October 1, 2007

As we slide into fall and Christmas decorations abound, it is time for another update on Rand. All is well and he is as busy as ever. He has occupational and physical therapy twice a month now, as an out-patient at the hospital, down from once a week. I suspect that may end totally before the year is out as he has plateaued physically and Medicare isn't seeing the progress they want in order to keep the therapy going. As I understand it, PT and OT usually continue for six months or so and Rand has had nineteen months, plus the intensive month in Vallejo over a year ago. That tells you something about the tremendous progress he has made. Thuan sees him six days a week as usual, which keeps him limber, active and moving ahead. His new articulated leg/foot brace has also had an impact as he can now bend his right knee and ankle - a real plus when trying to walk.

Rand completed the "Saving Strokes" golf clinic two weeks ago and made so much progress in balance, confidence, accuracy and stamina. Lo and behold, he has been accepted into the program again and starts the next round on October 9, every week for four weeks! He grinned from ear to ear when I told him today! However, I haven't told Thuan yet - I hope he is as enthusiastic! Uff da.

Rand's blood thinning meds continue to be monitored every two weeks and adjusted as necessary. His blood thickness never stays constant - it fluctuates all the time and is hard to pin down. I keep hoping that they will find the magic formula and it will stabilize. Three weeks ago Rand had an nasty neurological episode when we were at the hospital, about to go in for a blood draw. He has these bouts often but not as tough and hard as this one was. He was nauseated, had chills and was gripped in pain. A "Code 44" went out over the speaker system and within seconds Rand was surrounded by nurses, technicians, LVNs, even security! He was embarrassed as the event had passed by that time. He saw the doctor, was declared fit as a fiddle and we went home. Whew!

His wonderful attitude and contentment continue to be a comfort to both of us. I don't know what I would do if he became unhappy and disillusioned with his situation. I still haven't given up on the idea that he may be able to come home to live some day, but in my brain I know that won't happen. In my heart I keep hoping that he will continue to recover sufficiently to make that a possibility.

Last night I returned from a ten day trip to Minnesota with stops in Fargo, North Dakota; my hometown of Owatonna, and in Minneapolis. I also took a day trip to see one of my college roommates whom I haven't seen in 35 years. What a joy that was! We talked like we hadn't seen each other since last week! I also saw two more of my college roomies and a bunch of my high school friends - some of whom I haven't seen in well over 40 years! Wheeeee! I wouldn't have missed that "girl's only" luncheon in Minneapolis for the world! What a great time we had. I also had a good time with my sister, aunt and uncle and made some goodly contributions to the Minnesota economy. Rand understood that he would have been bored to tears on this "girl's trip" so he was very happy to let me go alone. It was a grand adventure for me and I got a glorious welcome home today.

The next big project is to find an electric wheelchair for Rand with the controls in the back for me. So far I haven't had any luck. It looks like I might have to buy a regular electric wheelchair and have the controls moved/modified. Rand can not operate an electric chair safely as his vision, perception, danger zone sensibilities no longer function properly. He would be a danger to himself and others in a chair like that. I am coming to grips with the fact that I can't keep slinging that transport chair in and out of the back of the SUV without endangering myself. Even pushing Rand in his standard chair up and down ramps is becoming a real challenge for me as the whole package weighs about 300 pounds. So far, the best solution as I see it, is to get a minivan, modified with a ramp, kneeling capacity, lowered floor, safety locks for the chair in place of the passenger's seat, and the electric chair to go up and down the ramp and all around the town with ease. Rand agrees. Just getting me to accept that a minivan is the answer is a big step! I wanted a better solution but I guess this is it. If you know of anyone who has a rear-controlled power chair, please put them in touch with me as I have run up against an brick wall. The minivan is the easy part of this puzzle.

Speaking of puzzles, Rand has completed dozens of 200-300 piece puzzles and I've glued each one together. They are proudly stacked in his room and his puzzle supply is down to rock bottom. I asked if he wanted me to find more puzzles for him and he said no - I think he has had his fill! I wonder how he would like water colors, with an easel, drop cloth, etc. Any other ideas for him?

The speech generating device was approved in September by the insurance company - Wheeeeee! That means that they will pay for 80% of the cost including the wheelchair mounting. That is huge!! I haven't heard anything more about it, so I suppose the paper work is slowly grinding its way through channels. Pretty soon I will start hounding them to find out where everything stands. I'm anxious to get my hands on it and start the programming and training process.

Speaking of training, I have taken on five teacher interns this semester, coaching them through the first months of their careers. It is a challenge to say the least. One has already resigned and I'm concerned about at least one more. I have agreed to work with them this semester - we'll see how it goes and if I can or want to stay with it longer. Parts of it are fun but parts are an awful lot like work!

All is well. Rand is as handsome and sweet as ever. Please keep him close in your thoughts and prayers. Do stop by to see him - he loves to go for a walk and to show off the eight "Rand Elness Honorary Handicapped Curbs" on Antigua Drive! Keep those cards and letters coming.

Love,
Connie