www.todddube.com - March 18 ~ 24

MARCH 18 ~ 24

Monday, March 18, 2002

Mom and Todd had classes-OT and PT. Todd got his usual electronic stimulation. He learned how to turn a page of a magazine with his mouth and a pencil.

Tuesday, March 19, 2002

Todd recorded his voice in a software program called Dragon Naturally Speaking. This will train the software to recognize his voice. He continues to work on arm strengthening in OT and PT. Mom and Todd took a fieldtrip with a group of patients. They went out to eat at a steak house called Longhorns.

Wednesday, March 20, 2002

Todd had OT and PT today. At therapeutic recreation they discussed boating how Todd likes boating and how he will be able to go boating this summer.

Thursday, March 21, 2002

Todd had OT and PT again today. In Assisted Technology class he continued working with the voice recognition software. They are trying new meds for Todd's shoulder pain.

Friday, March 22, 2002

Todd continued with OT and PT. He had a hand control installed on his wheel chair today that he is trying to master. This may take a little time because Todd's ability to control his chair this way is not quite there yet. It may be a bit too soon for hand control however, he is determined to learn this because one of his goals is to get rid of the "sip & puff" control prior to leaving Shepherd. Todd is able to lift his left arm slightly off his pillow. Todd's brother Eric and his Auntie Paula arrived tonight around 7 p.m. They visited for a while. Todd had a fair night's sleep.

Saturday, March 23, 2002

Todd had physical therapy in the morning and he did really well using the skateboard. It is a big horizontal board with a cut out for your body in the middle, you place your arms on top of small boards with rollers. The object of the exercise is to move your arms from in front of the body to the side. Todd can move the boards in both directions. He feels this has been the most significant improvement he has made since he has been in Atlanta. When he first started therapy he was only able move an inch at the most. He is very motivated by this accomplishment. His trache hole has completely healed over. They had Wendy's outside, basked in the sun, and watched part of a movie. Eric and Mom went to the Coca Cola museum. Auntie Paula and Todd watched a movie in his room.

Sunday, March 24, 2002

Todd slept most of the day. His guests went outside and to recreation room. Todd showered today (showering is a big project) then he went outside and fell asleep. Longhorns steak house was so good Mom, Auntie Paula and Eric tried it out. They brought Todd back some chili. They are actually planning another outing for Wednesday back to the restaurant. They are watching Independence Day tonight before bed.

Another great week!