Day +86

Everyone remember this guy?



I think this guy is comin' back. :)

Charles' strength is improving a lot this week. I was unable to visit him for about a week, because I was sick, and the difference between last week and this week is so great! Most of what he's working on with physical therapy is the transition from sitting to standing. It's really hard work but he's pushing through it. Most of the work is being done by him at this point. Lauren (the PT lady) helps him by pulling a little on the belt while he stands, then mostly just helps him balance after that. He's kind of having to re-learn how to balance his weight during the transition and while standing. He did a lot of work with that yesterday so today his muscles were a bit tired but he still stood up a few times today plus doing lots of sitting exercises!

The biggest problem lately has been that Charles' stomach is very raw again, so each time he takes pills he gets bad cramping. He's got a new pain med that is actually a patch on his skin! Since the pills don't absorb well in his belly and morphine was making him feel more bad than good, they're giving this a try. So far it's going alright but he's having to take some additional pain meds when he gets bad cramping.

We've had a pretty nice lazy day here at the hospital. I've been crocheting and playing music and Charles has been reading, and now he's napping. It's a beautiful day in Portland and this new room is really a lot brighter and Charles has a much better view of Mt. Hood, so we're able to enjoy the nice day in our own way.

Hope everyone is well!

Love, us.