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Shoulder Pain & Subluxation
Yesterday I took Steve to the orthopedic doctor and he said the ankle was doing quite well and there’s a lot of new bone growth, but it’s not 100% yet. He should continue to wear the AFO (ankle foot orthotic) for a few more weeks. He also x-rayed his shoulder and fo
und that it is a little separated from the joint because the weight of the arm has been pulling it down, a condition known as shoulder subluxation. So he gave him an arm sling, but it’s not as good as the GivMohr arm sling his Bellin Hospital therapist ordered for him, which prevents the pain from his arm dangling and pulling out of the shoulder socket. The doctor said that type of shoulder separation was typical of the stroke so not to be alarmed, but to use precaution so no further damage is done.
The car transfers were the hardest part of the day because we did so many of them in a short period of time. From Woodside into the car, from the car into wheelchair at GB Home Medical Equipment, back into car, out of car into chair at dr.’s office, out of chair into x-ray, back into chair, back into car, and back into chair when we got back to Woodside. I was exhausted lifting his leg in and out of car, and it was so windy that it was hard to keep his balance. One time I felt him sliding sideways when he was standing and it was a little scary, because I had to pull hard on his gait belt to get him straight again.
Steve really wants to come home next week, but he needs to realize he’s not ready yet and I can’t possibly take care of him 24/7. When I get home at night I know that I can relax for a while and sleep undisturbed, but that would not happen with him home. Physically and emotionally I am unable to care for him at home yet. I’m going to ask the therapist to make up a checklist of goals he must accomplish in order for him to go home. That will take the pressure off of me for making that decision alone, and then he can keep focused on working hard to meet those goals.
It’s hard saying no to him, but I have to remember that he is not using good judgment right now which is a side effect of a right brain stroke. And if I bring him home and he’s not ready and has to go back to the nursing home, our insurance will not pay for it. But soon I’ll need to check into some Home Health Care Agencies for when he is ready to come home. If you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear about them.
I’m re-thinking the idea of bringing him home for a while on Sunday afternoon. It might be too hard for him to come home for a day and then have to go back. I asked him if he’s ready to go to church on Sunday and he said he’s not sure yet. He wants to, but he’s embarrassed by all his crying (because he’s so emotional), and he knows it will be a very emotional day for him. So I’ll have to wait and see.
In addition to all of that, I’ve noticed that his left arm muscle tissue has deteriorated considerably from lack of use. So I would really appreciate your prayers concerning the following…
1. For new brain connections to be formed to send signals to move his left hand and arm, and leg, knee and foot
2.That Steve will persevere and be strengthened to endure his time at Woodside
3. That his goals in therapy will be accomplished including walking and toileting by himself
4. That we will make good use of the time we’re there by helping and ministering to others in need
5. That I also will be strengthened and be filled with wisdom to make good decisions
Thank you again for all your prayers and outpouring of love. We are overwhelmed by your kindness to us. May God bless each you abundantly for your faithfulness to pray.
Love, Kathy