Angela's Blog

R-E-S-T-L-E-S-S or rest less.... either way last night was not a peace filled night.   It began with a horrible nightmare that Ang couldn't seem to find her way out of.   It took a lot of scratching and screaming before she "landed" back in the current time and space.   With all that agitation, I got her up and in her wheelchair and we strolled the quiet hallways... to the "quiet room"... the day's dining room, with small electric fireplaces, soft music, and a large fish tank.   It was very peace-filled.  In this calm environment Ang could share that she was so sorry she was dying.   Pursuing this I discovered that in Ang's mind the nursing home was a step before dying.   Nothing I could say could convince her otherwise so I asked who she would believe...she said she would only believe Josh so back he came to the room to talk with her and reassure her and calm her and hopefully allay her doubts.   She somehow had it in her mind that I wanted her to come back to my house and seemed relieved when I said it was my goal to get her back to HER house with her husband.   

That calmed her enough for a nap and so Josh could go get less ZZZ's than usual.   When she awoke, she sat up, laid down, sat up, laid down, sat up, ...  over and over and over again.  Sitting up herself is a new event and Ang seems to be practicing.   

TODAY however was a BIG day.   The pins in her wrist came out.  Literally, a pair of pliers grabs the end and the doctor pulls and out pops the pin.   Have to admit I stood behind the girl so I could respond if needed but not watch.   Ang watched and didn't even whimper.    She got approval and strong encouragement to push that arm in therapy.   The doctor showed us little bones that are starting to grow inside the arm around the metal.   If the therapy does not become more aggressive these bones can really shut down the ability to make progress.   The OT guy is ready!   He has just been waiting for authorization so I brought back the doctor's orders by hand.   I foresee pain and anguish as she pushes so please pray for persistence, fortitude and quick progress!

Ang also got approved to learn to bear weight on both legs and this opens up the ability to learn how to walk again.   The PT lady is ready and excited.   

Tomorrow will probably be pain-filled and frustrating for Angela but it is a true miracle that we are this far in 6 weeks (especially when the first 2 were spent "sleeping").

While at Harborview we got to visit some of the nurses that helped with Angela's care.   WOW were they excited to see her and to see her progress.   We got lots of high fives and hugs.   It was great.

Hugs to you all.

Teresa