Josh Update Fri, 10/7 - Rehab Starting

I realize how long I've left everyone hanging so, before I finish detailed updates from the beginning, I'll summarize recent happenings.

Joshua lost many of his abilities in his right side.  It's called hemiparesis or hemiplegia.  He's had tingling, numbness, and weakness since this all started over four (long) days ago. His face has been mostly numb and it's made his speech a bit more mumbled and some more stuttering than usual.  His right arm and hand have been mostly tingly, kind of like pins and needles, but he's had the most strength there since the beginning and it's improving well.  His right leg has felt all the sensations but has improved quite well too, especially when sitting.  His right foot has been the weakest from the beginning and I think he has what's called "drop foot", which means he has difficulty lifting the front part of his foot which is so important in walking.  This is normal in stroke patients and there are tools and therapies to help but it seems that it may be his biggest and longest physical struggle to get through.

He started an in-patient rehab(ilitation) program at Primary Children's Hospital (PCH), meaning he's going to stay in the hospital for 2-4 weeks.  The purpose is to get him to the point of functioning at home and out of the hospital.  

That basically means for him to be able to take care of his own basic needs.  This could look a little different for various patients but for him we'd like him to walk with support, dress & shower himself, brush teeth and hair, feed himself, etc.

Then, he'll continue out-patient rehab for months to years.  That will get him functioning in a more regular-life way, with writing, going to school, using a keyboard and mouse, driving, working, etc.  Our head neurologist said much of the progress should be within months but even up to 2 years for continued improvements.

He's making good progress since he started therapy a couple days ago. 

In physical therapy, he's walked multiple times with a walker, stood with support and even on his own a bit, pushes himself in a wheelchair for a time and can maneuver it around pretty well already.  The highlight for him was riding a bike!  He cruised the halls of the NTU (neuro trauma unit) and the bridge.  

In occupational therapy, he's learning how to take care of his personal needs (dress, teeth, eat, etc) and fine motor skills.  

He had his first speech therapy session today, which was mostly a cognitive assessment which we'll get results for tomorrow.

I think it's fascinating to watch and participate in the therapy sessions.  The therapists are so encouraging, good at pushing Josh while also reminding him to listen to his body, have a good energy, and we always coming away feeling proud of Josh and the accomplishments he's made.  He pushes himself every time and is starting to learn how to balance pushing hard and also resting and being ready for the next therapy session.