December 9, 2006

We've gotten lots up requests for an update from everyone and it's finally here! Mandy took a little break from therapy (because we all deserve a vacation now and then) and is back in three days a week. If you're wondering how she is and we haven't made a blog post in awhile, feel free to call or write her! Practicing her verbal and written skills with friends, family and loved ones is far more fun than with the therapists.

And from Christine, we have a nice long update, "Hello All! I’d like to start off by saying I’m very sorry for not writing in so long. I got so busy for a while & once I got out of the habit, I forgot that there are so many others out there who really want to know how & what Amanda is doing.

During Amanda's time off, she enjoyed sleeping in, shopping, movies, lunch outings, camping, and so on. She goes grocery shopping with Kurt, helps (sort of) plan meals, cutting & filing coupons, & will do some prep work in the kitchen when pushed a bit. Mostly she doesn’t mind Kurt doing everything! That goes for us weekday visitors too…yes, she is quite spoiled!!!

Amanda is attending Monday, Tuesday & Thursday each week from 9-4 at CNS. On those days, many times she is eating her lunch there. Lunch is scheduled from 12-1, and she is free to go out for that hour. Or if you prefer, bring something for yourself & join her there.

I get her on Wednesday’s & Thomas Ann is still her Friday girl. Each of us has our own routine with Mandy. I always take her out to lunch with her close friends from Brinker. (A couple of times this posed an issue when Amanda insisted on going back to work afterwards. When she insists on something, her mind is made up & not much can change it! I suggested doing some word finding, and talk about it in 30 minutes. Immediately, she started looking for words & forgot about the arguing!) We sometimes stop at Starbucks, and play some cards there. Most days we have things that we need to get done, like running errands for Kurt or myself. Lately we have been doing some Christmas shopping, and card sending. If you didn’t receive a card, it’s only because I don’t have your address & Amanda’s address book is missing (last I heard).

Yesterday, we decorated her Christmas tree. Many of you may know that her rule is that “all ornaments must hang freely”. I love that she remembered this old rule & put about 200 items (exaggerated slightly) on the tree, none of which are touching any branches or other ornaments! Each ornament we took from its’ wrapping got compliments such as, “Oh Christine, this one is sooo precious. This one is just too cute. This one is beautiful Christine!.” Marcel (cat) was our helper under the tree pawing at some of the low ones. Amanda told him, “Marcel, I hope you die trying to get my ornaments!” I guess she didn’t want his help!

Sheri R., a close friend to Amanda, passed away recently, after a battle against cancer. Amanda was able to attend the funeral, thanks to Lori K., who picked her up & took her. Mandy said she was very sad, and wanted to cry, but the tears just wouldn’t come.

Amanda still doesn’t show a lot of fluctuation with her emotions. She seldom really laughs out loud, but she smiles a lot. If she’s mad about something, you know! When the plan of the day changes abruptly, she gets confused which comes across as angry. You just have to practice being patient, and ask her what is making her upset. Once you figure it out, you can talk about it & calm her anxiety. Thomas Ann & I tell her early in the day what we have on our list to do. She likes marking off the items as they get done. We get busy early, and try to wind down at about 3 or 4pm, when she is ready for some rest. Many people with TBI need a daily nap. Normal daily stimulation can be exhausting. In Amanda’s case, she likes to sit down with a Word Find book to rest up.

As for physical activity, Mandy is not really interested. She will walk, using a walker (she calls it her “poles”) to get where she needs to go, but that’s about it! Her foot still has pain, just not nearly as much. Kurt has been taking her to many doctor appointments regarding the left foot. She has had Sympathetic Lumbar Blocks, acupuncture, changes in meds, etc.

If you haven’t visited Mandy in a while, you will certainly see some huge changes. I see her weekly, and I always see some memory improvements, long term & short term. She’s just an awesome little lady! I promise to write more & I’ll send some pictures next week to give you a smile!"