Dave's making lots of progress in his recovery

[Peter Lavoie]

Dave is progressing well. As I see him day be day, it seems like the progress is slow but sure. However, he is actually progressing better than expected. Things are going really will for him at the Casa Colina rehab facility in Pomona. It's clear that all the various kinds of therapy are paying off. He's now able to sit up in his bed (with his legs off to the side), and hold himself up for maybe 10 or 20 minutes at a time. His legs are a bit slow to recover. His daily physical therapy includes practice with the walker, and also holding himself up (literally) on the rail as he "walks" down the hall. He is also doing pretty well with his cognitive abilities. This is challenging because it's not just a matter of getting his memory back. He has to figure out how to connect all the different pieces of information together again. It's interesting to observe, but it must be really frustrating for him to go through. He takes it all with his usual good nature and optimism. One thing he is especially grateful for is the care that he has received from everyone. Darlene continues to be at his bedside around the clock. His kids are doing a really good job of taking care of themselves and the house in the absence of their parents at home. And all the visits and cards and phone calls are really good to help Dave through this difficult time. Thanks.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention some big news. They have given Dave permission to go back home this Sunday to go to his church and to spend the day at home. He will be in a wheel chair, and Darleen and I will be there to take care of him. I'm a little nervous about Dave getting over stimulated by the all the commotion, but he is really looking forward to it. Stay tuned to hear how it goes.

[Peter Lavoie]

Hi Randy, thanks for the cadid feedback. let's stay in touch about when your back in town. Today's not a good day to take Dave out for a drive. He's not feeling well, and there are visitors coming to see him (not a good combination, now that I think about it). I'm in town with thoughout this week. I was planning on heading back up early next Saturday, but I could consider heading back around a little later if you're around and availalbe then. My email address is [e-mail] if you want to email me directly I will give you my cell number (don't want it posted publicly here).
By the way, I've read about your recent comeback race. I'm really happy for you. I know that you had to work really hard to make that happen. Contratulations.

[Randy]

Hi Peter,
I know how Dave must be feeling. After my injury, I wanted to take charge and speed up the process. I did not want to be patient and let the healing process run its natural course. The good news was that I was fully immersed in self-help programs. Even, so, I soon became frustrated and had a nice bout with depression (somewhat normal I am told).

I am home for a day and do a quick turnaround on Sunday, but I will be in town in about a week for a while. I'd be glad to meet with Dave when you say he is up to it.

Randy

[Peter Lavoie]

Thanks for the encouragement Randy. I'm heading down to spend the week with my brother. I think it would be great for him to meet you. He lives in Simi Valley which isn't exactly close to where you live (in Orange County?), but we make the drive. Dave's transition back home isn't going so well. I think he's made the wrong move in insisting to leave Casa Colina sooner than the doctors recommended. I hope to better assess the situation and hopefully be able to steer him back to getting better care right now. Wish me luck.

[Randy]

This is such great news. How is Dave doing? I assume that he is home by now.

Casa Colina was one of the facilities that I looked into also. They have one of the best programs in So Cal. A few more tools that I can recommend are the Brain Fitness and Insight Programs from Posit Science. They are a a bit pricey but well worth it. You can plot your improvement and it is self-paced. Most importantly is that it works! I'd love to visit Dave if I can. I am in So Cal and if he is nearby, I'd love to meet him and let him knoe that it gets better! But you have to work at it. There are no "gimme's".

Randy

Randy