It looks like good news!

It appears likely that Mom will be able to stay for 2 or 3 more weeks! The hospital's consensus is that she do just that, but now it is up to the insurance to decide. We are hopeful that they will concur with the hospital's recommendation, especially since she started walking last week. We'll take it!!!!!! (And yes, insurance really does run the world - mine at least!)

This morning Mom walked even further than ever with the walker and did not require the harness. Beginning at the therapy room on the opposite end of the floor, she walked all the way down the hall to her room, and then all the way back again. She had to stop once to rest, but she did it!!! It just wipes her out to walk, but it is so amazing that she can! When we stop to think where she was when she first arrived on the 12th floor two weeks ago, it is truly remarkable. Reading the back entries on the blog help keep it all in perspective.

This afternoon Mom did not want to do much more therapy, but I'm pretty sure that if I had run a marathon in the morning, I wouldn't be up to another one in the afternoon. From her reaction, that's probably a pretty fair comparison. She's pretty vocal about things when she doesn't want to participate, but it's her only way to protest. (That and clenching her mouth shut when she doesn't want to eat anymore!) It must be pretty maddening from her end, but we only want what's best.

In occupational therapy they show Mom lots of pictures of everyday objects and ask questions about the items. The idea is to keep repeating things until they are automatic, but sometimes Mom gets exasperated and tells them she has already answered their questions. I guess it's a good sign if she can remember that she has seen them previously, but when she won't answer the second time around it doesn't look good on the evaluation. Ah, protocol!

This morning Dad and Jim Jr. went down to the ICU and were able to talk with Mom's original neuro specialist. He was able to reassure them that Mom's on again/off again behavior is normal for her type of brain injury, and that she is making good progress. Up on the 12th floor they are used to dealing with typical stroke patients, but Mom's stroke was quite unusual and her reactions are not what they are used to seeing. It was comforting to hear that her reactions are to be expected.

We really do love you, dear Mother! Have a good snooze (and stay in the bed!)