We saw Walt working with his physical therapist Monday afternoon. The photo shows an exercise in which he pulls himself up from his chair using the horizontal bar, and then watches in a mirror as he does toe raises and heel raises. The goal is to strengthen his calves and improve his balance. It was the last exercise of several that he did in that session.
Following PT was lunch. Walt is eating well now and polished off what was reputedly a pork sandwich, some yogurt, juice and something I couldn't identify.
Because feeding himself looks like it takes Walt so much effort, I find myself concentrating and watching intently as he eats. For example, he moves a spoon full of yogurt slowly and a bit unsteadily towards his mouth. I hold my breath wondering if that yogurt is going to make it to its destination. Just when I think that the spoon is about to dump the yogurt in his lap he scarfs it down. I breath again with relief then start the process all over again on the next bite. It's tiring.
All the things that we take for granted require an enormous effort for Walt at this point. Please continue to encourage him with calls, visits and messages.
5 comments:
Hi Gino and all the Walt Watch bloggers. Gino makes a great observation about being with Walt during mealtimes. Everything does take such an effort and I also find myself concentrating so hard as I watch Walt perform tasks we take for granted.
The other day for example he laid down on his bed for a break but he didn't want to take off his trainers because they are such a pain to put back on!
Today I went down in the morning to catch the physical therapy, after a delay because of a meeting we got started, Ron Chapman arrived and was very pleased to finally catch Walt awake. Wouldn't you know it the nurse arrived and said Wa;lt had to go to Strong to visit the plastic surgeon about his scars. End of physical therapy.
Even more disappointed was Patty and Brian who I met at the lifts as I was leaving. They were arriving to spend the day with Walt as it is Walt and Patty's 31st wedding anniversary. Patty had even called the day before to check that he didn't have and appointments! Very annoying.
Walt had already told Gino and I yesterday that it was his anniversary today and that Lindsay had gotten a card for him to write in for Patty.
Congratulations to you both from us all.
Love to all
Corinne
Just love that picture of Walter, ready for his physical therapy.
How far you've come Walter. You look like you're ready for a Plié from your tour de Promenade - Baryshnikov better watch out. All kidding aside, keep up the good work.
All our love,
Norma and Joe
Had a great visit with Walter last night! I arrived just as they were wheeling Walter down the hall to the cafeteria for dinner. The room was pretty crowded so I decided to wait until it cleared out a bit and just observed him from the window. I was amazed at how much progress he had made in the last two weeks. The last time I saw Walter was Memorial Day weekend. He had just begun eating on his own - soft foods only - and now here he was sitting at the table, feeding himself pretty adeptly with both his left and right hands, and eating his turkey a la king like there was no tomorrow. I was quite impressed with his appetite and his dexterity.
When the room cleared a bit I joined Walter for the rest of his dinner and reintroduced myself. Two weeks ago he said he did not remember me. Yesterday he said that he did and that he also remembered my children. I told him how impressed I was with the progress he had made in the last two weeks. He seemed a bit disgruntled with himself complaining that he was not able to walk. I told him that I had seen pictures of him on the blog and was quite impressed with the progress he was making toward walking again. I encouraged him as to how far he had come along from one month, two months, three months, and even two weeks ago! It brought tears to my eyes thinking of his condition back in March and seeing him today - eating, speaking, conversing, and joking.
When he finished his dinner, I turned his wheelchair around so that he and I had a great view of the lightning out the window and the tremendous thunderstorm that came up - he really seemed to enjoy it.
I told him that I thought it was his wedding anniversary. He confirmed that fact. I asked him if he remembered how long he and Patty had been married. He said he thought it was 30 or 31 years.
He asked to be wheeled back to his room and was looking pretty tired at that point. He tried to encourage me to unbuckle his belt that kept him strapped in to his wheelchair. I tried to distract him by turning the television to Channel 47 hoping that the Yankees game for the evening would already be on. I started up a conversation about his beloved Yankees and commented on the winning streak that they had been on. I then proceeded to show Walter my new Yankees key chain to which he replied, "Don't let Lindsay see that, she'd probably steal it!" Then he proceeded to tell me, "The Yankees suck!" Yes, Walter was in rare form last night and I enjoyed every moment with him!
I encourage those who visit Walter to remind him of the progress he has made to date. He needs the positive reinforcment from friends and loved ones.
I had a long conversation with Patty when I got home about my wonderful visit with Walter. Patty has been such a trooper throughout this whole ordeal - strong, positive, faith-filled and never once giving up hope. She is amazing and, along with Lindsay and Brian, has contributed tremendously to Walter's process of healing and progress.
Let's all keep reminding Walter of how far he has progressed and encourage him onward!
Hi cheryl,
Thanks for the blog. It is great to hear other peoples experiences with Walt. he does seem in rare form for your visit!
Cheers
corinne
It is such great news to hear how well Walter has progressed, keep up the hard work, Walter!! and Patty, hope you are doing well from your surgery- and... belated Happy Anniversary, 31 years!! that is something to be proud of-
Deb Christmas
Post a Comment