Mom and I arrived to find Janet about to fly into her wheelchair this morning. Emma had decided to get her up to join the others for breakfast. She was cleaned and dressed and looking pretty awake. Mom and I took her out to a table in the dining area and for about forty five minutes Janet sat looking around and listening to all the activity. She seemed happy to be taking it all in and showed no signs of nodding off. I was a little concerned about not having stretched her first but she seemed quite comfy and I think the stimulus of being in that busy environment was better than stretching at that time. Emma said Janet slept well last night and she noticed an increased level of brightness this morning. I did too.

Since Janet wasn’t fading rapidly we let her take us on a tour of the rehab unit with her driving most of the way around. We finally got around to getting Janet back to bed for a stretch and I was pleased with the results. I was quite worried about all that last night but things went much much better this morning. Emma helped get Janet’s socks on earlier and said she helped with the left foot, no surprise, and she also helped with the right. Big surprise! She described it as Janet making an attempt, she couldn’t actually move the leg but Emma sensed an effort being made and the leg started shaking. Huge. Another huge event this morning came as I was stretching Janet’s right arm. I had it high and straight up, holding it for a minute or so. It was really relaxed and seemed good then I let it down slowly and Janet started getting a pained look on her face. The look escalated to a full on cry (no tears, but watery eyes) and I really thought I hurt her. I asked her to show me where it hurt and all she would do is reach out for my shoulder or the top of her head. I sensed a real strong attempt to say something. By far the strongest one yet and she almost got a sound out. Mom and I both feel there may have been some initial discomfort in that right shoulder but the rest of the emotion was frustration, perhaps a realization as to what was going on and maybe that she can’t talk. She was like that for about ten minutes and as she calmed, initiated a hug and a kiss for me. I told Emma and she will make sure it’s noted in the chart.

We went out for another inside stroll but Janet nodded off for fifteen minutes in the TV area, golf was on so no surprise there. When she woke we did a little more driving then some more stretching before starting her lunch feed and heading home for ours.

Very thankful for the good nights sleep Janet had and the increased awareness she showed this morning. Praying for an active afternoon.

Janet was awake when I got back and seemed much brighter than she was in the morning. I still found it quite challenging to stretch her legs out. Her right arm was very stiff at first but loosened up fine with a little effort. I had a chat with Emma about how the nurses can better relate to Janet and she wanted to know how they can help me. Apparently they were told to “help me out” as somebody is worried I will burn out. We agreed to discuss this in more detail after the team meeting on Tuesday when it will be more clear what Janet’s schedule will be. I then plunked Janet in the wheelchair and we sped off to Speech.

The first thing Connie asked her was to identify a cup amongst an assortment of other items. She nailed it. The second question was to do the same with a book of matches, she chose the comb that was just to the left of them. I think that was her vision affecting that one as she often misses to the left. The rest of the questions in that game got no response at all. I went to get her glasses to see if she wanted them, she put them on and seemed to brighten up a little more. She was given a book of picture questions and she happily turned through each page but refused to stop and answer any questions. Connie then gave her two pictures and two cards with the names of the pictures and Janet was to match them. She clearly wasn’t getting it so Connie simplified it by telling Janet what each picture was then asking her to point or touch a certain one. With some help she managed to get it right a couple times but never on her own and never repeated. Work in progress. Connie finished the session with a swallow test. So glad I got to see this for once. She uses this thickened clear liquid that has the consistency of melted Jello, if that makes sense. It wasn’t runny but it wasn’t jiggly either. Janet very willingly took the first spoonful of lemon flavored goo and swallowed it in about five seconds. Not bad. She clearly hated the taste as she puckered up and grimaced instantly but she got it down. Connie tried an apple flavored goo next to see if Janet liked that any better. There was a little less puckering and grimacing and she swallowed it in about six seconds. I was pleasantly surprised that she took more of the goo based on her reaction to the first taste but she never hesitated at all. In all she took four or five spoons full of goo and her average for swallowing was around five seconds. Connie says ideally she’d like to see her at two seconds and will try a cranberry flavor on Monday and maybe some thickened herbal tea as well. We want to find a taste Janet likes so there will be less hesitation in swallowing. A pretty solid first performance and I think Connie was a little surprised at some of the things Janet can do. Lots to practice on over the weekend.

I had Janet drive the hallways for a little bit for some exercise then we attempted a walk to the beach. I put her jacket on knowing it wasn’t that nice out today but half way to the beach she wanted it unzipped so at least she wasn’t cold. We felt our first rain drops in a very long time as we hit the sand so we didn’t stay long and the rest of our outing was spent in the various KGH hallways. Janet drove well today but not with the same determination or power she has before. Overall this was a sleepy day and I think maybe she has a cold or her allergies are acting up.

Emma thought it would be cool if Janet came out to the dining area to “eat” with some of the other patients and we were all set to do that but as we didn’t want to bring Janet into the chaos of the start of dinner by the time things had calmed down enough Janet was asleep. Hopefully for a long and restful night. I came home to my mom’s lasagna baking in the oven and a nice pour of scotch with a chance to sit and chill for a while. She came up with Maureen and Shannon from Nanaimo who are on an Okanagan fruit run and will take mom back on Sunday. Maureen sent along lots of goodies for our freezer (my tummy) and mom brought her famous sausage rolls too. Sorry Cam, they won’t keep. Thanks so much Mo!

Thankful for the things Janet accomplished today and praying for healing in her legs and right arm and for an active day tomorrow.

Janet was awake when I arrived this morning but only because she was getting dressed as she went right back to sleep as soon as her nurse was done. I woke her at 8:40 as I needed to get her stretched and ready for physio at 9:30. Her right arm loosened up nicely but I had difficulty with both legs probably because she is curling them up to sleep. The report overnight is that she was quite restless and of course we don’t know why. It could be the new environment or discomfort with her legs or hips, not sure. Not cool.

I got her down to physio to meet with Moira her therapist. We had to wait a little while as things were behind schedule so I had Janet wheel around the rehab centre a little. She fell asleep five minutes into that but woke up as Moria was about ready for her. I handed Janet a one pound dumbbell while we were waiting and all she did was look at it. I handed her a two pounder and she started doing bicep curls right away. Today was an exploratory session so Moira could see for herself where Janet is at and where we can realistically try and get her to. She was impressed with Janet’s sitting ability and despite the sleepiness you could see where Janet will be cooperative and try to participate. She was in and out of sleep the whole hour we were with Moira but I think it was a reasonable start and if we can get Janet to sleep well at night she will perform well for Moira. None of the exercises today were anything new to Janet and she seemed comfortable in the environment. Maybe too comfortable and that’s why she was sleeping?

From physio we went directly to see Connie at Speech Therapy. Janet was sound asleep by this time so Connie agreed to see her at 2:30 this afternoon in hopes that Janet is awake. Connie plans on trying to get Janet to answer yes or no in some way and will test and work on the swallowing ability as well. I think Janet will do well in Speech provided she is awake.

I got Janet into bed and right away she rolled onto her right side, tucked her legs up a little and went to sleep. Meeting with the nursing staff at 1:45 then it’s off to Speech to for take two.

Weekends will be open for visitors as will evenings, still unsure of weekdays. The team will meet with Dr. McCann Monday or Tuesday to work out a plan. Praying for a bright afternoon.

Today started with a sleepy Janet until about 9:15. Her nurses said she was up pretty early and they had her dressed and ready to go but she was out like a light when I walked in. Sean from Physio dropped by as he was playing the role of Tom today. I suggested he try again around eleven. Once Janet was awake we started stretching. Her legs were bent a lot this morning and it seemed as though I’d never get them straight, same thing with her right arm but things actually loosened up quite well. I spent a long time stretching her then sat her up to do some standing as it was after eleven and there was no sign of Sean. As soon as Janet did one stand up Sean came in. By this time we had been told the move to rehab would happen today and that was good news to Sean. In light of that he elected to let me keep doing my thing with Janet as the move would be a big enough event for her today. He did talk to her for a while and worked her right shoulder a little bit. Janet did not like that at all but still touched her nose when Sean asked her to and gave him the first completely unassisted and on command wave goodbye that I’ve seen. He even got a few smiles too. Big high five! Sean was very impressed with Janet’s progress especially her sitting ability and response to commands. Huge improvement since he last worked with her.

I negotiated a deal with the nurses that allowed me to ride home for a quick break after packing Janet up, with them promising not to move Janet till I got back. The deal was honored but just barely as they called as I was arriving at the parking lot to say Janet was all ready to go. The porter had arrived in the room seconds before me and with that it was so long to 4B.

Janet has a roommate in rehab, her name is Linda, she is a little older than Janet and seems very nice. Her son and his two little kids came in around six tonight and Janet smiled when she saw and heard them. It would be cool if they are regular visitors. Janet’s nurse, Emma, had me brief her on the latest Janet medical info and explained a little of how things work in rehab from a nursing perspective. No major changes. Emma is the RN today and tomorrow and there are two LPN’s working with her. I had no trouble getting help when I needed it tonight. They had heard that I have been doing a lot of Janet’s care and that is actually part of the program in rehab. As most patients are on their way home they want the family as involved as possible. Emma was impressed I knew how to feed Janet and take care of the Nystatin etc. She was especially impressed with the bowl of candy she referred to as “nurse bait”.

Before our usual walk to the beach I had Janet drive around the rehab centre to familiarize herself. It’s not that new to her really but it’s a different perspective when you are living there. She seemed a little wide eyed and nervous about it but did a good job of driving. We went down to the beach then for a walk. I had her little zip up on to start as the wind is cool but fifteen minutes in and she was motioning to take it off so she could tan her arms a little more. She seemed a little uncomfortable in the wheelchair and I couldn’t figure out why but then I remembered she had been in it since 1:20 and it was now approaching five. That’s a long time so back to the room we went and she was pretty happy to be there as she undid her seat belt the second I parked her chair.

I let her rest for a little bit then gave her a stretch and she held her legs out nice and straight for a good forty five minutes after but was getting a little squirmy after that. I promised her that question number one for the Physiotherapist will be how can we fix the pain in that leg. She seemed good with that and as I said goodnight she gave some nice kisses and smiles and seemed just fine being in her new room and understanding the opportunity that lies ahead. I have a really good feeling about the care she will receive there and look forward to seeing her in the morning.

Janet’s new room.

As far as visits go, I don’t have details of Janet’s schedule yet but have been told she will be up way more than she was on 4B. She definitely has physio at 9:30 tomorrow and Speech at 11. Not sure about the afternoon but it looks like there could be another physio session. I would ask potential visitors to hold back for a bit until I have a clearer picture of her routine. I expect weekends to be free of therapy sessions so Team Save Janet can go full speed then as well as in the evenings.

When appropriate you can find Janet in room 110 of the rehab ward. Enter from the west end of the KGH complex. There is a large entrance labelled Rehab Centre. Ignore that and use the smaller entrance to the right labelled Rehab Unit. Turn right, walk through the dining area and Janet is first room on the right. Please text me before you head over.

Thanking Jesus for this opportunity for Janet and for her apparent understanding of what she is facing. Praying for a big sleep tonight and an alert tomorrow.

A very brief update to let you all know Janet is moving to rehab today. I’ve been given a short window to bring some of the clutter from her room home, have lunch, then get back and await the order to move. I’ll post a detailed report tonight.

Houdieno had been hard at it while I was away. She was crammed in beside the right bed rail with no blankets on and snoring away. Didn’t think you could snore lying almost on your tummy but you can.

Janet woke up a few minutes later just before Chantelle came in as I had asked her to look at the splint. She thinks it may be time for a refit as there is no where near the swelling in Janet’s hand that there used to be and she has some deviation in her wrist. Chantelle recommended leaving the splint off tonight and she will consult the splint makers tomorrow. While Chantelle was in the room, Nicole from speech therapy arrived. She had visited Janet while I was away and had done some Oral Motor Interventions with her and wanted to show me so I could help. Janet was awake when Nicole was there and did really well for her. The exercises are pretty basic and meant to stimulate and trigger very bottom line responses. I explained that Janet is swallowing, coughing, brushing her teeth, swabbing with Nystatin, making a circle shape with her mouth, smiling and kissing. Nicole had no idea Janet was capable of those things so I asked Janet for a kiss and got a nice smile and a full pucker kiss. Nicole was pleased and seems really excited to work with Janet. I also had Janet demonstrate her tooth brushing technique. She did well at that but not as well as she can partly I think because who brushes their teeth at three o’clock in the afternoon? Based on what Nicole saw she is going to bring this tool up for Janet that is supposed to allow Janet to simulate the full range of actions needed for eating. Sounds like fun and exactly what Janet needs to be working on now. We talked a little about talking and Nicole was pleased I had been encouraging Janet to open her mouth and say aaa. Nicole tried and with a little prompting got Janet to open her mouth and appear to try and say something. Rehab is going to be fun.

After a little stretch it was time to call Mary/Gaga before heading out for some sunshine. Whenever we call someone I put the phone on speaker and hold it up to Janet’s left ear for the call. A couple times she’s shown an interest in holding the phone and this time she grabbed for it as soon as I told her it was her mom. I let her take it and she put it right up to her ear and held it there the entire ten minutes Mary/Gaga was talking. When goodbye was said she moved the phone in front of her and looked at the screen then handed the phone to me. Wow.

Off we went to the beach and Janet drove most of the way there. In fact I had a hard time getting her to stop driving today. She was very strong and determined. We saw Carrie, Roger and their kids at the beach and had a really nice chat with them. Roger got the first smile from Janet then Carrie got one a few minutes later. Made me smile real big inside.

Janet gave the Centennial Building hallway a really strong effort today and got the two front wheels of her wheelchair over that crazy bump before I had to help with the back two. That’s as far as she had to go today but she kept on going right to the elevator. High five!

Back I the room I got on the bed beside her and read the last chapter of Anne. It wasn’t as sad as I was expecting, in fact Janet was kind of laughing as I finished. At me I’m sure, not the book. Anyone have suggestions for the next book to read with her? It’s going to be hard to beat that one.

As I left for the night Janet seemed a little restless and uncomfortable but I’m sure would soon be asleep. She had another awesome day.

Praying for a restful and healing night and another day of firsts tomorrow.

Houdieno greeted me with a smile this morning as she played with the release button on the right side bed rail. She wasn’t trying to pull up on it to release it but was swiping across it repeatedly I think trying to figure it out. We had a little chat then her nurses came in to clean her up. They reported that she seemed a little bothered by the whole cleaning and changing process but did help them out quite a bit. I think maybe Janet is feeling some discomfort in her hips or pelvis and all the rolling around associated with the morning routine may have aggravated that. Just a thought.

I’m changing my tactic with the stretching routine a little. Both her legs were bent pretty tight this morning and I was able to straighten the right one with little effort. I decided since she can move the left one so she may as well move it to a straight position rather than me forcing it. Janet was able to get the angle reduced dramatically and I did the rest. She did show that there was some pain as I started on her hips with some leg raises but only at the start. In the end it was a pretty good stretching session and Tom arrived right at the end to do some shoulder work then lay Janet on her tummy. There is still some discomfort in the right shoulder but Janet hung in there nicely for about half an hour. Tom is excited Janet gets a trial in rehab and will try and see who her therapist will be down there so they can talk and make sure all the info gets past on. Sounds like my role and that of Team Save Janet will be diminished while she is in rehab. Stay tuned for more info on that.

After the tummy session I decided to try and keep Janet going and put her in the wheelchair. She responded well by wheeling very strongly out of her room and down the hall despite the hectic environment out there. Chantelle walked to the elevator with us and saw Janet reach out for the button on command. Unfortunately Janet was in a swiping mood and not a pushing one but the reach out was good. By the time we were on the main floor Janet was asleep and Monika happened by and suggested we go back up anyways as the Patient Care Coordinator for Rehab, Erica, is up there looking at Janet’s chart. We had a nice chat in Janet’s room and she is trying to get Janet down to rehab asap, maybe even today but doubt it. I would like a few days to prepare anyways. Erica is a no nonsense woman who likes CedarCreek Merlot. I think we can work with that. Janet woke up briefly while Erica was there and I put her to bed right after and then she was out for her mid day nap.

Praying for some fun in the sun this afternoon and lots of activity and learning from Janet.

Janet was soundly sleeping when I returned and awoke just as I was ready to leave for my meeting with Dr. McCann. I took a few minutes to explain what was happening then off I went.

Dr. McCann surprised me by starting the meeting with “Before you say anything, I’m going to order a two week trial in rehab for Janet”. I think he felt I was coming in to get mad at him or something. I hid my excitement at his announcement and told him my concern about not all the information about Janet getting to him and others on the team and the fact that I spend more time than anyone with her but am not sure my voice is being heard. He agreed and listened to my list of recent accomplishments by Janet and summarized his feelings. He feels Janet deserves a chance at rehab and knows my concern about LTC and that I’m thinking of taking her home but wants to give her a shot before any of that happens. She’s not officially ready for rehab but he is hoping that the experience will trigger more progress for her. He hopes the routine and more active days will help bring her out of the fog more and spark more improvements. Dr. Miller talked to him this morning after seeing Janet, he’s the neuro psychologist and saw Janet very early this morning, and he feels Janet is showing signs of progress. Apparently she squeezed his hand this morning. Yippeee, welcome to the month of July Dr. Miller. Anyways, bottom line is Janet gets at least two weeks in rehab, more if she progresses, she will be put on “delay” for moving to LTC as soon as rehab accepts her onto their list which should be tomorrow. Janet could start in rehab in the next week or two. Dr. McCann is taking a risk here as Janet will be taking a bed from someone who truly qualifies and he will look bad if she doesn’t progress in the program but I feel he believes she has a chance at success and it would be worse if he didn’t give her a chance. I think Tom’s reports have been a big help in getting us here and in fact the whole team was excited today. Seems a little surreal but it is happening.

I told Janet the good news when I got back and I think she gets it. Dr. McCann said he would be up to see her right away and he showed up just after I told Janet to give him a big smile when he came in. She lifted her head and looked right at him and did give a little smile. High five! He chatted briefly and looked at each of her arms before leaving to write the order. It was getting kinda late so we headed out. Janet drove part way down the hall but it was pretty busy again so I took over. Wendy (social worker) met us a few feet from the elevators and talked to us as Janet pushed along. Janet nailed the elevator button with Wendy watching (secret high five) and did well driving on the main floor as Wendy continued her visit. Outside, Janet gave a great effort driving towards the beach but I took it easy on her and took over at the first big hill. The beach was beautiful today and we managed another nice tanning session. Janet drove quite a bit outside today and showed a real determination to move that chair especially when we got inside the Centennial Building. An unofficial speed record for down that big hallway and a real good attempt at that bump in the last doorway. Another direct hit on the elevator button and back to her room we went.

I let her get warm for a few minutes then started stretching her out for the night. She keeps wanting to bend that left leg up at the knee all the time and I got a little mad at her about it. Seemed to work as she kept it down the entire time we read Anne and watched some highlights of that ridiculous football game from last night. She still had it nice and straight when I said goodnight.

Thanking Jesus for all we have been blessed with and looking forward to an active day of learning tomorrow.

A warm welcome to the day as Janet was awake and smiling as I came into the room this morning. Her nurse was just about to clean her up and get her dressed so I stepped out to allow that to happen. May as well get our money’s worth. Janet seemed calm and well rested and we had a nice chat with me lying beside her on the bed. Tom came in to make sure OT had brought up The Rack, it arrived shortly after he did so I figured we better get Janet stretched out and ready. She was pretty tight this morning but loosened up nicely in about a half hour. The Rack is the same contraption Janet stood in down in OT last week. It now resides in her room so we can use it two or three times a week.

Tom returned just after nine with Leanne and they got Janet up and into The Rack. There is something about standing up that really appeals to Janet and she got up real nice and straight this morning with both feet flat on the ground. A first. The only time she was really bothered was when Leanne was working her right shoulder. Her vitals stayed steady and she was in good shape, even shifting her weight to her left leg a little, right to the end of the forty five minute session. We then went for an indoor wheelchair ride to see if she could keep going after a workout. Janet nailed the elevator button on command but I drove to the main floor then let her take over. She made it most of the way to the cafeteria before falling asleep. I put her to bed just before eleven after a very successful morning.

I made it home in time to meet with the guy from the mobility equipment company and I have to say I was underwhelmed. He is willing to work with me which is good but I don’t understand how you can be in that business and not be familiar with a product I found online easily and you even specialize in one of that company’s other products. Am I expecting too much from these people? I’m going to try another company while this guy does his homework. Janet’s nurse today has a son with Cerebral Palsy and they had an elevator put in their home. Two companies said it was impossible, the third did it without hesitation and after a number of years it still works great. I think I’ll give them a shot.

Praying for a productive meeting with Dr. McCann this afternoon and a continued bright day for Janet.

I really want to start this by talking about that crazy Monday Night Football game tonight but I won’t because this is a blog about Janet’s recovery.

Janet was snoozing when I returned and didn’t pop her eyes open till almost three. I could tell she was getting close to waking so I laid on the bed beside her and she put her arm around me and smiled and patted my shoulder for a bit. I’m getting lots of tender moments like this lately and I could not be happier about it.

I could have hung out like that for the entire afternoon but felt it was important to get Janet moving so a stretching we went then into the wheelchair for some sun and fresh air. The hallway on her ward was pretty chaotic so I drove quickly through there and let Janet drive on the main floor where she gave a solid performance. She was very impressive outside as she drove from the Strathcona entrance all the way to Abbott St. across from the beach. I had to help her over a few of the larger bumps and inclines, but still. High five! The beach was very quiet despite the nice warm day then we headed off for a short walk as I wanted to be back in time for dinner and the start of the football game. Janet drove a little more along Abbott St. and again on Long St. She is really gaining confidence with her wheelchair. She seemed uncomfortable once we got inside and refused to drive the long hallway but I convinced her to try the bump through the last doorway and from about twenty feet out she made an outstanding run at it. Her best attempt yet, making it about eighty percent of the way over. High five!

I just had time to get her into bed to relax and warm up a bit before starting her dinner feed then going down to the waiting room to watch a little football. I couldn’t tell if she really wanted to go or not but I put her Seahawks jersey on her and we headed down, feed pump and all. Once parked in front of the TV I asked her if she was ready for some football and she looked at me and smiled. She smiled again as the intro to the game started and it became very clear it was a Seahawks game we were watching. We stayed for the first quarter and I watched Janet from time to time and she was scanning the TV with her eyes and apparently trying to figure things out not just blankly sitting there like she would have been doing six weeks ago. Fun.

Back in the room it was time for me to get her all ready for bed before darkness set in and I thanked her repeatedly for going to the game with me. More smiles. As for the game. Holy crap! I’m really glad I saw it but NFL, please bring back the real refs. That was embarrassing.

Today was a really fun and encouraging day with Janet. She showed an ability to follow commands, determination to complete a task and a true awareness of things going on around her. Sets things up nicely for my chat with Dr. McCann tomorrow. Dr. Jones is the Hospitalist this week again and he stopped me in the hall to say he had been hearing good things about Janet and will talk to us tomorrow. Looking forward to it.

Praying for continued healing and a restful night for Janet as well as a fun and productive day tomorrow.