Just Keep Swimming!

In my brain injury group, we did a little show and tell. A woman who works for this organization brought her little stuffed animal, Dory, to show everyone. She said that whenever someone is facing opposition in her house, they say, "just keep swimming!"

It really resonated with me, because I feel as though I could apply it to my life right now! Everything that is being thrown at me, that I need to dodge or hurdle, I need to remember that 1) I have the Almighty God on my side and 2) I need to just keep swimming!

That brings me back to Sheltering Arms Rehab Institute, remember I don't know this next week and a half. The doctors even put in their notes that cognitively I'm not ALL there and they will need to speak with me on a later date when they know that I can make decisions for myself.

Phew! That was a lot. I feel like I need to tag a disclaimer notice every time, so I don't get bombarded with attacks again. If anyone feels like I'm attacking them, please remember that these are the doctor's notes. I am writing down what they are saying. So, if any problems exist, well, I guess you can read the Bible and pray on it! I've been reading the Bible A LOT lately and my Pastor told me to read the gospels and search for the shortcomings of Christ. Listen, I know Jesus is perfect. Always has and always will be! But he also had a very raw and human nature. I mean, he was human after all! But even though the Lord was great at setting boundaries, there were moments in time when he didn't set a healthy boundary. It's right in the moments you feel as though He should! But there's NO judgement of course. But it's like when you watch a scary movie and the woman is walking so slowly, almost creepily, and trying to keep a close eye out for the killer. AND HE'S RIGHT BEHIND HER! So, you scream at your tv, thinking that MAYBE she would hear you. That's what I did to my Bible.

Now that I've gone WAY off the beaten path...you're welcome. Say hello to my brain! This is what it's like ALL THE TIME.

Anyways... so we are still within the first week and I told my nurse I'm experiencing some pain in my head. She gave me some medicine and came to check in on me within a few hours to see how I was doing. Still pain! I rated my pain an 8 out of 10.

I had about 7 hours of sleep last night. I probably should have started with that! But it was noted that I had difficulty falling asleep. They gave me some medication and then worked with me on some relaxation techniques! I went to sleep around midnight, which now I fall asleep at 8PM, and I woke up at 7AM!

My PT lady is hardcore, and no nonsense. I learned that very quickly. She is the sweetest soul though! I'll call her 'banana' to keep her confidential. Banana wrote under "Rehab Therapy Precautions - complicated family dynamics." I seriously don't think I've laughed so hard in my life when I just read this!! I mean, I feel so bad for my team. They shouldn't have had to go through this. But they are ALL troopers! But apparently today we did a lot of gait training and using the Andago. I required many rest breaks but was able to decrease from using both handrails to just using one!! Look at me go!!

Hey, I'm only doing this for your benefit. Just remember that!

I will name my OT lady 'Listerine.' My husband was present today and was able to assist when I had to STAND and pick up cones! Listerine said I was very tired and couldn't talk much, but I was still able to do the commands she stated and showed me to do. I threw a weighted ball through a hoop and actually made it! She's working with me on some basic ADL tasks to complete safely and independently to lessen the burden on my caregiver, who is my husband.

Today for MedPsych we established a goal for my 3 to 4 weeks stay.

Treatment Goals: Assessment of neurocognitive recovery; psychoeducation regarding adjustment to TBI.

My awesome psychiatrist noted that I was tearful this go around, and I was nearing the end of my posttraumatic amnesia. THANK GOODNESS! I was a little more alert and had my speaking valve on my trach so I could try and speak with him. I was in more awareness of my severity and could also tell him what my limitations and weaknesses were. I no longer had my physical ability I once had. You know...that girl who used to do obstacle course races?! Yeah, she doesn't exist. My husband was present with me and agreed that I could definitely benefit from having TBI education and what to do/what not to do. I really wanted to work through all of my therapy goals so I could return home. Until I could be with my boys again, I was feeling a little down in the dumps.

"Interventions: Ms. Damico endorsed feeling down/discouraged; she denied suicidal ideation. She engaged in psychoeducation (including her husband) regarding recovery from brain injury, including stages of neurocognitive recovery as well as common emotional responses to trauma, hospitalization, and changes in functional abilities. She was able to identify personal strengths/assets supporting her recovery, including her motivation to get better and return home. She participated in an introduction to the role of rehabilitation psychology, with emphasis on supporting individual and family adjustment to injury, maximizing functioning and autonomy, and supporting participation in social roles."

Today it was noted and documented that WHEN I get discharged, I will be going home with...MY HUSBAND!!! Let me just say that "booth" wrote that one in.

I don't think I can come up with a fake name for this one, so I'm going to call her by her name...Katherine. My husband was present for this round of therapy. She educated him on the use and greatness of the tongue wedge depressor thing. I got to EAT a very small spoonful of yogurt...TWICE!!! We worked on my swallowing technique and also worked on trying to open my mouth wide enough to accept the spoon. Today I also scored a 30/30 on the Orientation Log!! So beat that 21!

Today was a good day.