While at therapy yesterday (Tuesday), Frank saw the eye doctor. Although he can see, at times it’s hard for him to focus, and he see’s flashes of images that are not truly there. The doctor stated that this is normal for a stroke patient and that since the brain is using so much energy to heal itself, that is causes this. Thankfully she confirmed that his eyes are not permanently damaged and as time passes his eyesight will restore itself. She prescribed him glasses that she estimates he will wear for a 2-3 months. He said that it helped him tremendously and he will get the glasses tomorrow (Thursday). The doctor also said that she is not seeing the same problems any more that his chart said he had last week when he was checked in – so this good news because it’s showing that his eyes are indeed improving.
He was also told that his physical movement is fine, so he no longer has to do physical therapy. The majority of his rehab will be speech therapy and some occupational therapy. The speech therapist stated that although he answers questions correctly, it’s the length of time that it takes him that they need to work on. The occupational therapist stated that they can start working on his driving skills as long as he has his glasses and once he is taken off of the seizure medication. As stated before, he will get his glasses on Thursday, and he has an appointment with his primary physician on Friday. So hopefully on Friday his doctor will take him off of the seizure medication and he can start working on his driving as soon as next week!
His therapy schedule will be Mon, Tue, and Fri for 3 hours each day. He’s slowly introducing himself to regular activities at home and is being smart by being patient and not overloading his mind with everything at once. He started using his Blackberry again and being able to send text messages. He also went on his computer for a bit and is teaching himself to type. He is also steadily remembering passwords, account names, and what not. For the days he is not in therapy, he has exercises given to him by his therapists to work on to move his progress along.
We are all definitely anxious to see how the next month will go. He will have to meet with the surgeon next week to discuss plans to remove the tumor on his adrenal gland. And hopefully, not only will his doctor take him off of the seizure medication, but also dial down the amount of blood pressure meds he’s on. He would also like to be switched from an insulin shot for his diabetes to an insulin pill. Out of everything he has gone through, I think he is most concerned about giving himself a small shot every day (feel free to tease him about this the next time you see him!).
Although his has a lengthy journey ahead we are continually thankful that he has come as far as he has in such a short period of time. We continue to pray that he makes a steady, speedy, recovery!
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