Sunday, November 23, 2014

This week John and Brooke both had birthdays. We will probably celebrate over Thanksgiving when everyone gets together.
Other than that things are about the same.  Bob is spending his days going to therapy and seeing doctors. He is trying to manage his pain in his shoulder by medication and different methods of therapy. I didn't realize that so much pain and cramping of the muscles came along with a stroke. Hopefully this will be under control soon.  He is walking better every day.  He is struggling with his shoulder, arm and hand but that is also making some slow improvements.

Happy Birthday to John and Brooke!



Wednesday, November 12, 2014

While I am on a roll posting I will add this picture of Bob and I along with Rob and my sister Rhoda and Bob's brother Lee.

They were all here over the past weekend and we had a great time.  We knew Lee was coming but surprised that Rob and Rhoda had a load in Dallas with a few days available to visit.  Rob and Rhoda drive truck cross country but seldom get a chance to stop for long.  It was also really nice getting to spend time with Lee.

Dinner at Kona, Barb, Bob, Rob, Lee and Rhoda


This afternoon Bob was a part of a study with the students at the UT Therapy School.  They analyzed his walk and leg and foot functions and suggested treatments as part of their study and training.  They also attached some electric stimulation to his legs and watched him walk.  Bob said it felt weird but was helpful in walking.

If you follow my blog or are family or a friend you will know I had Polio when I was a child.  My right side was stricken with weakness and my right foot and leg are still a challenge for me more and more as I get older.
Karen heads the UT Students and does the UT Studies that Bob is a part of.  She said she was worried about my walk and offered to examine my foot and try and help me get into a better situation for a brace.  These words were golden to me as I have not been able to get anyone to understand my needs. As Bob has been attending the therapy sessions I have watched all of the patients come and go with their streamlined braces. I think I was having "brace envy." The braces I have had have been absolutely worthless to me.  Karen also noticed my left foot has a drop. On her own time she gave me a brace for each foot to try.  I am trying them out and they seem to be exactly what I need.  I have to get used to them and she is going to try and attach something softer around my ankle.  (the right foot and ankle turns drastically)  I will of course pay for the braces and she said they were inexpensive.  How can you even put a price on something that will help you to walk.  Karen, where have you been all of my life.  I have been to several doctors and brace people and no one has seemed to care enough or know enough to be able to help me.  I am so grateful.  How can you repay someone for something like that?    
Today is young Bob's birthday.  We love you and hope you have a great day!

Happy Birthday Young Bob!


Monday, November 3, 2014

What's new with Bob?

There are many improvements every day but they are small. People who see Bob maybe once a week will notice the progress more than Bob or I will.  Our days have been filled with a lot of driving to Dallas and Grapevine to see various therapists.  When Bob is not seeing a therapist and at home he is constantly doing exercises.

At one of Bob's study therapy sessions last week they took him upstairs to a lab where there were several video cameras coming from different angles pointed from the ceiling.  They attached several sensors to his body to capture the movement while he walked.  I hope I get the see those results.  It was very interesting.

Bob is walking more and has more movement in his arm.

The photo below was taken a few day after Bob came home from the hospital. The kids got together and ordered some T-shirts. I thought something was going on when everyone disappeared for a few minutes.  They danced down the steps carrying a radio playing the theme song from Rocky wearing those shirts. It was a big production. We really appreciate the support we get from our family.  

Win Bob Win