Cosima is getting adjusted to being out of the hospital. Going from a very structured environment and having most of your day mapped out to suddenly not having the schedule in place has been a bit of an adjustment.
It is going very well with her at Thelma's house and she is still getting organized and setting up her routine. They are doing well together and enjoying each other's company.
Today she spent quite a bit of time on the stationary bike and is working to continue her therapy. She tried to do some very light work on Thelma but realized that she isn't able to do that yet.
Cosima would love to have more visitors now that she is at Thelma's and she has much more time to visit and catch up with her friends. Please call Thelma's at 575-829-3949 just to make sure they will be home. It is much easier to visit in a private residence and she would love to see whoever is able to stop by.
Christmas pics
Cosima's friend Linda sent us some pictures of the Christmas celebration at her house. She said it still hurts Cosima to laugh and it was hard to keep her from laughing. But am sure even though it hurts to laugh it is still good medicine.
Looks like everyone had a very good time as evidenced by the big grins on their faces. Thanks for sharing these Linda.
a very merry christmas
A very merry Christmas to everyone! Cosima is very happy to be at Thelma's and out of the hospital.
Today she was able to go to a friend's house for Christmas along with Thelma and Jan. She also got the opportunity to go down to the river and walk by it for a bit. She told Sam she got her walker wheels muddy enough that she had to get them washed off in the water.
Being able to get outside and get the fresh air and be by the river was a Christmas gift in itself.
Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and kindnesses the past few months she feels truly blessed. Being out of the hospital and going to a friend's house for the holiday is so much more than any of us would have even hoped for a few months ago.
It truly is a very Merry Christmas for Cosima and us today.
Today she was able to go to a friend's house for Christmas along with Thelma and Jan. She also got the opportunity to go down to the river and walk by it for a bit. She told Sam she got her walker wheels muddy enough that she had to get them washed off in the water.
Being able to get outside and get the fresh air and be by the river was a Christmas gift in itself.
Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and kindnesses the past few months she feels truly blessed. Being out of the hospital and going to a friend's house for the holiday is so much more than any of us would have even hoped for a few months ago.
It truly is a very Merry Christmas for Cosima and us today.
checked out
It is official Cosima checked out today and is now at Thelma's house. The next stage has truly begun.
3 months might seem like a long time but when we were aware of the full extent of her injuries we couldn't have imagined she would be at her mom's house for Christmas. Her progress so far has surpassed our expectations and hopes.
She and Thelma ran some errands to get a few items they still needed. When Sam spoke with her this evening she was laying in her bed watching a movie.
They were even able to pick up a small Christmas tree to help get in the holiday spirit though with her out of the nursing center I don't think they need much help. Thelma had put up a few decorations but she hasn't been home much since she has been staying close to Cosima.
Her legs are still pretty swollen and she can definitely feel it when she has been doing the physical therapy or walking quite a bit like she did today. Hopefully the swelling will start to subside but it is to be expected at this point. She is still pretty sore and stiff but is getting around very well with her walker.
Her digestive problems have improved quite a bit in the last 5 days. Now that she is at Thelma's and eating all of her own food she is hoping this will continue.
She is very happy to be checked out. Because of all the activity today her appt at UNMH was postponed as it was scheduled for tomorrow.
One of the things that made her the happiest was being able to cut off her hospital wrist bracelet today. That truly makes it official when you no longer have that on your wrist and after over three months she was ready for it to be gone.
3 months might seem like a long time but when we were aware of the full extent of her injuries we couldn't have imagined she would be at her mom's house for Christmas. Her progress so far has surpassed our expectations and hopes.
She and Thelma ran some errands to get a few items they still needed. When Sam spoke with her this evening she was laying in her bed watching a movie.
They were even able to pick up a small Christmas tree to help get in the holiday spirit though with her out of the nursing center I don't think they need much help. Thelma had put up a few decorations but she hasn't been home much since she has been staying close to Cosima.
Her legs are still pretty swollen and she can definitely feel it when she has been doing the physical therapy or walking quite a bit like she did today. Hopefully the swelling will start to subside but it is to be expected at this point. She is still pretty sore and stiff but is getting around very well with her walker.
Her digestive problems have improved quite a bit in the last 5 days. Now that she is at Thelma's and eating all of her own food she is hoping this will continue.
She is very happy to be checked out. Because of all the activity today her appt at UNMH was postponed as it was scheduled for tomorrow.
One of the things that made her the happiest was being able to cut off her hospital wrist bracelet today. That truly makes it official when you no longer have that on your wrist and after over three months she was ready for it to be gone.
prepping for the move
Cosima is getting ready for her move to Thelma's house on the 22nd. She got a new walker that she will be using - it is very similar to her current one. She is working on the details to make sure she is all ready to go.
Currently she is packing up her belongings and Thelma is working on getting her house ready for her new housemate.
Tomorrow she will have physical therapy since it is a holiday week and her therapy will be cut short. Right now it looks like she will go into therapy a couple of times a week after she leaves the nursing facility.
Several have asked for Thelma's address so here it is:
134 Camino Azul Box 14
Jemez Pueblos, Nm 87024
Cosima is very excited to be on to the next stage very shortly.
Currently she is packing up her belongings and Thelma is working on getting her house ready for her new housemate.
Tomorrow she will have physical therapy since it is a holiday week and her therapy will be cut short. Right now it looks like she will go into therapy a couple of times a week after she leaves the nursing facility.
Several have asked for Thelma's address so here it is:
134 Camino Azul Box 14
Jemez Pueblos, Nm 87024
Cosima is very excited to be on to the next stage very shortly.
throwing snowballs
It turns out physical therapy can be fun! Cosima told one of her physical therapists that she was tired of being inside doing her therapy and asked that they go outside.
It had snowed there (seems the cold weather and snow is affecting the U.S. all over) and the therapist had her throwing snowballs at him. Not to worry she was being very careful to not loose her balance. The therapist was hiding behind trees and she was pelting him with snowballs.
Sounds like a whole new way to receive therapy and use your arm muscles. Maybe this will become the new physical therapy gold standard when it snows. It definitely made her smile and changed up her routine. I wish we had enough snow left to get in my own snowball fight.
Sorry for the delayed post but Sam had been trying to reach her for a few days and hadn't been able to reach her. It turns our there is something wrong with her phone. If you have been calling she is not ignoring you. If you want to speak with Cosima call the nursing center directly.
As for Christmas she is already making plans to go to Michael and Linda's house for Christmas dinner if she is up for it and not too tired from the process of being checked out.
We are hoping for more snow in New Mexico so Cosima can keep working on her snowball making and throwing skills. We will wish for snow in Seattle as well so we can keep up with her when we see her next. We don't want to loose the snowball fight or really we just want to hold our own. In fact it might not be a bad idea for all of us to get in some practice so she doesn't take us by surprise.
getting ready for Thelma's
Sam spoke with Cosima yesterday and she was a bit sore from all the physical therapy this past week. She is taking the weekend to recover a bit and get ready to start the process again.
On Monday she is going to check out the place where she would have ongoing physical therapy as an out patient when she is at Thelma's. The facility is about 45 minutes away from the house so it shouldn't be too far to drive for her appointments.
She is still having a few digestive issues but said she is going to "power through them" and with time is thinking it will improve.
Having the date to go home is very exciting and Cosima and Thelma are making plans to ensure she will be comfortable there and that her space is set up. Someone has offered a new bed for the bedroom and they are working on other things to ensure it all is ready for her. The 22nd will be here soon so they want to have it all set up.
On Monday she is going to check out the place where she would have ongoing physical therapy as an out patient when she is at Thelma's. The facility is about 45 minutes away from the house so it shouldn't be too far to drive for her appointments.
She is still having a few digestive issues but said she is going to "power through them" and with time is thinking it will improve.
Having the date to go home is very exciting and Cosima and Thelma are making plans to ensure she will be comfortable there and that her space is set up. Someone has offered a new bed for the bedroom and they are working on other things to ensure it all is ready for her. The 22nd will be here soon so they want to have it all set up.
"C" day is coming
Well the doctors and insurance company heard about Cosima's walking up and down the 19 steps and feel she is getting close to being checked out.
Right now they have "C" (checkout) day as December 22nd just in time to meet her Christmas self-imposed deadline. The doctors feel she has made such good progress and with her mobility that she is ready to head off to Thelma's very soon. The 22nd isn't far away at all so it almost seems like this has crept us on all of us.
Who would have thought 3 months ago she would be this close to being discharged so we are truly grateful for all that has happened.
Cosima is still having some digestive issues and she is working to see if by adjusting her diet she can get this resolved before "C" Day. With all that has happened to her physically it isn't surprising but is a bit frustrating. It might be some of the food she is getting at the nursing center is a bit different than her normal diet or that her body is still readjusting to solid foods. At this point she still isn't sure and neither are the doctors.
But like everything else she has overcome we are sure she will get through this as well though it has been challenging. The digestive issues have been a bit hard to deal with but as with all of it Cosima is managing to cope with her smile still in place.
Right now they have "C" (checkout) day as December 22nd just in time to meet her Christmas self-imposed deadline. The doctors feel she has made such good progress and with her mobility that she is ready to head off to Thelma's very soon. The 22nd isn't far away at all so it almost seems like this has crept us on all of us.
Who would have thought 3 months ago she would be this close to being discharged so we are truly grateful for all that has happened.
Cosima is still having some digestive issues and she is working to see if by adjusting her diet she can get this resolved before "C" Day. With all that has happened to her physically it isn't surprising but is a bit frustrating. It might be some of the food she is getting at the nursing center is a bit different than her normal diet or that her body is still readjusting to solid foods. At this point she still isn't sure and neither are the doctors.
But like everything else she has overcome we are sure she will get through this as well though it has been challenging. The digestive issues have been a bit hard to deal with but as with all of it Cosima is managing to cope with her smile still in place.
a cane
Well it seems appropriate this time of year that with the candy canes Cosima is working on walking with a cane! This sounds even better than the peppermint (or even yummier those sour patch ones) candy cane version.
Most people might not be so excited about a cane but this is a big step up from the walker - plus it isn't so bulky. She called Sam to tell him to make sure to put this on the blog as she is excited about this new installment in her recovery.
We all await the next thing she will surprise us with so stay tuned, or reading in this case.
Most people might not be so excited about a cane but this is a big step up from the walker - plus it isn't so bulky. She called Sam to tell him to make sure to put this on the blog as she is excited about this new installment in her recovery.
We all await the next thing she will surprise us with so stay tuned, or reading in this case.
no big outings
Unfortunately Cosima didn't really feel well enough when Zach was visiting to venture out anywhere. She had big plans but they fell through when she wasn't feeling so good. Zach left early Sunday morning to head back to Virginia but hopefully the next time he is out he will be able to get out with his mom.
Cosima was able to walk all around the nursing center outside. In the rocks, on the paths, on the grass, and pretty much everywhere she could. Her balance is really improving and she gets around very well with her walker.
The physical therapy routine begins all over again on Monday morning so we are hoping she will be ready to go and will be feeling better.
Cosima was able to walk all around the nursing center outside. In the rocks, on the paths, on the grass, and pretty much everywhere she could. Her balance is really improving and she gets around very well with her walker.
The physical therapy routine begins all over again on Monday morning so we are hoping she will be ready to go and will be feeling better.
not so fresh seafood
Unfortunately today Cosima got food poisoning. It seems like it was most likely from some shrimp. I always say not to eat seafood in a landlocked state but when you don't live near the water it is hard to resist seafood and shrimp in particular.
It is a bit easier to have the landlocked rule when you live close to the water. And since Cosima doesn't really eat beef sticking with red meat inland doesn't work as well. Sam told her to just stick with the chicken but Cosima said she needs to eat something other than chicken as that gets a bit old for her.
So Cosima isn't feeling very good today but hopefully she will feel a bit better tomorrow.
She is really having a good time with Zach in spite of not feeling super well. Having the three of them together - Cosima, Thelma, and Zach is still a good thing even if you aren't quite feeling up to par. Sam was able to chat with all three of them this this evening to catch up.
Tomorrow she is going to take a shower in her own bathroom in her room. This is a simulation for her seeing if she will be able to shower on her own at home. Since this is one of the things she needs to accomplish on her own she is anxious to pass this next test.
It is a bit easier to have the landlocked rule when you live close to the water. And since Cosima doesn't really eat beef sticking with red meat inland doesn't work as well. Sam told her to just stick with the chicken but Cosima said she needs to eat something other than chicken as that gets a bit old for her.
So Cosima isn't feeling very good today but hopefully she will feel a bit better tomorrow.
She is really having a good time with Zach in spite of not feeling super well. Having the three of them together - Cosima, Thelma, and Zach is still a good thing even if you aren't quite feeling up to par. Sam was able to chat with all three of them this this evening to catch up.
Tomorrow she is going to take a shower in her own bathroom in her room. This is a simulation for her seeing if she will be able to shower on her own at home. Since this is one of the things she needs to accomplish on her own she is anxious to pass this next test.
huge difference
Zach flew in on Thursday night to see his mom. When he saw her on Friday morning he was amazed at her progress since he had last seen her. He really couldn't even believe how well she is doing. Since he had seen her a few weeks ago she has made huge strides. The difference is huge compared to just a short time ago. Sam felt the same way when he saw her.
I have people who ask me regularly how she is doing and when I tell them that she is up and about and using a walker they can't believe how far she has come in a relatively short period of time since her accident. Even after sharing it so many times I still can hardly believe it myself.
Cosima was really looking forward to her time with Zach and am sure she will come up with some ideas on someplace she would like him to take her so she can escape from the nursing center for a little while. Stay tuned on where she ends up going this time.
I have people who ask me regularly how she is doing and when I tell them that she is up and about and using a walker they can't believe how far she has come in a relatively short period of time since her accident. Even after sharing it so many times I still can hardly believe it myself.
Cosima was really looking forward to her time with Zach and am sure she will come up with some ideas on someplace she would like him to take her so she can escape from the nursing center for a little while. Stay tuned on where she ends up going this time.
magic number 19
Cosima had an appointment today and to get in the office she had to walk up and down 19 stairs! We continue to be amazed at her progress and determination - maybe I should double-check and see how many times I have already said this but it continues to be true. One of the conditions of her being checked out is walking stairs so it looks like she is getting this condition checked off quickly.
She was also able to wash her hair by herself in the shower. Seems like a small thing but when you take your next shower notice how you need to lift your arms and use both of them to shampoo. Sometimes some of the mundane everyday tasks can be much more complex than we ever imagined.
Both of these successes make it that much closer for her to go to Thelma's. Will continue to let you know of her next big steps.
She was also able to wash her hair by herself in the shower. Seems like a small thing but when you take your next shower notice how you need to lift your arms and use both of them to shampoo. Sometimes some of the mundane everyday tasks can be much more complex than we ever imagined.
Both of these successes make it that much closer for her to go to Thelma's. Will continue to let you know of her next big steps.
happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Cosima!
Today is her birthday and several of you have sent birthday wishes to us for Cosima. Thanks so much we are passing these along to her.
She was able to get out to a movie today and she really enjoyed it. It was the new one about Australia and she said it was definitely worth watching. She has wanted to get out to the movies for several weeks now so this was a real treat.
One of her friends came to visit today with a cake to help her celebrate. They were born 4 hours apart at the same hospital and share a similar profession so one could say she received a visit from her "twin" today. She appreciated the visit and cake is always good.
Today is her birthday and several of you have sent birthday wishes to us for Cosima. Thanks so much we are passing these along to her.
She was able to get out to a movie today and she really enjoyed it. It was the new one about Australia and she said it was definitely worth watching. She has wanted to get out to the movies for several weeks now so this was a real treat.
One of her friends came to visit today with a cake to help her celebrate. They were born 4 hours apart at the same hospital and share a similar profession so one could say she received a visit from her "twin" today. She appreciated the visit and cake is always good.
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