No cry for help
As Michael’s strength returns and his physical confidence is confirmed, he shows each day that he is determined to restore his independence. The “danger ahead” feelings that I’ve had through the years still find their place in my inner mind. Reminded of a conversation with the evening nurse on Mike’s first night at Mt. Vernon…he said that as patients improve, their jobs here on the 5th floor, are very challenging and at times, overwhelming. Patients recovering from brain injury, are sometimes their own worst enemies. A watchful eye becomes increasingly neccesary when the patient is making great strides and believes that they can do it alone.
Michael has been walking with his therapist over the last few days and enjoying every moment of it. While visiting with Uncle Ron and Aunt Kirsten on Sunday, Mike stood up from his wheelchair and attempted to move to another chair at the table without asking for assistance. Showing off? Perhaps. He says that physical therapy is the highlight of his day and what he looks forward to most. Speech and occupational therapy require much more brain power, not as easy to get through and not the same instant gratification that walking up and down a flight of stairs twice brings.
There had been no cries for help this morning, no calls for assistance when the nurse found Michael sitting on the floor between his bed and the window. When they asked Michael how he got there, where he was going and was he hurt, he had no idea and could not answer. He told me later in the afternoon that he tried to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. Bobby asked later in the evening, and Mike denied falling. The incident scared Michael and alarmed the nurses but other than a sore shoulder and perhaps a bruised tail bone, I think he’s ok. He’s been restless most of the day and trying to figure out what hurts but he still isn’t sure if what he feels is from climbing the stairs twice or from the fall.
Michael will have surgery on his right knee tonight and if all goes well, within two days, the knee that has probably been injured all along, will finally be pain free.
it is 7:15pm and Mike is getting ready surgery. Dr. Levine said that surgery should take about 40 minutes and 2 to 3 days to heal.
2 Responses
- Theresa Tuohy
December 11th, 2007 at 9:29 am Rae and Family,I am a co-worker of Annette Taylor’s. We have been following Michael’s progress right along side you in our hearts. Reading about his and your trials, as well as the triumphs. Like Michael, you have the strength to face all that lies ahead. Our thoughts are with you!
Theresa - Jimmy
December 12th, 2007 at 12:04 pm Mike, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I came to visit you on Sunday. I was nervous, I even tried to back out of going to see you, but Michelle made me go with her. I am glad I came to see you, Mike. You were watching football when we walked in, fiddling with the remote. I told you how good it was to see you awake and explained I had not seen you in about a month. I asked you about your therapy, you told me it was easy and you expect a full recovery…I’m holding you to that promise bro. We talked a little about you moving home with your Mom and Bobby when you get out of the hospital. I reminded you of the great audio/video setup you got there. I even suggested that you could help me with my business ventures while you recover, your response: “Ya, I was thinking I could help you with that”. You were thinking you could help me with that?
I don’t know why and it is hard to explain but that statement told me Mike is going to be OK. I’m waiting for your help bud…get well.