tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74120130250958160212024-02-20T12:00:30.441-08:00The 411 on Jon WallinBrenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-91335239899751440002012-08-16T17:27:00.002-07:002012-08-16T17:34:54.174-07:00Lots of catching up to do ....Well, I know its been a long time, but I have lots of news, so I will skip in the normal apology for taking so long to jump right in. In the almost two months since I last posted, we've hit several more milestones and had another HUGE scare. Let's start with the good news.<br />
<br />
In early July, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of returning home ... returning to work ... and starting outpatient therapy. It still seems hard to believe that it has been that long and in many ways, I've almost forgotten what it was like before we came home and returned to work.<br />
<br />
Occupational therapy has been going well, I returned today after a two-week break for vacations (mine and the therapist's). I don't think I missed much of a beat, although it was tougher because of the soreness, but more on that in a bit. We continue to work on strengthening my shoulder and improving movement in the wrist and hand. I also had another round of botox, but have not noticed as much of an effect from this series of shots. We continue to be hopeful for more gains and celebrate every sign of improvement, no matter how small.<br />
<br />
I officially graduated from physical therapy in July and now its up to me to continue to work and improve on my own. I haven't officially been discharged and could return if needed, but we won't schedule any more appointments unless something major happens. So I consider that very positive and keep pushing myself to work out and improve strength and move back to a more natural walk.<br />
<br />
That takes us to the big scare. On Sunday, after church and the grocery store, Brenda took the kids swimming while I went to the office to knock out some work and get in a workout on the elliptical machine. That all went well, although I noticed I was particularly tired after working out. So instead of going back to my office, I just jumped in the car to head home. I stopped to get a drink at Sonic and was about halfway home when I noticed an issue with my legs. I could not take my foot off the accelerator and kept gaining speed. It became pretty clear that I was not going to be able to make my turn and could not stop at the light at the upcoming intersection. I was able to avoid the cars stopped in front of me and kept honking the horn to warn the people in the intersection. I could not avoid everyone, that one being one of my co-workers turning through the intersection. I spun through the intersection and jumped the curb, ending up in the ditch facing back in the direction I had been coming from in the first place. It could have been devastating for both of us, but fortunately, we were both able to walk away. I am sure that I will get a citation and won't be able to drive again for some time, but I am so thankful not to have hurt anyone and been able to walk away. I spent about two hours in the emergency room, and am extremely sore in the my right side and lower back. But that's it other than a few bruises and cuts.<br />
<br />
As we look back on the accident, there is no question that God was watching over me and saved us all. There are too many things that had to happen just right for us to have the outcome we did. Everything from the light changing when it did, to the two of us driving through that intersection at the exact same time, to Jacob deciding to go swimming instead of working out with me, to my car not flipping when I hit the curb ... and the list goes on and on. We have said so many prayers of thanks and I am so blessed to have had it turn out this way.<br />
<br />
The accident also shook me out of my complacency and reminded me not to take anything for granted. I think I had almost forgotten what I've been through and that the potential still remains for setbacks along the way. Not being able to drive also puts much more of a burden on Brenda with the kids so involved and becoming even more active as school starts. We can overcome those challenges though, the same way we've overcome some of the others in the past year. And we have so much support and help from co-workers, friends and family that we are continually overwhelmed and humbled.<br />
<br />
Brenda continues to do well and stay busy. She is a rock for me and such a source of strength. The kids are also both doing well as we prepare for life with two middle-schoolers for the first time. Somehow, Brooke is in sixth grade this year with Jacob on the verge of high school as he moves to eighth grade. I am so thankful to still be around to watch them grow and mature and we are so proud of the people they are growing up to be. All three of them (Brenda, Jacob and Brooke) are constant reminders of how my life has been blessed.<br />
<br />
So ... that's what has been happening in our lives. Hopefully you are all doing well and thanks to each of you for your continued support!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-30389247115895632312012-06-21T07:52:00.003-07:002012-06-21T07:52:45.261-07:00Still going ... and going ...As we move through mid-June, we are rapidly closing in on the one-year mark since I came home from Hillcrest. Still seems hard to believe that its gone so quickly, but in other ways, it seems like so much more than a year. I had a great Father's Day and really enjoyed being able to celebrate it at home. (You can go back in the blog to see how we spent last Father's Day). I got wrist weights and a putting green, so my family continues to invest in my rehab.<br />
<br />
So, I will use those gifts as a good segue into my therapy update. We have started strengthening exercises in occupational therapy. That includes using the wrist weights for shoulder lifts in multiple directions and for bicep curls. I can feel a difference, even though we are using very light weight. Its not like I was a bodybuilder before the stroke to begin with. I also drove to therapy and used only my left arm on the steering wheel for the stretch on I-35. That news was encouraging to my therapist and terrifying for my wife! I actually felt almost natural and safe and comfortable driving that way. There was very little traffic, so I also had that going for me. We continue once a week in occuptional therapy with more of an emphasis on working at home and exercising. I've been needing to do that for a long time anyway, so it is nice to have a gentle shove to help me along. The therapist has me putting and chipping to work on holding on to a golf club and getting that twisting and movement into my shoulder, wrist and forearm. Having the putting green at home will give me more of a chance to do that, and I will also be visiting the driving range soon. The swing doesn't look or feel natural yet, but I've made some pretty good contact and I am very pleased with that. For some reason, the follow through is the most difficult part of the swing. We also worked with a guitar last week. I can't play a chord again yet, but I was able to play (very slowly and with tremendous effort and frustration) something that at least sounded like notes.<br />
<br />
We tried something new in physical therapy yesterday and I have some mixed reviews on that! One of the therapists inserted acupuncture needles into the muscles in my lower left leg in an effort to manually force the tightness in those muscles to release. The good news is that it seems to have worked for right now and I have better and freer movement in the calf, ankle and toes. We will keep working to make that last and I'm interested to see how long the results will hold. The bad news: if someone tells you that acupuncture doesn't hurt, they are LYING to you! My hatred of needles is no secret and now extends to acupuncture needles, too. I also learned that if a therapist says "Oh, you leaked a little on that one." what she really means is "We seem to have hit a vein and blood is streaming out of your leg right now." Thankfully, I didn't have to hear that too often. We continue physical therapy once every two or three weeks depending on holidays and matching up schedules. She was encouraged by my progress since our last visit and that was also encouraging to me.<br />
<br />
Outside of therapy, life just keeps rolling on. The kids are both busy with camps, Brenda is working as hard as ever and taking great care of me, the house and the yard. She also keeps picking up the slack of things I am still not able to do. I am so thankful for her and her strength. We also continue to be thankful to each of you for your continued support! Be back soon with another update!<br />
<br />
JonBrenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-61870120731462116472012-05-28T07:48:00.001-07:002012-05-28T07:48:15.829-07:00Remembering Another MilestoneSo ... this is Jon back with you. Hope you all have a good Memorial Day and we certainly appreciate the service people have given to our armed forces. With one brother-in-law in the army and another in the navy, we see first-hand the daily sacrifices our service men and women make. And it also makes us appreciate our freedoms that much more and so thankful to those who've given so much to make it possible.<br />
<br />
We are relaxing today after a pretty busy weekend. Saturday marked the one-year commemoration of my first full day at Hillcrest Rehabilitation. At that point, I still couldn't sit up by myself, stand on my own, move anything on my left side or dress myself. In fact, that day, I feel in the bathroom and had to have Brenda, a therapist, an aide and a nurse help me up. That may have been one of the most helpless and humiliating moments of my life. But within three weeks, I would be taking steps on my own and making slow, steady progress. We celebrated the one-year mark of that day by picking up and moving in new bedroom furniture for Jacob's room. I didn't do much lifting, but I was able to help and I am so thankful and blessed to have made that kind of improvement. Honestly, at this time last year, there was doubt that I would ever walk again, much less be able to take a mattress out of my son's room!<br />
<br />
I don't have much else to add, but I had some free time this morning and thought I would share a little. Progress continues in both therapies. My physical therapist was impressed after a nearly month-long absence due to her illness and scheduling conflicts. Occupational therapy is also going well, with things getting a little easier and the addition of some new exercises to work on at home. Thanks so much to everyone! We'll be back soon.Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-24126077789354525162012-05-20T15:35:00.000-07:002012-05-20T15:35:27.460-07:00Its Been A Year ... Already!?!?!?It seems almost impossible to believe as I type this, but one year ago today, at this exact time, I was sitting in urgent care in Belton about to embark on this incredible journey we've been on for a year! Within an hours time, I would be in the emergency room at Scott and White, completely paralyzed on my left side with a doctor telling us that I was having a massive stroke. But on the bright side, at least according to him, my "death number" was pretty close to zero. It would be four days before I ate again, five days before I was allowed to see the kids, three weeks before I could take a step on my own and a month and a half before I would leave the hospital.<br />
<br />
I honestly cannot believe that a year has passed and I'm also not sure I can really put my feelings into words. I truly felt that the stroke was just a temporary setback and that I would be "good as new" in just a few days, or weeks at the most. It is hard not to be a little bit disappointed that I'm not further along, but I chalk that up to my unrealistic expectations and lack of understanding of just what exactly was happening inside my brain. When I put all of that into perspective and see just how far I've come, I know that I have accomplished a great deal and have so much to be proud of and even more to be thankful for. To steal a line from Lou Gehrig, I truly consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.<br />
<br />
I will never forget the way my co-workers, friends, church, extended family, people I don't even know and especially my immediate family rallied around me. I am still humbled and amazed by the outpouring of support, compassion and prayers that we received. I know I wasn't the best patient, son, father or husband during that time, but I do feel like we all passed a very difficult test and are much stronger because of it.<br />
<br />
Over the past couple of days, I've talked to the kids and with Brenda about the things we remember from the past 12 months. I don't want to spend much time on that, though. Because even though surviving a year marks a milestone, it doesn't represent a finish line. I would much rather look forward and focus on continued recovery and the progress that is yet to come. Eventually, my therapy sessions will come to an end but not my chances (and goals) for a complete return to life as we used to know it.<br />
<br />
Even if I never fully recover to the point of May 19th, 2011, I've still managed to achieve more than I ever thought I was capable of. And I will continue to push myself toward reaching all of those goals. I have had so much support and love throughout this adventure and I feel like I owe it to each and every one of you to give it my best. Later tonight, Brenda should post her thoughts so you can get her perspective on reaching a year, but I wanted to be first so that we could save the best for last. My intention is to continue the blog for as long as I continue to progress. Mainly because it gives me an outlet, but also because I want you all to continue to share in this with us. Thanks again to all who read this and we look forward to a second year of recovery with an eye on the same kind of gains we've made this year! Happy Anniversary everyone!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-85064932556137096692012-05-05T10:34:00.000-07:002012-05-05T10:34:03.799-07:00Closing in on another milestoneHey everybody, this is Jon back with you ... finally! Once again, I thank you for your patience and apologize for taking a month to update you. Things have been very busy as the UMHB athletic seasons wind down and the kid's school years start to wind down, too.<br />
<br />
We are doing well. Life continues, therapy continues, and we have all settled into a routine again. I wish I could report some major breakthroughs to you, but at least I can tell you about some continued progress.<br />
<br />
As you may remember, I had botox injections in my left arm almost a month ago. The goal was to loosen up some of the tightness in the arm and free up more movement. It seems to have worked very well in the bicep. My arm feels must looser and I have better extension and use of the upper arm. It doesn't seem to have worked quite as well in the wrist, but the therapists do notice a difference when they stretch me, so I think there's been a real benefit there, too. I have lost a small amount of my grip strength in that hand as a result of the injections, but not enough to limit my use of it. The doctors and therapists consider that to be a good trade-off, especially in light of the new, more youthful appearance of that arm! I am also amazed that so many people are willing to get those injections in their face. I make no secret of my hatred of needles, but this was one of the worst experiences I've had with them. Just so you all understand, you stick in the needle, and then move it around or push it in farther until you are sure it is in the proper position to actually do the injection. We go back in July to discuss the possibility of another round of botox. I will go on record as saying I have slightly mixed feelings about that.<br />
<br />
I also had another MRI and follow-up with the neurologist. Once again, they see no change, which is very good news. That means I will never have to have another MRI on my brain, unless we have another "event". I will go back and see him again in a year, just to see how things are progressing. Two other things really stuck with me following that appointment. One, as we looked at the MRI, he explained that the large dark spot where the bleed occurred, is actually the equivalent of a hole in my brain. The white blood cells broke down the dead tissue and carried it away. Brain fluid then filled the space. That was fascinating to me and those of you who mentioned "a hole in my head" may have really been on to something. Two, as I tried to wrap my head around that thought, he kept re-opening the images and saying "Wow!" to himself. Once again, he explained that most people they see with damage of the sort I experienced have NO movement on one side and no real hope for regaining it. Or they didn't survive the initial bleed. We are so blessed and I know that no matter how frustrated I get in this process, I am unbelievably fortunate to be able to do what I can.<br />
<br />
Which takes us to therapy ... in occupational therapy, the folks have started yelling "Norm!" when I walk in. Something tells me I've been coming in more regularly and often than most of their patients. But we continue to make progress. We mainly are working on strengthening muscles, regaining movement and refining the motor skills I lost. Things keep moving forward, but there are little things that I have a hard time figuring out. For example, when I try to touch my left thumb to my index finger, the thumb curls in to my palm instead of touching fingertip to fingertip. If I try to touch my thumb to my middle finger, the index finger won't get out of the way and I do not yet have the ability to isolate it. We did break out a putter and practice a little putting and chipping last week. So we are getting to the important stuff again. :) We continue to work twice a week and they are encouraged enough to stick to that schedule, so we are ALL pleased with that.<br />
<br />
In physical therapy, we continue to meet once every two weeks. I have been officially diagnosed with a "weak booty" so I've been given exercises to work on strengthening those muscles. I am also working to strengthen my hamstring and using the elliptical machine at least three times a week. She also has seen progress and one of the therapists who hadn't seen me a while mentioned that she thought I would be walking without a limp before too much longer. I can't tell you how encouraging that was.<br />
<br />
At home and work ... Brooke is finishing up another season of select soccer and is less than a month away from closing out elementary school. She turned 11 last month and is trying to decide if she is excited to head to middle school next year or not. Jacob just finished his first season of 7-on-7 football and really seemed to enjoy it. He's looking forward to becoming an eighth grader while we try to figure out where the years have gone. How can they possibly be at those stages in their lives???? Meanwhile Brenda continues to be the family's rock and strength. I can't understand everything she has to go through, and I know I can never thank her enough for all that she's done during our little adventure. She is an amazing woman and a true gift from God. All of the sports at UMHB have finished their seasons with the exception of women's golf. They will play in the National Tournament next week and for the first time since I was hired, I will NOT be making the trip. I just don't feel able to walk a golf course for four straight days and figured if I was going to miss one, it might as well be the one in Angola, Indiana. (No offense ... Angola, Indiana ... you just don't have the attraction of Orlando, Florida!)<br />
<br />
We also had a chance to go to my cousin Daniel's wedding and I attended the funeral of a great man in Leonard Kiely. Those two events also helped remind me of the balance between joy and sadness in all of our lives. We are so thankful for their impact on our lives and appreciate the impact each of you has made.<br />
<br />
I mentioned another milestone in the title, on Sunday, May 20th, we will mark the one-year anniversary (if that's the correct word) of my stroke. Once again, I cannot believe that its been a year and our lives will never be the same again. But as we look back on the past year, I see how much stronger we all are as people and as a family and I feel so humbled by the experience. Thank you again for sharing in that experience with us and for supporting us. We could not have made it without you! I will be back soon and appreciate your patience. Take care and we all send you our best!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-57024869546438641042012-03-05T17:10:00.005-08:002012-03-05T17:52:50.094-08:00We're Still Here!Wow! It's difficult for me to say what's harder to believe: that we've passed the nine month mark since the stroke, or that it has been so long since we've posted! I am so sorry for the delay. We have just been extremely busy with work, therapy and the kids activities. I think it is a good sign that life has returned to normal enough that we can get back to that kind of schedule. But I also feel very badly about the length of time I've gone without an update. Since I've had two people ask me about updating in the last five days, I thought I'd better get back here and fill you in. (This is Jon by the way, Brenda has taken Jacob to scouts tonight.)<br /><br />First of all, thank you all for your patience and for sticking with the blog. Thank you also for the continued prayers. We feel it more than you can ever know and that means so much to us.<br /><br />Therapy continues, twice a week for occupational therapy and once every two weeks for physical therapy. We will keep to that schedule at least through the end of March and likely for a couple of more months until we reach the one-year mark on May 20th. At that point, I guess we will re-evaluate and see if we are continuing to progress before we decide on a continued plan of treatment. I feel like I keep making strides and my family and the therapists keep seeing progress, so that is very encouraging. In occupational therapy, we are really focusing on arm extension, movement in the wrist and fine motor function of my hand and fingers. There is increased strength in my shoulder, so we are pushing to get the rest of my arm to catch up to that. I can do more and more things now. In fact, I did all of the dishes by myself tonight after Brenda and Jacob went to scouts. For the first time, though, my therapist did reference the fact that I may never regain full use of my left arm. It wasn't meant as a negative thing, just more of a realistic point of view. I have to admit, at first that was VERY difficult to hear, but now I see it as more of a challenge. I know that I'll have to put those dreams of becoming a rock star or a professional softball player on the back burner for a while longer. But I'm not giving away my guitars or glove just yet!!!<br /><br />In physical therapy, we continue to work on quality of walk, strength and stamina. I am up to 30 minutes and a little over two miles on the elliptical machine about three times a week and I wear a pedometer to track my number of steps. The goal is 7,000 a day. (I'm only at 5,000 right now, so I may take some breaks and go walk around the house a little, but you've already waited two months for this update. :))<br /><br />Since the last update, we've hosted the first home night games in the history of UMHB baseball and softball, hosted the American Southwest Conference Men's Basketball Tournament, and played host to the first two rounds of the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament. I am still technically only cleared to work up to six hours a day by the doctor, but I managed to squeeze in several 14 to 16-hour days and made it through. It is good to know that my stamina has improved enough to be able to physically handle that, but don't tell anyone. I don't want you to get me in trouble.<br /><br />I also continue to be amazed by my family. My mom and dad still come up every couple of weeks to go to therapy with me. They are so encouraged by the progress and probably see it more than we do since they get a break from me for a while. Brenda continues to be my rock and has been so strong and so supportive. I thank God every day for the gift of having her in my life. Jacob and Brooke are also moving along full speed ahead. Jacob made All-Region choir and ran in his first track meets since our last update. Brooke won Best Overall at her last piano recital, playing an original composition and scored her first soccer goal of the season two weeks ago. She also just finished her basketball season. I have been able to share in many of those moments with them and consider it to be such a blessing that they have turned out so well and that I am still here to enjoy their successes.<br /><br />I've also had several other firsts since the last updates: raking leaves for the first time (although it will NOT be the last time, unfortunately), bar-b-q'uing the other day, opening things with my left hand and carrying things that I wouldn't have dreamed of trying to carry, and things like that. Each one of these is a victory to me and we celebrate every one of them.<br /><br />I also recently heard from a friend I was in rehab with in Waco and she has returned to teaching as her recovery continues. An opposing coach and the father of one of our student-athletes also shared their stroke experiences with me and provided great sources of encouragement. And we also keep drawing strength from the prayers and support of our friends, families and co-workers. As well as the prayers of many people we don't even know. So, hopefully that catches you up some and thank you again for all that you do for us. I WILL update again, but I know better than to try and promise you a time. I will try to get back to you in less than two months, or maybe I can talk Brenda into updating a little sooner. :) Take care and God Bless!<br />JonBrenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-84336247007454375752012-01-04T13:20:00.000-08:002012-01-04T13:48:55.324-08:00New Year, New YouWe've all heard that cliche so I thought I would use that as a title since it kind of applies here. Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. They were both really good for us, although I have to admit, I could not stay awake to see the New Year in. This is Jon back with you, by the way.<br /><br />On January 1st, we actually celebrated a pair of milestones. First of all, we welcomed in 2012 and said goodbye to one of the most interesting years we've ever experienced. Secondly, New Year's Day marked exactly six months since I left the rehab hospital. Still have a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that I've been home six months. In many ways, that time in Waco seems like a lifetime ago.<br /><br />So here is the update on therapy. In occupational therapy we continue to make slow, steady progress with my arm, hand and fingers. We will continue twice-a-week appointments through the end of the month and then re-evaluate the plan from there. More than likely, there will be more of an emphasis on home exercises and work. The best thing I can do is to just keep trying to use that arm, hand and fingers in day-to-day activities and force it to do more work. Today was a very good and encouraging day.<br /><br />The news is not quite as encouraging in physical therapy. We have stopped our weekly appointments and already made the move to more home work. I will go back every two weeks until the end of the month to see if there is some progress, but after plateauing (is that even a word?), we've backed off a little and there is now more of a focus on me committing to work on my own. I'm wearing a pedometer now to measure just how much I actually walk in a day and will be spending some time on the elliptical machine in the fitness center at work.<br /><br />It has been a bit of a discouraging time and I was a little down for a while over the break, but then I got to thinking. I have no reason to be upset or discouraged. In my first 41 years, I reached my career goal of doing sports on television (along with weather and news), played guitar in a rock band, acted in a major motion picture (Okay, that may be a bit of a stretch: it's only my back and the movie was Action USA), married the love of my life, had two incredible children that I am very proud of, hopefully made my parents and family proud of me, publicized a national championship team and worked with five national runners-up, met some amazing people and made many good friends, and now made a remarkable recovery from what could easily have been a fatal stroke. All in all, I'd say its been a pretty good and full life, with much more to come. And I'm certainly not ready to call the recovery over. The work will continue, whether I'm in therapy or not.<br /><br />Thank you for letting me get some of those thoughts out and thanks again for continuing to follow the blog. We'll be back again soon with another update. Take care and God Bless.Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-2108460651116509052011-12-20T18:53:00.000-08:002011-12-20T19:16:35.239-08:00Seven Down and still goingSeveral things are very hard to believe. One, that its been one month since our last post and I'm very sorry for the long delay. And two, that it has been exactly seven months today since we started on our little adventure. It certainly doesn't seem like its been so long. The time has flown by in many ways, and in some others, May 20th seems like an entire lifetime ago. This is Jon back with you by the way.<br /><br />Things continue to progress. I have been driving for more than a month now and very much enjoy the freedom. I am feeling more comfortable behind the wheel and the kids have been riding with me this week and don't seem too scared to ride with me. So, I consider that a victory. I am still working hard in therapy and we see slow but steady progress in some areas. The arm won't come back nearly as quickly as we hope for, but I've been working on picking up small blocks and dropping them into a bucket. After going so long with no use of the fingers on my left hand, we have been thrilled to see that. I am also regaining strength in and use of my shoulder and can lift and place and hold it in positions I wouldn't have dreamed of a couple of months ago. My balance is also improving and we have done some light jogging in physical therapy. I've lost a couple of steps, but I am very encouraged by how that therapy is going as well.<br /><br />Insurance wouldn't cover the botox injections in my arm, so that treatment is on hold for the time being as the doctor's office and insurance company fight it out. I was hoping to have some progress, or at least a good story to tell about that, but we will just have to wait a little longer.<br /><br />The UMHB football team advanced to the national quarterfinals and played three home playoff games and now basketball is in full swing. I made it through the fall with few problems and hopefully did a fairly good job at work, so I am very encouraged by that, too.<br /><br />We are very much looking forward to Christmas and spending time with the extended family. Thanksgiving was also wonderful. I don't want to sound hokey or cheesy, but I think each holiday has more meaning to each of us this year. I guess that also includes the 20th of each month now. I won't say we celebrate those days, but they are a milestone and take us another day closer to the goal of a full recovery and a return to the "old" normal life.<br /><br />I've been asked a bunch of times for hints as to what I want for Christmas. I don't have any because I truly feel like I've been given so many gifts already this year. It is time for me to give back instead. So I say thanks again for all of the continued prayers, support and encouragement. Probably won't get you each a gift, but I do hope you know how grateful I am. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. (By the way, January 1st will be another milestone for us, too. It will be six months to the day that I came home from the rehab hospital. That doesn't seem possible, either!) Bye for now. This is the part where I say we will try to update more often, and that is probably hard for you to believe. Maybe we can make it one of our New Year's resolutions.Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-44096130106084626422011-11-20T19:21:00.000-08:002011-11-20T19:56:51.352-08:00The Six Month MarkThis is Brenda back at the helm for a yet-again belated blog update.<br /><br />Even in typing the headline for this update I find it hard to believe that it's been six months since our lives changed so drastically. Six months ago today, Jon was in a bed in the ICU and we were all still reeling after learning that at age 41, he had suffered a massive stroke.<br /><br />Now here we are, these few months later and he's back at work, driving himself around, walking, talking and driving me just as crazy as he always has! It's been a difficult Summer/Fall to say the least, but I'm still amazed at how far he has come in this short amount of time, and how hard he has worked and continues to work to ensure the healing and the progress continue. It's hard not to get sentimental and emotional thinking back to where we were just six months ago, and how quickly our lives had changed. But I have to say that our lives continue to change, for the better. Jon has learned to dig so deep and find the energy and determination to fight to gain back what was almost taken from him. And it's been exciting to watch his progress and to see him finally be proud of some of the progress he has made. It can still be a frustrating process, and I know if you ask him, he will say he's disappointed that he has not accomplished more in these six months. But I know those around him are proud and happy to see what he has been able to do. And I know there is more to come.<br /><br />It's also nice to look back to those months and remember the outpouring of support we received and still continue to receive. I know the prayers are still being said, and we can't tell you how much that means to us. Jon still gets cards, and it's comforting to know that our support system is still out there pulling for us. So thank you again for the continued support.<br /><br />Therapy continues, even during the holiday week. Jon has therapy again this Monday and Wednesday, and then we will let him have a break for Thanksgiving! I think he made some great progress last week, and I saw him do some things that he hasn't been able to do in the past. The therapist will lift his left arm up while Jon is laying on his back, and Jon has to try to hold the arm up without any help. He's been able to do it, but sometimes not for long and it will slowly begin to fall to his side. But the last few sessions, he's been able to hold it up steady and for a lot longer than I've seen in the past. So that was great! And there are a few other subtle things like that I see improvement on week to week.<br /><br />Physical therapy is going well too. She has him still working on balance, which is getting much better. I think she also likes trying new things with him just because she thinks they would be fun to try. Last week she put a stretch band around his waist, held on to the ends, sat in a chair with wheels and had him pull her around. That was hilarious to watch, as he dragged her up and back and she just sat in her little chair smiling. I told them next time I'm bringing my video camera.<br /><br />And yes that exercise does have a point. He does seem to walk better when he's concentrating more on something else - like pulling her along - than on how he should be walking. He had a lot of strength when he did that and his gait was much improved for the first few times. So it's nice to see that even many months later, they are finding new things to try.<br /><br />The work and progress continue, and we are looking forward to sharing even more good news as we continue therapy through the end of the year. We hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving, and truly take time to take stock of what you have to be thankful for. I know we will! We are thankful for our loved ones, that Jon has made it so far and that the healing continues, and that God has blessed us with wonderful family and friends. So have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-33367008507881606712011-11-04T18:40:00.000-07:002011-11-04T19:03:46.619-07:00Just Checking InHad some very rare down time on a Friday night, so I thought I would fill everyone in. This is Jon writing tonight as I guess I've kind of taken over. I will try to get Brenda to come back soon, just for a different perspective.<br /><br />We saw the physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor again on Tuesday. It was our first appointment with him in three months. He seemed very encouraged by my progress, and I was very encouraged that he could see substantial progress. And then, he prescribed my next step in treatment. BOTOX! No, he doesn't want me to look younger or make my laugh lines disappear. Instead, I will get two injections of Botox in my arm next week. The idea is that it will help relax the muscles in my bicep and forearm and allow me to straighten my left arm more easily and turn my wrist over. Those muscles want to contract instead of relaxing when I try to make certain movements. First time I've ever been accused of having too much strength in my bicep. So, we will see how that goes. I'll be sure to let you know. One thing is certain, my intense dislike of needles is only growing through this experience. Immersion therapy to get me over that is NOT working.<br /><br />It was another positive week of therapy, no real breakthroughs, but some steady and noticeable progress. As long as that continues, we will be happy. I am pretty sure we are past the point of major breakthroughs, but hopefully that is a testament to the progress we've made.<br /><br />We officially make the move to a lighter therapy schedule next week. Down to twice a week for occupational therapy and just once a week for physical therapy. There will be a greater emphasis (and in my mind, perhaps a greater challenge) on exercising and working at home. For those of you familiar with my study habits and lack of discipline from my younger days know what a challenge that will be. I do hope that my motivation is a little higher this go around. (Sorry Mom and Dad, you got your money's worth from college, I promise.)<br /><br />Jacob's first football season ended on Monday. They finished with a winning record and he really seemed to enjoy it. Brooke's fall soccer season is winding down with a chance to still go to the playoffs and she's is also enjoying it. I've enjoyed having more time to watch and share in those experiences with them.<br /><br />UMHB will play its final regular season home football game this Saturday before what we hope will be a long playoff run. Some of the other fall sports are wrapping up and it is almost time to transition to basketball. So things continue to go well at work. I continue with a shortened schedule and will probably wait a little longer to push for full days again. Fatigue still sets in faster than I would like to admit and shorter days will also give me more of a chance to get some of that exercising and homework in. I consider myself blessed to work with such cooperative and supportive people who graciously allow me to work that type of schedule.<br /><br />That should just about catch you up on the latest with us. Hope you are all doing well and we appreciate so much your continued prayers and support!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-35672434366348539792011-10-26T16:45:00.000-07:002011-10-26T17:08:56.996-07:00Five months in and still going ...Hello everybody, it's Jon back with you posting. Sorry to start each one of these the same way, but I truly am sorry it has been so long since the last post. We have marked another milestone in our journey, as last Thursday was exactly five months after the stroke. I really expected to be farther along at this point, but most of that is probably due to our naivete (I prefer that word to stupidity) based on this being my first and hopefully last, serious brain injury.<br /><br />We continue to make progress in therapy, although there haven't been any major breakthroughs in a while. Some of the highlights include: running (with a little assistance) in physical therapy, doing significant work on all fours in occupational therapy, and being able to use my left hand much more effectively and efficiently at home. It is also almost easy for me to get on all fours now, and to see why that is such a big deal, you need to go back a little in the blog and read about our experience the first time I tried it at Hillcrest! I don't get nearly as good of stories out of it now, though.<br /><br />It was evaluation day in occupational therapy today and they actually put some numbers to my movements to compare with previous attempts. I don't know exactly how much I have improved, but it is substantial, just slower than I had hoped.<br /><br />We go back to the physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor next week for our first visit in almost three months. We are hoping for good reports. And I know I've talked about it before, but we are expecting to cut back on both therapy schedules some following that appointment. We should drop to two days a week in OT and one day a week in PT with much more of an emphasis on homework and exercises between visits. I have mixed feelings about that because I enjoy the push and expertise we get at the appointments. I will have to get better about finding time at home to get it all done.<br /><br />There has been some frustration at my progress over the past couple of weeks, and each time, God was there with a reminder of just how blessed I really am. Last week, I shared therapy time with a man who had a stroke similar to mine. His stroke occurred a year and a half ago, he is still confined to a wheelchair and has less use of his left arm than I have. But every word that came out of his mouth was positive about his situation and encouraging about mine. What a great message he delivered without even realizing it. Then today, during the occupational therapy evaluation, during my highest moment of frustration, I could hear the burn victim in the room next to me crying because of the pain he was in. But he refused to stop working and continued with therapy despite the obviously excruciating pain he felt. Please don't misunderstand me; I don't think God was showing me the misfortune of others to make me feel better about myself. That's not how it works or how I meant it. I think the message was that I can't spend time feeling sorry for myself because I will miss opportunities to improve.<br /><br />I hope that last paragraph makes sense and my real meaning came through. Maybe that's why I don't update more often. :) I also continue to be blessed with amazing support from my family, friends, co-workers and people too numerous to mention. (Some of you probably deserve your own category anyways.) Thanks to all of you, I appreciate your continued support and interest in our progress and journey. We will write again soon, hopefully sooner than the last few times, but I can't promise that. Take care and God Bless!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-91789846795671219732011-10-12T18:52:00.000-07:002011-10-12T19:15:10.222-07:00On The Bright SideSorry it's been so long since we've updated, but we've been really busy with work, therapy and all of the kids activities. But that means, on the bright side, that life is getting back to normal. And that will be the theme of this update, with apologies to John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, we will call this one "On the Bright Side." By the way, in the interest of full disclosure, this is Jon posting again.<br /><br />I had a really good day in therapy today and was able to do some things that I hadn't done before. For example, one-armed push-ups with my left arm and completely supporting my weight with that arm. It usually collapses at the elbow, so the increased strength today was very positive. My occupational therapist even told me to tell Brenda that I got an A+ for the day! It has been a long time since I got an A+ in anything. Big bright side there.<br /><br />I'm still only working half days, especially on the days I have therapy. That makes for some stressful situations trying to get everything done. But on the bright side, I've been to every one of Jacob's football games and I've seen more of Brooke's soccer games this fall than the last three falls combined.<br /><br />I've also been able to rely on other people at the office and have greatly improved in my ability to let some things go. That is another bright side and it has been something people wanted me to work on long before the stroke.<br /><br />After our scare a couple of weeks ago and another stay in the hospital, I was very much afraid I would lose some of my progress. But not only did I keep what I had gained, on the bright side, I have more use of my left hand than before I went into the hospital. Also, I now know what seizures feel like and feel like I can handle it should that happen again.<br /><br />I spent some time working on my golf swing in therapy the other day. I'm certainly not ready to get back on the course, but on the bright side, I don't swing nearly as hard as I used to and I may save a bunch of money because I don't think I can hit a golf ball far enough to lose it next time I play.<br /><br />Therapy may not be progressing quite as quickly as we all hope, but on the bright side, there is constant progress and the therapists want to continue working with me. They are committed to me in the long-term, almost as much as I'm committed to it!<br /><br />And perhaps most importantly, the big bright side to all of this is the understanding about how many people truly care about us. We continue to be overwhelmed by the support we've received. Thank you all for everything.<br /><br />We will try to keep it from being such a long time before the next update. I also look forward to sharing more good news with you all soon. Take care and God Bless!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-78285986542349360752011-09-22T09:02:00.000-07:002011-09-22T09:18:35.363-07:00Back Home!!This time we'll start with the good news, we are back home!!! (if you couldn't tell from the headline).<br /><br />We got home about 6:30 Wednesday night, and I know that having a good night's sleep in his own bed will make a world of difference.<br /><br />So here's the scoop (at least for now). They have decided that Jon suffered a series of seizures, which according to the doctors is not too uncommon for people who have suffered a stroke. So they put him on medication to prevent any more seizures. They also did a battery of other tests, another MRI, ECHO and EEG. We're not sure about the results of the EEG, but the MRI and I think the ECHO looked good. They did not see any new bleeding, or any other problems in the brain (as Jon likes to say, they looked in my brain and didn't see anything!). The EEG will show if there are any other abnormal brain waves. It won't show previous seizure activity, but it should show if there are signals that aren't quite right, which will help them with any future treatment.<br /><br />So while it was absolutely scary and unnerving, I think we are both feeling better knowing that at least for once, they seem to know what to attribute it to, and how to treat it. That's always a good thing. All the docs we saw (and there were a bunch, including one wayward hematologist who accidentally wandered into Jon's room, then realized he was in the wrong room!) were very positive about how he looked, about how the tests looked, and about the progress he's made. So that was reassuring.<br /><br />We did cancel therapy for the rest of the week and he's going to stay home and rest. I did get a kick out if him asking the doctor when he could go back to work and the doctor looking at me and asking "what do you think." Good to know the docs know who's in charge!! Because it doesn't really matter what the doc says, once I get him home I'm not letting him leave anyway!<br /><br />We have not seen any regression in his movement, which is what scared him the most. He can continue next week and I have no doubt will have more energy than before. So I think we just hit a minor snag, and after a few days we are back on track and back in action!<br /><br />We can't thank everyone enough for the support and prayers. Once again, all of you help us. It's always good to know that when things go sour, we have so many people to lean on.<br /><br />We will try to update again this weekend. Thank you again for being there for us!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-66840640766601855002011-09-21T08:02:00.000-07:002011-09-21T08:13:07.075-07:00New ChallengesWe haven't updated in a while, which we apologize for, but unfortunately we have a need to now. Yesterday was four months since Jon had his stroke, and he is back in the hospital once again. He had some issues at home yesterday afternoon. We are not sure if he's having seizures or what exactly is going on, but his muscles and his body froze up yesterday afternoon and he ended up going by ambulance to the ED. He had a few more "episodes" in the ED, including what I would consider to be some significant ones.<br /><br />They did a CT scan in the ED and the good news is they didn't see any new bleeding, or any increase in size of the blood still on his brain from the stroke. So they don't think he had another stroke.<br /><br />He spent the night in the hospital last night, and has numerous tests today, including another MRI, EEG and whatever else they decide to throw his way! He's in pretty good spirits, and has been completely lucid and conscious through everything. So that is more good news.<br /><br />They have stopped short of confirming that he is having seizures until they have the results of their tests in, but for now, that seems to be the guess. He hasn't lost any movement in his body, and while his left side is still a bit weaker from the stroke, it doesn't seem to have affected any of the progress he has made in the last four months. So we are grateful for that. He has come a long way and had worked soooo hard, that he was incredibly worried this might compromise that. Knock on wood, we haven't seen that so far.<br /><br />That is about all we know for now. We are hoping to know more later this afternoon once everyone has had a chance to review the results of the tests. And as always, thank you! We have already received so many nice texts and e-mails, and it just means the world to us. This is just a blip on our radar, and we will get back into action again soon. It's a bit discouraging for Jon, as you can image, and also very scary. But he is a trooper and he's committed to getting the rest he needs so he can start back up with therapy and hit the ground running.<br /><br />The support he receives from his friends and family are invaluable, and we can't thank you enough for the continued thoughts, prayers and encouraging words. Even four months later, he was still receiving cards and comments and prayers, and that is a wonderful feeling to know we have so many people out there still hanging in there with us!<br /><br />So please keep those prayers going, and wish us luck! I will try to update again later today or tomorrow once we know some more details.Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-76735198860995922582011-09-11T07:00:00.000-07:002011-09-11T07:23:50.039-07:00it's Baaack!I guess we've kind of settled in to a pattern where the blog updates will come weekly instead of more frequently. There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day to do all that we'd like. This is Jon writing again as Brenda and the kids off at church. I would have gone, but today is our annual polka service. (Yes, that says POLKA service.) We agreed that with the large crowd, duration of the service and my late night at work last night, it might be best for me to sit this one out. I really think Brenda was afraid I might get caught up in the spirit and try some ill-advised dancing. So it is a quick blog update for me while I eat breakfast and then back to bed for some rest.<br /><br />It has been a very busy, but productive week. On Monday, we went to watch Jacob's first 7th grade football game. His team won 6-0 and he played well in his opportunities and really seemed to enjoy himself. I know his parents did and were very proud of him. It was my first football game as a pure fan in more than 15 years. It seemed strange not to have any real responsibilities other than just watching and enjoying the game. That's a pretty good feeling.<br /><br />We also had a chance to watch Brooke's soccer game, a 0-0 tie, on Saturday. She also played pretty well during her chances and we greatly enjoyed that.<br /><br />UMHB hosted its first home athletic events of the fall last week. One home volleyball match down and I survived the first home football game last night. There were a few minor glitches, but hopefully no one noticed any major differences in the way things went. I struggled with fatigue last night and am really feeling it today, but as my strength continues to increase, I know that will get better. We do it all again this week and raise the difficulty by adding TWO home volleyball matches, four home soccer matches and the first golf and tennis events of the fall to this Saturday's home football game.<br /><br />I was able to turn out all of the work we normally do for home events last week and I'm proud of that. I also recorded the halftime interview for the radio broadcast. I was wishing that Kayla, my speech therapist from Waco, could have heard it. We are not far removed from me not having the vocal strength or expression to have done that and to me, it was another indication of how far we've come in just over three months.<br /><br />We are also continuing with our usual therapy schedule, three days a week for occupational therapy and two days a week of physical therapy. My PT decided not to cut back to once a week, hopefully because she continues to see improvement. There are no major breakthroughs to report this week, but more slow and steady progress, which I guess is a breakthrough in its own way. I get the chance to get in the swimming pool on Monday and she mentioned trying to run in the pool! I am excited about that opportunity and I will be sure to fill you in next blog update.<br /><br />One side note that was a bit of an eye-opener for me this week. On two different occasions, someone referenced me as "disabled" and "crippled". There was certainly no malice intended and it wasn't said in a derogatory fashion. But it caught me off guard. I certainly don't think of myself as disabled or crippled. I just think I walk with a limp and struggle with full use of my left arm. But it did make me realize that some people think of me in those terms or see me that way. It will be a bit of a mental adjustment for me to fully understand that, and it makes me more determined than ever to keep working hard to get back to where I was before May 20th.<br /><br />I think that should just about catch you up on where we are. Hope you all have a wonderful end to your weekend. I am headed back to bed for a little bit. God Bless and thank you for your continued support!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-70932215366460061862011-09-04T20:02:00.000-07:002011-09-04T20:19:26.195-07:00Back in the GrooveJon is taking the night off from authoring the blog, so it's my turn back in the writing saddle. It's been a hectic few weeks, and this past week was no different. Things are heating up for the family and for Jon. Now that the kids are back in school, their activities are kicking in to high gear again, which means football practice, soccer practice, piano and scouts. All good and fun things, but makes for some crazy schedules, as many of you know.
<br />
<br />And Jon is back in the groove of football season. He's back to working weekends and some later nights. He's trying as much as he can to leave early a few days during the week so he can rest. Lingering effects of the stroke still tire him out and make a regular work-day pretty exhausting. But he's handling it like a trooper, and is making progress getting things ready for the seasons (football, soccer and volleyball), with the help of his co-workers.
<br />
<br />In the midst of all of that, he's still finding time for therapy three days a week. He is still making progress. It might not be as constant as it has been in the past, but at least we are still making some headway. I think his walking has gotten substantially better. He really only uses his cane if he's in a big crowd. He doesn't use it at the office or at home, so that is coming along nicely.
<br />
<br />His left arm continues to be a bit more stubborn, but it's getting there. He's still going strong in OT and they are working him hard. He passed the driving simulator, which mainly measures reaction time, so probably before too much longer he will be driving. We are still relying on the generosity of friends to get him places, and everyone is still being so great when we do need help.
<br />
<br />He has been doing a lot of the e-stim in OT, the electrical stimulation that they use on his arm to get the muscles firing. We now have a home unit, and I was able to "shock" him for the first time tonight. I have to admit, it was pretty fun! The first couple of times it wasn't high enough so I cranked it up, and by the grimace on his face, I could tell I was moving in the right direction (and yes, I turned it down. I'll only use the high setting on special occasions:)
<br />
<br />So while the progress continues, Jon still has a way to go to get back where he wants to be (back on the softball field for the next city league season next summer), and we can certainly still use the prayers and support. It's been more than three months since Jon had his stroke, and we are both still so thankful and grateful for the support we have. All of our friends and family are still so great about everything, and we truly appreciate it! It's not easy trying to get everything done and everyone where they need to be, and the help we have is priceless! So thank you once again to all of you out there who continue to read and comment, and who continue to hang in there with us!
<br />Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-63846460150843578972011-08-27T19:19:00.000-07:002011-08-27T20:09:04.482-07:00Rolling toward SeptemberHello everyone, my apologies for not following through on the promise to post more often. But this is Jon back with you after another busy week. The summer is officially over now, even though in many ways it never seemed to start for me. Brenda and Brooke are in San Antonio this weekend for Brooke's first select soccer tournament of the year.
<br />
<br />The kids started school on Monday and are off to great starts to the school year. They really seem to like their teachers and we are happy to hear that. As I mentioned above, Brooke is in the midst of her select soccer season. Jacob started football and had his first practice in pads this morning. So things are getting busier in so many ways.
<br />
<br />UMHB also returned to school this week. Our first official games of the 2011-2012 school year come this week, so work is really ramping up. I hope I am ready for what's coming. I am a little nervous about my first seasons "post-stroke" to see how I hold up under the increasing workload.
<br />
<br />We met with the PM&R doctor last Monday. It was the first time we had seen him since leaving Waco. He was encouraged by the progress and saw improvement. That was encouraging to us. He also gave me the okay to extend my work days on those days I don't have therapy. So I worked a pair of six-to-seven hour days last week.
<br />
<br />It was another busy week in therapy, too. Physical therapy continues to go well. I have two more weeks of twice-a-week PT sessions before we cut back to once a week. In her words, "We can start to phase you out. " I still feel like I have work to do and things to accomplish, but we will start to do more of that with at-home exercises and work.
<br />
<br />OT will continue to be a three times a week affair. There is more work to do with the arm, so we will keep working it harder. The encouraging thing is that we will continue three sessions a week because I continue to make progress. If things were stagnant or "plateaued" we would back off some. We also did some testing to judge my fitness to return to driving. I did well enough to earn their recommendation. Now I will just have to convince the DPS that I'm safe to get back behind the wheel.
<br />
<br />Now, I thought I would respond to Ellen's request to hear about some of the difficulties or challenges I face every day. I prefer to think of them as challenges because I don't want to put a negative spin on it. I am just going to be honest, so I hope it doesn't come across as complaining.
<br />
<br />Probably the biggest challenge I face is having to rely so much on others. I'm not cleared to drive, so I have to catch a ride everywhere I go. I also have to ask people for help at work, at home, at church, and a few other places. That is not an easy thing for me to do. I am ready to be more self-reliant.
<br />
<br />Another big challenge is dealing with simple tasks that become much harder with limited use of one arm. I can't fold clothes, dry dishes, stuff an envelope, open a jar, tuck in my shirt or button hings as easily as I could before. The frustration that goes with that presents another challenge.
<br />
<br />At work, I think the biggest challenges are: typing with one hand, not being able to carry stuff and fatigue that seems to hit way too early. That is all getting better, but it is still something I will have to continue to overcome for a while.
<br />
<br />I also know that I have an outstanding support system in place to help me deal with those challenges. And I am so blessed to be in the position I'm in. So many people face much greater challenges than I'm facing, I am a lucky man and I thank God for that every day. Hope you are all doing well and we will post again soon!
<br />Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-62430889262673603432011-08-20T19:14:00.000-07:002011-08-20T19:46:59.315-07:00Three Months and CountingI was going to be lazy and not post tonight, but thought I'd update everyone since its been a week since the last post. I also think it is a good idea since today marks another milestone. Three months ago today, my life changed forever. I won't call it an anniversary because that word doesn't really seem to fit here. But it is certainly a good time to reflect on where we've been and where we are.
<br />
<br />By the way, this is Jon again. Brenda took the kids to see "Harry Potter" tonight since none of them had been to see it. I've never read any of the books or seen any of the movies, so I stayed home and watched my own little "Parker Lewis Can't Lose" marathon on DVD. (Don't judge me.)
<br />
<br />That also gave me a chance to rest up after another hectic week. All of the fall athletes are back on campus at UMHB and that means work is really picking up. I would normally be very stressed and working 8-10 hour days this time of year. Now, I have to squeeze all of that stress into a four-hour day! :)
<br />
<br />Our kids go back to school on Monday. I honestly can't believe the summer is over. Although certain parts just seemed to drag by at the time, in retrospect, this summer have been the quickest I've ever experienced. The kids seem to both have a mixture of excitement and nervousness (if that's even a word). I'm also not sure that either kid feels like they had a real summer.
<br />
<br />As for me, we had three more busy days of occupational therapy and two productive days of physical therapy this week. I may not see the rapid progress I am hoping for, but as long as I and the therapists continue to see any progress, I know we are moving in the right direction!
<br />
<br />Three months ago tonight, I was lying in bed in the ICU at Scott and White with no real idea what was happening to me. Much less an idea of what the recovery would look or feel like. At that point, just getting out of bed would have been a victory in my mind, so that tempers my frustration now. I know I have come a long way and I am very encouraged by the potential I have to move a long way from where I am now.
<br />
<br />Three months in, I think we are past the point of major breakthroughs each day. But I also realize that even some things I consider minor are still breakthroughs. I carried a bag of groceries in from the car in my left hand today for the first time in three months. So I've got that going for me. I also hope we are past the point of any major setbacks. Everything has been so positive and encouraging to this point and I don't want to lose any of that forward momentum.
<br />
<br />Classes also start at UMHB on Monday. I will have two interns and a work study student to help me this year. I am excited about filling those positions and getting more help. But it is also hard for me to let things go and rely on other people. I am praying for strength in that area, along with continued strength during my recovery. Your prayers are also still appreciated in all of those areas.
<br />
<br />We go back to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor on Monday. It will be my first visit with him since I left Waco. I am hopeful for the okay to start work toward driving again and maybe getting the okay to stretch out my work days a little on those days I'm not in therapy.
<br />
<br />Thanks again for following along, I will try to answer Ellen's request in my next post. Hopefully in sometime less than a week from now. You have all been a big part of us getting through the last three months. Not quite sure how a person normally celebrates the three-month mark of their recovery, we are still learning through this. But none of us have any doubt that we have so MANY things to celebrate from this time-frame.
<br />
<br />
<br />Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-25591342595705617122011-08-13T19:10:00.000-07:002011-08-13T19:38:59.634-07:00Sorry for the delayJust realized it had been almost a week since we had posted and I thought I'd better update everyone. This is Jon posting again as Brenda and the kids hit Great Wolf Lodge this weekend for an abbreviated version of summer vacation. We had planned to take a bigger trip this summer, but for some reason just didn't get it done. I am so glad they get a chance to spend some time away, they've definitely earned it! Would have loved to go with them, but I still don't think water activities are my best option right now.
<br />
<br />So, I am here at the house with mom and dad stuck taking care of me. I appreciate the company and it sure helps having someone around in case I have to open a jar or something like that. (I've made substantial progress, but a few things like that still give me fits.) But I also like to think of myself as getting more independent and hopefully pretty soon I'll be ready to take care of myself for an entire weekend.
<br />
<br />It is hard to believe that the kids start back to school in just over a week! The summers always seem to fly by and when you spend 43 of those days in the hospital, trust me, it speeds up even more. Things are also about to really ramp up at work. The football team reported to campus today and for the first time in 13 years, I didn't make it by to see them check in. Practice starts on Monday and I will be there to help with the media requests. I'm not sure I've gotten myself back into football shape, yet. I am also worried about cramming all of that work into my half days, but I have lots of people that are happy to help me and I feel so blessed to have such cooperative and understanding bosses and co-workers.
<br />
<br />We had another productive week in therapy this past week. We've dropped one day of physical therapy as they seem to think I am making enough progress to do that. But I also have lots of exercises and stretches to work on during the rest of the week. I thought I was finished with homework!
<br />
<br />I had three different therapists in occupational therapy this week. It was interesting to see the differences in approaches and exercises. But they all have something in common: they like to make me work! I enjoy that and it is certainly what I need. Each one saw progress and that is so encouraging.
<br />
<br />The highlight of the week came on Thursday afternoon. Mom and dad picked me up from work and we went back to Hillcrest Rehab for the first time since I went home on July 1st. I had a chance to see all of the therapists I had worked with during my stay and thank them once again. It was gratifying to see the look on their faces when they saw me and the progress I was making. Everything looked very much the same, everyone was in their same places. It was almost a bittersweet experience having spent so much time there. It was great to catch up with the people in what for a time was our "home away from home." The smiles on their faces, the hugs and kind words meant the world to me. Everyone seemed genuinely pleased to see me. Apparently very few people come back on their own. No one leaves there as a finished product, and I hope it did them good to see how some of their hard work was paying off with me. I am no finished product myself, but I am glad they could see improvement. My physical therapist in Waco, Annissa, was leaving the next day to move back to her native Canada and it was important for me to say goodbye and wish her well before she left. My only regret was that Brenda couldn't go with me because they all asked about her and sent their best. I think seeing their reactions to my visit would have made her feel good, too.
<br />
<br />That should just about catch you up on what's been going on since my last post. Thank you for continuing to follow the blog. If there is something you'd like for me to post about, I am open to suggestion. I like to give the people what they want. Thanks again to all of you, take care and God Bless!
<br />Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-615179065699421802011-08-07T17:28:00.000-07:002011-08-07T18:03:56.897-07:00What I've LearnedThis is Jon, finishing up a relaxing weekend while Brenda and the kids enjoy themselves at a church swim party tonight. I've made a lot of progress, but don't think I'm quite ready for the pool yet!<br /><br />We are about two and a half months into our adventure and I really still have no idea how long the recovery process will take, but we are certainly in it for the long-haul. I went back and re-read some of Brenda's posts and realized just how little I remember about the timing of some of those important milestones. Reading those posts was emotional for me, but it was also very educational. That got me thinking about the things I have learned so far, so please excuse my attempts at depth in this post.<br /><br />I have learned that I am a little stronger than I ever gave myself credit for. I went back to work 53 days after suffering what the doctors tell me should have been at least a "devastating" stroke. I am proud of that fact and also proud of how much I have accomplished since May 20th. I have also learned that there are a lot of things you simply can not do by yourself. I can't imagine trying to get through this without the support of Brenda, Jacob, Brooke, my parents, Brenda's parents, our work friends, our church friends and the prayers of people we don't even know and I certainly can't name here. My recovery to this point has definitely been a team effort and I feel like there is a multitude of people counting on me and invested in my full recovery.<br /><br />I have learned that my family has in some small way touched the lives of more people than I could have ever dreamed. We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the outpouring of response and honestly never realized just how many people cared about us. That is a wonderful feeling and is also tremendously humbling.<br /><br />I have learned that my children are incredibly strong and remarkably resilient. They have handled so much with such grace this summer. I am extremely proud of them and consider it a compliment that they have turned out to be such fine people.<br /><br />I have learned how much a kind word, a smile, a card, or a prayer can mean to someone. That support kept us going through so many difficult times and I hope we can provide that same lift and comfort to others.<br /><br />I have learned that the human brain is a complicated and amazing organ. The fact that I've regained so much after such a significant injury to my brain has also helped me realize how rarely we really push ourselves the way we are capable.<br /><br />I have also learned that there are some easy lifestyle changes to make that will hopefully pay off. I've eaten more salads in the past two months than in the previous 40 years combined and I am also exercising regularly now. Of course, my exercise comes in the form of therapy, but I'm counting it!!!<br /><br />I've learned (and hopefully I can stick with it) that I need to make and spend more time for my family. I took Friday morning off so I could watch Jacob's final day of football camp and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Probably much more than Jacob did :)<br /><br />In therapy, they keep stressing the fact that I have to relearn the way to do simple tasks and I've relearned a lot this summer. I've relearned how special my wife is and just how important she is to my life. Brenda has been my biggest cheerleader throughout this process, but she has also been so much more: my strength, my best friend, my shoulder to cry or lean on, my confidant, my kick in the pants when I needed it, my scheduler, my driver, my personal chef and my soulmate. I know I am leaving some things out, but hopefully you (and she) get the idea.<br /><br />I have also relearned the importance of focusing on the little things I can do as opposed to the bigger things I can't do yet. I still need to work on re-learning how not to get frustrated by those things, but I'm working on it.<br /><br />I have re-learned the power of prayer and the strength we can draw from it. I know that we can't pretend to understand God's plan for us. But I know there was a reason for this and I certainly hope to make the most of my second chance.<br /><br />We get back to another busy week of work and therapy this week and I look forward to the chance to share more progress with you in the near future. Thank you for letting me ramble tonight and thanks again to everyone of you for your love, support and prayers!!!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-49449102062488914792011-08-03T19:13:00.001-07:002011-08-03T19:33:42.522-07:00We're still hereFirst we have to apologize for not keeping the blog updated. Now that we are in somewhat of a daily routine, it's hard to remember that we need to keep everyone updated on how Jon is doing! Jon has done quite a bit since we last posted and has made even more progress.<br /><br />Jon has been going strong in therapy still and is really doing well, especially in PT. Last week they gave him the green light to walk some at home without his cane, and this week they told him he could walk around some at work without it, just not long distances. So that's good news. I think he's doing very well with his walking. His gait is improving, with and without his cane, and they have been working hard on strengthening his left leg and helping him bend his knee more. This week he has been on the treadmill, which I know is much more difficult than it looks. Luckily his therapist stands behind him in case he decides to slide off the back! Luckily, we haven't seen that yet. Although I'm sure I could get us on America's Funniest Home Videos if he did!<br /><br />Today she had him doing lunges, which are hard enough when you have two strong legs! I had not seen him do those yet, and I thought he did an awesome job. He could lunge with his left leg and hold himself in that position, most of the time without holding onto the rail. I thought that was very impressive.<br /><br />I know he's still frustrated because the arm still has a long way to go, but I can tell he's making progress in OT. Each time he goes, they have him lay on his back, and hold his left arm up. The first few times we tried that, he couldn't hold it up. Now he can hold it up some, and each time, it seems like he can hold it longer and longer. The focus right now is on his shoulder. If he can gain some additional strength in his shoulder, that will help everything else. And I see some progress there as well.<br /><br />Around the house we are really seeing some small signs that he's coming along. He was able to use his left hand to turn on a light and hold on to the laundry basket. These sound like such small things, but for us, those are huge milestones that are very encouraging. He's supposed to be using his left arm more and more, even if he can't actually do much with it, he's trying to do more and more with it. And one day, it will kick in!<br /><br /> Jon saw his primary care doctor this week, and it wasn't very illuminating. As usual, they still can't figure out what happened, but overall his doctor is very encouraged by his progress. He has one more MRI to look forward to in a few months, so that is our last ditch effort to see if we could find something. Jon hates those MRIs, so he's definitely not looking forward to it.<br /><br />Overall things are going fine with the family. The kids are starting their activities again, so it's going to get even more hectic, but that's what life with kids is like.<br /><br />We appreciate everyone continuing to ask about Jon and his progress, and the encouragement we still receive on a daily basis. Thanks for hanging in there with us!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-8452837798877388192011-07-27T19:45:00.000-07:002011-07-27T20:11:37.799-07:00Another long and productive dayWe haven't posted in a while, but Jon has still been busy these last few days. He's had two days of therapy so far this week, and they have been working him hard.<br /><br />Both days in PT, they have had him on the stair stepper, which he has not done before. He's done one machine where he sits and the motion is more back and forth. But on this one, he had to stand up and take actual steps, which I know wore him out. But he did it! It's still hard for him to completely bend his left knee, but when forced, the knee can bend. He has also been walking more and more without his cane (hopefully only at home and therapy and not at work!). I think his gait has improved significantly. And people we saw this week who we haven't seen in days or weeks even comment on how his walking is getting better and better.<br /><br />OT has been tough, but he's definitely been making progress. Each day this week he's done something he has not been able to do before. He can hold his arm up a bit more than he could, he actually had some movement in his wrist, and has had more strength in his hand and was able to hang on to cones, which he couldn't do. So I think he's made some great strides this week!<br /><br />Jon also had an appointment with the hematologist this week, to see if there was something that showed up in his blood work that might indicate a reason for his stroke. So the good news is they did not find anything. Of course that means we still don't know what caused it, but we are both relieved that they didn't find anything that worried them.<br /><br />Overall I think things are going pretty well. Again our friends at UMHB have been great about taking Jon to work and bringing him home. And our friends at church have been terrific. For two weeks, we've had wonderful people who have picked Jon up at the house and bring him to S&W for his therapy. That has been a tremendous help! It's tough for all of us to juggle working, kids, therapy and extracurricular activities, but with the help of some wonderful friends, we're getting through it just fine.<br /><br />So thank you again to all who continue to help and offer support. After two months, we still need it!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-67757642742642921352011-07-22T19:16:00.000-07:002011-07-22T19:28:42.995-07:00Another day of firstsThis is Jon, back in the "author's seat". I just wanted to post a quick update, as we close out another busy week. I had PT and OT today, and mom and dad gave me a ride and watched therapy for the first time since we came home.<br /><br />It was a day of milestones, just one day after I was told I was lucky to be where I am today. I got the okay in PT to move full-time to a single point cane. And was also told that I could walk around the house without use of a cane at all - sometimes! That moves me one stop closer to walking without assistance, something that has been a goal for the last two months and two days. We also spent a lot of time on working on restoring strength to my left leg. And I definitely feel it - during therapy and after! More work means a bit more soreness and fatigue, but it's worth it all.<br /><br />I also had a full day in OT. We worked on regaining movement and after almost a month of not seeing me in therapy, mom saw significant progress, which is another source of encouragement. I don't always see the progress, since I'm so close to the process. I am looking forward to a chance to rest up over the weekend before facing another busy week next week. And I feel blessed to have that opportunity in light of yesterday's news.Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-82455610778940046662011-07-21T19:28:00.000-07:002011-07-21T19:46:59.234-07:00Good and Not-so-Good NewsBrenda is back doing the narration today, and it's been another busy day in the Wallin household. Jon didn't have therapy today, but had an appointment with the neurologist this morning, so he spent the morning in my office with me before we headed over.<br /><br />Overall the appointment went well, even though we did hear some good news and some not-so-good news. For the first time since the stroke, we were able to see the MRI results and see how big the bleed was/is. Both of us were surprised at just how big of an area it covered. The doctor told us it was a 6.5cm bleed (close to two and a half inches, ish!). When you think about the total size of the brain and how much room there is in there, that's a pretty substantial amount. All along we've been told he had a "substantial bleed," but we really had no idea what that meant, or how big that actually was. But today we definitely got an idea!<br /><br />While the neurologist was encouraged by Jon's progress, he pretty bluntly told us he was more amazed that Jon pulled through at all. It's hard to sugar coat what he said, but he basically told us that many patients with that large of a bleed don't survive, or if they do, end up comatose. That one statement definitely brought tears to my eyes! I'm not sure we both realized how close we were to a much different outcome. And while all along we've been thanking God for His role in Jon's recovery, we are even more thankful that he was able to come through it like he did!<br /><br />So to say the least, Jon's doctor was very impressed with his recovery to date, and very encouraged and encouraging that much more is to come. That was wonderful to hear! So the good news: the recovery continues - we continue to see progress and everyone around us is encouraged that much more is to come; the not-so-good news: they don't know what caused it and because it was such a substantial bleed, there is still a significant amount of blood on the brain, which means it might take a bit longer than we had hoped to recover. But we do know it's not an IF for recovery, it's a WHEN!<br /><br />While parts of the appointment were scary and eye-opening, it makes Jon feel somewhat better knowing that because of the severity of the stroke - it will take some time before everything comes back, and we can't get too discouraged if it still takes longer than we hoped.<br /><br />It's back to therapy tomorrow. Jon's parents are coming into town to take him, their first time since Jon started outpatient therapy. I know they are anxious to get a first-hand look at how he's progressing. Then I think we will all be ready for the weekend!<br /><br />And while we've known since the day of the stroke that prayers and God's oversight have gotten us through this, it was made pretty clear again today just how much God has literally carried and blessed us. So again we have to say Thank You to Him and to all who offered their prayers.Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7412013025095816021.post-54135614924978657042011-07-20T18:57:00.000-07:002011-07-20T19:22:14.861-07:00Two Months InThis is Jon back with you, but hopefully I can talk Brenda into taking over before I finish. Today marks the two month anniversary (although that really doesn't seem like right word to use) of the stroke. It seems hard to believe how much progress has been made in that time. It hasn't always gone quickly, but as we look back, I really have come a long way.<br /><br />I've made it through my first week and a half back at work. I'm still working half days, but I've accomplished a few things in that time and it feels very good to get some work sent out of the office. I had a full day of therapy today, and boy can I feel it. We worked hard on restoring movement in my left arm during occupational therapy and saw some positive things. There was a little more movement than in recent days. That was encouraging and certainly makes the hard work seem worthwhile. I even got to make a few of what the therapist called my "Arnold"poses. Now I just need to get some muscles to go with those poses. He also used the e-stim unit and got some movement out of the shoulder that was new. For those of you who have followed the blog all along, I spent some time working on all fours and did without any "incidents" like the last time we worked on that in Waco.<br /><br />In physical therapy today, we worked a lot on balance. There is still some work to do there, but I should be ready for a round of Wii Fit any day now! We also got the go-ahead to buy a single-point cane. That would bring us one step closer to walking completely on my own. I also consider that to be very encouraging.<br /><br />We go to the neurologist tomorrow and hopefully we might get a few answers as to a cause. That will be the first of several doctors appointments coming up in the next few weeks.<br /><br />As I look back over the last two months, in some ways it seems to have flown by. But in other ways, the stroke seems to have happened years ago. Not knowing what to expect going into this "adventure" has made it difficult to gauge progress. But I do know that I am encouraged by what we've accomplished and I certainly feel more independent. The therapists and doctors all know that we want and expect a full recovery and it is nice to all be on the same page, working to that end. Thanks again for your support, this has definitely been a team effort.<br /><br />I've just about run out of things to say, and I couldn't talk Brenda into taking over. I'll get her back on line with her take on things soon. Take care and thanks for reading!Brenda Wallinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14291016314850515706noreply@blogger.com1