Brian's Update for Tuesday, April 3rd, Day 49

Folks,
Brian's therapy is shifting into high gear. His first therapy is at 8AM, even before breakfast. With breaks for breakfast and lunch Brian is doing very physically exhausting work till almost 4:00 PM. What you and I take for granted, such as sitting up, moving to a chair, standing, walking, bending, are things Brian is having to relearn. His body has been almost motionless for 6 weeks so all those muscles have shrunk and lost their strength due to inactivity. When I got off work yesterday and got to Brian's room I found Brian, Jana, and Benny all asleep. This was about 4:45Pm. Brian slept till about 5:30 when supper arrived. After supper they ususally relax a bit together between nurses coming in to give him a bath, check his vitals and give him his various meds. They are in bed by 10:30pm at the latest most nights.

The weekend schedule is not quite so taxing but he still gets physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Weekends are the best time to call. If you would make sure you call before 9:30pm would be best. The number of phone calls have increased recently as fewer people are looking at the updates online. If you would like, you are welcome to call Kathleen or I at home and we can give you an update too. One of us sees Brian almost every day and we talk to Jana several times each day. Our home number is (502) 532-6324. Please don't hesitate to call but try to do it before 10PM.

Brian began work today with a new walker. Because he can't use his right arm yet to help with the walker he is using a special one-handed walker. He took over 70 steps today. The therapists are trying to get Brian to let his right arm hang at his side rather than bent at the elbow and held close to his chest as it has been for most of the past 7 weeks.

Today the Urologist did a pressure test of Brian's bladder to determine how much pressure he can put on it and whether or not there are any blockages complicating his recovery. We won't know the results until tomorrow at the earliest.

Thank you for all the cards! You should see his room. Jana has one wall almost covered and has started stringing them from the ceiling. We're afraid if the string breaks somebody is going to get crushed under all the cards! But we love it. Brian comments often about all the cards and nice notes people send. He never knew so many people cared so much. When we offer a prayer before our meals with Brian we are careful to say thank you for your love and generosity.

I am in a play at church this Thursday (Maundy Thursday) and tonight is dress rehersal so this will likely be my only post for today. Thank you for your thoughtfulness with Brian's schedule. This is an exciting time as we watch Brian recover but it is very hard work for him.

Peace and safety for us all,
Bob