Dear Friends & Family,
As I told you in our last update, Gerry was discharged from Ballard Rehab last Thursday. He was so thrilled to come home! He has been very alert, and basically doing very well, enjoying every moment of "freedom", and certainly enjoying "freedom" in the kitchen...the taste of real food! Lori has been trying to limit his "grazing" to keep him from gaining back the weight he has lost. We know gaining more weight would inhibit his mobility even more. Who can blame him after 6+ months of hospital food...God love him! I think after getting used to being at home, he will realize the need for moderation. Also, before his accident, he never was one to rest or nap. He was always "going" then, too. Well, things haven't changed! Gerry constantly wants to be on the go. But the challenge is that his body now NEEDS to rest here and there in order to keep functioning. Especially by the early afternoon, he gets quite tired. If he keeps going and refuses to rest (which is a daily struggle), he then gets grumpy and agitated, and can unnecessarily lash out at family members.
I also think that he probably feels that he has missed out on life these past months, and doesn't want a moment to pass him by. But we pray that he will soon understand that he will function better and enjoy life more if he allows himself the short rests that he needs. He still struggles to find the right words and in his communication. We pray that in time, and through the right therapy, that God will increase his abilities in this area.
Lori has also been allowing Gerry to do what he can for himself to see what he can do while also giving him the dignity of doing his own self-care. He is doing so much better with things like showering, etc.
Of course, Lori carefully watches him because he still struggles with his balance at times. He has that Italian stubborn streak in him, and won't accept help with his shaving. Once again, Lori graciously allows him the dignity to do it himself even though the job is not done evenly. Her loving support, patience, and advocation for Gerry to the insurance companies has been a tremendous example of selflessness and true commitment in marriage. What an inspiration she and Gerry are as they work together in the true meaning of teamwork!
Gerry's sense of humor is strongly in tact, as he jokes around in Italian or Spanish, with the perfect accents! He comes up with the funniest one-liners at times. Driving over to our house, he noticed the brand new Krispy Kreme Donut Shop, as he said "Oh, a new donut shop...I think I feel an addiction coming on!" Or, one day as he was struggling with his thoughts, he said something like "Oh, this brain of mine, I don't know apples from oranges!". I could go on and on with these....I told Lori she should keep a notepad with her and write a book someday!
Friends, the insurance company is still pulling last minute delays. We discharged Gerry last Thursday with no clear plan for his further treatment. Friday Lori took him to his local doctor, where we heard some positive news that Aetna wanted to recommend a two week trial for therapy only at Learning Services at Escondido. They had to work it out with the medical group and would let us know by today. Well, today, they got back to Lori and they are somehow conviced that Learning Services is "unsafe". We have no idea what they mean by this.
Lori has scheduled an evaluation tomorrow afternoon with 'Rehab without Walls', and will also be having the Centre for Neuro Skills of Bakersfield evaluate Gerry also. She only has this week off of work, and no set plan yet for Gerry's therapy because of the insurance rigamorole. Please continue in urgent prayer for God's clear provision and direction in this area. We know that the answer will be made clear at the right time, and trust in His plan.
Also pray for the remainder of Gerry's week at home with his family. He is so much enjoying his time with his family, and we want to carefully and prayerfully make decisions for his next step while getting him the treatment that he needs.
God Bless you all for your love and support, and for your faithful prayers!!!
Love,
Gina
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