August 12 & 13

Melinda is staying busy with all her therapies. She is working very very hard and never complains. All the therapist is seeing Melinda's sassy, ornery side and keeps us all laughing. PT said, Melinda is depending on her left hand to much and forgetting about her right hand." PT is using techniques to get her to balance her body without the use of her right hand. Melinda is frightened and she feels unstable. PT is using a mirror so she can see the correct way to stand and take steps. Melinda's right knee hyper-extends with every step, she is having a hard time walking and is in a lot of pain. I asked, "Does she need a knee brace?" They said, "No. The muscles need to be strengthened a lot more." Melinda is enjoying aquatics(pool) therapy. She was a little frightened when the therapist let her lose her balance in the pool. With a brain injury you have to re-program the brain to learn these things that are automatic to an un-injured brain. OT is working with Melinda's right hand and this has been a very slow process. I know, everything is in baby steps and one day at a time. The neurosurgeon finally contacted Dr. Smith and said, "The neck brace can come off!" YEA!!! Melinda hasn't had any pain in her neck or arms the last couple of days. Dr. Smith also, stopped her heart rate/blood pressure medicine and said, "she should have more energy." Melinda's 4 week evaluation went well. She continues to improve and estimated date of release is 2-3 weeks. When we get home, Melinda will have continued Physical therapy, Occupational therapy and Speech therapy. Please continue to pray for Melinda, Jon and our families. We still have a long road to recovery ahead of us. Thank you for your concern, love and support. God Bless!