3/2 update

Hi everyone -

I spoke with Mom a little while ago and got an update.  Earlier this week, Dad had an appointment with his new primary care physician. She wrote the orders for Dad to have continued physical and speech therapy.  This coming Friday he will begin seeing therapists at the wellness center not far from Mom and Dad's condo. Dad has had a problem with his left shoulder for quite some time. It sounds like the PT will be working on that, as well as helping him get stronger and able to walk better.  He also saw his neurologist for the first time this week.  This doctor was the first to see him in the emergency room the day of the stroke.  As far as I know, this is the first time he's seen Dad since he left the ICU.  He thinks Dad is doing great!

Mom made an appointment for later this month for Dad to be evaluated for cataract surgery.  Dad is still considering whether or not he wants to do it, but the reality is that his vision will not improve unless he gets it done.  He has told me he can focus on one person or object in the room, but it takes a lot of effort.  And if there is any movement, he loses the focus.  So, watching TV and just generally looking around is not so easy.  The neuro-opthalmologist says Dad may still have some double vision after the surgery, but at that point they could help that with special glasses that have prisms in them.

Dad has been having lunch most weeks with some local car enthusiasts.  And he's even going without Mom! That's a big step!  She's been dropping him off for a couple of hours, and he calls her when he's done.  It's great for both of them for Dad to be able to get out and do something somewhat independently.

Mom and Dad will be having a lot of company over the next couple of weeks.  Aunt Fran (Mom's twin sister, for those who don't know) will be heading down on Tuesday for two weeks.  And Uncle Bob and Aunt Carol (their brother and his wife) will also be coming to visit while Aunt Fran is there. I know Mom appreciates all of them coming down to see her and Dad.  Moving to a new place where you don't really know anyone is already tough without what Mom has been dealing with these last 4 months.

I still don't have any pictures for you.  Maybe when Aunt Fran is there she can get some of Mom and Dad together.  I'm sure they'll be out and about doing some fun things during her visit!

That's all for now....thanks for continuing to follow Dad's progress!  If you have his number, give him a call.  The more practice he has talking to people, the better!