With OT, we went to a GREENHOUSE! She received permission of course, to take me out into the community. We went to a greenhouse farm, and they helped me in and out of the car. They, and I mean my OT lady and another caregiver from the institute, helped me out around the greenhouse and walk through the crazy plants. I mean, they were EVERYWHERE. The greenhouse wasn't nearly as neat as this photo. They had overgrown plants and a lot of places I had to sidestep and there were some areas I chose not to walk in. Christine gave me a few plant names to look for and she also gave me a dollar amount to look for another plant. I was looking for these plants AND a flower within a certain price range.
I found two of the three plants. I couldn't find the other plant and it really made me feel better that she couldn't find it either! I did, however, find a beautiful flower set (there were four flowers blooming together) within the price range she gave me and guess what folks, she bought it!!! We went back to the institute once my hour was up, and she had me all tucked into my bed when she left. I was cared for and happy about the day, already.
My team met together, and as of right now and always, I will be returning home with my husband. He will begin his full-fledged training tomorrow to learn properly how to be a caregiver. They said that as of right now, I am improving greatly with cognition, and they suggest that my next step in therapy is to go to outpatient clinics. Today my anticipated discharge date has been moved to 7/19!!! Oh gosh, that is 8 days LESS than the original date!! Ahh!
Today I walked the garden with the PT ladies and my husband. I walked over 3,000 feet! I'm not sure exactly what that equates to, but it's more than I have walked since being here! In the community garden, there are a ton of uneven surfaces, hills and ramps. I only needed assistance with hills and super uneven areas! I did not stop to have a seated break, which is a HUGE improvement. Once I did some walking, they had me up by the curb and I did alternate toe taps and I did some squats! I needed assistance for both things, but it was good! Plus, my husband got to participate with me, and he learned a lot about his caregiving role and how to assist me.
Overall, today has been a good day so far! I was able to be outside for OT and PT! Just to feel the warm sun on my skin, the nice cool breeze, and to smell and take in the nice, fresh air! There's A LOT that I took for granted before and I am still finding that I do from time to time. But oh gosh, that initial visit to the outside world after three months of being in hospitals! That was an experience I can and did put into words, but I don't think I can truly explain it in a way that you would feel what I felt.
For SLP today, we went over the fact that I can MOVE UP TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF EATING! Meaning, I have now graduated to soft and small bite sized pieces! Of course, I know that I will really have to be careful and take my time with it. Truth be told, I am STILL within this style of eating. I still eat very slowly and super small bites. I don't want to choke! And what's the rush!?
In SLP, we also played UNO and I did a matching game with the cards. I also answered questions correctly about what we did the day before and I answered everything right on the orientation log. At the end of it all we played another card game for a few minutes. She was definitely a lot of fun! Plus, she was putting my mind to work!
The team has told me that they are discharging me on the 27th and then they came and told me about the 22nd being discharged instead. Well, my TBI self challenged them and said the 17th. They all compromised with me and said the 19th. I agreed to that! But gosh, I wanted to get back home as soon as possible. I miss the facility and the people. But I am so happy to be back home and in my nice, comfy bed.
Comments