www.todddube.com - Mar 4 ~ 10

MARCH 4 ~ 10

Monday, March 4, 2002

Mom, Marc and Dad (via teleconference) met with the doctor today to discuss Todd's condition. They agreed to remove his "button trache" so even though he has an opening in his throat, which will heal over time, he can eat and talk normally all the time. They also agreed that he could remove his collar during the day, but Todd prefers to wear it at night. They gave Todd a swallow test today, which he passed with flying colors. Todd had a C spine X-ray which showed that everything is stable.

Sue from Boston sent the 'northern boys' boxes of Wheaties with pictures of the New England Patriots on the front. There are a couple of other boys at the center that are from MA.

Tuesday, March 5, 2002

Todd had his usual therapies today and had an opportunity to view his web site today and will try to do so again soon. He encountered technical problems trying to respond so Dad will work on it with him when he arrives later this week. No new news to report.

Wednesday, March 6, 2002

Todd had physical and occupational therapy again today. Mom attended class all day to learn how to care for Todd's personal needs. Todd is still experiencing a tremendous amount of shoulder pain. Taking medication before therapy helps a lot but he is still exhausted afterwards. They are waiting for the doctor to see if they can take the G-tube out tonight. Todd is still eating well.

Thursday, March 7, 2002

Todd got his G-tube out late last night. He is eating normally and won't be needing that any more. He did his usual therapies today. Todd went outside with Mom for the first time since the accident. The weather was in the 70s. Todd attended class to learn how to get back into the community, handicap issues and daily living. Todd also had supper with another patient and his family at the Center. They are from the Boston area. Todd and Mom said goodbye to another family, also from the Boston area, who left today. Doctors are saying that Todd is progressing well. Mom is planning two field trips for next week.

Friday, March 8, 2002

Dad, Carol, Memere and Pepere Dube arrive in Georgia to visit. Todd is in physical therapy and demonstrates that he can rotate his left forearm 90 degrees. Therapist has been working his shoulder muscles to help relieve pain he has been experiencing. She is able to work the muscle so that Todd's arm can be lifted over his head without it causing pain. This therapy stuff really works! Carol takes lots of pictures which will be posted to Todd's new 'Picture Page' soon.

Todd looks great, much stronger, and has better color. He is in good spirits. Todd demonstrates his expertise with his sip and puff wheelchair and takes us outside to the courtyard. Afterwards, we all dined together in the cafeteria.

Todd received a 'Cookie Bouquet' from Dad, Carol and Danielle. Definitely better than flowers. Memere and Pepere brought Todd a long sleeve dress shirt and a pair of sweat pants, brownie bites and some candy.

Sleeping has not been good because things are noisy and technicians wake him during the night for repositioning.

Saturday, March 9, 2002

Bad night! Todd is very tired when he is woken at 7:00 for his shower. Dad gets up to help but finds out that Sunday is shower day, not Saturday. Dad helps Todd with physical therapy to give Mom a break to get some much needed rest. Dad works Todd's shoulder blades to move them together and down. Therapist uses electrode stimulation to work Todd's arm muscles.

Todd is exhausted when he returns to his room and naps for most of the day. Dad helps Todd with dinner in his room. Todd rests again while the rest of us attend church and dine out together. Dad spends the night with Todd in his room. Mom finally gets a good night's sleep in her room.

Sunday, March 10, 2002

Another restless night for Todd. While in bed, Dad gave him a shave and a quick hair cut. Dad finally helps Todd with his shower. Its like a "human car wash". Memere and Pepere stop in to say goodbye in the morning before returning to Florida. Todd has lunch in his room and then takes a nap. Carol and Dad buy Todd his first Shepherd Center shirt before having to say goodbye and return home.

That ends another good week!