Peace

Alison was so content today in her bed and watching a movie.  She asked how long I was staying because it had been three days since she's been outside and she wanted to go out.  I left a note for the Monday staff requesting that they have her ready for an excursion when I get there.

She was so relaxed..no pain, no itching.  Some frustration at not remembering words but she was testing herself and practicing.

She was happy that everyone came to see her on her birthday.  She said she misses Reenie a lot.

It turns out that Alison's friend Lauri knows Jennifer the PT.  Small world!  And in some way makes me feel like Alison's support system just got a little stronger.

I noticed they took the bandage off her wound on the outside of her left knee.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALISON!!!

Some silliness from Stella...

We all thought this was hilarious but it was lost on Alison.  She said it freaked her out:(  Maybe another time.  She was exhausted by the time I had gotten there.  She had had lots of visitors today.  Reenie is headed back to California tonight. I know Alison is going to miss her so much.

A New Attitude

I bought Alison a few more clothing items.  Comfort was the most important consideration of course but I thought it was time to start jazzing it up a little.  (I even bought her a dress!!!!!) So I told Alison that she had to put the wallowing in pity behind, it's her birthday and the beginning of a new era..it's time for her to embrace the woman she WANTS to be.  I asked her what that would look like.  I reminded her of how full of life she was this time last year.  Philip took her to New York for her birthday.  She was on top of the world.  I asked her what she wants her style to be.  She said she didn't care about that kind of stuff but I pressed her.  She said "bohemian".  That's exactly what I was thinking!!!!

She really wanted to talk to Philip and we did end up talking with him briefly.  That made her day.  She was hopeful he would be able to visit today.

At some point she said, "I really need to get on board with what they are trying to do for me here.  I need to be able to use the phone and computer.  I need to get my hands stronger so I can type and text and email people.  It's 11 and then it's 2 in the morning and I feel so isolated."  (She really said all that!! with perfect ease!!)  I told her that the more she works at the physical stuff, the better it is for brain.  I'm not sure if I'm making that up or if I read that somewhere, but she believed me and she is motivated..at least for today.

Good day!  She said she'd wear the dress on her birthday!!! :)

P.S.  PT did tell me that Alison being upright IS better for her cognizance.

Enormous Progress

Visit Wednesday 9/25 by Andy Riedy

You guys are missing so much if you do not visit Alison! At every visit, I find Alison with new awareness and capabilities. And her full personality and humor are beginning to show. Take the time to be a cheerleader too and visit her!

At today's visit, both Reenie and Mary Pat were there. At this visit, Alison was for the first time cognizant of the brain limitations that she currently has. Alison commented on how frustrating it was that every time she had a thought, it disappeared. She understands that her brain is not functioning well, something she has not realized until now. THIS IS GREAT NEWS. She is tracking what she wants to say and KNOWS that she is different than she was.  

She also did not know the tremendous progress she has made over the last 6 weeks. We shared HOW MUCH she had improved over the last 3 weeks and that this “frightening” awareness is one step in her recovery. It helps her when we share how much ground she has gained since her coma state through to her current awareness and ability to communicate. It is so much fun to teach her and let her experience who she was and who she is becoming.  

Other examples of progress: Alison also showed several memories of recent events. Again this is great progress given concerns of a week ago that she lacked any short term memory. Also, Alison is moving her limbs, sometimes so much she falls out of bed. Not graceful but certainly a “step” in the right direction. We reassure her that she has gained so much mental and physical abilities over the last several weeks, and that she can gain so much more soon.

Some odds and ends: When Alison said “OW” today, we talked about whether it was a real OW or an itch.  This time it turns it meant “scared” that she was going to be hurt. So we now have 3 words to remind her to use. Alison at one point said, ”Don’t put thoughts into my head” meaning she already had enough to think about. I am mindful to keep from over-tiring her at each visit. Finally, Alison has no filter on what she says (did she ever?). She sometimes says things to people that are racy, bigoted or inappropriate (without meaning harm). Just remind her and then she is contrite.

Reenie leaves Saturday so come fill in time and visit Alison!

East Meets West:)

Reenie is here!!!!  She arrived last night and was with Alison when I arrived. Alison was extra vocal today..more cursing than the past few days.  We spent the whole time stretching, massaging, and rearranging her to no avail.  Nothing brings her relief for long. 

Reenie said she had taken Alison out for a stroll in the sunshine and that Alison enjoyed watching a talent show (I can't remember the name) on the Ipad.  

She kept saying she needed a nap.  I think Reenie wore her out!!! 

Glorious Sunshine

I took Alison outside to bask in the sunlight. She said it was fabulous and glorious. She was so sad today... lots of tears.  She feels humiliated that she has her diaper changed.  She has a bad rash on her bum and horrible neck pain. She wants to crawl out of her skin. I tried to stretch her out and massage her.  I just feel so helpless sometimes. I wish I could bring her more relief. 

One good thing is that she is able to express her feelings to the staff.  She told the woman changing her that she felt humiliated and that the cream she put on her stung. I thought that was really good that she is starting to communicate more clearly so they can understand what she needs.

I took her back to her room and she was disoriented. She kept saying "Is this my room?".  I felt horrible leaving her today. Usually by the time I leave, I have managed to make her more comfortable, calm, cheery, and settled. Today I was unsuccessful..except when we were out under the wisteria.  I promised her that Reenie would spend lots of time with her outside. :) She arrives tonight. 

Quiet Time

Alison slept almost the entire time I was there.  As I was about to leave, Sonia came in to say hi to Alison.  Alison is her favorite she said...the first and last patient she comes to see every shift.  She is so sweet with Alison and they make each other laugh.  Sonia said she was even laughing on her days off about things Alison had said and done.  She made Alison hug her which was hilarious to watch since Alison is not affectionate like that..to humans at least.  The look on her face was priceless!!!  But you can tell that Alison really likes her and they have a great rapport.

I told Sonia about The Hours CD that Alison likes.  Alison told her to be sure not bore a hole in it.

Sonia said that Alison keeps everyone awake with her yelling.  A woman fell out of her bed trying to go help Alison (Alison yells "help" a lot) and a man shuffled up to the nurses' station to make sure someone went to check on her.  That place is a circus and full of characters...but in an amusing/good way:)