Day 44 - Friday January 27, 2012

I am really glad that I attend the rehab sessions.  It is great to see Bridgett's progress daily.  Also, sometimes I am able to advocate for her.  Every once in a while we will have a new therapist, who doesn't usually see Bridgett (like on the weekend, if someone is sick, etc).  The new therapist sometimes assumes something about Bridgett, without knowing her.  Like a couple of times I have heard them say they think she is not trying.  Then I can tell them she is trying very hard, just having difficulties with reading etc.  Like today, the occupational therapist was trying to get her to read the labels on food cans.  I usually give it a chance before saying something, on the outside chance that things have changed for her.  I had to make a phone call and when I came back he had decided that standing at the cupboard looking at all the cans was too stimulating for Bridgett and she couldn't concentrate.  He had narrowed it down to five cans which he had placed on the table and wanted her to read the labels.  I let her try for a bit and then I said (as she held the mustard) what does this spell Bridgett--MUSTARD and she said mustard.  I did it again for olives.  By then he caught on and spelled things for her and she did great.  Then he wanted her to alphabetize the cans.  He wrote down the alphabet is small letters with a blue pen.  She needs big letters and good contrast.  She tried for a bit and then I reminded him about her vision problems.  We had discussed it in a rehab session last weekend, and I had commented on it already.  He realized then his mistake and anyway it was time for the session to be done.  So, it worked out.  Another time he said to her in another session, I think you are not trying very hard.  She said I always try and she does.  She works hard at rehab and always tries her best.  It is sometimes good when we have a different therapist.  Sometimes a different therapist will try something different that the other therapist hasn't tried.  I do know that her vision problem is a BIG roadblock to recovery right now.  Seeing double interferes with reading, and makes it hard to balance as she walks as well.  She will be getting her eyes tested by the neuro opthamologist on Wednesday.  Everyone pray that she will be able to communicate effectively with him so that he can figure out what the problems are.  She really needs to have help now and not in a month from now when she will be able to answer questions better.  At least during that test I am praying that her mind will be clear and she will be able to answer correctly and get the help she needs.  It is critical to her rehab!