hello everyone,
I am back in Albuquerque, it is raining here also so I wasn't able to escape it. I am writing to give my observation after 5 weeks of being away. wow, mom is really working hard as you all know but it is paying off. When I transfer her it is pretty easy, she can mostly lift all of her body weight, I am there for balance and guidance. when I was here last she would walk with her walker but with a lot of effort, she needed 3 people around her helping, now one person is needed just to spot her. Pinky is working on stamina, and still rebuilding muscles that have been weakened by lack of use.
This week I was able to accompany mom to pick up a 'Jazzy' this is a motorized wheel chair, so far she is loving more Independence, we put her in it and she doesn't have to wait for anyone to push her. The first day she got it she took it out on the street and met an artist who is a neighbor hopefully they can get together and play. This weekend we will use it more and let you all know how she did.
Pinky's daughter,
Beth
Friday, June 26, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
3 blogs in a day?
Ok, so we're not very good at posting to the blog. But 3 post in a day? Well, it's actually kind of raining here today and that kept me from working in the yard preparing the Queen's grounds (I'm trying to get the ground leveled and ready for Pinky's kiddie pool: it is redneck rehab after all). And besides, I've really been wanting to get everybody up-to-date. Pinky is walking with the walker really well and things have been going really good. I'm hesitant to say it, but everyone has told us that the recovery is usually exponential in nature and I really feel we are approaching that spot on the curve where it begins to climb quickly. She's a damn hard worker.
We are going to try to maintain the blog a bit better. Perhaps in more of a photo essay kind of way rather than writing. It's faster and more interactive as you guys will have to make up your own version of the story that way. No guarantees of course, but we'll try. SK
We are going to try to maintain the blog a bit better. Perhaps in more of a photo essay kind of way rather than writing. It's faster and more interactive as you guys will have to make up your own version of the story that way. No guarantees of course, but we'll try. SK
Wow!
Pinky wanted us to post these 'statistics.' Mostly, she loves the letters and support and wanted you guys to know why it's hard for her to be around the phone.
Since Pinky came home in January:
164 hours of supervised therapy. (i.e., with the therapist at rehab)
540 hours of self-initiated therapy.
90 hours changing diapers, or adult briefs for the more sensitive readers.
360 hours intermittent catheterization.
30 hours taking showers at rehab (since sometime around March).
30 hours in the soaking tub (we've only had it for about a month).
60 hours driving to and fro'.
45 hours digi-stemming. If you don't know...don't worry about it.
1800 transfers of Pinky's butt to an eclectic mix of surfaces.
We generated about 5000# of garbage and recyclables.
And she's been asleep for about 1620 hours.
So, please keep the letters coming and the phone calls. They really give here a lot of energy and passion to keep working hard. A lot of people in Pinky's situation simply decide not to do the work that's necessary and never get to the point she's already at and certainly not to the heights we will reach. It takes an incredible amount of work and perseverance and wherewithal. After each knew challenge has been met, there's another waiting and people of less character and strength simply get worn out by it all. Understandably so. Though we have some of that in very briefs moments, she's a trooper and is always up to the challenge. Simply amazing! She wanted me to tell you guys, she loves and misses everyone very much and is working hard to get back to her life. SK
Since Pinky came home in January:
164 hours of supervised therapy. (i.e., with the therapist at rehab)
540 hours of self-initiated therapy.
90 hours changing diapers, or adult briefs for the more sensitive readers.
360 hours intermittent catheterization.
30 hours taking showers at rehab (since sometime around March).
30 hours in the soaking tub (we've only had it for about a month).
60 hours driving to and fro'.
45 hours digi-stemming. If you don't know...don't worry about it.
1800 transfers of Pinky's butt to an eclectic mix of surfaces.
We generated about 5000# of garbage and recyclables.
And she's been asleep for about 1620 hours.
So, please keep the letters coming and the phone calls. They really give here a lot of energy and passion to keep working hard. A lot of people in Pinky's situation simply decide not to do the work that's necessary and never get to the point she's already at and certainly not to the heights we will reach. It takes an incredible amount of work and perseverance and wherewithal. After each knew challenge has been met, there's another waiting and people of less character and strength simply get worn out by it all. Understandably so. Though we have some of that in very briefs moments, she's a trooper and is always up to the challenge. Simply amazing! She wanted me to tell you guys, she loves and misses everyone very much and is working hard to get back to her life. SK
What's Pinky Been Doing?
A typical day in Pinky's world:
10:00 a.m.:
"Family." Pinky's up and usually calls out, 'family,' to let us know she's awake.
10:00 a.m -11:00 a.m:
Morning hygiene and phone calls back to Jersey and Gene.
11:00 a.m-12:00 a.m:
Stretching regiment and Bonnie Hunt on the T.V.
12:00 p.m-1:00 p.m.:
Usually Pinky has some snacks and we drive to rehab.
1:00 p.m-6:00 or 7:00 p.m.:
Depending on the day, Pinky is either working with her Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist or working out at home. In between, we run whatever errands we have. Pinky has begun going into the grocery store to pick out her own food. It turns out she's a great driver of the big 'phat' electric carts with the baskets attached.
At some point during this time, we usually go swimming for an hour or so and have a shower at the rehab center. Most of the pool time is spent working out and fine tuning mechanical skills necessary in walking. We try to allow her some free time to visit and swim around. She's a hard worker though, and rarely takes us up on it. She does, however, really enjoy the pool and the independence it affords. If time allows and she's feeling good, we take advantage of some of the equipment the rehab center has and we work out on our own.
7:00 p.m -9:00 p.m.:
Like everyone else, we normally have dinner and try to veg out with the T.V.: usually, a network series rented from netflix or a movie and who knows what's for dinner.
9:00 p.m-10:30 p.m.:
It's bath time at R.R. Pinky usually gets into a soaking tub around 9 or 9:30 and hangs out for an hour or so at about 99-100 degrees. Of course, being R.R., we have T.V. available in the spa room, so she normally continues the movie while in the tub.
10:30 p.m-11:30 p.m.:
Once again, like most everyone else, we prepare for bed with many nightly rituals.
11:30 p.m.- 10:00 a.m.: Pinky's in Pinky land, usually dreaming of kicking it with Bonnie Hunt, or doing some light carpentry work building herself a house. Some nights she plays with Jack and Will in her dreams. Other nights she paints or drives her car around town. Tonight, who knows what Pink will be up to....
Variations:
Some days are different than others. But that's pretty much the routine.
The weekends are different, but she continues to work out albeit, perhaps a bit of a lighter work out. We try to have some fun on the weekends, inviting friends over for Pinky parties or going out to the movies or for snacks. Holly and I fear that we're not as much fun for her as all of you guys in Jersey, but we manage to laugh a lot and we have a pretty good time.
As for her pain management, she's been doing really well. The soaking tub and pool really seem to help with the spasms as long as the water is warm: at least 90 degrees to swim, with 92-94 being ideal and usually around 100 degrees for the soak. When she does have significant pain, the routine changes and revolves primarily around management and dismissal of the evil spasms and tone. Otherwise, we're kicking it and rocking out at R.R. SK
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Pinky's kicking BUTT!
Hi all,
It's been a while since our last post as we've been busy keeping up with Pinky. There has been a lot of progress and many 'first' since the last entry. Her pain levels have been much more manageable and as a result, she has really started working hard. We usually average around 4-5 hours of working out per day both here at R.R. and Lovelace with her two therapist, Rose and IvyRose. I'm short on time as we are off to get Pinky in her soaking tub and get ready for bed. I just wanted to let you all know she is doing really well. We have begun Pinky games again as well as Sunday art days with our neighbors kids and friends, so that ought to tell you something. SK
It's been a while since our last post as we've been busy keeping up with Pinky. There has been a lot of progress and many 'first' since the last entry. Her pain levels have been much more manageable and as a result, she has really started working hard. We usually average around 4-5 hours of working out per day both here at R.R. and Lovelace with her two therapist, Rose and IvyRose. I'm short on time as we are off to get Pinky in her soaking tub and get ready for bed. I just wanted to let you all know she is doing really well. We have begun Pinky games again as well as Sunday art days with our neighbors kids and friends, so that ought to tell you something. SK
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Hello everyone,
I have been away from Pinky for 6 weeks. The progress as all of you have seen with the video that Steve and Holly posted last, is quite impressive. I did a transfer (moving her from bed to chair or chair to pool etc.)with mom when I got here and her improvement is huge, Last time I was here I would have to lift all of mom's weight this time only about 20% she lifts the rest of her weight. It was so great to see such improvement. Now mom really needs to work on all of her small muscles too(core muscles) she needs all these so she can move around in bed and get out of the bed. When I was here last, mom had so much pain that it really broke my heart, this time the pain is down to a minimum, which keeps every ones spirits high. Because of the pain she was experiancing she got spasms which brought her arm progress way back, her arms have alot of tone(muscles are tight) they are getting better now with everyones efforts but I must tell you all, it is a battle of epic poportions, her progress is slow and tedious, 2 steps forward one step back. Since mom wakes until she gets into bed about 8 or 9 at night they work, mom wants her life back, so we all know if you want something bad enought, it isn't just gonna happen, you got to work for it. Thanks for all her letters and prayers they are always welcome and they work with her spirits.
Pinky's daughter,
Beth
I have been away from Pinky for 6 weeks. The progress as all of you have seen with the video that Steve and Holly posted last, is quite impressive. I did a transfer (moving her from bed to chair or chair to pool etc.)with mom when I got here and her improvement is huge, Last time I was here I would have to lift all of mom's weight this time only about 20% she lifts the rest of her weight. It was so great to see such improvement. Now mom really needs to work on all of her small muscles too(core muscles) she needs all these so she can move around in bed and get out of the bed. When I was here last, mom had so much pain that it really broke my heart, this time the pain is down to a minimum, which keeps every ones spirits high. Because of the pain she was experiancing she got spasms which brought her arm progress way back, her arms have alot of tone(muscles are tight) they are getting better now with everyones efforts but I must tell you all, it is a battle of epic poportions, her progress is slow and tedious, 2 steps forward one step back. Since mom wakes until she gets into bed about 8 or 9 at night they work, mom wants her life back, so we all know if you want something bad enought, it isn't just gonna happen, you got to work for it. Thanks for all her letters and prayers they are always welcome and they work with her spirits.
Pinky's daughter,
Beth
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Little Dove Nesting in the yard
Spring has sprung here at Redneck Rehab. The Spring winds have reminded me that another year has past and so much has changed. Pinky came to visit last March and I keep thinking what should have been done differently. My lovely mother...
well oh well, shouldn't dell in the past.
This Spring a cute little dove, whom we call Peachie due to her peach head, has decided to make a nest right out side our kitchen window. New life. We think she is a new mother because her nest is small, a little shabby and the branch she's on is a bit shaky. Not the work of a seasoned dove. We look forward to seeing her every morning that she still sits and waits for her chics to come. Here's looking at you Peachie!
Pinky has been kicking ass and taking names this week!!!
Just today she stood up on her own from a high-low mat into a walker. Huge move. THEN in the same therapy session she walked with really minimal assistance in her legs for the first time. Rose just held her waste but Mom's leg movements were all her own. Hot Dog!!! If everyday were like today I would kneel down and become a nun or something. Go Pinky.
These past two weeks or so have been so amazing, Pinky has gotten her power back. New magic and movements everyday, thank you universe.
I hope, God do I hope and pray, that we are in an upward swing and Pinky is on the road to recovery. We met two men at rehab this week, Elkrider and Frank, that I believe have inspired Pinky to work harder. These gents work out all the time and their recovery has been markable. Her work ethic is stronger and she's always exercising. It's either the guys or her wanting to get back to her great life in NJ. Either way, Pinky is the queen of patience and pose.
God save the queen!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Standing God
Mom's therapist came to the house this week with her youngest son Gabe. He was so taken by mom that he went home and made her a "Standing God". This God takes chocolate treats to help mom stand up and walk. The God has legs of steel so mom will be strong like bull and starting walking around. Too cute. We went to the pool at rehab 4 times this week and are planning to keep it up an a weekly bases.
Mom had a great week, less pain and more strength. Hip-hip-hooray.
Gene arrived today so mom has some better company than just the regular staff at Redneck Rehab.
I'll try to take pictures of mom the "Aqua Eagle" this week, it's so great to see her floating around relaxed.
hugs and kisses,
Holly
Monday, April 6, 2009
Swimming!
An extra special thanks to all who attended mom's "funraiser" last week. Pinky cried for 3 hours straight while watching via hidden camera. I can't even imagine how much love she felt while watching all those amazing people gathered just for her. THANK YOU ALL FOR MAKING MY MOM FELL SO LOVED!
On our front this week; Pinky got to go into the therapy pool for the first time Friday. Wow, what a difference no gravity makes. She was like a like guppy swimming around feeling her body out of a bed or a wheelchair. We have paid to use the pool 3 times a week and went again this afternoon. It helps so much to loosen her muscles and to feel weightless. Another added bonus is the shower room after that we have use of. Pinky hasn't been bathed with full on water since December. Our bathroom is too small us to transfer her into. But don't get the wrong idea, we DO bathe the beloved Pinky with bed bathes. It sounds so horrible to say she hasn't showered in 3 months. We are looking into our local YMCA to see about swimming everyday.
Mom's therapist Rose made a house call today (don't tell her boss) with her two amazing boys . Being at home made mom feel so comfortable verse being at the rehab hospital. The florescent lighting effects her and the whole vibe of the place brings her down so working out at home was great. Thank you Rose, Xavier, and Gabriel for coming over to play.
Pinky's pain level has been manageable for the past few days and she has been sleeping well. Let's keep praying for more better days. Thanks again for all the love.
-Holly
On our front this week; Pinky got to go into the therapy pool for the first time Friday. Wow, what a difference no gravity makes. She was like a like guppy swimming around feeling her body out of a bed or a wheelchair. We have paid to use the pool 3 times a week and went again this afternoon. It helps so much to loosen her muscles and to feel weightless. Another added bonus is the shower room after that we have use of. Pinky hasn't been bathed with full on water since December. Our bathroom is too small us to transfer her into. But don't get the wrong idea, we DO bathe the beloved Pinky with bed bathes. It sounds so horrible to say she hasn't showered in 3 months. We are looking into our local YMCA to see about swimming everyday.
Mom's therapist Rose made a house call today (don't tell her boss) with her two amazing boys . Being at home made mom feel so comfortable verse being at the rehab hospital. The florescent lighting effects her and the whole vibe of the place brings her down so working out at home was great. Thank you Rose, Xavier, and Gabriel for coming over to play.
Pinky's pain level has been manageable for the past few days and she has been sleeping well. Let's keep praying for more better days. Thanks again for all the love.
-Holly
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Wow, this has been a really big week for Pinky and family. This past Thursday night most all of my mothers friends and family got together to help raise money for her recovery, to say that the night was a success is an understatement. There was about 260 people who attended, it was held at the Merri Makers in Sea Bright, the room was set up beautifully, I have been there for weddings before, but the room had a completely different feel to it, much more cozy. Because of modern technology and the efforts of Lori Schoenig, Sophia Kho, and Sarina Tu (and many others) my mother was able to attend via. the Internet, there were 2 cameras that showed Pinky live feed from the party, one in the back of the room and one by the stage. Her being able to see everyone there did so much for my mothers recovery, I know it in my soul. She misses her beautiful life in New Jersey so so much this gave her a real sense of how much she is loved, I know she will work that much harder to get back to everyone. So from the bottom of my heart I would like to say thank you for everyone who attended and of course everyone who was involved in the orchestration and execution of the event.
Sincerely, Beth
Sincerely, Beth
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Red Neck Fun
Since the weather here in Albuquerque as been so wonderful we have hired Jeff, our transportation tech., to transport Pinky around in her very own trailer. Via la Rojo Neck.
Still hoping and praying in Albuquerque
Greetings followers of the great Pink one,
Another week has past and it feels more like a year than just days. Mom has been up and down, some really bad pain then other moments of peace. A few mornings ago she had whole body spasms that made her curl into the fetal position and she thought her bones where going to break. Poor mommy. But things seem a little better since then so who knows. We have moved up to mega pain killers and they seem to be helping when nothing else will.
The days here are boring for mom, she has just a rich a wonderful life in NJ but here it's just me and Steve to amuse her. I fear that Steve and I are sort of losers and don't keep much company but luckily our neighbors on both sides are very kind and like to visit with mom.
I am forever optimistic about moms recovery but when the doctors said slow I really didn't nor could have imagined anything this slow.
Pinky also continues to be positive and optimistic but when the pain is unbearable she speaks a different tune. Please continue to pray and send magic healing energy to my amazing mother.
-Holly, Case Coordinator at Red Neck Rehab.
Another week has past and it feels more like a year than just days. Mom has been up and down, some really bad pain then other moments of peace. A few mornings ago she had whole body spasms that made her curl into the fetal position and she thought her bones where going to break. Poor mommy. But things seem a little better since then so who knows. We have moved up to mega pain killers and they seem to be helping when nothing else will.
The days here are boring for mom, she has just a rich a wonderful life in NJ but here it's just me and Steve to amuse her. I fear that Steve and I are sort of losers and don't keep much company but luckily our neighbors on both sides are very kind and like to visit with mom.
I am forever optimistic about moms recovery but when the doctors said slow I really didn't nor could have imagined anything this slow.
Pinky also continues to be positive and optimistic but when the pain is unbearable she speaks a different tune. Please continue to pray and send magic healing energy to my amazing mother.
-Holly, Case Coordinator at Red Neck Rehab.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Roller coasters suck.
Hello everyone,
It's been a really rough 2 weeks. Mom's been in a lot of pain and has been recovering from a bad urinary tract infection. We've had better days. Her infection has causes those damn spasms to come all the time and her whole body is so stiff and tight. Mom's physical therapy had to slow down due to her pain and therefor has causes her to lose some muscle mass and strength.
I have to honor mom's physical therapist Rose Vallejo, this wonder woman is a saint. Rose is taking a week off from work for her children's spring break but is going to come over to our house to continue therapy with mom without pay during that week. She even offered to stay late so Steve and I could go on a date. Wow! I love Rose.
I hope and pray to write better news soon. I apologize for miss spellings and poor grammar on this blog but our time is better spent tending to Pinky.
All my love and gratitude to all who love my mommy.
Holly
It's been a really rough 2 weeks. Mom's been in a lot of pain and has been recovering from a bad urinary tract infection. We've had better days. Her infection has causes those damn spasms to come all the time and her whole body is so stiff and tight. Mom's physical therapy had to slow down due to her pain and therefor has causes her to lose some muscle mass and strength.
I have to honor mom's physical therapist Rose Vallejo, this wonder woman is a saint. Rose is taking a week off from work for her children's spring break but is going to come over to our house to continue therapy with mom without pay during that week. She even offered to stay late so Steve and I could go on a date. Wow! I love Rose.
I hope and pray to write better news soon. I apologize for miss spellings and poor grammar on this blog but our time is better spent tending to Pinky.
All my love and gratitude to all who love my mommy.
Holly
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Hello
Hello,
The past few days have been rough. Pinky has yet another Urinary Tract Infection which causes bad spasms and sleepless nights which in turn means she doesn't do her physical therapy. We've missed two days this week with Rose and I'm hoping we can make it tomorrow. Everyday in bed sets her back so it's hard to balance her healing and getting her up and out to do exercises. I hate this cycle!!!
Beth has been here since Saturday and has yet to see Mom at her best. We have 5 good days then a few bads days. I know this isn't a recovery of a straight upward slope function like x^2 but I really wish I did have a mathematical equation to predict the out come.
As a reminder, Pinky's Fundraiser is coming and tickets need to be purchased in advance because food is being served. Please send your RSVP to:
Admission: $40 per person
Reservation: By mail by March 25
Make check payable to Andrea Adubato
(Pinky’s legal name) and mail to: Lori Schoenig,
23 Mitchell Place, Little Silver, NJ 07739.
Include names of persons attending, address, phone, and email. Indicate if you plan to bring gold fo cash.
Can’t come? Donations welcome.
CHECKS AND CASH ONLY.
Sponsor a page to wish Pinky a speedy recovery.
Thanks everyone for your continued support and love.
Holly
The past few days have been rough. Pinky has yet another Urinary Tract Infection which causes bad spasms and sleepless nights which in turn means she doesn't do her physical therapy. We've missed two days this week with Rose and I'm hoping we can make it tomorrow. Everyday in bed sets her back so it's hard to balance her healing and getting her up and out to do exercises. I hate this cycle!!!
Beth has been here since Saturday and has yet to see Mom at her best. We have 5 good days then a few bads days. I know this isn't a recovery of a straight upward slope function like x^2 but I really wish I did have a mathematical equation to predict the out come.
As a reminder, Pinky's Fundraiser is coming and tickets need to be purchased in advance because food is being served. Please send your RSVP to:
Admission: $40 per person
Reservation: By mail by March 25
Make check payable to Andrea Adubato
(Pinky’s legal name) and mail to: Lori Schoenig,
23 Mitchell Place, Little Silver, NJ 07739.
Include names of persons attending, address, phone, and email. Indicate if you plan to bring gold fo cash.
Can’t come? Donations welcome.
CHECKS AND CASH ONLY.
Sponsor a page to wish Pinky a speedy recovery.
Thanks everyone for your continued support and love.
Holly
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