Car and doctor's appt

Wednesday during PT we had a bit more success getting Dad into my car in the 2nd row. THe rest of the session went fine as well. Lucinda commented that it "gives her chills" to think about the progress Dad has made.

I arranged for Anna to be able to come with me to Dad's doctor's appt today to help getting Dad in/out of car. It worked out! He seems to get better each time. He still goes into a little bit of the "fear mode" when being asked to come forward (leaning forward to get out of seat) but handled it better with each successive attempt. Note that getting Dad into the car does require someone (in our case Anna) pulling up on his pants from behind to help lift him onto the seat. Once on the seat, Dad participates in adjusting his feet, body to sit in the seat.

At appointment, doctor had requested x-rays, but I asked him if they were needed---mentioned how difficult it was to get him on x-ray table on prior visit. After checking the prior xrays and examining him (he picked up Dad's leg in a flexed position and rotated it in a circular motion, during which Dad chuckled), as well as being told that Dad is walking several times a day, he agreed it was not necessary and to keep up the good work. He recommended that PT continue, but I will probably have to contact insurance if I want to push it to continue beyond next week (anyone interested in researching this?) . I'm sort of feeling he probably is getting enough exercise each day at this point, so perhaps not worth it. Lucinda also mentioned that should Dad's situation changed, they can always try to "re-activate" it.

Anna also reported that Dad is getting more and more talkative.

Bed Alarm mat has been ordered, but is on back-order. Only cost $75.

Last Friday and Monday

Dad had a pretty good therapy session last Friday. Since he was doing so well, we decided we would try and see if he could get into my van (hoping that perhaps I could take him for a ride on the weekend, and also to prepare for going to the doctor.) Dad seemed motivated to get in, but couldn't seem to get his butt up high enough on the seat, and then he started leaning back (but he was leaning towards the driver's side, not against the back of the seat.) He then seemed to be a little afraid and as we tried to assist him to come forward, he resisted, and leaned back (pattern we've seen in bed and before in hospital.) With Al's help, we eventually got him out, and Dad seemed a bit unhappy with us. He did do another walk in the house, and a brief set of exercises.

I had planned to check in at the end of Lucinda's therapy session yesterday (had Dylan with me, Paul/Ryland out of town), but I just missed her by the time I arrived. Lucinda told me that Dad did well with the walking and such. She tried getting in/out of bed...in was OK, but getting out was difficult again.

Lucinda mentioned that she wants to try the car again, so I will be there tomorrow and we will attempt it. We had the idea to try the 2nd row seat of my van (instead of passenger), which should actually be easier since the door won't be in the way, and also, allows easier assistance from someone who can sit in the 2nd row.

Lucinda also said that she has requested two more therapy sessions next week, but then he reaches his max on therapy. As it turns out, Dad has an appointment this Friday with the ortho surgeon, and I will talk to him about the possibility of more therapy. Depending upon how getting in the car goes tomorrow, i'll see if I need to arrange for a taxi to the doctor's appt again.