March 31, 2008

March 31st

Not much to report today. We spent a quiet weekend with family. Jodi continues to progress. She is looking forward to Thursday when she will ride the horses again. In the meantime, she made cookies for her kids, took a long hot bath, and did a lot of walking with both the walker and the crutches today. Her physical therapist is ill so Jodi will either have a sub for tomorrow or I will walk her through her daily routine. We do not want her to sit around. No fun or rest for the wicked (or is it weary?). One of her therapists wrote her a note stating the progress that she has made since she began working with Rehab Without walls. I will list it here so that you can all see how great she is doing.

1. Going from holding Ana Jain for only 5 minutes to nearly an hour.
2. Feeding, comforting Ana Jain when she is fussy and changing her diaper.
3. Helping to cook meals.
4. Attempting transfers with minimal assist from others.
Floor to wheelchair was max assist and now it is standby assist.
5. Sitting at the dinner table with the family even though she cannot eat.
6. Riding a horse. WOW! (She even wore a sash that said "hot rodeo queen"
7. Using the walker or crutches more than the wheelchair.
When walking, her gait is so much more controlled.
8. Taking baths, not just relying on the shower chair.
9. Went shopping at Wal Mart and Old Navy as well as Macy’s. (so her taste isn't improving)
10. Independent with grooming, dressing and using bathroom.
11. Balance and strength are so much better. Stands while she does dishes.
12. Noted improvement in her right cheek and eye. Not drooping as much.
13. Enunciation is improving. Vocal quality is clearer.
14. Decreased drooling which improves self esteem.
15. Able to read large print books. (couldn't read before stroke - just kidding)
16. Having date nights with Robert.
17. Increased communication of feelings to family members.
18. Great attitude, great sense of humor and WANTS to work hard.

All of this progress is so miraculous in our opinion. She has truly come so far from when we thought we had lost her, just 4 months ago; November 29th.

Connie

3 comments:

Leah said...

Hey Jodi, it was so great to see you the other day! Nayna was sad she didn't get to come. You truely look so much better. There was just something about you being there with your family, we could see how much being with them has helped you and your spirits improve. You're blessed to have such an amazing family that will so anything and everything for you. It made our day to get to see you feed Ana Jain a bottle and see you so happy! We love you!
Love the Ohlins

Angie Erickson said...

Hi Jodi

I have been following your blog from the beginning but have not commented until now, you may not even remember me. I just wanted you to know that I think about you and pray for you daily. You are such an amazing person and so optimistic, what a great example you are to so many people. I look forward to reading more about your improvements, keep up the good, hard work! I will keep you in my prayers!

Angie Erickson (remember me from Prevent Child Abuse Utah?)

Tebbs Times said...

Jodi,
I too have been reading on your blog from the beginning and now am commenting. I have been amazed to see how much you have overcome these past four months. You are, and always have been a strong woman. I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep up the good work. You are loved and cared for by an incredible family!
Love you very much,
Debbie Dingman Tebbs