Eye Doctor Appointment

Earlier this week Tania had an appointment with an eye doctor that specializes in patients with brain injuries. He prescribed a contact for Tania in one eye to improve her vision. Although the contact is extended wear, Tania has been taking it out each night until she becomes more accustomed to wearing a contact again since it has been a number of years since she wore contacts. Her vision has improved to the point that she is now beginning to read large print and also to read some of the many cards and letters she has received over the past eight months.

Tania's brother, Lonn, is visiting from Springfield, MO this week. He is an excellent cook and brought several of his recipes to prepare in Tania's kitchen. He has been most helpful and we are enjoying his visit.

Rollie

Feeding Tube Removed

Today marks the four week point of Tania's return home and she continues to show progress on her long recovery road. On Wednesday she had the feeding tube removed (it had not been used for nourishment since early March). She was also able to get her hair highlighted and cut on Wednesday. Both of these events were a great way to recall that it had been eight months since the original 911 call.

This week we have been sleeping upstairs in "our" king size bed. I think we are both sleeping better. The temperature is about ten degrees warmer upstairs than in the basement. Tania is assisted up and down the stairs by placing both of her hands on the banister and taking sideways steps. Tania's schedule stays busy with therapists and visitors coming to our home. The ResCare home care aides are also assisting ten hours per week day so I can continue to work. We continue to be encouraged with her progress and by your support.

Rollie

First Out Patient Check Up at Craig

Tania had her first out patient check up by Dr. Weintraub at Craig Hospital yesterday. He was pleased with her progress since her discharge almost three weeks ago. He reduced the dosage of one medication and told her to keep up the good work. She also was fitted for the wheelchair that we purchased so we could return the loaner back to Craig.

She is now at a stage where her mind occasionally wants to do more activity than the body is capable of handling so she needs a watchful eye to keep her out of trouble from falling. We have had a couple of bumps and bruises, but fortunately nothing serious. Her strength is getting better, but her sense of balance still needs significant recovery.

She has enjoyed visitors stopping by late afternoon once the therapy's are completed. She is also getting much better at phone conversations. Thanks to everyone for your continued support and prayers.

Rollie

Living in the Basement

After spending the first few days back home mostly in the basement because of the shower, bedroom and walkout exit, Tania is now enjoying spending approximately half of the day on the first floor in the kitchen, office and family room. Until today the transition from the basement to the first floor was a wheelchair ride on a portable ramp off the patio, across four sheets of plywood on the grass, down the neighbor's driveway, up the side walk and into our garage. Several inches of snow that fell last night made this tranistion from the basement to the kitchen unworkable. However, plan B worked as Tania walked up and down the stairs today with balance assistance and by grabbing hand rails on both sides of the stairwell.

She continues to improve and is having excellent social interaction with the family and friends who come to see her. The medical insurance has currently designated her as home bound and three therapists are coming to our home two or three times per week. As the weather warms up I am certain that she is going to want to spend time cleaning (or directing others) up the yard from the long winter.

Rollie