I remember back when Conor was in the ICU, one of the nurses there said that a sure sign of progress, was the removal of all the tubes ... all the paraphernalia. Another sure sign of progress ... is a doctor saying he no longer needs to see you. The trauma doctor gave Conor the "heave-ho" today. He was a very nice man, and truly amazed at Conor's recuperative abilities. Conor went to the appointment using his crutches (no more chair) and Dr Yelle could only smile. He sent him on his way with a prescription for more Celebrex, antiobiotics to keep on hand in the event of an infection (because the spleen has been removed, Conor is at higher risk for certain types of infections), the website for MedicAlert (to alert people to the lack of spleen) and a firm handshake (of Conor's broken hand).
Conor and I have spoken at length with the therapists who come to the home, and we have all agreed that Conor would not benefit greatly from institutional rehab. This means that Conor will continue his therapies at home, and in the next couple of weeks at outpatient physiotherapy (with weights, and equipment, etc). Conor --- of course --- is thrilled. No more hospital food, nor a limit on the amount of visitors. He gets to stay by his computer, his guitars, and all the comforts of home. To be honest, I too, am thrilled. The thought of multiple hospital visits again was daunting to me. Ciaran and I continue to be at his beck and call --- but even that has diminished somewhat in the past week. He is fiercely independent...wonder where he gets that from?!
He still has a few hurdles to pass. He does not want to be seen in public in his wheelchair or his crutches. He despises being stared at. In his own words, he has a big mouth ... and he would have to say something. If only to disavow the "starer" of any preconception of his mental ability. He knows, from first hand experience, the ignorance of a great many people. One of his close friends uses crutches/chair ... and Conor has seen first hand how strangers treat Corey. Corey is "all there" ... articulate, and very athletic ... in fact ... Corey plays basketball for Team Canada and is heading off to Beijing in 2008. I have been trying to persuade Conor to come with me to a shopping mall ... or out to a restaurant for breakfast. He is adamant (and supremely stubborn --- where does he get that from?!) ... not until he has mastered the crutches. This will be a battle of wills ... stayed tuned ...
Next week, we have more therapies in-house and another appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon on Friday. Wait until he sees Conor's progress ... a wrist that moves a centimetre a day ... and a knee that can now bend 110 degrees! He'll be blown away!
Good weekend all ... more updates next week.
Conor and I have spoken at length with the therapists who come to the home, and we have all agreed that Conor would not benefit greatly from institutional rehab. This means that Conor will continue his therapies at home, and in the next couple of weeks at outpatient physiotherapy (with weights, and equipment, etc). Conor --- of course --- is thrilled. No more hospital food, nor a limit on the amount of visitors. He gets to stay by his computer, his guitars, and all the comforts of home. To be honest, I too, am thrilled. The thought of multiple hospital visits again was daunting to me. Ciaran and I continue to be at his beck and call --- but even that has diminished somewhat in the past week. He is fiercely independent...wonder where he gets that from?!
He still has a few hurdles to pass. He does not want to be seen in public in his wheelchair or his crutches. He despises being stared at. In his own words, he has a big mouth ... and he would have to say something. If only to disavow the "starer" of any preconception of his mental ability. He knows, from first hand experience, the ignorance of a great many people. One of his close friends uses crutches/chair ... and Conor has seen first hand how strangers treat Corey. Corey is "all there" ... articulate, and very athletic ... in fact ... Corey plays basketball for Team Canada and is heading off to Beijing in 2008. I have been trying to persuade Conor to come with me to a shopping mall ... or out to a restaurant for breakfast. He is adamant (and supremely stubborn --- where does he get that from?!) ... not until he has mastered the crutches. This will be a battle of wills ... stayed tuned ...
Next week, we have more therapies in-house and another appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon on Friday. Wait until he sees Conor's progress ... a wrist that moves a centimetre a day ... and a knee that can now bend 110 degrees! He'll be blown away!
Good weekend all ... more updates next week.
2 comments:
Way to go Conor - you might of heard this before....
You are amazing & your recovery unbeleivable!
Think we will plan on coming to visit soon - providing it works for you guys.
Hugs for all,
J, K&K
Great news all the way around. Had trouble with posting comments on the blog last week so hopefully this one will go through.
All I can say is simply "amazing". People here at work ask about you Conor and I keep them up to date. You are all in my prayers as per usual.
Love Auntie Diane
xo
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