from:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tylerrisk/journal
Thursday, September 3, 2009 11:14 AM, PDT
Wednesday 10:30PM
Greetings all,
It was a lovely day in Tyler’s neighborhood.
I had a busy Tyler day. Our regular Wednesday morning was filled with her Caring Bridge post, doctor visits, physical therapy, and shopping lists.
I arrived to find Tyler awake and eagerly awaiting my arrival. Before she ate her breakfast she wanted to post her message. It was so important she communicate how she felt about the outpouring of support from you, her devoted legion of family and friends.
Soon Dr. Davis, her plastic surgeon, turned up. He report all her “numbers” looked good. He also told Tyler one small patch of skin graft on her bottom was not responding as hoped. Though disappointing, he told her the plan to get her out of the Burn Unit and into rehab would not be delayed.
Together, we counted the weeks since her accident, this is week 10, and Dr. Davis reminded Tyler the ortho-pods said 10-12 weeks post surgery to start weight bearing. His plans were to check with his colleagues and determine an action plan.
A few minutes later in walk her physical therapy crew. Based on how Tyler was feeling, the decision was to dangle her feet over the edge of her bed. It has been over a week since Tyler has tried to sit-up so she was concerned about being able to do so. With a bit of coaxing/support from her P.T. crew and my outreached hand for leverage, she scooted her legs across the bed and pulled herself into an upright position.
A long sigh clearly demonstrated how wonderful it felt to be sitting. She worked hard to hold her torso upright on her own. With help she was able to twist to the right and left. When asked how she was doing, she replied she was tiring but very happy to have her back to the air and seeing the world from a new position. I looked at her glowing face knowing exactly how she felt.
We had a conversation with the P.T. crew about her short-term path.
Plans are to get her in the wheel chair and when she can handle 20 minutes, she can be rolled outside. Oh my, did her face light up. “ You mean fresh air?” Yep. Fresh air. Her evening nursing staff will be asked to get her up for an edge of the bed sit so she can build strength and endurance.
We also chatted about the Rehab Center where she will be transferred when her doctors give the OK. Tyler was enthisastic, but uncertain about the move. A short time later I departed, with my shopping list in hand, as Tyler needed a snooze before her mid-day bandage change.
When speaking with Susan about my visit, she suggested we make a visit to the Rehab Center to take a few photos to give Tyler a sense of where she was headed. Her great idea resulted in a fabulous outcome.
I met Susan at the hospital and we found the Rehab Center. I expected to get some resistance to our request to take a few photos. We were pleasantly surprised to receive a full tour from the head nurse. WOW….what a fabulous facility.
Our guide gave us the royal treatment. From ground floor rooms with huge windows to the patio and full gym with a therapy dog, this place is top notch. After snapping photos, looking in sleeping rooms, and petting the dog, Susan and I walked away knowing Tyler is headed to a professional and caring environment.
The two Sue’s rushed back to Tyler’s room. We were grinning from ear to ear. Tyler gave us the “what are you two up to” look. As Susan showed her the photos, I gave her the overview about her next stop on her recovery road. After listening and looking, she thanked us for taking the time to help lessen her anxiety over moving to a new place.
I took my leave a short time later to give Susan and Tyler a chance to chat and catch up.
I had a lovely Tyler day. I believe she had one as well.
Sweet dreams,
Sue