Dear family and friends
Today Grayson was a bit off of his game. Inappropriate behavior is an unfortunate but well understood part of the healing process. Today Grayson became frustrated, went non-verbal, and started striking out to get his way. The staff is used to this sort of behavior, and quickly diffused the situation. It does show that we're still on the roller coaster, and not all growth looks pretty.
I said that I would share more of Grayson's evaluation over the next few days. Today I will talk about his evaluation by physical therapy.
While Grayson is able to appear relatively normal while walking, there are a large number of subtle issues that lie just below the surface. His ability to flex and bend has been affected, decreasing the range of motion in certain areas that impact his ability to perceive danger. His lower extremity strength has been significantly impaired due to his extended hospital stay. His balance is moderately impaired, and significantly impaired with occluded vision, decreasing his safety in poorly lit or dark environments. Gross and fine motor coordination in the lower extremities is also significantly impaired, decreasing his ability to catch his balance or safely participate in certain activities such as driving. Obviously this will also greatly interfere with his ability to ski, something that he loves to do.
These limitations, coupled with his cognitive defects, make Grayson dependent on round-the-clock care for his safety. Grayson now has a muscle strengthening program and a program to increase his flexing to address those areas most affected by his hospital stay. A program to learn new ways to maintain balance is also being implemented. Short term goals here are to build muscle strength and flexibility to allow him to safely accomplish basic activities of daily living.
I've said it many times, but this is a long journey. Each day we get a little further down the road. Fortunately, God is there helping us along when we stumble.
Pax!
Brant
Hi Brant and Regina:
ReplyDeleteI found myself nodding "yes" as I read each line of your update. I have or have had all of the experiences you note in your post. It gives me a good basis for prayer for Grayson. Getting through this "stage" [I say "stage", but we really just learn to live with the balance issues, and leg jumping/weakness, etc., through therapy and cognative training] is tough but is also wonderful as we learn to deal with each of our 'disabilities' with our new 'abilities', that of course we get to learn through hard work and patience!
We are praying for you...always, and I love how you always remember how good God really is.
In Him,
Doug
I thought it was interesting that you said, "God is there helping us along when we stumble." So Grayson's balance issues and danger associated with them are reflected for you and Regina in the emotional/spiritual realm. We pray for healing in ALL of these areas. Thanks so much for keeping us posted.
ReplyDeleteRobin G.
Appearing normal while struggling with impairments that people can't see is going to be a lifelong issue for Grayson.
ReplyDeleteBut it sure sounds like the staff at this facility is capable of helping him learn to cope.
I'm so happy that you found such a wonderful place that gives Grayson the opportunity to learn and grow.
God's blessings are truly infinite.