Monday, February 16, 2009

Christy was doing more rehab for the body today!  Christy was doing exercises with the Occupational Therapist. They mainly concentrated on her legs and stretching them.  Remember Chris has had the left leg nestled up to her chest, and needs to extend it.  The OT was explaining that there is most likely discomfort, similar to a cramping of the legs, when trying to extend it. I don't understand that part completely, but I should ask them when I get to witness OT in action.  The therapist did mention to Kaeo that she thought that her leg felt more limber today.  Hopefully that is from sitting in the Chair (where christy will extend her leg), and all of us trying to keep her leg strait and attempting to stretch it when we can.  After therapy it was obvious that Christy was working hard, she had beads of sweat on her forehead.  Therapy is gym time for Christy! The therapist said that they were short on staff, probably because it was a holiday, so they couldn't stand Christy today.  The plan is to stand her tomorrow.

Christy has had discomfort for almost a week now.  Remember she has been frowning and having short agitated bouts.  It seems to be her stomach-- we don't know what else it may be.  So Keli'i and Donald carried her to the throne where Christy eventually found some relief.  Christy was able to settle and sleep right after, so it seemed to give her comfort.  We're going to see what we can do with her medication regiment and tube feeds and extra fluids to try and get Christy comfortable.  We'll see how it goes.

Christy sat up in the cardiac chair once Donald got there today, Christy wanted to wait till he was around to get up.  The nurses get her into the chair and get her comfortable with pillows all around her.  She sat up for a few hours today.  Christy is getting good at brushing the hair off her face.

It was another wonderful day of therapy and hard work for Christy.  We know with her spunk and lively spirit, she'll be able to  keep trucking away each day towards her goal- complete independence! We're all routing for you Chris!  We thank God for each day of progress.. until tomorrow!