1. We finally figured out a way for AJ to remove the pillows during the night from under his sides (this helps reduce his risk for developing bed sores)! This means Becca doesn't need to get up at night to help and AJ can be more independent.
2. Becca went home for a few days while AJ stayed with family and CNAs to help with his needs. It was the first time AJ has been without one of his parents since the accident! It was a great way to test the system and identify areas that need improvement. One main difficulty is that AJ needs someone to be available all times. AJ doesn't need help all the time, but the need can arise at any time. Independence is slow coming, but with AJ's determination, we can't imagine it's too far off!
3. AJ has started physical therapy at a place called Neuroworx (www.neuroworx.org). It is a physical therapy place that focuses solely on Spinal Cord Injuries. With AJ they are doing a lot of large motor skill work with the idea that it will encourage future movement as his nervous system retrains itself and adapts to the injury. They don't like the idea of waiting for movement to "come back" on its own. Instead they try to influence how the nervous system reroutes itself. When AJ is done with PT he is exhausted! Here are some videos of AJ working out at Neuroworx:
As you can see, AJ works like a beast! Watching him can be heartbreaking because he has lost so much since the accident; yet it is also remarkable and inspiring to watch because AJ is willing to push on with faith and courage; always believing there is something more for him! So, after the first week at Neuroworx he is feeling really good about the change. The therapists and staff are positive and encouraging and most of them have personal connections to someone with a spinal cord injury or they have recovered from a SCI themselves. It's been a comfort to meet others that have walked this path and made happy, productive lives for themselves. There successes encourage us!
