Friday, October 1st - For the last week, I have been doing most of my bed exercises (about ½ hour) before the aid comes. Some of them need 2 people so I wait on those. Great thing this morning was I was able to, lying on my stomach, raise each of my legs up at the hip. Been trying at this and failing for a month or 2 off and on. This morning I got the idea to try it while raised on my elbows and it worked. Went outside this afternoon and then to therapy.

Monday, October 3d - Jeanie for an aide good. Went to therapy and Steve had called off and a substitute was there. Overall, she was still pretty good. Walked an extra 40 feet at the end so I could stop at my machine instead of my chair. With Jeannie’s help, going to do a table in my journal to show my progress at my home exercises over the last month or so. Weather is sunny but chilly. Now it’s 5:00. After dinner, John Strong came over and got my e-mail and keyboard working. John also fixed our VCR and figured out our various remote controls and explained them to Karen and me. So now, computer/e-mail, cable, satellite and rentals all work again. I played with them all until around midnight and then went to bed.

Tuesday, October 5th - Rich was good as usual. Stood for a new record, 22 minutes. Now it’s around 11:00 and Krissy is at pre-school. Karen has to leave and pick her up. Cleaning ladies just arrived. Stood in the bathroom by the widow for a new record, 22 minutes.

Wednesday, October 6th - Made it for 25 minutes this AM. Rich was good.

Thursday, October 7th - 25 minutes again but want to try it twice a day. Jeannie was good, but early as usual on Thursday. Went to the park for lunch again, like Tuesday. Sunny and 70's, beautiful. Went to Lodge after dinner for the monthly meeting of the “merged” lodge.. Several of them commented on my obvious improvement since June, which was the last time, I think, I was there. Now around midnight and I just finished the update of my journal. Worked on it, off and on, all day.

Friday, October 8th - Jeannie this AM. Good as usual. Yesterday, she suggested a chair cushion because I had developed a sore on my tail bone. Works great, last night when Karen transferred me to bed, one of the few things I still need help with, I didn’t feel my normal great sense of relief, in fact, no pain at all. Had her read my journal update before sending it in, which is normal. She really is a co-editor and, along with Karen, helps with my memory problems. Wanted to add that Steve said, Wednesday, that I only have 5 more sessions of therapy approved by workmen’s comp. He felt that, with Karen, my new equipment (courtesy of my sister, Anne) and mall walking, we could finish the job, to walking, without his help. Of course for $20/month, as a former patient, I can use their equipment too, and Steve will always be there for questions. So now, I have graduated both water therapy and physical therapy. Also, wanted to say BS. I heard from either my sister or on the TBI chat site that some Doctor claimed that most of the rehab in a TBI case occurs in the first 2 years. Mine didn’t start until my 2d anniversary and has been steadily increasing since. Wanted to add this table to show my improvement at home over time.

General comments (by Jeannie): 6 months ago I was a complete bed bath/total assist - now I am a partial assist started transferring myself using a slide board about 1 month ago morning exercise time increased from approx. 15 minutes (February) to 40 minutes plus (now) memory improvement- stopped asking aides name every day in April small motor co-ordination has increased noticeably in the last month or 2 transfers self to front seat of van now - could not do even 2 weeks ago standing has increased from 3 minutes 2 weeks ago to 25 minutes now

All of this has led to a standing joke, that anytime I slow down, they will just throw me in the pond.

Sunday, October 10th - This morning, I definitely feel like I have been touched by GOD, both now and right before Edwin Shaw around 31 months ago. Funny thing is, it feels like it (GOD) has been with me most of the time, as a partner. Also, I felt compelled to write this journal entry.

Friday, October 15th - TAX DAY #2. That is what it has been for the last 15 yrs. The final extended due date for personal tax returns. Had to finish all of the tough ones and get them signed and filed. Of course most everything was done by now. Used exercise bike 3 times today, last time for 20 min. Jim came over before dinner and we went out in the van and, among other things, visited Dave. Got home a little after 9 to find out Karen was taking Krissy to the hospital. Her cold had gotten much worse and she was having trouble breathing. Ended up spending the night too, both of them, Karen called Terry and he said he would come over in the morning. Jim ended up spending the night. Put myself to bed and dressed myself in the morning .

Saturday, October 16th - Karen called in the morning. Doctors weren’t sure if the breathing difficulty was caused by pneumonia, allergies or a combination of both. Clift cane over and finished taking the kennels/cleaning up. Terry came over to keep me company and we ended up going down there and we all, including Krissy, came home around 5 PM after x-rays, etc. Both Grandmas had come down to the hospital also. E-mailed bible study to let them know we wouldn’t be there and why.

Thursday, October 21st - In afternoon, went to Mark and Elma’s to say hi. They were one of my 1st clients. My dad had me handle their buying the family business from Elma’s dad. Went out to dinner with Karen and Krissy afer taking Carrie and David to bible study.

Friday, October 22d - Fall leaves were peaking today or yesterday. Beautiful views from the back porch and even the garage. Took some pictures ,which should be included here somewhere, of the views from the front yard and back yard. Neat thing about one of the back yard is it is the view I start every day with, from our kitchen table window, which makes me glad just to be here enjoying. Also took some pictures of the view on my typical wheelchair stroll, down the road.. Afternoon, did 1000 steps in 20 minutes, the trembling in my legs is getting much better. Have changed my “target” date for walking from the 1st snow to Christmas. Of course, being the tax guy, if I don’t make x-mas I get an “automatic” extension until the 3d anniversary of my tbi in February. If I don’t make that and am working hard at it and making progress, I get a final extension until spring. The progress I continue to make physically has me convinced, I’ll be walking by spring. Also , I balanced the checkbook, something that always used to be my job, but hasn’t for the last 2 ½ years. Did my exercise machine 3 times today, 20 minutes each. Also went mall walking with my walker , 150 paces.

Sunday, October 24th - Felt compelled to make this entry also. Also felt like I was “touched” by God while a resident in Edwin Shaw rehab. Hosp. to help tbi’ers. Worked on exercise bike for more than 1000 steps and more than 20 min.

Monday, October 25th - afternoon - 1060 steps in 20 min.

Tuesday, October 26th - 1100 steps in 20 min.

Wednesday, October 27th - Terry Garner was here from 3:30 to 6:30 working on the patio wall, etc.

Thursday, October 28th - AM - 1000 + steps in 20 min at 7 difficulty level.

Friday, October 29th - Had this idea today, before walking, maybe I should learn to crawl? PM - Stood for 22 min. before biking 950 steps

Saturday, October 30th - Kim until 9:00. Before she came, I was up on my knees and elbows twice and did my other bed exercises. Stood for 15 min. then did 1060 steps in 20 min. on bike. Went to the local fire station to have our family picture taken as we have in the past. Went trick or treating at 6PM. A big difference I noticed between last year and this year was now I had a hopeful future, last year, I did not.

Sunday, October 31st - Transferred myself “to” bed using the transfer board for the 1st time ever so Kim could change my clothes into mall walking clothes. Had to have a temper tantrum to get her consent. She was upset and I don’t know if she will be back. On my hands and knees 3 times. In the afternoon my chair broke down and we had to use my scooter for church.

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