Jan 25, 2010

I haven't updated the blog in a month because there really has been nothing to report.  Dad has seen pretty much no progress that I can detect.  He is tired of being in the care center, and often says "How are you guys going to get me out of this place?".  Our standard answer to that is, "You will have to stand up and walk out the front door."   Although he seems to really enjoy going to physical therapy so that he can watch the other patients and interact with the staff (mostly inappropriately--you all know Dad :)), he gets a little lazy and doesn't stay awake or involved during some of the therapy sessions.  We just keep reminding him that he needs to work hard during the therapy and then work harder when he's alone in his room in order to see progress.  He says everything hurts and wants us to help him move even his right leg.  We really don't know how to better help and motivate him.

He has been complaining of pain during urination, so we had him tested last week and sure enough, he had another bladder infection.  His other complaints are consistent from the beginning:  sore neck, sore back and rear end, sore right knee, sore shoulders, and the pins and needles feeling when his left arm is moved.

Mae and Keith Reynolds came down for a visit a couple weeks ago.  It was so nice to see them.  I love all of Dad's sisters.  They are so fun.  Dad was a little rude, in my opinion, but I suppose one always likes to be blunt and complain to their siblings since they feel comfortable doing so.  Betty, Shirley, and Kathy say they want to come down for a visit as well, and we are excited for that.  It is nice to have someone else come down and see what they think of Dad's progress and argue with Dad a little bit.  :)

After 3 pairs of new shoes, we are hopeful that the new Converse ones Jan got him will be up to his standards.  Dad is unbelievably picky about shoes, we have discovered!  Luckily Target accepts returns of barely-used shoes without the box.  :)   He also complains that all his clothes are too hot, so I grabbed him some lighter sleep pants and light-weight socks as well.

It is about time to line up another meeting with the hospital staff to hear their assessment of Dad's progress.  I will post again after we have done that.