It’s been exactly one month since I’ve written.  As the saying goes, “No news is good news”.  That is basically true in Tom’s case.  For the month of January Tom attended therapy three days a week covering speech, occupational, and physical therapy.  When not in therapy Tom would practice his speech by reading out loud to Noah.  They graduated from early elementary books to Harry Potter. To help his occupational therapy, (my mom had previously organized a large mess in our den of past receipts), this was a hidden blessing, as Tom was able to practice his typing on a keyboard.  He spent most of January, just finished this past weekend, entering all receipts for the past year into Quicken.  He now feels in better control of where “I” spent our money. Ha HA.  Tom is now working on getting our information for taxes together. I believe I’ve given him another headache, NO therapy, in helping my with my home based businesses year end.  We worked on physical therapy by walking together when the weather was a bit warmer.  One week we walked 4 mile one day and 3 the next.  Too bad the weather turned on us.  Tom enjoyed getting back to church services and worshiping with our church family.  He hasn’t started back to work yet or been given the all clear to drive.  However, that should change soon.

We had follow up doctor appointments with Dr. Thorell and Dr. Burkman in the past week or so.  Both feel he can go back to work on a part time status (about 20 hours a week).  Tom is planning on speaking to work tomorrow about a start day and how all his benefits and pay will work out.  Naturally, all that will be adjusted to meet company guidelines.  All of this can be very confusing and stressful not knowing just how Tom will be paid, and etc.  As far as the driving goes, Tom is waiting for his turn to drive for the instructor.  If he passes the driving test, Doctor Burkman will lift the driving restriction for Tom.  Tom has already taken some of the driving tests while in occupational therapy.  Apparently, the driving instructor has been out sick.  So, I’ll still be his driver for a while.

Tom hasn’t had any more symptoms to cause us worry.  It has surprised us at how taxed Tom’s body was and what he went through.  At the beginning of therapy, Tom would take several naps a day.  On therapy days that’s what he did.  Just in the past week or so, he’s been able to stay awake for most of the day.  Sleeping overnight still comes and goes.  Tom hasn’t been sleeping that great a night.  The right  shoulder is still giving him issues, but he and his therapist are working with that. We learned from Dr. Thorell, that were not sure “why” the stroke happened, and Tom has an 8 or 9% chance of re occurrence, where you and I are in the 1% or less chance of stroke.  It isn’t likely that Tom will have another one but we can’t be sure.  One thing that Doctor Thorell strongly stressed, is to stay hydrated, especially in warmer months.  That is because the more hydrated you are the smoother your blood is to flow freer.  So pay for the $3 to $5 water at the ball game, it’s cheaper than going to the hospital. Dr. Thorell thought Tom looked good, a little thin but good.  Tom’s free to start lifting more weights.  Very baby steps.  We see him again in 6 months.

Tom will continue occupational therapy twice a week for another month.  That is to help his shoulder.  He plans to get back to work part time, and begin driving soon.  So, hopefully, by the end of February he can begin a more regular schedule of our “new” normal.  Tom will still need to be carefully in activities. no sledding, no roller coasters (at least ones with high/fast G force), no running (for 6 months).I am happy with his progress, but I can tell Tom is different.  It’s a good different.  He is still has his dry sense of humor and amazing smile.  He talks more openly  not as introverted, quicker to get things done, and more.  He is slower in his walk, speech, and how much endurance, but that is improving.  I’ve had a taste of what retirement will be like.  I’ll just keep producing receipts and odd jobs for Tom to do and we’ll be fine.

Thank you your continue prayers.  I’ll continue to update you on his progress.  Forgot to mention that Tom’s down to 4 meds now.  Some will probably be for life, but his life is most important. Tom is also paying closer attention to his diet, I believe he’s committed to do what’s necessary for continued success.  We plan to exercise together after dropping Noah off to school, and then I’ll take him to work.  Stay warm.

Warmly, Karen