Fran, June 24

Fran began as an outpatient this week at Scripps Encinitas Rehab, where she had been an inpatient about a month ago. The staff members who had treated her as an inpatient were very impressed with her progress.  The goal of the current treatment is to make her independent, so she can get around the house without assistance. She is determined and I expect she will get there in the next couple of months.

Jerry and Alice turned me on to a wonderful book, My Stroke of Insight. It is the story of a relatively young (37) brain scientist, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, who had a severe left-brain stroke.  She recounts in great detail, her experience of the stroke and her process of recovery.  She achieved complete recovery over an 8 year period.

This book is a must read for anyone who is providing care or who has a close relationship with a stroke patient.  In an appendix she lists "the 40 things I needed the most," beginning with "I am not stupid, I am wounded.  Please respect me."

It is not only a must read, but also a good read.

Brooks

Fran Carder, June 16

This is getting like reporting the progress of the hour hand.  It is not exciting moment to moment. But the movement is there.  Fran can pretty much walk, using a quad cane.  Of course someone has to be there ready to support her, should she lose her balance. But this is a rather dramatic change from the time she started rehab. It looks like she will not even need a brace for her left leg.

She does have some pain in the left leg.  Apparently this is a common problem as the nerves "wake up." Dr. Kocharian is considering a botox injection, which is one way to treat this.

Next Tuesday Fran will have her first sessions as an outpatient at Scripps Encinitas Rehab.  I expect they will be shocked by her progress.  Trish, the physical therapist who brought Fran along while she was treated here in our home, is really good.  She combines professional competence with a personal manner that is powerfully motivating.  Trish is in her early 50's and motivates herself sufficiently to do triathelons. It was great to watch her with Fran.

Brooks

Fran Carder, June 10

Sorry about the lack of blogs, but news has been somewhat slow.  Slow but good.  The therapists who have been coming to the house agree that Fran should graduate to outpatient status and Dr. Kocharian has written an order to send her to Scripps Encinitas Rehab.  The therapists have also recommended a leg brace to assist Fran's walking, and Dr. Kocharian will arrange that as well.

On Monday of this week, Fran had a major outing.  We had an appointment with Dr. Savage at Scripps Encinitas.  Afterword we went to Target on Leucadia Blvd and Fran had a major shopping experience, buying sheets.

The upshot of the Dr. Savage appointment is that we no longer have to inject Lovenox.  Fran is now on coumadin, an oral medication. The one drawback is that she has to have blood drawn once a week to measure clotting time, to make sure she is in the right range. It appears that Fran will continue on this for a very long time.

Fran is exercising every day.  She is getting stronger and her balance is improving.  I think we can look forward to her being mobile within the next few months.

Brooks

Fran, June 5

The weekend has not been too eventful (so far). One measure of Fran's progress however, is that Cindy, our weekend caregiver, is able to transfer Fran with no help, except for Fran's help of course. This is a major development. It means that Fran will no longer need two caregivers at all times.

Simon and Gloria are coming for dinner tonight.  Tomorrow we have an appointment with the pulmonologist. If you recall from earlier blogs, they are in charge of thromboses (clots). We are hoping to end the need for the daily injections of Lovenox that we are now administering.

After the doc, Fran will get her first post-stroke shopping experience, if she is not too tired.

Brooks

Fran, June 3

This afternoon Fran received the quad cane we had ordered.  In spite of the fact that she was tired after a busy day, she insisted on trying it out.  With some help from Isela, she was able to navigate down the hall.  Not surprisingly, Fran is determined to achieve independence and is working very hard at it.

Brooks

Fran, June 2

The big news is that I got the pictures of Miles into the previous posts. Here they are again.

I made an eagle today on the par 5 18th at Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, sinking a smooth 7-iron from about 135 yards. That is a rare bird for me.

Fran is doing so well that the therapists want her to become an outpatient back at Scripps, Encinitas.  She does not have to be limited to visits in the home.

Brooks

Fran, June 1

Fran has had several chances now to visit with Grandson Miles.  Maliq and Rachel are bringing Miles here for dinner tonight and I am ordering in Chinese food.

Here is a picture of Fran's most recent visit with Miles. In case you do not know them, Son Maliq and his wife Rachel are there too.

Brooks