April 21, 2013 - Day 15

April 21, 2013 - Day 15

Bella’s first full day at home was not so easy. She doesn’t sleep well – hasn’t since her first night in the hospital. Many nights she gets in a position – usually on her side with one leg flung forward – and she is unable to get back on her back. Her legs, especially her right leg, just do not listen well to the signals her mind sends. Bella was very emotional the first half of today. Even though she is home, she still gets so down and depressed. There are a lot of tears in our household these days.
The afternoon was better, though. I did my own PT session with Bella (once I got her motivated enough to try). She walked with her walker for 10 feet, sat and rested for a moment and then walked back 10 feet to her wheelchair. We also worked on some arm stretches. She has a lot of tightness in her shoulders and she is unable to raise her arms overhead without assistance. Because her range of motion is so limited, she is now very stiff and sore in her arms and legs.
Tomorrow morning we start her outpatient therapy. It will be much more intense than when she was in the hospital because she goes for 2 hours straight – bouncing from OT to PT and back. I just hope she can stay positive and keep trying.