Day 60 - Thursday

I arrived this morning to hear yet another story from the nurses that Gord had somehow managed to get himself placed on the toilette ( French and more delicate for toilet) which now is his favorite place to be after so long in bed! We aren't sure how he got from the wheelchair to "the favorite place" but he did which of course freaks out the nurses because he could fall and crack his head or heaven's forbid, break a leg! I told Gord this morning that's all we need now is for him to break his good leg and then we are really hooped. I think he understands.

Tomorrow is the "Big" meeting and I will let you all know how it goes. I have been told it really is a non event as the people working with Gord for the past 2 weeks simply report what they have been doing with him. Deepak is coming to the meeting to listen and ask questions. I am happy to have a witness attending so if something bizarre and unforeseen emerges he can help me!

The wheelchair accessible vehicle search has abruptly ended. They don't rent them anymore due to lack of demand. To have a vehicle retrofitted is crazy expensive and I have decided that I will use the Handi Bus for the few times we leave this place and by the time we get to Halvor Jonson Center he will most likely be able to transfer from his chair to a car seat and back in the chair again. That is my hope, anyway. Gotta keep setting those goals.

Gord has been experiencing a lot of "pins and needles" feeling in his head which really puzzles him. It seems to affect his right arm as well and apparently is common in stroke patients. He is on a very small dose of some medication that should help calm the feeling. He gets very distressed when it happens. As I said before if it isn't one thing it's another.....but keeps the days interesting and me on my toes!

I have been wheeling him into the shower room and leaning him back far enough in his chair to be able to wash his hair. I'm surprised you can't hear him from here groaning with such delight at the feeling of nice warm water and shampoo cleansing his head. I remember back to baby days that washing the kids hair calmed them down when they were getting out of hand. Seems to do the same with adults. Just another TIP from Sheila, girls.

We had a beautiful day yesterday so I wheeled Gord out onto the garden deck on the 3rd floor and he basked in the sunshine for a little while. Today we are back to -15 and light snow so we won't venture out today. Kind of disappointing!

Well, that's all for now...thanks for tuning in.

Lots of love to all

Sheila and Gord

PS Thanks for the tips Arlene - I will start making calls when I know we are going to Halvor Jonson and getting prepared for the lake house.
So happy to hear you are feeling good....keep up the good work.
S