An Unexpected Change of Plans

          Due to an unexpected change of plans, I, Ally, have taken over this blog for a short period of time; I will do the best I can. I will also refer to Gram and Granddad as Mary Ann and Ned to avoid confusion. On Wednesday, Mary Ann, Ned, and the occupational therapist traveled to the Kessler residance for a home visit. This visit was designed to evaluate the needs of Mary Ann at home. After reinacting a normal day at home, including taking small steps into the shower and up on the bedside step stool, Mary Ann was taken back to the rehab center to continue her stay. Once there, her room was switched to a bigger, more welcoming room in the rehab wing. This was definately a breath of fresh air for Mary Ann. The layout along with the homey features made the room seem bigger and better than the previous room.


          Wednesday night, we got a call from Ned after his eye doctor appointment. He informed us that he would be needing emergency surgery right away; they would operate that night. We were all very concerned because of the 70% success rate. The surgery was needed to remove an infection in Ned's right eye. They started surgery around 8:30 and ended around 11:30. The doctor felt that the surgery went well.


           Thursday morning, Ned had an appointment with the eye doctor. The exams run by the doctor showed signs of improvement. He was given eye drops to put in every hour and an eye patch to wear at all times. After the appointment and a trip to the pharmacy, Ned got to go home and get some rest.


           Today, Ned had another eye doctor appointment. The doctor was very encouraged by Ned's progress; there was definite improvement. The doctor said, "You're not out of the woods, but you're close to the edge." We have been using that quote to describe Ned's improvement. 


           Later today, we visited Mary Ann. She is doing really well! She was cleared to get up and walk to the bathroom by herself as well as getting dreseed by herself. We are all really excited about that because that symbolizes great progress in recovery. Also, Mary Ann and the nurses at the rehab center got her medications straightened out so she is getting the right blood pressure medications. The best part is seeing Mary Ann's enthusiasm about physical and occupational therapy. She is doing so well in both and wants to get better. She is motivated now and she is willing to stay in the rehab facility as long as it takes.


          Keep praying for the recovery of both Mary Ann and Ned. I will try to post pictures tomorrow.