What David’s Been Up To

On May 19, I started what Shepherd Center calls its “Day Program” - intensive outpatient rehab focused on more independence and my own goals. Included among them is more strength - because all of the goals are more readily achieved through strength. 

During my current physical therapy and occupational therapy sessions, they mostly have me strengthening my shoulders. I often put on air splits and do scapular punches, as well as front and side lifts with weights. The weights are something I worked up to - in the beginning, it was just the body weight lifts. 

They also have me do a lot of work on the scapulas - they’re that all important stabilizer in my back and their strength will help with my posture and core stability. They’ve had me sitting upright on a mat - I’m still working on that particular feat of strength without assistance, but it’s definitely a challenge. It’s a part of skill development to allow me to manage my own body position on the bed better, hoping to sit up on the bed on my own or roll over. Neither of those is easy to do as my injury means I don’t have core function below mid-chest.  

I’ve also started to learn how to use a board to help bridge the gap between two seating surfaces so i can transfer via the board from one place to another. Right now, the only way for that to happen is through use of a Hoyer lift, which involves a sling under me that can be lifted by a machine and moves me from bed to chair or vice versa. (Erika’s note - I only occasionally leave him hanging mid-air😂.) 

When my shoulders are tired and I can’t do anything more with them, it’s onto fine motor skills. That involves a lot of playing card games and picking up small items, such as cotton balls, wooden blocks, and dice. I’ve just recently started to pick up and hold my sandwich while I eat it. It’s a little messier sandwich eating that most people think of but when I don’t need to have it cut into small, forkable bites, it’s a win. Melted cheese is a good glue. 

When I met with the rehab doctor on Friday, she confirmed that my triceps are firing! While very weak, this was a long-awaited sign of improvement and return of function. I now need to work on strengthening them as well. Handstand push-ups are still a ways off.😁

In the meantime, we’ve been spending some good time with some of other Shepherd families. Two of the families with whom we’ve grown close went back home this week. We also had an extra special treat - a visit with super fun & really awesome Chevy Chase neighbor Andree. 

Finally, the stories and pictures from the Babycat fundraiser touched me deeply. I want to thank everyone who played a role in making the event happen, attended it, or donated that day for your kindness and generosity. 

We’ll return to Maryland on Tuesday, June 16 and I can’t wait to see many of you in person. 

With deep appreciation, 

David