The Waiting Game
I know I skipped a day in our updates. I kept waiting for more info, which kept flipping back and forth.
So l let me just sum it up:
Yesterday (Thursday) Austin had a pretty decent day. We were told he’d been denied admission into the in-patient rehab because of his level of independence, or lack thereof. Oddly, the physical and occupational therapy were kind of hit or miss.
How do you progress with your therapy if you aren’t receiving therapy? That was a question that stumped me. So we did what we could come up with in the bed with Austin. Worked that dead arm, just to keep the muscles moving.
The MRI
Austin had his MRI yesterday, and they found no obvious nerve damage. No brachial plexus injury. So no reason for any interventions, and hopefully no reason to keep him from regaining arm function eventually. They reiterated that it would be slow.
Therapy
OT came and made him a wrist splint for that dead arm–they want to keep his muscles from constructing in. It keeps his fingers separated and extended a bit. He said it’s comfortable. He’s already been practicing taking it off and putting it back in himself.
That OT girl also printed out some exercises Austin can work on in the bed for that arm. He’ll have to pick it up with the other hand, and do his best. The arm is not paralyzed, but is very weak and cannot lift. He can squeeze lightly and push against my hand, but weakly.
That was nice
At one point, Austin’s nurse graciously accommodated us to show us all of Austin’s scans. He wanted to see his broken legs, ribs, shoulder blades. We squinted at the CT scans and made more sense out of the X-rays. We all decided that people who read MRIs are probably geniuses–it all looked like hazy blobs to us. But it was interesting. Seeing those bolts holding the titanium rods in his legs made us realize why his knee has been hurting so much–they got bored right into his bones, so of course that would hurt!
Flip Flop
We accepted the fact that we’d not be going to rehab until Austin got stronger. Then suddenly this morning the caseworker said we’d be going today.
Well, it was a case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand was doing. One caseworker had this info, the other one had other information, and I had nothing but the need to go buy Austin some undies.
While I picked up some necessaries for Austin at Walmart–shorts, socks, slip-on shoes, etc, I let the case managers try to do their jobs and duke it out.
By the time I returned to the hospital, we were supposed to go later on today. Then, we were waiting for approval of something–so, not today. Also–Austin needed PT and OT to work with him to see if he’d made any improvements. So…all day, it was hurry up, wait, we’re going, then, nevermind.
PT had Austin up and walking when I walked in. He leaned heavily on the man, but he did way better than the last time! He walked with assist 120 feet. I didn’t hear any howls, and he stood up straighter, so he has now advanced to moderate assist.
What’s the Plan?
The plan is for Austin to transfer to Encompass Rehab in Kingsport tomorrow. That’s the final plan, unless we find out that it’s not final. Sorry if I sound dubious.
We’ve heard wonderful things about this rehab. Honestly, I’ve heard wonderful things about the rehab centers here in Knoxville too, but this one has a friend looking out for Austin, and that means a lot to us.
He’ll be working hard! Three hours of therapy per day versus basically nothing, so to that’ll be a smack in the face. I mean, he’s pretty much been lying around sipping cold drinks (water) with his feet propped up for the past nine or ten days. I’m sure he’s gotten soft. 😉
He’s ready, though! I hope they plan for a little nap time! I have a sneaking suspicion that suddenly his insomnia will clear right up after all that therapy! Guessing his appetite may pick up too. He’s still eating like a little bird, but more than before.
Transport
First they said he’d go by ambulance. Once they heard he walked today, they said plan on driving him in my car. Gulp–ok! Now, the latest, is that he’ll be transported via stretcher, not in my car. Honestly, even though I thought we could do it, I felt a little apprehensive, just worrying about getting him into my SUV. It’s all better this way.
That’s the long and the short of it!
Austin got more visitors, but I missed some of them. He received some lovely flowers and a really cool sign that pretty much sums up this whole experience. See what you think about it:
Yay for progress!!
We think of you so often, Austin 💜 and are praying for you and your family. Remember that your willpower and determination is helping others and having an impact on their lives. Kim & Tim Gunnin
You saying that means a lot.
Yours is an inspiration to so many!
Ahh..such good progress. He needs a walker that is built up on 1 side so he can push the walker with his elbow. It will make him safely independent and stronger.
I’m sure once he gets in the rehab facility they will get him just what he needs!! Today!!
Progress is definitely being made! I’ll be praying especially for Austin’s arm 😊
Yes, please do!
Thank you!!
He’s doing great! From an OT perspective I have to say he’s right on schedule! So thankful to see him up.
That’s so good to hear!! 👏🏼
Step by step, moving forward . . . Love it ! Thanks, God !!!
We love you 💕
Grandpa Dan and Janet
Praise the Lord! I am so glad Austin is doing better and well enough for rehab. I just joined your blog a few days ago after hearing from my brother about the accident. (My brother is a friend of Gregg) I have been reading the posts to catch up on Austin’s progress and updating those who have joined in prayer for him. We praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy He has shown.
Thanks for joining the journey and for your prayers.
Sounds just like Linsey’s experience. Hang in there. His special friend is special at Encompass. Praises!