I wish all days were like Saturday for our family. It is just so nice to have everyonefreed up to come and go at the as they please at the hospital. It is easy to make sure someone is always there when all of us are entirely available. Plus it gives the family a little time to catch our breath.
Today we are trying something new. Each of the girls are going to get time with Joanne with just one other adult. In other words, Audrey will be with Joanne this morning with Gran. Then Emma and I will be there together alone with Joanne this afternoon. We are trying to get them a little more one-on-one time to see if that helps them feel like they are getting more time with Joanne. Both of them are definitely missing her a bunch. We are hoping that getting them some time with fewer people around will allow them to connect more with Joanne.
I think we are all feeling more ready for Joanne to be home. I think that's because we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that she'll be home sooner than later. If I had to guess I would think that she'll be home in a month or so. After being in the hospital for the last two and a half months only having a month left it feels like we are in the home stretch (literally).
Papa is headed over to our house today to take a look at how we might set it up for Joanne's return, with railings and grab bars. Still not sure how much of that kind of stuff Joanne will need. It is possible that she won't need much of anything. On the other hand, she may need a little help. So Papa is going to go do a survey of what we might need and how we might be able to install it. We certainly don't want to be caught unprepared when it comes time for Joanne to be released.
One thing that I really like about rehab is how they are keeping Joanne busy. She is basically in therapy from the time she gets up until about 4:30. She has therapy in half-hour blocks. So she has PT for half and hour than she gets a 30 minute break. Then she is off to some to her therapy. Work breakfast, lunch and dinner in there andit makes for a full day and keeps her out of bed. There was a time when all she wanted to do was stay in bed, but I think she is getting used to being up all the time. THis is a huge step forward! It means she's not giving up on herself. It means that she is not willing to just leave things the way they are but is ready to get better. It is so cool to see her working so hard.
As for her pain, they keep trying to find new ways to dela with the pain in her shoulder. That;s really where most of her pain is coming from. She still has the occasional headache but those are becoming increasingly rare. But her shoulder is in constant pain. There have been a number of therapists in to work on it and medically they are trying some different pain meds, muscle relaxants, and other massage/manipulation exercises. Can't wait to get her pain issue resolved. I think she'll make a ton of additional progress when her arm stops hurting.
By the way, Joanne is starting to sleep better. That is a real answer to prayer.
Prayer request:
As I mentioned, Joanne's shoulder is really hurting her. Please pray with us for relief. Being in pain constantly is a significant drain on her energy and it also takes it's toll emotionally.
Toben
Praying for Joanne today and also for your sweet girls to feel that they are having some real quality time with their Mama!!
Posted by: Jessica | April 02, 2011 at 08:50 AM
Joanne sounds so positive and like she is making great strides! She is such an inspiration to me!
Yesterday I was stuck on a mountain in a snow storm. I am not a great skier, and the conditions were more than I could handle. I wanted to quit. I wanted to give up!
Then I thought of Joanne, and how she fights so hard, each and every day, and I not only made it down the mountain, but I went back up and skied another few runs!
Posted by: Maribeth | April 02, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Joanne continues to amaze and to testify to some serious strength in the Lord! I'm praying for her complete healing and for relief from pain. Joanne, from the time I met you, I knew you were a fighter blessed with many gifts. Stay strong and see this race through. He has your back, and will not let go of you. Your story speaks.
Posted by: Annette | April 02, 2011 at 09:03 AM
Praying today will be FULL of sweet memories for Joanne and her girls. May the girls leave feeling comforted and connected in a new and rich way ! Continued prayers for the pain in Joanne's shoulder and for God to impart wisdom to those working on it...OR...for our Abba Father to just remove that pain !!! May He be lifted up in all that is happening through this situation and the rich testimony of your wonderful family ! Happy SATURDAY !!
Posted by: Diane Seltzer | April 02, 2011 at 09:11 AM
As a 41-year old stroke survivor who is paralyzed on the left side as well, I would be happy to send you a list of things I have found that helps me be mobile and independent in my own house. I sent a copy to the aol.com email address but if you didn't get it and would like it, email me at kellyc620@yahoo.com. I'd be happy to answer any questions you guys may have about living with a left side paralysis as well! :)
Posted by: Kelly Campbell | April 02, 2011 at 09:12 AM
I am amazed by Joanne's progress! Praying for relief from pain...
Posted by: Tricia | April 02, 2011 at 10:23 AM
WHAT A TROOPER!!!! I am so proud of Joanne and all of you! We'll pray her thru the pain and to feeling 100% better sooner rather than later! Have a blessed day and enjoy the sunshine! HUGS from Georgia!
Posted by: Theresa Roach | April 02, 2011 at 11:09 AM
I pray God that You will restore health to Joanne and heal her wounds. Jeremiah 30:17
Posted by: yanna westmoreland | April 02, 2011 at 11:29 AM
I've been keeping updated by reading your blog posts, but have been traveling myself, so haven't posted any reply. My prayers remain with you all, added to the family of God who are praying everywhere :-)
Thank you so much for keeping us all up to date, and telling us how we can specifically pray.
God bless you all -
Posted by: Susan | April 02, 2011 at 01:46 PM
Have been praying for Joanne's healing for several weeks now. So excited to see her amazing progress! I'm a PT and live here in Highlands Ranch. Just had a question: have they tried a TENS unit or kinesiotaping to help control her shoulder pain? Maybe they have but thought it was worth asking. If you have any questions, please email me at jgfick@yahoo.com.
I'll be praying!!
Gina
Posted by: Gina | April 02, 2011 at 02:26 PM
Praying for your shoulder pain to cease!
Enjoy your one on one time with your sweet girls.
Hugs
Jen
Posted by: Jennifer | April 02, 2011 at 04:12 PM
Reading her Twitters we can see how she is communicating better every day. It's like watching a Resurrection in slow motion! God is doing a wonder in your midst. So blessed to read the updates. Each of you in the family has a new dynamic of growth. I praise God for the way He is working in all of your lives!
Kathy in Idaho where the first digit of our Saturday temps is finally a "5"!!!
Posted by: Kathy Rivera | April 02, 2011 at 04:37 PM
You are so right pain is so draining on energy. Just a bit can really cause problems. I will be praying for the pain to go away.
Posted by: Kimberly | April 02, 2011 at 06:12 PM
I am praying for your wife pain to just disappear, in the name of JESUS.
Posted by: Ken and Sheila Froehlich | April 02, 2011 at 06:37 PM
Consider using a TENS Unit to intercede the shoulder pain.
Posted by: Joyce | April 03, 2011 at 07:55 AM