The Beginning of Stability (month four)

As predicted,the fourth month showed some improvements. Although we still don't have formal speech therapy, some old words pop out from time to time. I am still "mum" but I do get the occasional "honey" and "baby" and once "Lulu". I am trying to be more patient in this regard.

I have finally achieved some stability in the help from CCAC. I have one PSW, Shiela, who is a gem. She is great with Mike, grooms and trains dogs and does hairdressing. She has been a godsend.

Mike got a new family doctor, Dr. Kasbia in Kanata, not that impressed but at least he got more pain meds.

The physio at Neurologic continues to amaze, Mike has now gained enough strength in his leg that we got rid of the commode, and he is working with a walker and one handed quad cane. He is starting to be able to do more on his own, as he gets stronger, which gives both of us independence. He is still experiencing extreme pain, especially in the shoulder. I learned a new technique today to message it. 

He had a back treatment this week which I hope will help with the mobility. 

We are both learning to live with this situation. His mood is still good except when I refuse to do anything for him that I feel he can do himself. It's a delicate balance of picking my battles or playing the heavy for his own good.

Visitors are scarcer now that school is back, but have seen both our dear friends from Belleville, Sue and Ross, and Ron and Joanie from Sarnia. Maggie and Luc came down for the fair which we enjoyed immensely.  I continue to receive support from my usual crew, thank God for them. The neighbors continue to be there for us . I am slowly starting to accept this situation, trying to get back to my regular activities and trying to live life, one day at a time. 

Summer has come to an end, Fall now upon us. I got the pool down and trailer is put away. All I can do is take each day as it comes. This is still so hard, but with the new fall tv, cooler weather, it's a bit more manageable as Mike has a bit more entertainment to keep him occupied.

My hope for month five is that he finally gets to do some walking and can gain more speech and independence. For myself, I need to find my ground, something that takes me out of this continual sadness and hopeless feeling. I need more emotional support and we need to find some new friends that are in a similar situation. I need to accept what is, not what was, and pray what will be is better.