This is one of the hospitals that plays a lullaby over the intercom whenever a baby is born. The intercom is also used to inform the “code team” when they are needed. It makes me happy to hear the lullaby, and I find solace in the fact that it happens much more often than a code call.
Veronica slept for more than an hour after the PT and OT appointments. Because the PT was happy with her progress I am allowed to walk with her. We walked “around” the floor twice with a stop in the lounge to do some vestibular exercises, she is now in bed relaxing.
The OT came in as the PT left. They went through a number of self-care exercises. The OT was very happy with everything that Veronica was able to do. The OT said that Veronica has met all of the OT goals, so now there will just be PT going forward. Both the PT and OT have encouraged her to try to go through her “normal” daily routine. It is hard to recognize what her own self-care routine is among the things that she does for our family every day.
Veronica just had another appointment with the PT. She walked further than all of the other days combined. The PT had her walk without holding onto him or the railing. At first, it was slow going, but she started to get her natural gait back moving her arms as she walked. While on this epic journey, she went up and down a flight of steps! I am so proud of her. The PT also opened the shades in the room completely.
This is where Veronica went on her epic journey. The white door goes to the stairwell where she practiced walking on the steps.
Veronica knows that the more vestibular work she does the sooner she will get her balance back, and hopefully minimize her dizziness. She is very driven to fight through the vestibular struggles. She, the nurses and the doctors have found a drug combination that helps her feel less pain however it causes her to feel tired and groggy. She has asked the nurses today to lower the dosage of the pain medication, so she has more time to work on her balance and the dizziness.
This morning Veronica discussed with the doctors plans for her to leave the hospital. When Veronica gets more of her balance back, they will put together a plan. I am in the on-deck circle! She seems to have improved last night as much as she did the previous night. The pain and dizziness continue to persist.
Veronica gave all she could today. Her determination continues to inspire me. We have been told that tomorrow should be a turning point. I pray that it is.
Veronica just walked all the way from the recliner to the bathroom holding the OT’s hand, but she did it without a walker. The OT had her brush her teeth. Veronica was very glad to have a clean mouth. After the tooth brushing Veronica went for a walk with the PT. Veronica held the PT’s hand and walked all the way “around” the floor. I would guess that is was 50 feet. Then she and the PT did some exercises turning around and looking side to side. Here walking improved with every step she took. When she got back to the room she asked me to open the shades a little bit. The shade part is almost as big of a deal as walking so far. She is exhausted and resting in bed now.
Veronica spent this morning working on more vestibular therapy. I keep noticing the little wins that she is racking up. Her pain and dizziness keep her from noticing. When she talks to me now she looks at me and makes eye contact. She put a respectable dent in her lunch. She is tired now from all of the work this morning and is resting. OT is coming this afternoon. There was some trouble with the IV yesterday and today. The nurse was able to start a new IV in her arm, so OT won’t be so problematic.
Veronica walked over to the recliner this morning and is now eating an egg and cheese omelette. The pain has subsided a little, but the dizziness isn’t subsiding yet. She is asking for prayers for the pain, and dizziness.