2004-11-22
Wow, did not mean to go so long without an update. Lois has been doing great. She continues to get improvement in her leg and the arm progress is very amazing. She is now able to raise her arm and is able to hold an adapted spoon or fork and feed herself. This progress came after a whole year or no movement at all. After only a little over a month of home visits by OT and PT they have all but stopped. Health insurance in this country is mostly a joke. We have battled them each and every time Lois has changed locations. We have had to fight for each upgrade and continued service. It is exhausting and frustrating. It is no wonder that most people just give up. Lois continues to be in good spirits and is enjoying being home. I go and have lunch with her almost everyday. Some days we watch the squirrels eat from a feeder outside on her back porch. A most recent discovery was that Lois can read number if they are spelled out. (Eight instead of 8) She cannot read actual numbers but if they are spelled out she has no trouble. Her speech therapist Maggie made this discovery and Lois and I were amazed by it. Lois is still sleeping a great deal but the doctors have told us that it is common in stroke patients. She is always very tired after her therapy sessions like speech. Several friends have stopped over for a visit. It is best to call her first to be sure she is up. Making an appointment is advised. It is good to have her home and so close now. We are very pleased with all the aids that have been hired to assist Lois. She still has 24 hr coverage but we are hoping to cut that back soon. We have had grab bars installed in her bathroom to make it easier. One of Lois’ goals to come back to work. I don’t doubt for a minute that this will happen.