Paul's Update - 07/28/06

Dear Friends:

Thursday was a quiet day. Paul is having more trouble walking. We aren't sure why. We met with the representative from Brain Injury Services. She gave us some information on where Tabby can call to find out about some "extra" things Paul may be eligible for since he is on Medicaid. Paul was outside for quite a bit today. When Dad arrived this morning Dora & Tabby were struggling with Paul to get his toothbrush out of his mouth. He was fighting with them!! Dad was able to get him to open his mouth. Dora gave him some water to rinse his mouth out. He did that and then Dad gave Paul his coffee. He took a sip and held it in his mouth. He was still mad at Tabby. Tabby told him to swallow his coffee and he shook his head "no". She told him again and he looked over at her and spit his coffee out. Most of it landed on him ... but Tabby was pretty mad at him and scolded him. It is hard to keep your cool and remember that this is all part of the injury! Dad took Paul outside this morning. It was a pretty nice day. It was only 90 instead of 98 ... whew! Tabby trying to exercise Paul's arms. He was still being stubborn and every time Tabby would start to lift his right arm he would use his left hand to catch his right arm and pull it back down. She wasn't able to exercise him much. Then they took Paul out back and put a quilt on the ground since we don't have an exercise mat yet. They got him to bend his knees and kneeled down on the quilt. He kneeled for a few minutes then they rolled him on his side and let him rest for a bit. Dad exercised his arms some more which he didn't like but he let Dad do. He worked a bit doing sit ups with some assistance. Tabby also stretched out his back muscles. Once he was in a sitting position they let him sit on the quilt "indian style". He was able to hold himself in that position by holding onto his legs!! They got him into a position to sit on his legs for a short while. Paul's new wheelchair came. It is pretty nice and Paul seems to like it. It is slightly bigger (actually wider) than the other wheelchair. It is challenging to get into Paul's bedroom since it rubs against the wall and the door on the way in. He sat up in it quite a bit today. Tabby went to the Freedom Center tonight to find out about using the pool for some of Paul's therapy. They have wheelchairs designed for the pool and a ramp that goes into the pool. Paul was more angry today than he has been. He wouldn't even let Dora put some cream on his face. Dad asked Paul if he was upset about his situation and he nodded "yes". Dad told him about man that recovered from a coma after being mostly vegetative for almost 20 years. He told Paul that we believe he will recover from this and he nodded "yes". When Dad said he believed that Paul would be able to speak again, Paul shook his head "no". How frustrating for all of us ... I'm sure he would love to tell us all the things he feels! Tomorrow will be Starbucks day. He really enjoys that outing!

Have a great weekend, Lynne & Carl