One month at Craig

Wednesday night we went to an Italian restaurant near the hospital. It was really good and we went even though I'm still in a wheelchair. The night was cold. As it turned out it was kind of the night that started the weekend because on Thursday night, my friend from college Alison arrived with her husband Eric and their son Eddie who is only one year old. Eddie is one of the coolest babies we've hung out with. In a way he reminded me of myself because like Eddie, I am learning how to walk and use my left hand and left leg. In fact, I am relearning everything that I learned as a child. It was good to see Chuck and MB who visited on Friday. It was good hearing about Dolores happenings. Chuck and MB joked with us about how all their friends are younger. Chris and Alex were here today. We all went to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science because Eric wanted to see the exhibit on Colorado rocks and minerals. We learned that aquamarine is found on Mount Antero. Alison, Eric and Eddie had to leave and it was hard to say goodbye but we stayed with Chris and Alex and had dinner at a local Thai restaurant. They told us all about their vacation. Tomorrow we are going to Golden and see our dogs and Gareth's parents and Jay Cutler. Next weekend we might go to a Bronco game with the hospital bus. Don't get stuck in the snow Dolores folks. Think of me when you ski! Take care,
Marilyn

Marilyn's update - 11/27/07

Lately I've been learning the ins and outs of the therapy professions, including physical, speech and occupational. My schedule stays booked everyday with these therapies leaving me tired in the evening. I am still having trouble with the left side of my body but it is getting better. I am working on walking and that is rewarding. I hope in the next couple weeks I'll be thinking more clearly. The speech therapists are constantly testing my critical thinking skills. Gareth is here helping me with everything. Hopefully it will all pay off soon so we can make it back to Dolores and see everybody. I went to Gareth's parents house on Sunday and got to spend a day away from the hospital which was a good experience. It's been good to read about everybody's support and I appreciate that.

Love to you all,
Marilyn

A Day at Craig

Every weekday at Craig offers a full schedule of therapies geared towards each patient's challenges and current abilities. Marilyn's head continues to "clear" and she is getting better and better at dealing with day to day routine. Additonally, her left side gets stronger every day. Here's an example of Marilyn's schedule this week.

7:30am - Wake up, order breakfast and eat.
8:30am - Occupational therapist arrives - pick clothes for the day (without forgetting every item you are supposed to wear and change into them despite a weak left side).
Wash face, comb hair, brush teeth.
9:00am - Propel wheel chair with feet to Orientation class. Review what day it is, read daily news articles, practice memory assignments.
9:30am - Go to Physical Therapy. Extensive mat exercises, balance ball workout, practice walking and left leg stability.
10:30 - Go to Occupational therapy - work on left arm and left hand strength, fine motor coordination.
11:00 - Wheel down to Speech Therapy office, practice visual recall, mental organization, memory retention.
11:30 - Lunch, practice eating with left hand.
1:00 - Pedal stationary bike.
1:30 - Work on jigsaw puzzle.
2:00- Mat class, yoga and stretches geared towards individuals current physical ability.
3:00 - Speech therapy, round 2.
3:30 - Meet with neuropsychologist.

When not in class or in therapy, Marilyn and I practice a lot. Today she sucessfully tried writing with her left (dominant) hand for the first time. We practiced eye exercises to help bring her left eye in line with the right. (She currently has double vision but glasses with tape over part of the lens of the left side alleviate this.) At dinner, we practice eating with her left hand. She constantly works out her left arm and today broke all records by lifting it and extending it fully above her head. Our conversations consistently integrate the skills we have both learned to help her organize her thinking and improve her short term memory.

As Marilyn continues to improve, the days will become more full and challenging and the therapy will continue to be adjusted to her increasing abilities. All toward the goal of bringing back the Marilyn that was before the accident.