June 13, 2007

The technician who did Rand's blood draw today, drew the cutest angel on the tape that she put over the puncture. She drew it upside down so Rand could see it. Very cute! I haven't heard the results of the blood test - I hope it is back in the normal range. Last time Rand's blood was too thin.

Recently I ordered Rand a pair of slacks online. When they arrived, they looked too small. I took them to Manny and asked his opinion. He took the seams on the sides of the waistband and put the waist band around Rand's neck. The side seams did not meet at the back of his neck and Manny proclaimed them to be too small!! I've never seen anything like it - it is the way to measure a person in a wheelchair, who is bed-ridden, etc. How nifty is that?? I went home and tried it out on myself and it works! Neat-o!

Rand talked a blue streak today but I could only understand bits and pieces. He became frantic this afternoon, trying to tell me something. I couldn't understand what he wanted or was trying to communicate - he kept saying "play" and "Minnesota." Then I remembered - the more frantic he becomes, the closer he is to a panic situation and those occur when he can not remember his name. I told him his name and my name, he breathed a huge sign of relief, then repeated our names over and over, smiling the biggest smile. He was so happy to have his name back.

Rand worked very, very hard in OT and PT again this morning. His legs were shaking towards the end and he was tired. I wish you could see how much progress he has made since he started Out Patient therapy last fall. Now he can lift his right leg/foot off the ground, take normal steps and correct the outward turn of his toe. His legs are getting stronger and stronger - he does squats over and over, his balance is improving and he's standing straighter than ever. Laura, the PT, says that she's afraid that he is exceeding the Medicare criteria for progress and she will have to move him from twice a month to once a month. I just hate to see that happen.

Today we finished off the NASCAR puzzle. Rand waited for me to come because he couldn't figure out the printing on the puzzle - it said "Dale Jarrett" and it made no sense to him. He was in good spirits and lately there has been no moaning and groaning when I leave. Maybe he is making a similar adjustment to mine.

Keep him close.

Love,
Connie