From Blixembosch

Tuesday, September 16

Today, I discovered during lunch that I could turn my hand over, palm side up. I'm not sure what prompted this action - I had been trying to do this for some time (since I started squishing the head).

I saw the doctor today and she said I should continue to wear the long stocking given to me by the hospital to prevent thrombosis. It was this or start with injections. No choice realy.


Friday, September 19

Today is Greg's birthday. Happy birthday, Greg. Lots of love.

Not a lot of therapy today which is just fine with me. Wednesday was a marathon day with five appointments, three of which were therapy. It was really too much. But Thursday was less and today I hope to finish this entry and go outside to read a cool book that Martin B gave me, The curious incident of the dog in the night.

My arm is doing great, as you know already. I also use my hand to help wash my hair, put lotion on my face, tie my shoes, pull up pants and underbroek, hold a jar of pindakaas to scoop out peanut butter and scratch many itchy parts that need scratching.

I may join a cooking group that meets on Mondays at 10. Maybe I'll be able to teach them something besides bread and cheese with hagelslag. ;)

I was given a standing balance test a few days ago and I scored an overall 31 out of 56 - 56 being a normal person. When I reach 45, I'll be allowed to walk with a cane - a lot of work lies between now and then. Still, I am allowed to transfer myself to tthe bed from my cair and back and go to the bathroom with only minimal supervision. They said they would test me in another six weeks. Arg. Doesn't mean I won't be walking with a cane a lot sooner. Just means I have at least six weeks of eating "brood" for breakfast and lunch.

Sleeping is almost impossible but I am hoping this will be the weekend when I can sleep more than two hours at a time. When I sleep on my side, I have to sleep with a pillow between my legs, under my arm and head and one behind my back. Sleeping on my back is a lot easier but I've always been a side sleeper. Woe is me.

This weekend, I will get to spend some time at home with Nico and the dogs. I am looking forward to it. Nico said he has been cleaning up around the house and has arranged a bed so I lay flat downstairs. Nico's parents, Ellen and Geert, have been a great support to us both - doing my laundry, visiting often and feeding Nico as often as he lets them. They also let him use their car to pick me up as his van is too tall for me yet.

Thanks for all the cards and handiwork from home - all the churches, friends and family. My bounty grows every day because of your love.

More later... Rhonda