Another Setback

May 17
Thanks so much for your consistent prayers and friendship. It means so much to both of us. I will be praying for "Dove" and Jack as they travel to Ireland. I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip. I will add your exercise commitment to the growing list.

We got a beautiful card today from our good Internet friend "Dove". and I read the poem that she enclosed to Marilyn. I don't know how much she actually hears and understands these days. Today was a day of some confusion for her and no one has been able to pinpoint a reason. Perhaps it has been caused by the urinary tract infection she has from her catheter or too many meds. She got up and walked about 6 feet - turned around and walked back to the bed but when she got to the bed she couldn't figure out how to turn around again to sit on the bed. Her knees were so week and the pain so distracting that she simply buckled and fell to the floor desperately clutching her walker. The staff had placed a commode directly behind her so she could have sat down but that just didn't register either. Now everyone is racking their brains to try to figure out how to safely mobilize Marilyn and no one is coming up with much. I suggested that tomorrow she do more frequent ups and downs but try to focus on only one skill and make the session very short. I think my suggestion will be followed and we will be focusing on how to stand up, turn around, and sit on a commode.

I also suggested that each move be demonstrated prior to execution giving Marilyn a chance to let the information sink in first. This does seem to help because when I asked why she hadn't been calling me she admitted that she had forgotten how to use the phone as well as forgotten our phone number. I immediately lead her in a tutorial session on how to call home. It made me feel like I was teaching a pre school child as I watched her fumble around attempting to place a call. However after I came home tonight I tried to reach her by phone and when there was no answer I gave up thinking she just didn't remember. A few minutes later the phone rang and she had methodically figured out what to do. I praise God for each little thing that can be viewed as a positive.

Bryon