Sam/Donna and I spoke today. She's very encouraged by Ron's progress even though it's SLOW. As you know from my last update, he was starting to walk with difficulty. He has now "graduated" from pulling himself along the wall railing to using what they call a Hemi Walker. It's similar to a regular walker but without wheels and because of good stability it's useful for those who have had strokes and have strength and/or mobility issues on one side. Since my last update Ron has gained more strength on his left side and, as a result, his left foot isn't dragging quite as much and his left hand is handling the walker better. Apparently they get Ron out of his chair and stabilized with the walker. He walks out the door of his room and goes toward the lobby. One person holds onto his waist strap and another follows with his wheelchair. It's really tiring and he has to rest a couple of times, but he can now make it almost to the lobby. I was really worried about that dragging left foot so his being able to take small steps with it is very encouraging. Also, he walks down the middle of the corridor. Sam says people tell him "way to go Ron" so he's getting lots of encouragement. Their goal at this point is to get him so he can walk to the bathroom and take care of himself there. That would be a huge step toward more home visits - which, of course, have stopped for the winter.
Ron had been losing weight because he didn't like the food and that was a major concern, but once he starting burning more calories with exercise he started gaining again. Now he needs to lose about ten pounds and stabilize at a more desirable weight. Sam said they're required to feed patients three meals a day and most of them don't need that much food so she's working with him to not eat everything on his plate if he isn't hungry. As she said, he can always get something from the morning and afternooon snack trays if he's hungry.
About a month ago Ron caught a "bug" and was really sick. It's been going around the hospital, apparently now on it's second round. The nursing home was quarantined with people staying in their rooms and no visitors. Now the hospital and the entire facility has been quarantined as they try to put a stop to the unwelcome bug. This means Ron is really bored. He and Sam talk a lot on the phone, but he's used to having her there most of the time. If he's in the wheelchair they find him out roaming the halls and have to take him back to his room. Their New Year's Eve party had to be postponed and they'll have it later when everyone is healthy again. At least Ron hasn't caught the bug this time around.
So, life continues in cold and snowy Montana. Sam said Happy New Year to everyone.
ArdraF
