The (W)right Hand

Robert continues to make progress in physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Not knowing what the final results of his rehabilitation of his right hand (which was immobile the day of the stroke), Robert has begun practicing writing with his left hand. A sample is shown below, writing the names of his children.



On another positive note, the last week of November this photo was taken of Robert holding an envelope in his right hand. He is multi-tasking, listening to the rivals football game between University of Utah and Brigham Young University. It's not weight training, but it is a symbol of progress. Way to go Dad!

First Month of Rehab

Robert had his stroke on October 17, 2009. It was a result of a blood clot in the left side of the brain. He has been at the Heritage Park Rehab Center since Oct 20th, and is expected to contine there in therapy until the end of January.

Here is a photo of Robert with his physical therapist, Charlie. The paid staff gives therapy on the weekends.

The stroke affected his right hand and cognitive speech recognition and speech vocabulary. He has been progressing, and looks forward to returning home.

On the weekends, he has to rely on a staff of amateurs for therapy, as (l-r) Marj, Jane and Rob Jr. work with him on a walking and talking exercise.

The facility is dog-friendly, and Ozzie makes regular trips to see and be with Robert. Ozzie is a welcome sight for many of the patients and residents at Heritage Park. A few of Ozzie's newest and youngest fans came by for a visit.

And the Thursday before Thanksgiving, a Thanksgiving Pie Social was held in the indoor courtyard for family and friends. Robert was hoping for pumpkin pie with whipped cream and was not disappointed. It was quite a spread!

Electro Therapy!

Here's a progress report.

The stroke occurred in the left side of his brain, affecting use of his right hand. A month ago his right hand was useless. Beginning last week he began receiving electro-impulse therapy. They put a couple of electrode pads on his arm where the muscles and nerves to the fingers travel. They then turn up the juice like Dr. Frankenstein, and Dad is lift his hand when he feels the impulse. It is very encouraging that he has regained limited of use of his fingers. Below is a short video of Dad getting his electro-impulse therapy. I will admit that Dr. Frankenstein's electro-machine was much more impressive, but unlike Dr. Frankenstein's patient, Dad did not go on a rampage after the treatment.

We'll continue more photos and some video as Robert progresses!