Happy Monday All!
I have some great news to report in my update today. Mike had an appointment with his orthopedic surgeon this morning, and two things happened:
1. He got the cast on his hand off!
2. He got the go-ahead for FULL weight bearing on his right leg!
While he's not moving his fingers too much, he is moving his wrist around, which he said feels good after being casted, but his hand does ache. It looks like he'll be starting PT on his hand on Wednesday.
Putting full weight on his leg is the most significant development today. He will be doing his PT exercises without the brace/cast on his leg, and if he's not moving around too much, he can have the cast off at home. Basically, he was told "if it hurts, stop". Mike took a stroll down to the pool today, too. He'll be using the walker, still, for support and for safety reasons, especially until he regains some of the strength and stability in his leg.
All in all, he's doing great. He was so happy to not only get his cast on his hand off today, but also to be able to put full weight on his leg. That will certainly help with his mobility! Now that he has these "restrictions" lifted...I would imagine that his PT will begin moving him along nicely...towards a full recovery!
That's all for now...don't stop the good thoughts...they've been working!
Love & Blessings,
karin
22 June 2009
19 June 2009
Mikey update - Fri 6/19 1:36PST
Happy Friday!
First, sorry for the delay between updates. As I suspected, there is less to report each day, so the posts will become less frequent. But, in this case, no news is good news!
This week, Mike had 2 more PT appointments...Wed and this morning. While he didn't start the stationary bike as part of his therapy, he did get the "ok" from his orthopedic surgeon to flex his knee to 80 degrees - which is up from 60. As suspected, his PT added in some new exercises, and his PT appointment time is now 60 minutes per session, vs the previous 30 minutes. There is a chance he'll get on the bike next week, but as of today, the doctor still wants no weight bearing or pressure activities.
From everything Mike has heard, it sounds like he'll be getting his hand cast off on Monday! We are still uncertain if they will replace it with a soft cast, a splint, a wrap, or ??? I guess Monday will tell all! Either way, it appears as if Mike will then start the PT on his hand next week as well, not sure what day or how much, but it should be something. Mike is really just excited to get his cast off and to move his hand/wrist, even if it is just a tiny bit during PT.
He also has two follow up doctor appointments next week - one with the orthopedic surgeon (Mon), and the general trauma surgeon (Wed).
Now that all of his appointments are over for the week, Mike is looking forward to a weekend of relaxation. All of his activities and appointments tire him out, so right now, he's enjoying a relaxing Friday afternoon in his recliner!
I will continue to share information and updates as I have them, but expect the frequency to be less than it has been in the past couple of weeks.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Love & Blessings,
karin
First, sorry for the delay between updates. As I suspected, there is less to report each day, so the posts will become less frequent. But, in this case, no news is good news!
This week, Mike had 2 more PT appointments...Wed and this morning. While he didn't start the stationary bike as part of his therapy, he did get the "ok" from his orthopedic surgeon to flex his knee to 80 degrees - which is up from 60. As suspected, his PT added in some new exercises, and his PT appointment time is now 60 minutes per session, vs the previous 30 minutes. There is a chance he'll get on the bike next week, but as of today, the doctor still wants no weight bearing or pressure activities.
From everything Mike has heard, it sounds like he'll be getting his hand cast off on Monday! We are still uncertain if they will replace it with a soft cast, a splint, a wrap, or ??? I guess Monday will tell all! Either way, it appears as if Mike will then start the PT on his hand next week as well, not sure what day or how much, but it should be something. Mike is really just excited to get his cast off and to move his hand/wrist, even if it is just a tiny bit during PT.
He also has two follow up doctor appointments next week - one with the orthopedic surgeon (Mon), and the general trauma surgeon (Wed).
Now that all of his appointments are over for the week, Mike is looking forward to a weekend of relaxation. All of his activities and appointments tire him out, so right now, he's enjoying a relaxing Friday afternoon in his recliner!
I will continue to share information and updates as I have them, but expect the frequency to be less than it has been in the past couple of weeks.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Love & Blessings,
karin
17 June 2009
Mikey update - Wed 6/17 9:59am PST
Greetings!
Back in San Diego now...and I had a great week with Mike! We talked to him last night...have a few updates to report...
Mike had an appointment with the orthotist yesterday morning (that would be the guy that manages the brace on his leg) because Mike was experiencing some irritation from the brace rubbing on various parts of his leg. The orthotist said that the brace was coming out of alignment, meaning that it was shifting when he was moving around, etc. To help prevent that, he told Mike to wear a shoe most times, which will help. He also reformed the brace to fit a little better, and told him he could take off the brace for a bit each day to air things out and to eliminate some of the irritation as it heals. He can only do this if he is seated, and doing nothing else. He cannot have even a hint of lateral movement in his leg. He also had Mike's orthopedic doctor prescribe some cortizone cream for the skin abrasions, so I'm sure that will help as well.
Mike's PT also got an update from his orthopedic doctor regarding his therapy. Mike is now cleared to extend his flexion to 80 degrees! From what the PT told Mike on Monday (I was there, I can confirm this), it sounds like perhaps today he'll now be able to kick up the PT a bit, and perhaps even start on the stationary bike!
Mike also found out some great news....he's likely to be getting the cast on his hand off on Monday! He's not sure if they will replace it with a soft cast, splint, or some other device, but from what he told me, it sounds like the hard cast will be coming off for good! He's very excited about that, especially since that means that PT on his hand will be starting soon thereafter!
Today, Mike has another PT appointment, so I'll be talking to him this afternoon to see how that went, and to see if he was able to start on the bike. Mike's brother Bill also came into town last night for a couple days.
Things are certainly going in the right direction....Mike is continuing to heal, and progress through his therapies, and above all else, I can say from personal experience, he has an amazing positive attitude about his recovery, which I know is helping tremendously.
Keep sending your positive energy his way....and if you're in his neighborhood, stop by, say hi, and get some snacks...he certainly has plenty to share :) I can honestly say I did my part to reduce the pile of treats while I was there!
Love & Blessings,
karin
Back in San Diego now...and I had a great week with Mike! We talked to him last night...have a few updates to report...
Mike had an appointment with the orthotist yesterday morning (that would be the guy that manages the brace on his leg) because Mike was experiencing some irritation from the brace rubbing on various parts of his leg. The orthotist said that the brace was coming out of alignment, meaning that it was shifting when he was moving around, etc. To help prevent that, he told Mike to wear a shoe most times, which will help. He also reformed the brace to fit a little better, and told him he could take off the brace for a bit each day to air things out and to eliminate some of the irritation as it heals. He can only do this if he is seated, and doing nothing else. He cannot have even a hint of lateral movement in his leg. He also had Mike's orthopedic doctor prescribe some cortizone cream for the skin abrasions, so I'm sure that will help as well.
Mike's PT also got an update from his orthopedic doctor regarding his therapy. Mike is now cleared to extend his flexion to 80 degrees! From what the PT told Mike on Monday (I was there, I can confirm this), it sounds like perhaps today he'll now be able to kick up the PT a bit, and perhaps even start on the stationary bike!
Mike also found out some great news....he's likely to be getting the cast on his hand off on Monday! He's not sure if they will replace it with a soft cast, splint, or some other device, but from what he told me, it sounds like the hard cast will be coming off for good! He's very excited about that, especially since that means that PT on his hand will be starting soon thereafter!
Today, Mike has another PT appointment, so I'll be talking to him this afternoon to see how that went, and to see if he was able to start on the bike. Mike's brother Bill also came into town last night for a couple days.
Things are certainly going in the right direction....Mike is continuing to heal, and progress through his therapies, and above all else, I can say from personal experience, he has an amazing positive attitude about his recovery, which I know is helping tremendously.
Keep sending your positive energy his way....and if you're in his neighborhood, stop by, say hi, and get some snacks...he certainly has plenty to share :) I can honestly say I did my part to reduce the pile of treats while I was there!
Love & Blessings,
karin
15 June 2009
Mikey update - Mon 6/15 1:49pm CST
Hi All,
Just a brief update for now. This morning, Mike had his first in-office PT visit. I took him out there (it's just near Delnor Hospital), and he got in right away. He had an assessment with the PT, basically to let her know what's been going on (even though she has all the charts and notes from the doctor and the home PT). She then had Mike do several types of exercises (3 sets of 10 for each exercise). Some of these he had already been doing with the home PT and some were new. He didn't have any trouble or any pain with any of these exercises. At this time, he is still keeping his flexion to 60 degrees, however, the PT was going to check with the orthopedic doctor to see if she can work with him to move past 60 degrees, as Mike has been at 60 degrees with very little issue at all for nearly 2 weeks now. Once the doctor clears Mike to go past 60 degree flexion, the PT indicated she'll be able to do a little more work with him, and even get him riding the stationary bike!
She gave him a list of exercises to do at home every day. He'll be returning to her on Wed and Fri of this week, and she was hoping to hear back from the doctor before his next visit, so I imagine he'll be starting with some new exercises on Wed or perhaps on Fri.
We made a quick stop at Walgreens on the way home for some supplies, and then picked up Portillo's for lunch (I miss Portillo's in San Diego, so that was a nice treat!).
Mike has some visitors from work here now, and tonight he is thinking about heading out to watch his bowling league play tonight for a little while.
I'll be headed to the airport in a few hours, so this will likely be the last update for today. I will continue my updates once I return home, and as I have additional information to share. It's been great to be here for 6 days, and I'll be sad to leave, but I know that Mike is in good hands!
Thanks to all for your continued good thoughts and prayers. Mike is healing well, and has been in fantastic spirits...he has such a positive attitude, and all of your good vibes are certainly helping!
Love & Blessings,
karin
Just a brief update for now. This morning, Mike had his first in-office PT visit. I took him out there (it's just near Delnor Hospital), and he got in right away. He had an assessment with the PT, basically to let her know what's been going on (even though she has all the charts and notes from the doctor and the home PT). She then had Mike do several types of exercises (3 sets of 10 for each exercise). Some of these he had already been doing with the home PT and some were new. He didn't have any trouble or any pain with any of these exercises. At this time, he is still keeping his flexion to 60 degrees, however, the PT was going to check with the orthopedic doctor to see if she can work with him to move past 60 degrees, as Mike has been at 60 degrees with very little issue at all for nearly 2 weeks now. Once the doctor clears Mike to go past 60 degree flexion, the PT indicated she'll be able to do a little more work with him, and even get him riding the stationary bike!
She gave him a list of exercises to do at home every day. He'll be returning to her on Wed and Fri of this week, and she was hoping to hear back from the doctor before his next visit, so I imagine he'll be starting with some new exercises on Wed or perhaps on Fri.
We made a quick stop at Walgreens on the way home for some supplies, and then picked up Portillo's for lunch (I miss Portillo's in San Diego, so that was a nice treat!).
Mike has some visitors from work here now, and tonight he is thinking about heading out to watch his bowling league play tonight for a little while.
I'll be headed to the airport in a few hours, so this will likely be the last update for today. I will continue my updates once I return home, and as I have additional information to share. It's been great to be here for 6 days, and I'll be sad to leave, but I know that Mike is in good hands!
Thanks to all for your continued good thoughts and prayers. Mike is healing well, and has been in fantastic spirits...he has such a positive attitude, and all of your good vibes are certainly helping!
Love & Blessings,
karin
14 June 2009
Mikey update - Sun 6/14 9:00pm CST
Hi All,
Sorry for no update yesterday...not too much to report. Pat flew in late Friday night as a surprise to Mike! It was extra nice, especially since Pat was here last weekend too!
On Saturday, Pat & I took a trip to Madison, WI for my cousin's graduation party and to see some family. After a quick stop in Rockford (actually 2, both on the way there to see my Grandma, and on the way back to see my parents, brother, and sister-in-law), we headed back to Lisle, and spent the evening with Mike & Nicole, relaxing and watching movies. Mike really enjoyed having a day with "nothing to do". He has many appointments during the week, and it does get tiring, so he was glad to have a "day off".
Today, we had a relaxing morning with coffee and muffins (muffins courtesy of the Melsa kids!), then headed up to Pete & Johnny's for lunch. We were joined by some friends - Murphy, Melinda, John, and Doug (Nicole was there too...working!). We enjoyed the make-your-own-Bloody Mary bar...and had some lunch. After a couple hours there, we headed back to Mike & Nicole's, and again, friends joined us for a nice Sunday afternoon. We sat outside in the sun, and had a nice time. A couple more visitors joined - "the Dave", and Craig, his girlfriend Julie, and Zach (my friends from Round Lake Beach) stopped by for a visit.
Dave took Pat to the airport around 6:30, and me, Mike, Doug, Sarah, and Nicole had some great grilled pork and potatoes (courtesy of Murphy and "Chef Doug"). It was a nice dinner outside on the picnic table. Eventually, everyone left, and now we're sitting inside, relaxing after a long, fun-filled day.
Tomorrow morning will bring a PT visit for Mike, his first in the office. We're not sure what's in store for that visit, but I will post more tomorrow afternoon. I will be headed back to San Diego tomorrow night, and I will be very sad to leave, but it's been a great long visit!
Until tomorrow...
Love & Blessings,
karin
Sorry for no update yesterday...not too much to report. Pat flew in late Friday night as a surprise to Mike! It was extra nice, especially since Pat was here last weekend too!
On Saturday, Pat & I took a trip to Madison, WI for my cousin's graduation party and to see some family. After a quick stop in Rockford (actually 2, both on the way there to see my Grandma, and on the way back to see my parents, brother, and sister-in-law), we headed back to Lisle, and spent the evening with Mike & Nicole, relaxing and watching movies. Mike really enjoyed having a day with "nothing to do". He has many appointments during the week, and it does get tiring, so he was glad to have a "day off".
Today, we had a relaxing morning with coffee and muffins (muffins courtesy of the Melsa kids!), then headed up to Pete & Johnny's for lunch. We were joined by some friends - Murphy, Melinda, John, and Doug (Nicole was there too...working!). We enjoyed the make-your-own-Bloody Mary bar...and had some lunch. After a couple hours there, we headed back to Mike & Nicole's, and again, friends joined us for a nice Sunday afternoon. We sat outside in the sun, and had a nice time. A couple more visitors joined - "the Dave", and Craig, his girlfriend Julie, and Zach (my friends from Round Lake Beach) stopped by for a visit.
Dave took Pat to the airport around 6:30, and me, Mike, Doug, Sarah, and Nicole had some great grilled pork and potatoes (courtesy of Murphy and "Chef Doug"). It was a nice dinner outside on the picnic table. Eventually, everyone left, and now we're sitting inside, relaxing after a long, fun-filled day.
Tomorrow morning will bring a PT visit for Mike, his first in the office. We're not sure what's in store for that visit, but I will post more tomorrow afternoon. I will be headed back to San Diego tomorrow night, and I will be very sad to leave, but it's been a great long visit!
Until tomorrow...
Love & Blessings,
karin
12 June 2009
Mikey update - Fri 6/12 3:20pm CST
Hi All,
Just a brief update. The PT just left after Mike's last home visit. He did a thorough assessment much like he did at the beginning of the home PT visits (mostly just questions re: pain, with what he needs assistance, what he's doing on his own, etc). He did some exercises, and also tested his strength in his left (the uninjured) leg. He said that was considerably better, as the last time he did that (I'm not sure when that was), Mike was a lot shakier. Keith (PT) said he's improved quite a bit with regard to the strength in his left leg.
They also had me bring Mike's car around to the door. Until this point, Mike has been riding in his car in the back seat, with his right leg extended across the length of the back seat. Mike has been expressing interest in trying to get into the front seat, more for safety reasons (it's hard to buckle his seatbelt in the back while seated that way). The PT described to Mike how to ease himself into the front seat, which I moved back as far as it could go. Mike did it just fine, and was able to swing his right leg into the car without a problem. Mike was VERY happy to be able to do that, and says he now feels safer riding in the car, being able to wear his seatbelt in the front seat.
The PT finished his visit and left. Mike is getting showered (Nicole is assisting in that process of course), and then we'll be settling in for an afternoon movie, or perhaps a wheelchair walk outside! Tonight is more relaxing!
Love & Blessings,
karin
Just a brief update. The PT just left after Mike's last home visit. He did a thorough assessment much like he did at the beginning of the home PT visits (mostly just questions re: pain, with what he needs assistance, what he's doing on his own, etc). He did some exercises, and also tested his strength in his left (the uninjured) leg. He said that was considerably better, as the last time he did that (I'm not sure when that was), Mike was a lot shakier. Keith (PT) said he's improved quite a bit with regard to the strength in his left leg.
They also had me bring Mike's car around to the door. Until this point, Mike has been riding in his car in the back seat, with his right leg extended across the length of the back seat. Mike has been expressing interest in trying to get into the front seat, more for safety reasons (it's hard to buckle his seatbelt in the back while seated that way). The PT described to Mike how to ease himself into the front seat, which I moved back as far as it could go. Mike did it just fine, and was able to swing his right leg into the car without a problem. Mike was VERY happy to be able to do that, and says he now feels safer riding in the car, being able to wear his seatbelt in the front seat.
The PT finished his visit and left. Mike is getting showered (Nicole is assisting in that process of course), and then we'll be settling in for an afternoon movie, or perhaps a wheelchair walk outside! Tonight is more relaxing!
Love & Blessings,
karin
Mikey update - Fri 6/12 10:35am PST
Hi All,
Mike is continuing to do very well. I have been here since Wed night, and we've pretty much just been hanging out, watching tv, catching up, etc. Yesterday, he had a visit from the PT, which went well. Last night, we ventured out to The Melsa Household for a fantastic home cooked dinner (thanks again, Mark & Becky!) We stayed there until nearly 10pm! Spent some time being entertained by the kids (Caroline showed me how to make a bracelet, then did some dancing to Hannah Montana for me!), and had some time to chat with Mark & Becky. Mark and Mike also played some Wii car racing game, so that was fun.
Today looks to be a nice, relaxing day as well. Mike has his last home visit from the PT today, and since it appears the weather will be nice, we may venture outside to sit in the sun for a bit later today as well.
I will post more later today! Keep the good thoughts coming!
Love & Blessings,
karin
Mike is continuing to do very well. I have been here since Wed night, and we've pretty much just been hanging out, watching tv, catching up, etc. Yesterday, he had a visit from the PT, which went well. Last night, we ventured out to The Melsa Household for a fantastic home cooked dinner (thanks again, Mark & Becky!) We stayed there until nearly 10pm! Spent some time being entertained by the kids (Caroline showed me how to make a bracelet, then did some dancing to Hannah Montana for me!), and had some time to chat with Mark & Becky. Mark and Mike also played some Wii car racing game, so that was fun.
Today looks to be a nice, relaxing day as well. Mike has his last home visit from the PT today, and since it appears the weather will be nice, we may venture outside to sit in the sun for a bit later today as well.
I will post more later today! Keep the good thoughts coming!
Love & Blessings,
karin
11 June 2009
Mikey update - Thu 6/11 4:06pm CST
Hi All,
Well, I am in Lisle! Arrived last night, and have settled in to Mike & Nicole's for the weekend. Mike is continuing to heal, and he is in good spirits. He had a visit from the PT today, and he worked on some exercises with him. He will return tomorrow for the final "in-home" visit, before Mike starts the "in-office" PT visits on Monday. He will have PT every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for a while. His ribs aren't bothering him too much, nor is his leg or hand. His hematoma on his side is continuing to drain, and healing is on track with the doctor's expectations.
Tonight, he and I will be heading to a friends for dinner, then likely back home to relax. So far, we've had a pretty relaxing day!
On a personal note, it's definitly great to be here. Much easier to write updates first hand ;) I'm truly glad to be able to spend several days with Mike.
Will continue to post updates through the weekend.
Love & Blessings,
karin
Well, I am in Lisle! Arrived last night, and have settled in to Mike & Nicole's for the weekend. Mike is continuing to heal, and he is in good spirits. He had a visit from the PT today, and he worked on some exercises with him. He will return tomorrow for the final "in-home" visit, before Mike starts the "in-office" PT visits on Monday. He will have PT every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for a while. His ribs aren't bothering him too much, nor is his leg or hand. His hematoma on his side is continuing to drain, and healing is on track with the doctor's expectations.
Tonight, he and I will be heading to a friends for dinner, then likely back home to relax. So far, we've had a pretty relaxing day!
On a personal note, it's definitly great to be here. Much easier to write updates first hand ;) I'm truly glad to be able to spend several days with Mike.
Will continue to post updates through the weekend.
Love & Blessings,
karin
10 June 2009
Mikey update - Wed 6/10 10:17am PST
Hi All!
Talked to Mike this morning on his way back from the doctor (general surgeon). The doctor said everything was healing fine! This afternoon, Mike is meeting with a lawyer to talk about details surrounding the accident. And then...I'll arrive tonight!
Will be there from about 10pm tonight until 8pm on Monday night. Looking forward to spending time with Mike, and especially having him teach me how to play Guitar Hero!
I will be continuing to post updates throughout the weekend, so stay tuned!
Love & Blessings,
karin
Talked to Mike this morning on his way back from the doctor (general surgeon). The doctor said everything was healing fine! This afternoon, Mike is meeting with a lawyer to talk about details surrounding the accident. And then...I'll arrive tonight!
Will be there from about 10pm tonight until 8pm on Monday night. Looking forward to spending time with Mike, and especially having him teach me how to play Guitar Hero!
I will be continuing to post updates throughout the weekend, so stay tuned!
Love & Blessings,
karin
09 June 2009
Mikey update - Tue 6/08 1:41pm PST
Hi All,
Just got off the phone with Mike. He sounded great! He had an appointment this morning with the general practitioner, which was mainly for a check up and to establish a doctor. Tomorrow he has another appointment with, I believe, the general surgeon, and also physical therapy at home. Monday will start the PT in the office.
Mike is looking forward to my visit tomorrow. Between Pat's visit this past weekend, and my visit tomorrow...Mike will have a week full of "Reemts-time"! We're looking forward to just relaxing and hanging out. Should be a good time!
That's all for now, will post more later if anything to report!
Love & Blessings,
karin
Just got off the phone with Mike. He sounded great! He had an appointment this morning with the general practitioner, which was mainly for a check up and to establish a doctor. Tomorrow he has another appointment with, I believe, the general surgeon, and also physical therapy at home. Monday will start the PT in the office.
Mike is looking forward to my visit tomorrow. Between Pat's visit this past weekend, and my visit tomorrow...Mike will have a week full of "Reemts-time"! We're looking forward to just relaxing and hanging out. Should be a good time!
That's all for now, will post more later if anything to report!
Love & Blessings,
karin
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