www.todddube.com - March 11 ~ 17

MARCH 11 ~ 17

Monday, March 11, 2002

Todd attended Art Therapy today and painted a ceramic fish using a paintbrush with his mouth. He attended the seating clinic for adjustments to his wheelchair. He met with Assisted Technology to discuss running electronic equipment with voice controls. He would be able to run the TV, lights, remotes and fans by just speaking.

Todd and Mom met a lady who is confined to a wheelchair who does fencing. Todd ate well today and also attended other classes.

Tuesday, March 12, 2002

Todd attended both Occupational and Physical Therapy today. They laid him on his stomach, called proning, for 2 hours. He said it felt really weird but he did very well. Todd went to classes again today and still is experiencing shoulder pain.

Wednesday, March 13, 2002

Christy worked with Todd in physical therapy today. Todd was seated upright and fitted with air casts on his arms. He balanced against his arms and therapist for about 1.5 hours. Todd attended key class where they showed a video demonstrating passive, aggressive and assertive behaviors. After lunch, Todd attend occupational therapy. Mom is learning shoulder blade and arm stretch and how to position the electrode stimulation pads.

Mom and Todd ate in the cafeteria with the Starr's. Jeff is suddenly able to freely move his left arm.

Todd finally gets a good night sleep!

Thursday, March 14, 2002

Todd had physical and occupational therapy again today. During physical therapy, they worked on developing a schedule of activities for Todd once he gets home. Todd attended seating clinic today and had every inch of him measured to ensure his wheel chair will fit him perfectly when he gets it home. It will have both sip and puff and hand controls. Todd is hoping to not need the sip and puff controls by the time he gets home.

The afternoon occupational therapy session includes stimulation session to fatigue the muscles. Todd also uses the Swedish aid machine which suspense's his arms in slings over his head and stimulates them to improve his arm range of motion. Todd is almost able to raise his left arm off the bed; all but his fingers can be raised. His right arm is doing well but is not as strong as his left. This is awesome!

The weather was beautiful all day and they spent some time outdoors too. Todd and Mom have their first group outing today. They visit Galyans, a very large sporting goods store. Todd says it is about 4 times larger than Dick's Sporting Goods. The entire trip takes about 3 hours total. He has spent most of the day in his wheel chair and is exhausted. He hopes for another good night's sleep.

Friday, March 15, 2002

In Occupational and Physical therapy Todd is working with a Swedish Aid for his arm to hang free. This will help with range of motion and strength in his biceps. He is still doing electronic stimulation as well for strength training in his muscles. Todd's brother, Ryan and his Auntie Michelle arrived at lunchtime today. After they had lunch, they watched Todd at work. Later that afternoon Todd's friends arrived after a grueling 17-hour road trip. He was thrilled to see Ali, Sarah, Aleah, Sarah, Mark and Heather. They all went to the cafeteria with Todd, Mom, Ryan, and Auntie Michelle for dinner. It was warm enough to eat outside. After dinner they spent a couple hours in the recreation room playing pool and watching TV.

Saturday, March 16, 2002

Todd had Occupation Therapy in the morning. The afternoon was spent outside in the courtyard with his friends from back home and his friends from Atlanta. They had a little pizza party outside with all his visitors from home and other patients at the center. It was really a good time for everyone.

Sunday, March 17, 2002

Todd was extremely exhausted. He slept most of the day. Mom had breakfast with Ryan. Todd got up and ate breakfast and lunch within an hour and then went back to bed until late afternoon. All his visitors said goodbye till next time.

Another week of good progress!