StrokeSurvivorBlog

Many preparations have been made around the house to make it handicap accessible for Steve. A ramp was built by a friend so I can roll the wheelchair through the front door, which is wider than the other entry doors. The next big area to make ready was the stairway, so our railing was modified [...]

Today in occupational therapy the Ness H200 was used on Steve to improve hand function. The Hand Rehabilitation System made by Bioness was attached to his left arm and programmed to send electrical impulses to the nerves in his fingers. With the push of a button, Steve was able to open his hand and grasp [...]

Steve’s rehabilitation includes hand therapy with a new Hand Rehabilitation System. The unit was fitted to his arm to electrically stimulate the nerves in his hand. With this device he was able to open his paralyzed hand and grasp some dice. Hopefully with repeated stimulation the brain will recreate new pathways to the nerves so [...]

Finally! Steve was fitted with the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine and mask to relieve the sleep apnea. At first the air pressure was so strong that he couldn’t wear the mask more than 20 minutes. It’s necessary for the pressure to be strong enough to force the oxygen into his blood stream, but [...]

Last Thursday was Steve’s final day of home health care, and he started outpatient stroke therapy at the hospital. We felt home health care had run it’s course and that he’s ready for more aggressive therapy. Yesterday was his first full day of outpatient therapy at St. Vincent’s Hospital. It will be necessary to transport him back and [...]