I went to bed at 9 last night and woke up at 6-a respectable nights sleep! And, although I am not a fan of being up at 6 a.m., I decided to get up and run to Starbucks to get mom a caramel macchiato before her first physical therapy. She did not have a great night and I would say she is in the 4th stage of grief, which is the bottoming out stage, so to speak. It is not a great place, but on the bright side, we should expect an upswing after this stage and I will try my best to usher her in that direction as quickly as possible. But, on the other hand, she needs to feel this to be able to get to the next stage…..
This sucks.
Mom so hates anything that points out what she can’t do. Like the fine motor skills in her left hand. She is terribly opposed to bingo, just ask any poor soul who was present when she had to do it in group. She has taken up cursing like a sailor. We had a long talk about it this afternoon and she sounded better by evening. She has a lot of spare time this weekend with a light schedule, so it you are thinking of visiting it’s a great time to do it. Her roommate went home today so she has the space to herself. Her phone number is now 322-7874.
Thanks Kathy!
I appreciate the information. Her new direct line is 520-322-7874. They moved her to the bed next to the window and are trying to not move anyone else in to her room. She seems to like it better.
Love,
Marion
Hi Marion,
heres a link to an article about constraint induced therapy. I know it references post stroke patients but brain injury to a certain extent is brain injury.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26157268
The effects of modified constraint-induced therapy combined with mental practice on patients with chronic stroke.
Also here are 2 books on neuroplasticity ie the brain’s ability to change/adapt.
Soft wired by michael merzenich. He also has a online brain exercises based on neuroscience/neuroplasticity called http://www.brainhq.com . The only only that may improve brain function (luminosity.com not so much).
Another book The Brain that changes itself by Norman Doidge, MD also gives inspiring stories of brain recovery post significant insult.
I am not sure of the length of time that brain needs mental rest after neurosurgery and if doing brain exercises now is too soon however if they are moving full steam ahead w/ PT is might be ok. Ask the neurosurgeon.
I have not been able to get your mom on the phone, just poor timing. I will keep calling but please let her know we are praying for a speedy recovery.
much love
kathy