Tom had another good day.  He was tired after his sessions and looking forward to a shower. He has also finished reading a book that was started in the hospital.  That may not sound like that big of deal, but it is.  I believe they have been using the book in speech therapy. The book is “Green” by Ted Dekker.  Good thing Tom finished it, as it needs to get back to the library.

Well,  after the family meeting yesterday, we have a new plan yet again.  Tom will again move to a new room number and this time it’s…drum roll 10918 (a.k.a.  HOME). Yes!

During the meeting, we learned were Tom started and is projected to end as far as therapy goes. His functional independence measurement was an 81 score on day 1 of therapy, and yesterday it was a 97 with a one week goal at 114.  Basically, patients are scored on the need to have help or no help in a variety of tasks.  Those types of tasks are self -care, sphincter control,mobility-transfers one self from bed, chair, and etc, locomotion – walking and distance, communication, and social/cognition.  The first three Tom has gained the most points the quickest, 6 and 7’s.  7 being the highest possible point.  The last three range from 4 to 7 in points.  They gave me a chart that clearly outlines each area and points overall.  Patients are typically discharged from acute in house care in the upper 80’s to middle 90’s.  Again Tom is currently at 97.  He’ll have Thursday, today for sessions and then I’ll pick him up this afternoon to come home.  Beginning Monday, Tom will start three days a week of out patient therapy.  That can last up to two months or so.  We will meet with his primary doctor in two weeks, Dr. Thorell, in January, and Dr. Burkman (therapy Doctor) at the end of January.  Tom’s medical leave is up 2/5, so we’ll see if more leave if needed at the end of January.  The boys were very attentive during the meeting, and more than willing to help Tom with recovery. Tom has requested to play lots of card games and other games to get his memory and problem solving area going.  Ben only requested to not play skip bo too much.  Doctor Burkman did state that Tom demonstrates aphasia and apraxia, he completes apraxia therapy with reading word lists, and requires min assist to correct apraxic errors.  He recommends 24 hour supervision. I’m glad it’s going to be Christmas break soon, and with the boys home Tom should have plenty of supervision.  Maybe more than he bargain for.

Tom has restrictions, no driving, no climbing ladders, no shoveling snow, no walking on ice (use extreme caution), no hand or power tools usage, no cooking with hot items, no work, can only carry items 10lbs or less for now and that will change to 20lbs. in a week or so.  He’s okay with the no shoveling, and again Ben has requested a new snow blower.  Ours has been on it’s last leg for a few years now.

I’ve been asked to be at the hospital by 1pm, and we’ll bring Tom home to rest.  He hopes he feels well enough to go to Ben/Joshua’s Christmas concert.  Doctor said he could if he’s up to it. Tom’s a bit nervous to be home again, but it’ll be good.  Tom is hoping for getting more sleep at home, he didn’t get as much as he thought he could during in house therapy.  Going forward, if you desire to visit and come play a card game or two, that would be great.  I’ll let everyone know his out patient therapy schedule, and when would be best to visit.  I’m sure the walls of our house will begin to close in on him too after a while.  So again,  his new room number is 10918 Yah!!!!

Have a GREAT day!