February 1, 2011

Hello Blog Readers!

It's hard to believe it is already February and five months have passed since my dad's horrific accident.

Good things continue to happen as my dad's recovery moves forward in Waterville. Weekdays are filled with therapy, rest, visiting with people, etc. Saturdays have been big days venturing out to the real world. We have a little routine down that consists of going to Dad's house, go out to lunch and do something that he hasn't done since August 23, 2010. Last Saturday we went for a hair cut at a "real" barber (no Heartland beautician:-) The worry was whether or not my dad could get in/out of the barber chair, which I am pleased to report he did with no trouble at all. We then decided it was time to take a drive out to Stoney Ridge to see where in the heck this accident took place. Apparently, we were both at a point where we could drive past and not be creeped out. It was nice to get a visual. It is definitely mind boggling to think about how much damage was caused while driving down a slower section of Route 20, through a small town (60 seconds in/out), pretty darn quiet area. All we can do is shake our heads & move forward...

Monday we were back at it again, this time to the orthopaedic surgeon for a follow up visit, first visit since given weight bearing status 12/10/10. It was also the first time my dad traveled to a doctor not being transported by paramedics. By the way, he is doing really well getting in/out of the car, walking slow, but steady. He's doing so good we decided not to even take the wheelchair yesterday! Everything is healing on schedule and the only problem is knee bending. Left knee gets swollen, stiff and full of pain. The doctor thinks there is scar tissue around both needs, therefore, he is going to perform a minor procedure where he will jerk/bend the knees back, breaking up the scar tissue. This will be done under mild sedation sometime within the next couple of weeks. We don't have a date yet. Meanwhile, my dad plugs along, doing his therapy, taking walks up & down the halls of Heartland of Waterville.

My dad should be going home around the end of February. I think it's kind of scary for him to imagine living at home with new limitations and changes. He does remind himself how every step of the way it was scary, and he needed to be encouraged. We talk about how far he's come from the days when he was completely dependent on others for literally everything. He/we are so grateful for all the many people who have stepped into his life and offered encouragement in one way or another. No doubt, he wouldn't be where he is today without all the angels who have appeared at just the right time!

I will post again in a few weeks after the knee jerking procedure. Until then bundle up & drive safely!

P.S. Just in case (419) 460-5198 is the number to call!