Hi Everyone,
It’s evaluation week again. Corey is making great physical progress but it’s always nerve wracking when we never know who will approve or deny her continued therapy. There are some things that continue to challenge us on this path!
Elaine, OT, is very excited to report Corey’s progress. Our first evaluation was June 14th. Corey’s right arm was fully functional and had full range of motion. She could open her left hand but was unable to move her left arm independently.
Today, Corey not only opens her left hand she can move each finger separately. She can move her wrist up and down, straighten her arm extending at the elbow, reverse the motion by bending the elbow retracting her arm towards her torso and her greatest accomplishment to date; increased range of motion for her LEFT arm!
The measurements are recorded for active shoulder flexion and extension. That means Corey can lift her arm using her shoulder muscles without assistance. Flexion is lifting the elbow as high as she can from a resting position on her lap. Extension means lifting her arm above her head from the resting position. Passive Flexion and Extension means we help lift her arm. For the first time in 18 weeks, her left arm can finally be recorded.
Her passive flexion was 135, her extension 140 compared to her initial score of 65/70
Her active flexion was 80, her extension 70. Her initial score was “patient immobile”.
18 weeks…it’s amazing to think that we’ve been commuting to Out Patient for 4 ½ months. Thinking of our time at Bryn Mawr seems so much longer but reading it in written form, it’s actually no time at all. When I read “patient immobile” on the initial evaluation in Corey’s chart I was surprised. I concentrate on her day to day and sometimes forget the full extent of where she began. Time blurs the sequence of her recovery.
Ironically, Corey and I discussed her progress on the drive up to Bryn Mawr today. We talked about the accident, her transition from ICU to inpatient, to moving home and then to out patient. What she couldn’t do and what she’s learned to do for the “2nd time” in her life. She told me she gets frustrated that it takes so long. Her goal would be “to stop going”.
We talked about realistic goals. What are her goals? Here are Corey’s goals;
Walking by myself
Getting out of her wheelchair
Using my left arm to cook
Going to college
Go to Disney
I asked her if she ever gets mad at her recovery. She told me, “No, I get frustrated but it’s okay…it’s just a bump in the road”. I love when she reminds me to keep my perspective! xoxo