Michael continues to give 110% to his rehabilitation therapists.  In turn, they compliment his determination to push his physical limitations to the point of exhaustion.  Affecting his progress though, is his very swollen right knee.  Along with knee, his pelvis and femur were x-rayed last week with no signs of a fracture or break.  Michael feels the pain when pressure is applied toward or leg movement toward the hip.  After examination from the Doctor again today, an MRI was ordered.  The nurse scheduled the MRI but with staples in his head still intact, no MRI.  Dr. Gisofi asked the nurse to remove every other staple and says he’d check the incision tomorrow to see how it looked.

We are seeing more movement with his right hand and he is not tensing it as much as before.  He will take his left hand and striaghten out his right.  At times, he’ll move and wiggle the toes on his right foot but never his leg.  Over the weekend his Father asked him if he could feel his leg “yes”.  Can you move it?  “I’ve been trying to”

Speech is developing and is articulate but still sparatic.  Most movements are purposeful but there are a few movement tics that we see Mike working through.  Bicycle type movement of his left leg, crossing his left leg and foot over the right, moving his left foot in a tapping circular motion (which he always did when he was going to sleep), scratching his head where the bone flap incision staples itch and the newest and most pleasant, picking his nose.  You can see that he becomes aware of the non-puposeful movements and then tries to settle himself to stop.  Michael never liked inappropriate social behavior, so we know he’ll work hard to stop picking his nose in front of people.  We must have humor people

Blood and urine samples were taken Saturday to check the UTI and staff infections that started at Fairfax Hospital.  We’re hoping to hear the results soon.  If the infections are gone, out comes the aggravating hand IV.

The feeding peg is still in and Michael continues to receive a nightime feeding.  The nutritionist will evaluate his diet this week and with the doctor, make a determination to keep or remove the peg.  If he’s getting and maintaining enough calories and nutrients, the peg will be removed.

At mealtime, once the food is on, he can hold the spoon or fork and with guidance take it to his mouth.  He chews and swallows perfectly.  Mike will pick up a cup on his own, take a drink and place the cup back on the tray.  If there is something on his mouth, he takes the napkin from the tray and wipes his mouth clean.  He will now let me floss his teeth without trying to chew my fingers.

Six days a week M-Sa, Mike’s therapy sessions are 9 or 10am, (lunch between 11:30-12:30) then therapy again at 1pm and 3pm.  So far it’s been Occupational first, Speech second and Physical therapy last.  They all wipe him out so it’s vitally important that he rest well in between.  Thank you for waiting until after 5 to visit.  Thank you for keeping your visits short and thank you for caring enough to understand the importance.

We love you all and cannot thank you enough for your prayers and well wishes.  Keep ‘em coming.  Without your love and support, none of us including Michael, would be able to make it through.  It truly takes a village.

xxoo