Days 78 - 84

This week, Ryan started more intense constraint therapy. He agreed to have his right arm tied up from 9 a.m. to lunch. This means that anything Ryan does during that time, he has to try and do it with his left arm. The therapists and I are really excited about this. Studies have shown that this kind of therapy can have great results in mobility of the weaker limb.

QLI is trying to get approval from the insurance company to move Ryan (and I) to an apartment nearby. The apartment will be a more "natural" setting where Ryan can practice being independent. This week, he began working with his speech and life skills therapists to create a list of things that he will need help with and things he can do independently. They also worked on a list of things he would need to budget for (dining out, outings, groceries, etc.).

A couple of the wonderful Care Coalition guys came out to check on Ryan and another guy here at QLI. They brought along a lady from Enable America. She has been wonderfully supportive and helpful since Ryan's injury. It was nice to talk with them for a bit. We appreciate their help so much.

This week, Ryan went on a bike ride along the lake nearby. Ryan also worked with a recreational therapist to research and purchase tickets to a rodeo at the local arena this weekend. 

Ryan gave his military brief again. This time he presented to the recreation department. He had them fill out review sheets. The reviews he got were pretty good. There were some minor suggestions, but overall the audience learned a lot and liked his presentation.

Physical therapy also added some strengthening sessions Ryan's schedule. They are going to work on strengthening the muscles he needs to walk. They have been trying to do this in his daily PT sessions, but then it tires out his muscles and he has a harder time walking. So now, they well be separate to give the muscles a break. 

Despite the fact that Ryan and I both have colds, we had a great time at the rodeo. We agreed that the best part was when the little kids tried to ride the sheep. They were so cute! I'll try and post pictures soon. (I took pictures with my small camera and can't find the connection cable to get the pictures off the camera.) Jessica Simpson was there to perform after the rodeo. But, it was so loud, and neither of us really cared, so we left early. :)