Day 6 Wednesday, December 15

Today was a much anticipated day. One because she is finally able to get started at the rehab center… and two because Elizabeth would get to see her “Big Boy” as we affectionately call Jack sometimes.

Sleeping was fair last night and physical therapy started first in the morning.  They had her doing some stair work and walking exercises.  Speech therapy came next. And then occupational therapy was the third thing that was done today.  These sessions will be two to three time a day for each one.  It keeps her pretty busy when you mix in trying to eat, resting, showering, visiting time, etc.

Fortunately and unfortunately they have taken her off percocet and put her on a less potent drug that will not make her so drowsy (the Percocet had been making her very sleepy). The good news is that it allows her not to be so drowsy… the bad news is it doesn’t stop the pain nearly as well.  They obviously don’t want her to be drowsy for the rehab work but she’s just in a lot of pain without the stronger pain med.  This jaw thing really sucks for her comfort level right now. I’ll be really glad when that is gone! Hopefully from what others that have had their jaw muscle cut say is that it takes a few weeks so hopefully we’re half way there.

Michelle was with Elizabeth a good part of the day today as I was at my sister’s house with the big boy. Then I came in the evening. Tomorrow we will flip that and will be there all day starting in the morning. It’s a balancing act with someone watching Jack and we’ve a good job of that. It’s hard for me to be away from her right now. I keep thinking if I could just split myself in two I’d be good… but all involved will do our best along this path to recovery. Elizabeth’s mom helped her take a shower and had brought her more smoothies which she drank about another 10 oz. of. She also ate a good portion of spaghetti tonight at around 6pm which is the most real food she has eaten since this thing started.  So the food situation is still slow but moving in the right direction. One of the nurses today asked Elizabeth if she wanted a carnation protein drink and Elizabeth said “I’m bias to Abbott products… bring me Ensure!” She told me that story tonight and we both laughed (Elizabeth worked for Abbott in the past). Her mom Michelle was with her during some of rehab today and said Elizabeth did pretty well. Elizabeth thought she did pretty well to for the first day. She has been complaining about her eyes making her dizzy and it’s been a problem for her. She will see a neuro eye specialist tomorrow. They are also making her try to do all things for herself as much as she can like getting dressed and teeth brushing etc. She can do those things pretty good but some is done with right hand favoritism.

The best part of the day for sure was getting to see Jack! She told me she was telling everyone there “I get to see my two favorite guys today!”… and was texting me with anticipation.  Jack woke up from his nap at about 6:30 and I got him some dinner and got him fixed up in a sharp outfit and hair combed just right. It just boggles my mind how much this kid at 22 months old knows... as we parked in the parking structure, unprovoked by me he started to say “mama mama mama”. I said “yeah you’re right we’re here now..” I felt like I couldn’t get there fast enough. We walk in to the center and turned down her hallway. It was a site I will never forget for as long as I live - Elizabeth sitting on the edge of the foot of the bed leaning forward so she could see the main doors to the facility. She just couldn’t wait! It was a site to see because when I come to see her she’s usually lying down… definitely not sitting on the edge of the foot of the bed. As soon as she saw us she stood up. We got to the room and tears came. Good tears. Jack gave Elizabeth kisses and gave her a tight squeeze as I held him up to her. We sat on the bed and he laid with her as she read him some books. We also went for a walk and Elizabeth got to show off her precious little boy. We saw the Christmas tree and talked about all the ornaments. He really loves Christmas trees. Jack gave her another picture her drew earlier today and we taped to the wall. He really likes the get well balloon that is in her room. He loves floating balloons. The hugs and lots of kisses continued. The meeting couldn’t have gone better. Elizabeth will get to see him more now which will be so great for both of them… and me too!

Thanks again and again for all your supportive comments. I’m always reading them to her! They mean so much to us!

I will update tomorrow ….Thanks…

John