Jenny had her first real trip out in public today. We went to the sea horse exhibit at the zoo that Jenny talked about seeing prior to her stroke. It started out rough when a child, doing what a child would do, commented to peer something concerning Jenny’s condition. Jenny already resisted going out into public for this reason (being looked at as the “handicapped” person). She was able to calm herself, but had various outbursts of emotion throughout the visit for various reasons. It was crowded at the time we went to the exhibit, but a quick walk around the zoo was pleasant for her. She continues to do well in therapy and is getting slightly stronger each day.

The highlite of the day was when Jenny was hooked up for assistive communication and environmental controls. In just a few days, Jenny has become able to control a delicate pressure switch that can work a speaking board and turn on/off things that we use every day (such as lights or tv). Jenny burst into tears of joy when she turned on a light by herself. For the first time in over 3 months Jenny had actual physical control over something in her environment. Such a small act was so huge to her. She powers switches powered by her hand, head, or toes- where she has most movements. Today marks a dramatic change in our lives. It will take a while for Jenny to become good at the speaking device, but it will be so nice to know that Jenny is having her needs made known all (or most) of the time.

It seems that I write less often, but Jenny is actually doing more and more each day. It is to the point that Jenny may demonstrate more movement in her hand (ie-opening and closing the fist) and add a new movement during that therapy session (bending the wrist). Later that same day, as we practise her new movements, Jenny will demoonstrate even more new movments (twisting her wrist). Again, these are all weak and slow movements, but they are getting better each day and they are definately voluntary. We just got a tilt table (table that Jenny is strapped into that allows her to stand and bear her own weight as it slowly tilts strait up to 90 degrees). Jenny hates it, but she does it anyway. Her neck movements and strength are very strong and we hope to have her able to sit in her chair without head supports soon (at least for short periods of time). We feel very blessed with her progress and Jenny has been more upbeat baout her progress. It is great to see her improve so much.

It has been three months since Jenny’s stroke. I know Jenny feels impatient with the slow feel of progress, and I do as well. I have to keep telling myself that it has only been a relatively short amount of time even though it feels like ages. Jenny seems to be recovering from her recent illnesses and she is getting more strength back in her body. She received a new bed that is so much better than the the one she had previous. Asking her if she likes her new medical equiptment is like asking if she likes being poked in the eye with a sharp versus a dull needle. She does admit that it is tons more comfortable and her sleeping is more enjoyable.