After an appointment with Michael’s primary care physician, the absolutely fantastic Dr. John Pare there was a plan to reduce and in the future possibly eliminate all meds.  An order for a CT scan to check the blood clot in his groin, another reduction in the daily dosage of Cymbalta, another change for Ritalin and a physical examination of the pesky right shoulder.  Mike’s right side slumps and is much weaker than his left because after coming out of the coma, the right side neglect was so severe that he couldn’t or wouldn’t look to the right, or use the right appendages.  The inactivity lasted for almost three weeks after coming out of the coma resulting in about seven weeks of no movement on the right side at all.  The in-home physical and occupational therapists have been working with Mike to increase the upper body range of motion but it is still quite limited. 

Last week during an occupational therapy session, Mike was able to reach the top of the door frame with both arms.  That was a milestone considering that right arm had not moved above his head for a few months but Mike probably injured his right shoulder in the process.  From that day forward, Mike’s right shoulder clicked if he raised that elbow out to the side or tried to raise the arm above his head.  While examining his shoulder, Dr. Pare said that neurologically, Mike may have a deficit with pain association and may not be able to feel the pain he should feeling with this injury to the shoulder.  So all those push-ups, stretching and reaching really hurt his shoulder and back without us knowing it.  A sad reminder of the injury to his knee that no one heard or believed.  Dr. Pare ordered an x-ray of the shoulder area and referred Mike to an Orthopedic for diagnosis, so we’ll see what happens.

Bobby leaves for Salt Lake City Super Bowl Sunday and will be gone for a week.  Nate, Sylvette, Mike, Emily and I will be hanging out downstairs watching it on the big-screen living it up with great food and no alcohol.   A person who has suffered a traumatic brain injury can never have alcoholic beverages.  It is Mike’s brain we must protect and honestly, in the grand scheme of things watching the Super Bowl without beer is a small sacrifice.    Let Mike be the lesson…please.  

We have a full week set up already with new Dr’s appointments, scheduling CT scans and xrays, searching for an acceptable out-patient therapy facility and the regular visits with in-home OT, ST and PT.  Our in-home therapy is quickly coming to an end and we must find a suitable place for this brilliant mind to rehabilitate.  National Rehab Center on Irving St. in North East DC is in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield network and has been recommended by the insurance company.  NRC has a day program similar to Mt. Vernon’s Bridge Program; the difference for Mike’s coverage is the way they bill.  Mike does not have coverage for group or day rehab.  Mt.Vernon won’t bill individually, NRC will.  Not looking forward to driving to DC to have Mike at NRC by 9AM and then back at 5PM to pick him up.  Needless to say, I am searching for an alternative.

Another week of positive therapy, two Dr’s visits, a trip to Fairfax Hospital to give thanks and solid baby steps each day.  Reading the blog this morning with Mike, I asked if he would like to try to write again.  He responded that he would like to, but after trying for a few minutes, he decided he would wait and try again another time.  Although the comments no longer come on a regular basis, we still read about 20 a day.  In this case, short term memory is his friend.  It doesn’t matter if the comment was written in October or January, he reads it, he feels the love and support and as he said on his post, “when I see all of your comments on the blog, I feel energized”.  When he feels connected to his friends, it makes all the difference in the world.  He “feels like a bull”.

LIVESTRONG Michael.

xxoo