We can't believe it has been a whole week since arriving in Chicago at the RIC ! As you know, Beverly arrived late in the day on Monday, October 26, and that evening her doctors did her medical evaluation and an ASIA test. This is a standardized test of sensation throughout her body. This confirmed that her spinal cord injury was "incomplete" meaning that she does have sensation "below" her level of injury, which was C5 and C6. With an "incomplete" SCI there is always hope! Tuesday was filled with orientation, physical therapy evaluation and occupational therapy evaluation. Her OT quickly made splints for her thumbs to enable her thumbs to position themselves in such a way that she can get a "key grip". and pick up things using her thumb and index finger. Most weekdays she has two hour-long sessions in the morning and two hour-long sessions in the afternoon, divided between OT and PT. Usually one of these is a group session doing non-stop upper body strengthening work to music. It is hard work! She is learning to use a "bed ladder" which is an apparatus to enable her to eventually turn in bed. The therapists here at RIC are "the best in their field" and very encouraging.
She usually has her meals in a "day room" with other patients. The hospital food is, well, hospital food. But tomorrow, Monday, she has a surprise coming from Debra Vignocchi.....homemade Italian fare!
Today, Pauletta took Beverly out to lunch at Treasure Island, an upscale grocery store and deli across the street from the hospital. It is housed in a beautiful old 1920's building with columns and floors of Italian marble - beautiful! It was the former home of the Chicago Furniture Mart. Then we met Steve and walked a few blocks to Fox and Obel. The sunshine of the morning left us for a while, so the cool wind off the lake was not what we had planned for, but she was a trooper and the fresh air did her a world of good! (Not to mention her long sleeved turtle-neck, covered in a thick sweatshirt, followed by a wool parka with hood, neck scarf and NorthFace fleece hat - thanks Kevin and Kristen! AND, a wool afghan crocheted by Mom! As soon as we returned, I threw all her blankets into the clothes dryer to warm up, and she snuggled in them happily.
Next week should prove even harder work for her, but she is prepared! Due to HIPPA privacy laws, it is hard to get a good photograph of Beverly during therapy (without also photographing other patients) but I will keep trying. The gym is always a bustle of activity with patients and therapists everywhere on various equipment. Check the photos link for a picture of Beverly on our walk along the lakefront of Chicago.
Thanks to all of you for your continued love and concern for her.
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