm does not move backward quite far enough for a comfortable reach yet. He may find himself literally going in circles! Today in occupational therapy he practiced using the adaptable spoon, which can be strapped to his hand, to scoop objects out of a container and place them on the lid of the container. This is a good exercise which will make eating by himself possible. Once he got items out of the container he had to use his thumb and forefinger to pick them up and place them back in the box. He can do 3/4 inch blocks fairly well but slim objects are much harder. This exercise takes a lot of concentration on his part...some of which I am not sure is hard work or just stubbornness. He still goes to the beginning point of pain and stops whatever activity he's involved in and we can't convince him to at least hold at that point for any number of seconds.

I was able to trim up his hair on the back of his head since he was sitting in his wheelchair when I arrived today. The top part of the chair which gives extra support to his halo had not been placed on the back of the chair so it was much easier to get at...also easier when he asked for his head to be scratched. He also noted that with shorter hair the head scratching felt "different."

He seems to be enjoying his new mattress which was delivered last night. He has developed another bedsore--makes 2 now--and his most frequent nurse is quite concerned. Thanks to her there is a more rigid following of the turning schedule which is supposed to be every 2 hours and no more than an hour in his chair at a time with the exception of the time he is in physical therapy.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers; both Jon and I can use all the positive support you send our way and many, many thanks for that.