Showers are good; especially with 3 women;)

Sat, Oct 22

Yesterday was a such big day that I did not have a chance to write anything.

The good news is Gary was up and in a wheelchair for the first time here at the Shepherd Center. The unfortunate component is that apparently he had reinjured his "bad shoulder" in the accident. The orthopedic surgeon feels this will hamper his ability to use both of his arms to push his wheelchair and transfer in and out of it. Surgery is a possibility, but not right now...so this means he is in a motorized wheelchair. Gary was disappointed about this but so happy to get up and about.

I also had a big day yesterday. (I will have more stories for you all later.)

I was in the family training program all day long.

Because this hospital specializes in spinal cord injuries they are very good about training the family and the caregiver. I have to be certified to do Gary's care and have to learn ALOT of information about the predictable, probable and possible problems I will encounter when I bring him home. The highlight of the program was the wheelchair maintenance class. Good thing the last segment of the day was psychological and emotional issues!

Today so far was an amazing day, Gary had his first shower.

Those of you my age or older will remember those little hammocks you put in the sink to bathe your baby. Well, they have this giant one which we rolled into the huge shower room. One tech, one nurse and I all got a shower with Gary. It was actually kind of fun, but no one seemed to think I was so funny when I suggested the best way to get dry might be to run down the halls naked. Party Poopers!

Ok, that's all for now.

Hugs to all of you,

Judi