Happy Halloween

Zachary and his friends had a "living" graveyard in our front yard. His goal was to scare all of the trick-or-treaters, but when it came down to frightening the already crying toddlers, his soft heart surfaced. I will admit though, he decorated our yard and front porch creepy.



As for Bob, my visit was short today. I bought a CD for the computer that has 15,000 games on it. His eyes could not adjust or coordinate well enough to see the screen. However, I think it will be a beneficial game once he can see it.



My cognitive therapy plan starting tomorrow will be to work on recall speed. He knows how to do addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Now, we'll work of recalling the facts quickly. I'll continue with the steps of how to do things, like dressing, showering, baking, riding his Harley...

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Fuming still today....

I woke up this morning still fuming about the care plan meeting yesterday. My goal today was to talk with the nurse practitioner who seems to be the "mother hen". I was unable to catch up with her. However, I did speak with the physical therapist. I told her of my educational and working background and my observations of Bob's cognitive abilities. She was appreciative. Hopefully, she'll take all of the information back to the care plan team.



Hell, today, I had Bob playing a pinball game on the computer. He was getting very high scores. So, I say, the OT can shove his putting cards in sequential order up his @$$.



T and I did naming items during my evening visit. One month ago, he couldn't give a name too many items, tonight he got the majority correct. Maybe the VA should give me a job!



T and I were talking about the steps he would take if I wanted to trade corn. He asked me if I thought the market will go up or down. Then, he told me I'd have to put more money in my account...blah, blah, blah...I said I hate having to make those decisions. You know what he told me? He said, "Well, if you hate it, then there's only one thing to do...Get out of trading!" What a smartass. He can manage my account. Just let me know how much money I have to go shopping with.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Caregivers meeting today...

If I could spit nails, I would! The meeting I had today with the caregiving team (nurse practitioner, doctor, physical therapist, rec therapist, occupational therapist, nutritionist, and pharmacist) was so negative. After they all gave me their perspective on things, I said, "Am I missing something here? I see great strides in Bob's progress, but you all see what he can't do." They made it sound like he was not going to regain his mental ability and that he was going to need 27/7 care for the rest of his life. Oh, just typing this is getting me mad all over again! I wanted to say, "Don't talk down to me. I'm not stupid! I have a doctural degree.

My background is in health and wellness. I have a certification from the American College of Sports Medicine, and I provide pscho/educational testing for voc rehab. DON'T TALK TO ME LIKE I JUST GOT OFF THE BOAT, DAMN-IT" But I didn't, I kept my mouth shut because when he can walk, he's outta there. I'm breaking him loose. I'm emailing Jill Bolte Taylor. I'll get her insight.


On the good note, Bob's pressure wound has decreased from 5cm to 3cm. The wound care nurse thinks it will heal over in 2-3 weeks. She was positive. She wasn't in the meeting. She helped me to the car. She told me that she sees Bob like he's going to school to learn to live the rest of his life; whereas, the other residents are there for rehab to have a better quality of life.


Bob told me yesterday that his brain was on vacation. Well, not anymore! Tonight we did a lot of cognitive things. We did so much, he asked to quit because he didn't want to do anymore. He was tired.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Quotes...

Some of Bob's famous quotes for the day are, "I can't think right now, I have too much shit going on in my brain. I can't think." and "I get tired so quick. My body has so much healing to do; I just get tired." and "I'll see ya' here tomorrow. I'll be right here. I don't have any plans. I'm not going anywhere. Here (the VA) is my first, second, and third choice for places to be."


I have a "team" meeting tomorrow to find out the game plan for Bob. Keep your fingers crossed that everything goes well, ans they give me a "go home" date. I'm positive it will. Then again, I'm always positive. woo-hoo!


Bob's memory today was great. The only thing I couldn't convince him of was that I never lived in South Dakota. He definitely is a mid-west boy.


I love it when some of you who have been following this blog send me farmer jokes and pictures. They definitely confirm how much of a country-bumpkin I'm not. You know...I grew up in the middle of many corn fields in Pennsylvania and had friends who were farming families, but somehow, I am NOT a true country girl. I sowed my wild oats elsewhere.


A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."


Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.


Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

stroke info

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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Short day....

My visit was only an hour today. :( I am a board member of an organization called Umpqua Valley disAbilities Network. How appropriate, hunh?


I visited Bob in the middle of his occupational therapy session. Bob's shoulders have little range of motion. The therapist tried to get Bob to lift a weighted bar. But, Bob had his hundred delay excuses just like he uses with me. The therapist next had Bob put playing cards in order. Don't ask me why he gives Bob that simple task. Bob looks like he is in deep thought when doing it but, he gets it with 100% accuracy everytime; and I might add for months now. Any educator knows, it's time to move on to a more difficult task.


Bob and I ate K together, then he fell fast asleep. He was mentally tired. He couldn't keep his eyes open. (It was the ordering of playing card that did it. NOT)

Oh by the way, I saw pictures of Bob at a cattle branding. He does this every year in Nebraska. I would never make a good farmer's wife. Awe...I'd open the gate and tell the calves to RUN! It was sad seeing those pictures of cattle tied down. :( Bob has always said that as long as the meat is wrapped and comes from a grocery store, I'm ok. Don't tell me where it came from before that. I'll be a true vegetarian for sure.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Trip down memory lane...

Bob and I took a trip down memory lane by reading saved emails on his laptop from the beginning of our relationship when he was still in Minnesota and I was in Oregon. He is such a gushy, sensitive guy. He told me he still feels the same. awe....he makes me blush.


We also looked at photos he had on the computer. He named everyone. Some people that I didn't know, he swore I knew. Maybe I do. My IQ on remembering people and their names is well below a worm's intelligence level. :(


It rained cats and dogs here in Oregon today. It's winter time. That's why we are the ducks. (UO are the ducks.)


Well, I'm not having any luck with the Internet service. Verizon wasn't any help. You'd think with the technology out there today, some wireless service would easily be available. T will be home shortly. He'll have to wait until then. Another delay. You'd think I'd learn to be patient by now.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Homeward bound countdown...

Bob is doing so wonderfully; it excites me to think he'll be coming home soon. He comes home as soon as the pressure wound heals and he's able to stand. The pressure wound still has a ways to go, but it's getting better. Bob will be able to go back to the physical therapy room to work on standing and walking as soon as he is cleared of the C-Diff infection. Hopefully, that will be the middle of the week. He'll be able to go out of his room and socialize too. He's getting cabin fever being cooped up in his room.


Well, I did what I promised. I walked from the parking lot to Bob's room using a walker. Zachary followed me with the wheelchair. I only made it one way. Whew...was that hard.


Cognitively, Bob was sharp today. He got a little testy with me too (seems to be a common thing lately). He always follows his testy attitude with, "You know I still love you though?" How could anyone stay mad at that comment?

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Tie my shoes? Piece of cake...

I had big plans of spending the day teaching T how to tie shoes. I took my tennis shoe off, put it on his lap, and told him to show me what he can remember. He tied the shoelace better than I can tie. So, that ended that lesson. I put my shoe back on, put my foot on his lap, and had him tie my shoe again. He did so well; he even made the laces be the exact same length on both sides.


The rest of the day, we worked on reaching for his shoes so he can tie his own. I think I need to have a chat with the nurses. I need to tell them to make him do everything himself. Hey, he's in the VA. I'm allowed to act militant. ;-o


We worked on memory. Sometimes he's good; sometimes he's not so good. He did rattle off his social security number. And, he remembered the new puppy's name, Coupe. We have a Bentley, now we have a Coupe.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

A day of good memory...

I should know by now, not to get upset when Bob has a day of lousy memory. That was yesterday. He couldn't remember diddly-squat. However, today he was remembering things that happened yesterday. When I got excited about his memory, he said, "I'm not stupid. I just can't remember so fast." He recognized that it will take time for his memory will come back.


We tried to do a word search. His eyes are so goofy, that it was difficult for him to see the words. We worked a little on arm strength, preparing for walking with a walker.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Definitely a down day, :-(

Ho-hum...today was a bad day for me, I suppose. T's memory was horrible. He was very tired. I guess when I'm tired, I don't want to think either. I do know one thing...I am slowly tuckering out. I can't wait until my T comes home 4-6 weeks from now.





The construction on the addition was slow at first. Now, it's moving right along. Its finally looking like a building.



*NEW A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."



Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.



Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

stroke info

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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Verizon wins....

Thanks for all of your responses to my request for thoughts on getting wireless service. It seems as though I can get month to month service with Verizon, whereas, Sprint requires a two year contract. Ha, I don't think so.


My schedule for visiting my T decreased today from twice a day to once a day. It seems as though the nurses (not all) are getting concerned about preventing injuries. (that's understandable) I lift my wheelchair out of the trunk of my car; however, I'm unable to put it back in the car when I'm ready to leave. So, I solicit the help of a nurse to do the task. I find out that one of the aides hurt her shoulder helping me. Now, I feel that I'm being avoided when I want to leave. I was also told that they are talking about alternative modes of mobility for me. I've decided that I'll cut my visit to once a day, and I'll call one of my two kids to come to the VA to put my wheelchair in the car. Problem solved.

A visitor and former resident of the VA and I helped Bob sit on the edge of the bed this evening. He's a bit shy about moving yet. I don't believe he has all the confidence he needs. Mark, the visitor, was unable to walk also. He was talking Bob through every step and what to move in the order that a normal person would never think. Think about it...how would you move to go from lying on your back to sitting of the edge of the bed? Now, add about ten more steps. That's what Bob has to do.

*NEW A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.
Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

I'm checking out today...

"I'll be checking out today." That's what Bob told the nurse this morning. This evening, he told me to order whatever I wanted for a snack, then, told the nurse to put it on his room tab! hahaha...Bob, you're not at quite the five-star hotel you're used to.


We watched Jeff Dunham - Arguing with myself DVD tonight. He's so funny. If you haven't seen it, rent it. Jeff is a ventriloquist.


I got confirmation that the MRSA is cleared, and his pressure wound is healing well. Bob was in complete shock when the nurse told him that he will be at the VA for 4-6 more weeks.


Does anyone know about getting the Internet on a laptop through a cell phone service. Bob told me today he really wants to get back to the markets. I need to figure out how to get him to the sites.

*NEW A PRAYER FOR TODAY
"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.
Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Blah day...

hahaha...I got a comment on yesterday's blog from a long-time friend of Bob's who said his knee-high socks remind him of the socks they used to wear back in the 70's with those tight shorts. I would have loved to see that sexy sight. OMG, I just ate. ;p In the picture, you see Bob smiling. You can only imagine the smart-ass response he gave.


Bob was quite ill this morning. He was having stomach pains and was feeling blah. He slept most of the morning and afternoon. He skipped lunch, but I talked him into having yogurt (you know, to replenish the good bacteria in the intestinal tract).


He was very aware this evening. For those of you who are farmers, you won't think this is funny; however, Aunika, Bob, and I were talking about chickens on a farm. We asked if he ever cut the heads off of chickens. We asked him what the chickens did when he cut the heads off (looking for a response like, the chickens ran around hap-hazardly). Bob just said calmly, "They died". Now, we thought it was funny, because we wanted a more dramatic response.


Cognitively, we did a maze. He liked looking ahead so he wouldn't make a mistake.

*NEW A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, thank You for this new day. Thank You for the opportunity to begin again. I choose to press forward and keep believing for the dreams and desires You’ve placed in my heart. I trust You today with everything that I am. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.


Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.


email
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

C-Diff...

C-Diff is a harmful germ that infects the intestinal tract. Symptoms range from mild diarrhea to severe inflammation of the colon. C-Diff usually occurs during or after treatment with antibiotics. Well, there ya' go. Bob just finished heavy duty antibiotics for his urinary tract infection, and now he has C-Diff, which puts him in isolation for ten days.


I couldn't stay long this morning to visit my T. I almost wasn't permitted to enter his room. I had to glove and gown up. I talked with T about the infection. He doesn't want me to get it. So, I left for the day, went home to disinfect my house, and stayed home. I hate not spending time with my T!


He was a "bugger" anyhow. Joe was laughing, because anything I ask T to do, he did the opposite. Like, take smaller bites of yogurt; Bob took a big enough bite to get a brain freeze.


Bob remembers things that happened yesterday. Woo-hoo! His short-term memory is returning.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen

"Father in heaven, I choose to believe Your Word above all else. I know that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf, and You will cause me to triumph. Help me to tune out the negative voices of the world so that I can focus on Your goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

stroke info

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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Yet another infection....ugh!

Geez...another infection! Bob will be on another ten day antibiotic regimen for a new infection. This one is called C-Diff. This one causes stomach cramps and "the runs". He is on complete isolation again. However, this time Bob can't leave the room until he tests negative three times. Visitors have to gown and glove, as well as nurses. I need to have limited bodily contact. Sorry, I can't see that happening! If it's not one thing, it's another. I'm taking him yogurt tomorrow to get some of the "good" bacteria in his stomach.



Joe, Aunika, and I went to Grants Pass today to watch a marching band competition that Zachary was in with his high school. They placed first in the preliminaries. I won't know final results until Zachary gets home around 11pm. I'll keep you posted.



Joe reminded me of my deal with Bob about exercising and walking with Bob. To update you on that plan, I've been doing some exercises. I try walking some. Boy, do my legs "poop" out fast. I actually walked up the stadium steps today to have a better vantage point! (with assistance on both arms, of course)

A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen
"Father in heaven, I choose to believe Your Word above all else. I know that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf, and You will cause me to triumph. Help me to tune out the negative voices of the world so that I can focus on Your goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email
stroke info
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Slow awakening...

Bob is waking up parts of his body that have been sleeping for five months now. It's interesting to watch the progression. I can equate it to watching an infant learning to walk and become aware of its surroundings.


Joe is here today. The last he saw his dad was in May in the ICU of OHSU...BIG difference!

Pray for me to have patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen

"Father in heaven, I choose to believe Your Word above all else. I know that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf, and You will cause me to triumph. Help me to tune out the negative voices of the world so that I can focus on Your goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

stroke info

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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Standing up!

He did it! Bob stood by himself (well almost himself). Unlike before, where he had five people lifting him, tonight he had the physical therapist pull him forward, Bob did the rest. He stood for only about 10 seconds; he stood though! Now, the brain will compute the walking actions again.


Joe, Bob's son, will be visiting from Minnesota this weekend. What a difference he'll see from five months ago!


Bob's short-term memory span is getting longer. However, today he was convinced, again, that he lived in Iowa. There was nothing I or anyone else could say that would change his mind. Patience, I know, I know. When one good thing happens, I get the feeling that everything will change in an instance.


Bob's wound vac was turned down today. That means that not as much suction is needed to heal the wound from the inside out. Woo-hoo!

Pray for me to have patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen
"Father in heaven, I choose to believe Your Word above all else. I know that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf, and You will cause me to triumph. Help me to tune out the negative voices of the world so that I can focus on Your goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.
Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

flag ban lifted...

Good news. The ban on flags at our friend's apartment complex has been lifted. The incident attracted national attention. Rush Lindbaugh even had comments! click: flag ban lifted


Bob had an eye appointment today. He saw the doctor because of the inability of his eyes to coordinate with each other. I won't find out the results until tomorrow, so, stay tuned.


The urinary catheter weaning started today. It may take up to two weeks to retrain Bob's bladder. Hopefully, he'll be standing by then, so he can use the bathroom instead of a bedpan. ewe.....


Bob is becoming the mayor again. He's getting very sociable. It's funny...he still tells far-fetched stories, so he's talking to people like he's known them forever. cute :-) It's just good seeing him talking; not sitting back observing.


Bob's memory of the day's events is getting longer. It's up to maybe a half hour now.

Pray for me to have patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen

Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

anti-flag story...

I have a bit of other news. A friend of Bobs and mine was given a warning of eviction from his apartment if he doesn't remove his flag that he flies on his car and motorcycle. It is making national news. Here is the link to view the local news. Click: anti-flag news report



Bob was quiet today. He is getting weaned from his catheter. Yeah! One less tube to feeling normal.

Pray for me to have patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen
Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
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stroke info
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VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Boredom is setting in...

Bob has intellectually improved to the point that he's getting bored sitting around all day. I am visiting with him most of the day; however, from 1pm to 5pm, I am not. He was sitting on the "pot" when I arrived this evening. He said he was telling the nurses anything to get out of the wheelchair and not back in bed because he was so bored.

Aunika and I visited Bob this evening. We left around 6pm. He wanted me to come back after dropping Aunika off at the house. We left him watching tv in the lounge. There is a big window that looks out at the parking lot. When I returned, he was sitting in the same spot, looking out the window for me. I felt like he was wagging his tail when I arrived.

We worked a little on memory. He was hot and cold on some of the same memory questions that I've worked on in the past. Thank goodness, he finally remembers we live in Roseburg, Oregon, and he believes it.

Pray for me to have patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen
Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

And the posts continue...

This is my 160th post! I told T today that Wednesday will mark the 5 month milestone. It's time to get off his back and move. He's slowly moving. His mind says move, but his msucles aren't getting the full signal just yet. (a little east coast verbage)


Today was a "down" day. We watched football games, golf, and the evening news. He still can't figure out how Obama became president.


T's M.R.S.A. is cleared up, as well as the UTI has been resolved.

Pray for me to have patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...
A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen

Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

stroke info

aneurysm info

VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Frustrating times for Bob...

Bob is Bob. What can I say? He is getting frustrated with the whole "relearning" ordeal. The biggest frustration for him is not being able to stand, and the nurses being so frantic about not letting him try. I have to talk him out of trying to stand so many times a day, he thinks I'm yelling at him. He also tells me not to tell him what to do because he's going to do it anyhow. Does anyone know a physical therapist who can give me suggestions on what to do? I try to get him to do a few exercises to strengthen his abs, but he is quite stubborn.


Bob's also getting frustrated with still having a feeding tube attached to his stomach. They haven't taken it out due to concerns of not drinking enough water. The feeding tube allows them to give him the amount of water his body needs. He's eating enough calories, so the tube will be coming out soon. Bob is getting tired of the catheter too. He has no choice when it comes to the wound vac. The pressure wound is healing, but not enough for the wound vac to be removed.

Pray for me to have patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen
Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Sorry...

Sorry folks. Not only did I not publish my post Thursday night, but I didn't write a blog last night (Friday). I've been hanging around Bob too long. I'm picking up his forgetful habits. Sorry.

Yesterday, Friday, things are "as usual" with Bob. We worked on puzzles and making lists. He's getting good at telling me to do the thing I just asked him to do, like, picking up a certain puzzle piece. He'll tell me, "If I see it, then pick it up!" or when writing lists, "You write it down."

Memory book...

The first page of Bob's memory book has our names, address, and phone numbers. He seemed somewhat excited about getting things written down. He spelled everything correctly too.




The next two pages have the date, a place to write down what he ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a place for PT and OT activities, and a place for other things to remember. Isaac called tonight, so he wrote that down. He got antibiotics; he wrote that down. He spelled antibiotics correctly.




He made a list for getting ready for bed. The nurse had him read each item on the list as they did it. Eventually, it will be a habit again.

Pray for me to have patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen

Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

stroke info

aneurysm info

VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Story teller...

Bob is quite the story teller. I got him an eye-patch to retrain his eyes to coordinate with each other. He told a story that he stole it from a guy who was arrested by a cop. Bob showed up on the guy's doorstep with the eye-patch on, and the guy said it was his....and the story went on and on. Bob got a good laugh from anyone who was listening, as well as Bob. :-)

The substitute occupational therapist, who is the program's director, informed me today that he has been doing hard things with Bob, and he passed with flying colors. I suggested order cards; which have pictures on them to put a sequence of activities together. He's bringing the cards tomorrow. The therapist said that the only thing he sees Bob needing to work on is simple sequencing, and his brain likes to "fill" in the gaps that are missing from his memory; hence, his story telling. He suggested a memory book.

As soon as we were done with the OT, we both wheeled right over to PT. I told the PT that it's time to hit the physical therapy hard. She did some work with him, then placed an order for the nursing staff to stand Bob is the EZ lift every 20 minutes. I don't think the nursing staff is going to like me too much tomorrow.

Other-than-that, T was so with it today.

Pray for me to have patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen
Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

What comes next?

Bob was roaming the halls again today looking for my daughter and me and his truck. He swore he had his keys. Once again, he's determined to get home.



The next thing we need to work on is the order of doing daily tasks. While getting ready for bed tonight, the nurse would ask Bob what he would do next to get ready for bed, like, after they took off his shirt, what would he do next. He didn't have a clue. He didn't know to take his shoes off to go to bed. Now I know my next cognitive lesson.



Cognitively, Bob was "blank" tonight. He told me he's learning, so just tell him the answers to the questions, (his birthday, the state we live in, etc...) He didn't know any of the answers.

Pray for me to have patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen

Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.

email

stroke info

aneurysm info

VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Determined...

Bob had everyone on their toes today. He is determined to go home. At one point, he was heading outside to find his truck. The nurses had to guide back inside. Later, he wheeled himself into the bathroom and closed the door. He even closed the door to his room. He had to be searched for. When found, he was trying to stand. The nurses were in a panic. Now, when I'm not there, they keep an eagle's eye on him and a loud alarm. I think his determination, though, will get him up and walking soon.


T agreed on getting a little puppy. One of the nurses' dog had a litter a week ago, then was killed by a car. She brought the puppies to the center. Mistake number one: I held one. Mistake number two: They were so cute. Mistake number three: Bob thought it was cute too. We have three weeks to come up with a name. The puppy is all black with a few white spots and is male. It is a beagle/boxer mixed.

Pray for me to have patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen
Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info

VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Romantic to the core...

My t is so lovable! He told the nurses tonight that he is feeling really happy now that he and I are back together. I said I didn't know we were apart. He followed with, "Well, there's been a short time that I didn't have my shit together, now I do, and now I'm really happy." awww....


I have a new chore. Bob told friends of ours that the reason I wasn't there is because I was home feeding the sheep. hahaha....the closest I've come to a sheep was seeing them in a pasture driving down I-5 in Oregon.


We did a little memory stuff tonight, but mainly watched the Steelers kick butt.

Pray for me to have patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

*NEW: A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen

Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info

VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

What are peanut M & M's?...

T doesn't remember what peanut M & M's are. Before sharing mine with him, I debated on telling him that they are a bad tasting candy. If I could turn him off to peanut M & M's now, then, I'll never have to share again in the future. That would be mean though. So, I shared.


I whimped out today. It was raining, so I didn't return to the Center for a second visit. Am I bad?

T started the antibiotic for the UTI. It is an on-and-off IV for 7 days. He's going to be squeeky clean when all is said and done.

Pray for me to regain my patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

*NEW: A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen
Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info

VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

Superior IQ, of course...

I told the occupational therapist that Bob's IQ was in the superior range. He looked at me like I had two heads! He had to learn for himself that I was telling the truth. If he listened to me, he would have saved time. Hell, I do cognitive and achievement testing for Voc. Rehab. I think I know what I'm talking about. GEEZ.


What happened? The occupational therapist started drawing hands on a clock for Bob to tell him the times. I told him to make it hard, because Bob remembers how to tell time. Did he listen to me? NO! He did, 4:00, 2:15, 7:30, and others as simple. Bob told him the times. The therapist asked Bob how many minutes are needed to get from quarter after to the hour. Bob answered correctly. The therapist asked harder and harder clock questions, only to have Bob answer them 100% correctly. I told the therapist to give Bob his pen for Bob to write the times (to give him writing practice). Of course, he wrote them correctly using the : without being told. Bob writes wee-little though. He's always written little, but now, it's wee wee little.


Bob's recovery is moving along nicely. His pressure wound is healing slowly, but surely. The wound vac is an amazing invention. It heals the wound from the inside out. Bob also started IV antibiotics for the UTI he's acquired. He was playing the piano tonight for a spell. He told me he was passing the time, because he didn't want to go back to his room. I think he's bored. He wants to go home.

Pray for me to regain my patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...

*NEW: A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen
Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.

Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.
email
stroke info
aneurysm info
VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A

"Watch this!"...

Bob may not be a fast thinker or responder right now, but if you wait long enough, you'll get the conversation you're looking for. Yes, he does like to combine conversations, but if you are able to sort items out, you're good to go. People aren't used to such a slow conversation; I am now. I don't mind.


During occupational therapy, Bob and I were playing toss with a ball. He catches well, but his toss is not automatic. If he thinks about it, his muscles will not throw the ball. He wants to; the motion is there. It's just the muscles won't extend the arm and release the ball.


Oh...and listen to this!...That peg board game; you know the one that's in a triangle and you jump the pegs over each other (picture at the top). The goal is to have only one peg left when all is done. Well, I always end with three or four pegs. On Bob's first try today, he ended with two! He tried again. He ended with two again! Tell me he won't have a full recovery.


Pray for me to regain my patience, and pray for Bob to willfully move. One day at a time...


*NEW: A PRAYER FOR TODAY from Joel Osteen
Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."


Have you checked out travel-mobility.com yet? Check out our new website. Pass it on too. We'd appreciate it. If you'd like an online home business of your own, email me.


Jill Bolte Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyyjU8fzEYU It'll make you cry, it's so amazing.


email
stroke info
aneurysm info


VA Healthcare System, Transitional Care Unit, 913 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR 97470 Room 108A