December 2, 2006 - Day 310

Today begins the eleventh month since Rand's stroke. I was heartened to hear from the wives at the special PT class that their husbands are now over one and two years out since their strokes and they are still making progress! I have been told repeatedly that the one year mark is also the time when progress starts slowing to a halt. Obviously, that ain't necessarily so.

Today Rand had his second session of the special therapy. Yesterday Rand stood up without assistance from anything, including his left hand/arm. Today he did that again and again. They worked hard on his right shoulder which is painful as his upper arm has separated from the socket. They held his arm and shoulder in place and had him reach for objects which stretched his abdominal and trunk muscles on both sides. The amazing part of the picture below is that he is doing just that with no pain as his right shoulder is being pushed back into the socket. Alin, PT from NY, is working his shoulder and Mollie, OT from AZ, is watching. After a few tries, Rand touched the glass - a major accomplishment. And obviously, he enjoyed it! They also worked a lot on putting weight on his right hand/arm and they finally got him to stand using that limb as the push off point. That was huge also! Thuan clapped when Rand did that - I think Thuan is more excited to see this progress than I am! He was bubbling all over on the way home, talking about what he has learned and what Rand can do and how he will reinforce that at home. Tomorrow, Alin and Mollie will have Rand walking with his cane.

Notice that Alin has her stocking foot on Rand's right hand. That hand wants to curl up and freeze into a fist. It is a constant battle to keep it open and flexible. This is one way to do it! These women are so flexible and nimble that it amazes me. Were we ever like that??

Keep Rand close in your hearts and prayers. He is doing remarkable things!

Love,
Connie