Good things keep happening!

Hey folks!

Sorry that I didn't update the blog over the weekend, but I thought I would wait until some events that were scheduled for early this week happened so you could get a full report on the latest with Dad. First and foremost, he is doing well and continues to progress nicely with this rehab. The doctors like what they see and think Dad is on the verge of doing some big things.

Yesterday (Tuesday), the family and Dad had a meeting with the hospital staff to talk about some of the lingering issues that continue to plague the rehab process. A lot of things were discussed and the air seem to be cleared on some misconceptions that we had about them, they had about us, and the overall rehab plan and Dad's care. With something as complex as GBS, it's only normal for both sides of the equation to get frustrated at times and want to "give up" on certain tasks. But we believe yesterday laid the foundation for things to improve and start moving forward again.

The big news, as you can see by the picture, is that Dad sat up on the side of his bed on Monday. This task is now apart of his Physical Therapy plan and will be done 3 times a week (M-W-F), with him actually getting out of bed on the days in between (Tu-Th) and sitting in his hot-rod Harley Davidson wheelchair (thanks for the stickers, cousin Brian). Also, Respiratory Therapy, who is helping to wean him off the vent, is starting to put in a mechanism on this trach each day that will allow Dad to start talking again. Each of these new therapies is very painful and scary for Dad, but he is working through them like a champ with the help and encouragement of Mom, the Family and the hospital staff, and of course, you too via your emails and cards.

The next big thing for Dad, which will probably happen at the beginning of the year, is a move to a new facility. Depending on where Dad is with his therapies will decide which facility he will go to. I am working with his Case Mgr. to get an updated list of these facilities and will try to find one close to Danville, per Dad's request, so we can be near him to help with his rehab. Most likely, Mom will not be able to stay with him like she is now, so this will entail a lot of traveling for her going forward. If anyone has any ideas on facilities or if you've heard of one close to Danville, please email them to us, as we'll take all the help on finding a facility that we can get.

Well, that's it for now. Take care of yourselves and keep those cards and well-wishes coming in. I'll keep updating the blog as Dad's milestones continue. Thanks again for all your love and support. We truly appreciate it!

Team Jerry all the way!!!