In order for Cosima to make her goal of being home for Christmas she has been told she needs to be able to accomplish the following 2 items:
1. Be able to climb stairs.
2. Get in and out of a step in shower all on her own.
She is focused on working towards being able to do both of these in time for the holiday but they will both be challenging for her.
On Weds before Thanksgiving she overdid it by quite a bit and paid the price with a very sore body the last few days. This is very typical in the recovery process and most everyone who is recovering from a major injury or surgery will do this at least once in their efforts to get their strength back. She was feeling a bit better by Sunday evening but was still just a bit sore.
Physical therapy starts again Monday and she will be working towards climbing stairs and getting in and out of the shower.
broccoli not turkey
Cosima was able to go out to eat at Denny's on Thanksgiving with Thelma and Jan. She didn't get the traditional turkey day dinner but instead opted for fish and broccoli. Being able to choose her own meal and get out for a bit was very welcome and she was excited to be able to do so.
Sam spoke with her when she was at the restaurant and he could tell how happy she was to be having Thanksgiving out of her room. Of course the broccoli probably added to her excitement as that is one of her favorite foods.
At this rate looks like a Christmas wish of being home might come true with how well she is doing.
a thankful turkey day
We all certainly have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Cosima has made incredible strides and we know this will continue.
Thelma asked me in a card to mention again on the blog how thankful she and Pat are for all the cards, healing prayers, and everything that has been done. She asked if I could word it better but I would say she has it covered. She mentioned that Pat's "attitude of gratitude" is also contributing to her improvement. In the card I loved the part where she said that she is so proud at this time to be Pat's mother.
On Thanksgiving Cosima, Thelma, and Jan will be going out for a Thanksgiving dinner. This will be a great break for her and a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday.
Wherever each of you are this Thanksgiving we hope you enjoy your time with your family and friends. All of our family will be counting our blessings even more this year than the last and stuffing ourselves with turkey and pie. Happy Thanksgiving!
improving makes for a busy day
Seems that making progress in your recovery is a busy process. Sam got to see first hand on Monday how recovering is Cosima's full time job right now.
Her day starts off early and by the time she has gotten dressed, brushed her teeth, cleaned up, made her bed (yep she can do this by herself now), and eaten breakfast it is time for therapy. Her therapy lasts for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours each day. Between therapy session she eats her lunch and puts on a variety of creams to help with her muscle soreness.
After her therapy is over she has some time to write cards, go outside, put on more creams, and then it is time for dinner.
After dinner she can make some calls or read but then it is time to get ready for bed. Since everything takes her much longer to do getting ready for bed and ready in the morning take quite a bit of time and effort.
The therapy is exhausting and intensive but the strides she is making are incredible. One therapist told Sam Cosima is ahead of schedule and where they thought she would be. This is the kind of news we like to hear but aren't surprised knowing her strength and determination.
Thelma went back home for the day to get supervise the concrete walk being put in - it is actually a concrete walk so Cosima won't have to walk over stones to get in the house instead of new asphalt mentioned in a previous post. She will be back in time for Thanksgiving to celebrate with Cosima.
Here is to more busy days so she can be discharged in time for Christmas!
Her day starts off early and by the time she has gotten dressed, brushed her teeth, cleaned up, made her bed (yep she can do this by herself now), and eaten breakfast it is time for therapy. Her therapy lasts for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours each day. Between therapy session she eats her lunch and puts on a variety of creams to help with her muscle soreness.
After her therapy is over she has some time to write cards, go outside, put on more creams, and then it is time for dinner.
After dinner she can make some calls or read but then it is time to get ready for bed. Since everything takes her much longer to do getting ready for bed and ready in the morning take quite a bit of time and effort.
The therapy is exhausting and intensive but the strides she is making are incredible. One therapist told Sam Cosima is ahead of schedule and where they thought she would be. This is the kind of news we like to hear but aren't surprised knowing her strength and determination.
Thelma went back home for the day to get supervise the concrete walk being put in - it is actually a concrete walk so Cosima won't have to walk over stones to get in the house instead of new asphalt mentioned in a previous post. She will be back in time for Thanksgiving to celebrate with Cosima.
Here is to more busy days so she can be discharged in time for Christmas!
walking and biking
Sunday Cosima had quite a bit of physical therapy. She spent most of the time walking with her walker and then on the stationary bike. Part of the therapy is also doing arm exercises and on the bike she uses her arms as well. She also got outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
She is still stiff and one of the hardest things is for her to initially get herself up. Just think of sometimes how it can be difficult to get out of a chair after sitting for a long time and that is how it is for her all of the time at least for right now.
Thelma is getting things set up at her house for Cosima to come live with her after she is discharged from the nursing center. Fresh asphalt is being poured to make the driveway smoother and handrails were installed on the steps. Both of them are looking forward to this transition when it happens.
The scrabble game they started the last time Sam was there got finished though Sam didn't tell me who won so I am guessing it wasn't him.
She is still stiff and one of the hardest things is for her to initially get herself up. Just think of sometimes how it can be difficult to get out of a chair after sitting for a long time and that is how it is for her all of the time at least for right now.
Thelma is getting things set up at her house for Cosima to come live with her after she is discharged from the nursing center. Fresh asphalt is being poured to make the driveway smoother and handrails were installed on the steps. Both of them are looking forward to this transition when it happens.
The scrabble game they started the last time Sam was there got finished though Sam didn't tell me who won so I am guessing it wasn't him.
chinese and shoes
Cosima got her wish to be allowed out of the nursing center for a few hours to find some shoes. Her feet are a full size bigger now so her other shoes didn't quite fit. She got the doctor to sign off on her leaving for a bit of freedom.
Sam said she tried on about 40 pairs of shoes in her quest but in the end she found some new tennis shoes to do her therapy in. She also picked out a pair of slippers to keep her feet warm and comfortable to lounge around in.
They also stopped for some Chinese takeout as she had a craving for some good Chinese food and there isn't much of that where she has been. While I was speaking with Sam on the phone Cosima was giving a commentary in the background of all that they had done as well. She was very excited to have gotten out for a bit and am sure she is already planning her next outing.
Sam is impressed with her progress since he saw her a couple of weeks ago. Cosima was walking all over the store with her walker and getting around quite well. Her knees are a bit stiff and sore but that is to be expected.
There is therapy scheduled for Sunday due to the holiday week so she will still have a full week of therapy to keep her on track.
shopping?
Cosima told Sam last evening she is asking permission from the doctor to go shopping while he is with her this weekend. There are a few things she wants but mainly she is ready to get out and about and have a bit of an adventure. I for one definitely understand the need to shop and after over 2 months I would really want to head to the store as well.
She really wants some different shoes since her feet are swollen still and she needs a much bigger size, plus new shoes are always a good thing.
We will hope the doctor signs off though it may be pushing it just a bit.
It was pretty funny when she told Sam that she is somewhat of an outdoor person and was really missing being with nature - Sam responded by telling her she was more into the outdoors than anyone else he knows and she is definitely an outdoor person. I think we all know how much she loves the outdoors so that was quite the understatement.
While she is speaking with the doctor she is also going to see if she might be allowed to go out to dinner and a movie on Thanksgiving. I mean if you are going to ask permission you might as well go for broke. It does seem like a reminder of when we asked our parents for permission and we just decided to ask for all of it in hopes at least a bit would be approved. Cosima seems to be using the same technique that all teenagers have mastered.
She really wants some different shoes since her feet are swollen still and she needs a much bigger size, plus new shoes are always a good thing.
We will hope the doctor signs off though it may be pushing it just a bit.
It was pretty funny when she told Sam that she is somewhat of an outdoor person and was really missing being with nature - Sam responded by telling her she was more into the outdoors than anyone else he knows and she is definitely an outdoor person. I think we all know how much she loves the outdoors so that was quite the understatement.
While she is speaking with the doctor she is also going to see if she might be allowed to go out to dinner and a movie on Thanksgiving. I mean if you are going to ask permission you might as well go for broke. It does seem like a reminder of when we asked our parents for permission and we just decided to ask for all of it in hopes at least a bit would be approved. Cosima seems to be using the same technique that all teenagers have mastered.
venturing out
Tuesday Cosima decided she wanted to be the one to pick up her new glasses. Having not ventured out other than to the hospital and for her eye appointment she wanted to get out if only for a little bit. With her love of outdoors and nature it has been hard to be inside for most of the day and just be able to go outside around the nursing center.
Jan was able to take her in the car. With a bit of manuevering she was able to get herself into the car and then used her walker to walk in to the eye doctor and pick up her glasses.
The milestones keep adding up - definitely seems like she is doing everything in her power to make her Christmas goal.
massage
Cosima was in excellent spirits when both Sam and I spoke with her on Sunday evening. She got a massage yesterday and said it felt very good. Definitely helped her muscles feel better after all the therapy last week. Said it was just what she needed.
Monday starts early - she had to be up at 6:30. I think since it is a nursing home as well days get started early. Makes it a bit tougher for those like Cosima who aren't morning people. And that was definitely passed along to her 2 sons as well.
She is looking forward to her therapy again even though it is so hard because it means she will keep improving. She is very focused on her goal of Christmas so she plans to keep working toward that.
Cosima expressed her gratitude again to everyone who has sent cards, come to visit her, and spoken with her. She is very grateful for all that everyone has done and continues to be amazed at the outpouring of love she has received.
Monday starts early - she had to be up at 6:30. I think since it is a nursing home as well days get started early. Makes it a bit tougher for those like Cosima who aren't morning people. And that was definitely passed along to her 2 sons as well.
She is looking forward to her therapy again even though it is so hard because it means she will keep improving. She is very focused on her goal of Christmas so she plans to keep working toward that.
Cosima expressed her gratitude again to everyone who has sent cards, come to visit her, and spoken with her. She is very grateful for all that everyone has done and continues to be amazed at the outpouring of love she has received.
a bit sore
Cosima seemed to be in very good spirits when Sam spoke to her this evening.
Thursday and Friday she had very intensive physical therapy and is a bit sore today as a result. She went up and down the halls numerous times so she is building up her strength and working on walking.
One of the best things is that she is able to use the restroom on her own now so that definitely increases her self sufficiency.
Her goal is to be out of the nursing center by Christmas which is aggressive - if she isn't quite ready to be released then she wants to at least spend the day with Thelma at her house. Cosima is definitely working towards this and we know that she will do everything she can to achieve it if at all possible.
She is still requesting a break from visitors but we will let you know when this changes. She is still trying to get her strength back right now.
Thursday and Friday she had very intensive physical therapy and is a bit sore today as a result. She went up and down the halls numerous times so she is building up her strength and working on walking.
One of the best things is that she is able to use the restroom on her own now so that definitely increases her self sufficiency.
Her goal is to be out of the nursing center by Christmas which is aggressive - if she isn't quite ready to be released then she wants to at least spend the day with Thelma at her house. Cosima is definitely working towards this and we know that she will do everything she can to achieve it if at all possible.
She is still requesting a break from visitors but we will let you know when this changes. She is still trying to get her strength back right now.
Cosima in action
Gracia took some picture of Cosima yesterday walking and on the stationary bike. One can tell by her huge grin how happy she is. Of course I think we will all have huge grins on our faces when we view these pictures.
Gracia also said she worked up quite an appetite and for dinner she literally licked her plate clean.
her own walker
Cosima now has her own walker she uses. This means she is definitely fitting in at the nursing center since that seems to be the preferred mode of transportation.
She is walking very short distances in therapy with a band around her and with a chair directly behind her so she can sit down as needed. Being able to move around on her own (well almost on her own) is huge - after all she has pretty much been in bed for most of the last 2 months. She is finally gaining some independence and mobility though it is still very limited.
Her physical therapy is extremely intensive right now. She sees 3 different therapists each day during the week and it is very exhausting for her. She has so much they are working on with her and it is for a large portion of her day.
The dentist is one of the next priorities on her list and she wants to go when Sam is down there next weekend. She will need someone to lift her in and out of the chair so she has requested his assistance.
As of right now she is still asking not to have visitors. The therapy is wearing her out and she is still concentrating and putting all of her energy into therapy. When Sam spoke with her this evening she was very tired and reiterated her request for the time being. If anyone knows of anyone with plans to visit please ask them to hold off for right now.
Thanks again for your understanding. We are very pleased about her being able to use the walker more and the fact she is seeing progress from her therapy.
She is walking very short distances in therapy with a band around her and with a chair directly behind her so she can sit down as needed. Being able to move around on her own (well almost on her own) is huge - after all she has pretty much been in bed for most of the last 2 months. She is finally gaining some independence and mobility though it is still very limited.
Her physical therapy is extremely intensive right now. She sees 3 different therapists each day during the week and it is very exhausting for her. She has so much they are working on with her and it is for a large portion of her day.
The dentist is one of the next priorities on her list and she wants to go when Sam is down there next weekend. She will need someone to lift her in and out of the chair so she has requested his assistance.
As of right now she is still asking not to have visitors. The therapy is wearing her out and she is still concentrating and putting all of her energy into therapy. When Sam spoke with her this evening she was very tired and reiterated her request for the time being. If anyone knows of anyone with plans to visit please ask them to hold off for right now.
Thanks again for your understanding. We are very pleased about her being able to use the walker more and the fact she is seeing progress from her therapy.
partial weight bearing status
Cosima has reached weight bearing status in one of her legs and partial weight bearing status in her other leg. And some weight bearing status in her right arm and left shoulder. This is a great step in her recovery. What it means is that progressively with the help of a walker she will be able to stand up and put just a little bit of weight on her legs for a short period of time. This will increase with time and therapy.
The visit to the hospital was very exhausting and took quite a bit out of her. During her visit to the hospital she even stood up for a minute to show the doctor her legs are ready to begin taking the weight. Very exciting! And frankly very shortly will make trips to the restroom much easier.
Because of the progressively increased activities and physical therapy Cosima has requested at this time to hold off on having any visitors for a bit. Her concentration and energy needs to be put entirely into her therapy and she wants to save all of her energy and strength for that right now.
We really appreciate all those that have taken time to spend time with her and visit her but she is requesting a break. I will update the blog when she is ready to have visitors again.
Thanks for your understanding and am sure that everyone wants her to be able to focus her energy on her physical recovery as she is at a critical point having now reached partial weight bearing status.
Having to actually make a request like this is a good thing since so many of the people where she is at don't receive the visitors that she does and she feels blessed that she has so many people wanting to come visit.
Please contact me if you have any questions about her request.
The visit to the hospital was very exhausting and took quite a bit out of her. During her visit to the hospital she even stood up for a minute to show the doctor her legs are ready to begin taking the weight. Very exciting! And frankly very shortly will make trips to the restroom much easier.
Because of the progressively increased activities and physical therapy Cosima has requested at this time to hold off on having any visitors for a bit. Her concentration and energy needs to be put entirely into her therapy and she wants to save all of her energy and strength for that right now.
We really appreciate all those that have taken time to spend time with her and visit her but she is requesting a break. I will update the blog when she is ready to have visitors again.
Thanks for your understanding and am sure that everyone wants her to be able to focus her energy on her physical recovery as she is at a critical point having now reached partial weight bearing status.
Having to actually make a request like this is a good thing since so many of the people where she is at don't receive the visitors that she does and she feels blessed that she has so many people wanting to come visit.
Please contact me if you have any questions about her request.
welcome mobility
Today we had some great news - I love it when Sam comes in the door asking me if I want good news or better news after he has spoken with his mom. Cosima has some new found mobility. She has figured out how to get out of her bed, onto the board, and into her wheelchair and is then able to push herself around just a bit. This was something she figured out on her own - though any of us who know her aren't surprised in the least.
We are excited that this gives her some freedom previously she didn't have. She can also put on her pants and shirt as well.
The bus was able to take her to the optometrist today and she had some very good news there as well. Her eyes were not affected during the accident - there was a bit of concern that some damage could have happened during the accident but fortunately nothing did.
A change of prescription is needed but that was not due to the accident but rather just a change in her vision from the last time she had been to the eye doctor. As anyone who wears glasses/contacts knows it seems the vision changes with each visit. A new prescription was ordered and she should have her new eyes in 7 - 10 days.
Tomorrow is the weight bearing test at UNMH. She has an early morning appointment so we are hoping her wait won't be nearly as long this time. Again our fingers are crossed that she has reached weight bearing status.
A very positive day - even more so given it is a Monday. So from Cosima an excellent Monday report.
We are excited that this gives her some freedom previously she didn't have. She can also put on her pants and shirt as well.
The bus was able to take her to the optometrist today and she had some very good news there as well. Her eyes were not affected during the accident - there was a bit of concern that some damage could have happened during the accident but fortunately nothing did.
A change of prescription is needed but that was not due to the accident but rather just a change in her vision from the last time she had been to the eye doctor. As anyone who wears glasses/contacts knows it seems the vision changes with each visit. A new prescription was ordered and she should have her new eyes in 7 - 10 days.
Tomorrow is the weight bearing test at UNMH. She has an early morning appointment so we are hoping her wait won't be nearly as long this time. Again our fingers are crossed that she has reached weight bearing status.
A very positive day - even more so given it is a Monday. So from Cosima an excellent Monday report.
new digs
A new room - Cosima has been moved to room 113 which is a private room. She was on the waiting list and finally she has her own space. It is just down from where she was previously. It will be great from a privacy standpoint to have her own space and she is very happy about it.
She has gotten all her items moved and is all set up in her new room as of today. The fridge she had in her old room was moved so she still has access to her own food items.
Zach is still with her and they are enjoying their time together. This evening they were watching a movie on DVD.
Since it is the weekend she has taken a partial break from her physical therapy but it will resume on Monday. She did a bit on her own this weekend without the physical therapists but it is easier to have the structure and someone directing her progress.
She has gotten all her items moved and is all set up in her new room as of today. The fridge she had in her old room was moved so she still has access to her own food items.
Zach is still with her and they are enjoying their time together. This evening they were watching a movie on DVD.
Since it is the weekend she has taken a partial break from her physical therapy but it will resume on Monday. She did a bit on her own this weekend without the physical therapists but it is easier to have the structure and someone directing her progress.
diet and therapy
Cosima has been having some difficulty with her glasses lately so that makes it a bit difficult for her to read and watch her DVD's. Since so much of her time has to be spent in bed entertainment is very important and she hopes that she can get to the optometrist this next week to get her prescription taken care of. It isn't too far from where she is at so hopefully that will work out. In the interim she is making do.
She is having good success with her diet through several sources. A small fridge is available for her use and some of her friends have been able to bring her items she needs. Sometimes the food being served works as well so she eats that when she can. All in all it seems to be working out well so far which is good and she has some options on a daily basis. In fact tonight for dinner she is having Chinese food - sounds pretty good to me.
So far she has been off the prescription drugs for about a week now with the exception of Wednesday for a few hours. Cosima has been able to just take Advil right now and it is working out for her. She would really like to be off of the Advil as well and is working towards that. So much easier to be yourself without the drugs in your system.
Physical therapy has been continuing and she is progressing well. There are doing quite a bit of therapy on both her arms and legs which does take a bit out of her since it is so strenuous.
She is really enjoying her time with Zach right now and and also had a visit with Mary Ann today.
She is having good success with her diet through several sources. A small fridge is available for her use and some of her friends have been able to bring her items she needs. Sometimes the food being served works as well so she eats that when she can. All in all it seems to be working out well so far which is good and she has some options on a daily basis. In fact tonight for dinner she is having Chinese food - sounds pretty good to me.
So far she has been off the prescription drugs for about a week now with the exception of Wednesday for a few hours. Cosima has been able to just take Advil right now and it is working out for her. She would really like to be off of the Advil as well and is working towards that. So much easier to be yourself without the drugs in your system.
Physical therapy has been continuing and she is progressing well. There are doing quite a bit of therapy on both her arms and legs which does take a bit out of her since it is so strenuous.
She is really enjoying her time with Zach right now and and also had a visit with Mary Ann today.
getting some rest
Cosima has been getting some rest these last few days. She doesn't seem to be 100% caught up but is feeling a bit more rested.
Wednesday her visit to University of New Mexico Hospital didn't turn out to be for the weight bearing status check like she had originally thought. It looks like that may happen next week. Instead they did x-rays of her spine to see how that was healing and it appears to be healing well. It was a long day - 5 hours waiting for the results - without a ton of information. More of a hurry up and wait scenario which can be a bit frustrating.
Cosima now has a board that assists her in getting from her wheelchair into the bed. Previously it would take two people to lift her and now it is quite a bit easier and she can help a bit with the process. This makes it a much easier transition even though she would really like to be able to manage it all herself.
Zach is coming in this evening from Virginia and Cosima is understandably very excited to see him and spend some time with him. He will be there until Tuesday.
Wednesday her visit to University of New Mexico Hospital didn't turn out to be for the weight bearing status check like she had originally thought. It looks like that may happen next week. Instead they did x-rays of her spine to see how that was healing and it appears to be healing well. It was a long day - 5 hours waiting for the results - without a ton of information. More of a hurry up and wait scenario which can be a bit frustrating.
Cosima now has a board that assists her in getting from her wheelchair into the bed. Previously it would take two people to lift her and now it is quite a bit easier and she can help a bit with the process. This makes it a much easier transition even though she would really like to be able to manage it all herself.
Zach is coming in this evening from Virginia and Cosima is understandably very excited to see him and spend some time with him. He will be there until Tuesday.
weight bearing status?
Cosima is anxiously awaiting her visit to the University of New Mexico Hospital tomorrow. They are running tests to determine where she is at with her weight bearing status.
Some of her physical therapy has been on hold a bit until her weight bearing status is determined and we have a better idea of where she is at. To reach weight bearing status is a major milestone in her progression and will determine the level of therapy she will receive.
The therapists have been holding off a bit until the latest tests so tomorrow is a big day for her. With all of her broken bones and the fact it has affected all 4 of her limbs the weight bearing status is a major step in her overall recovery. Once she has been classified as weight bearing it will increase her physical therapy and speed up her healing.
We will all have our fingers crossed for tomorrow.
Some of her physical therapy has been on hold a bit until her weight bearing status is determined and we have a better idea of where she is at. To reach weight bearing status is a major milestone in her progression and will determine the level of therapy she will receive.
The therapists have been holding off a bit until the latest tests so tomorrow is a big day for her. With all of her broken bones and the fact it has affected all 4 of her limbs the weight bearing status is a major step in her overall recovery. Once she has been classified as weight bearing it will increase her physical therapy and speed up her healing.
We will all have our fingers crossed for tomorrow.
quiet time
It has been a busy weekend with many visitors coming to see Cosima. It has been a good weekend for her though she does need some time to herself for a bit now.
Cosima made a personal request that she have some down time in the next several days. If visitors can be kept to a minimum and some of the healing that has been coming her way be suspended for a few days she would be grateful. For the next few days she wants to have more alone time both mentally and physically as she feels it would be a good break for her. With so much activity she feels in need of a short time out.
Her catheter was removed and she is glad to have that gone. She also has a visit with an acupuncturist scheduled for this coming week.
Tomorrow she will begin her physical therapy regimen after having the weekend off.
Cosima made a personal request that she have some down time in the next several days. If visitors can be kept to a minimum and some of the healing that has been coming her way be suspended for a few days she would be grateful. For the next few days she wants to have more alone time both mentally and physically as she feels it would be a good break for her. With so much activity she feels in need of a short time out.
Her catheter was removed and she is glad to have that gone. She also has a visit with an acupuncturist scheduled for this coming week.
Tomorrow she will begin her physical therapy regimen after having the weekend off.
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