MH SDR Updates: Post Op Days 3-4

7.22.13

We moved to the rehab unit yesterday Monday and he had his first physical therapy (PT) session, was supposed to just work on rolling, but he rolled, pushed up to all fours, sat with assistance and even tried to stand!!! It was crazy and I was one freaked out momma and asked him to sit down and slow down. The therapy will be tailored to his own pace, he was upset when he realized he couldn't just get up and walk. Today is 4 days post op, plan to be at inpatient rehab 2-3 weeks. He has a busy schedule today with PT and OT, am and pm and speech. He's doing great and already happy sitting up in his own wheelchair and taking trips to the playroom to play with cars!

He finally was allowed a shower yesterday and we were able to dress him in his own clothes, he was very happy to be clean and comfy.

7.23.13 Tuesday
First full day in the rehab unit today.
He started the day with OT to help with getting dressed and ready for the day, after a good breakfast it was to the gym for an hour of PT.  He did well once again and allowed the PT to stretch his legs while he lay on a map playing with his favorite toys matchbox cars!
He pushed to all fours, crawled a bit and then attempted to pull to stand in front of his two rehab dr.s!  The one doctors said "Great job, Mark you continue to direct your own therapy and Linda (his PT) will have to try to keep up!"  He then sat on a chair for 5 minutes and played in the play kitchen passing various plastic foods to the PT and I, including putting pizza in the microwave. and dishes in the sink!  He spied a walker in the room and tried to get close enough to grab it and go, we simply said that's not your walker- it was silver his is green!  He will be able to use his walker once his legs are stronger we explained.

Once PT was finished we met his speech therapist who was amazed what a whiz he is with his ipad. We settled on a few goals around communication which he is already making good progress with and just want to continue that and not regress while we are in the hospital.

Then it was time for lunch and nap or rest time. Mark watched some tv but didn't take a nap instead was trying to crawl/climb out of bed!  So we got him back in his chair for another trip thru the halls his favorite activity!
After a rest, it was time for more PT, we did some stretching and then as promised the bike came out for a test ride!  We put his brand new blue camo pattered leg braces on. We were not sure if he would 1. like the bike, 2. want to sit or be comfortable sitting on the bike 3. be strong enough to pedal...
There is a video here, will not show on an ipad or iphone...

We should not be so surprised by this little boy but once again we were in awe. He is  amazing and so brave!  His doctor happened to stop by and was visibly taken back at this progress!  He is doing so well. We will have to ensure he doesn't get too tired or push him self too much. His legs are still weak and standing and walking will take time. The bike riding will help with that so I see lots of bike riding in our immediate future, he also enjoyed it a lot.

We then went to OT where I was concerned he may be tired, but in true MH form he worked hard for almost and hour, playing with cars, Playdoh and Legos, sitting at a table, high kneeling and on the mat!!!!
The reward for working so hard, snacks including ice cream and a trip to the front of the hospital to watch the cars going by in the sunshine. Notice how relaxed his legs/feet are!

 It was a great day, he had a shower and got in his pjs and waited in his favorite chair (aka "lazyboy chair," as we call the reclining wheelchair with pillows as it looks so comfy) for dinner to arrive!  Then it was time for bed.