Thursday March 15- Monday March 19
Wes continues to make improvements in several areas. His neck is getting stronger and you can see that he holds it higher and is able to last longer in the wheelchair. The last few days he has been up in the chair for at least 10 hours. His endurance and strength are improving. He is also developing more strength in his chest, arms, and wrists. We see he is doing well but when working these areas out he quickly fatigues. He has come very far since we came to the rehab center one month ago.
Last Saturday marked the six week mark since his injury. We are hoping this week will allow him time to start doing some homework. His days are usually scheduled with Rehab until 2 or 2:30 PM often there is a class after that. We were told he will be here another 5-6 weeks. The whole purpose of in-patient rehab is to strengthen his core, develop strength in his neck, shoulders, arms, and wrists, and develop more movement in his hands. He is learning how to roll on his side with little assistance and coordinates both arms working together. Many of the exercises he is doing develops the muscles he will need to completely feed himself, brush his teeth and comb his hair. He has already learned some great skills at driving his wheelchair. Because of his right shoulder injury, he has learned to operate his wheelchair left handed. This week the controls will be changed over to his right arm. This will help increase strength and control in his right arms and shoulder.
We continue to know that great miracles are in store for Wesley. I am reminded that the Lord will not do for us, what we can do for ourselves. Wes has to work through this and we know that much of what he has lost
will be restored and it will require much work from Wesley. Please continue to keep Wes in your prayers great things are happening. We love you all.
Wes continues to make improvements in several areas. His neck is getting stronger and you can see that he holds it higher and is able to last longer in the wheelchair. The last few days he has been up in the chair for at least 10 hours. His endurance and strength are improving. He is also developing more strength in his chest, arms, and wrists. We see he is doing well but when working these areas out he quickly fatigues. He has come very far since we came to the rehab center one month ago.
Last Saturday marked the six week mark since his injury. We are hoping this week will allow him time to start doing some homework. His days are usually scheduled with Rehab until 2 or 2:30 PM often there is a class after that. We were told he will be here another 5-6 weeks. The whole purpose of in-patient rehab is to strengthen his core, develop strength in his neck, shoulders, arms, and wrists, and develop more movement in his hands. He is learning how to roll on his side with little assistance and coordinates both arms working together. Many of the exercises he is doing develops the muscles he will need to completely feed himself, brush his teeth and comb his hair. He has already learned some great skills at driving his wheelchair. Because of his right shoulder injury, he has learned to operate his wheelchair left handed. This week the controls will be changed over to his right arm. This will help increase strength and control in his right arms and shoulder.
Completing in-patient rehab is the equivalent of completing kindergarten. Wes has a long ways to go if he is still in 'kindergarten'... 12 years through high school then 4 years of undergrad and then off too a specialty. What he will accomplish in the next 3-5 years of physical rehab will be just about equal with 18 years of schooling. When we finish here he will have just a few tools he will need to get started in a much more aggressive therapy and training. We are researching what our next move will be from here. If anyone reading this blog knows of a very aggressive outpatient therapy that specializes in spinal cord injuries, please let us know.
On Friday we received a friend came to visit from Montana, Dave. It was nice to see him and to hear about how things are going back home. He brought with him all kinds of gifts and cards from everyone back home. Wes really enjoyed hearing from everyone and receiving those nice things. Thanks to everyone for making Wes feel so wonderful and loved (Karen and I also feel the strength tht comes from your prayers). We are lifted every day by your kindness and well wishes.
The highlight of Wesley's day is always when the nieces and nephews come to visit, especially Benson and Canon. They ride with him in his wheelchair and hug onto him. Wes always has the biggest smile when he is taking them for rides.
will be restored and it will require much work from Wesley. Please continue to keep Wes in your prayers great things are happening. We love you all.
I sent a private mesage via facebook to Karen regarding suggestions for rehab places to investigate, from a friend who had a similar experience.
ReplyDelete- Tami Schall