Last week we went back to Crotched Mountain to see Matt's physiatrist and we talked about the lack of progress with Matt's arm. He suggested that we try mirror therapy again, which Matt tried months ago but hasn't used since. Apparently, studies are now showing that this therapy can 'jump start' an arm like Matt's sometimes. He has to sit with a mirror perpendicular to him with his right (non functioning) hand behind the mirror. Then by looking in the mirror while he moves his left hand, it appears to the mind that both of his arms are working. Try it for yourself - it's a little trippy. He's supposed to do this for at least 20 minutes a day for who knows how long and it might just start something.
In speech he's working as hard as ever and is making progress on sentences and some basic spelling. Right now he has pictures of objects and he tries to put together a sentence for each one like 'Here is one box. Here are two boxes.' The is/are distinction has been really difficult but he seems to be getting it now. Plural forms are also difficult and he'll often change their placements like 'Here ares two box.' This has been especially hard to correct because he doesn't understand how he said it wrong - it seems that he doesn't always hear what he says, he just sees what is on the paper and it looks correct. When he tries to write the sentences, he doesn't always know what letter he's looking for, but he does always know when he writes the wrong one. It's fascinating to watch him process through each word until he has the sentence correct. His therapist is always excited at the end of his sessions - she tells him all this will come back and be easy again, it's just taking time.
We were also talking about the date and Matt knew what today is. He couldn't come up with the word anniversary, but he told his therapist that today is 'you, me - married, 5.' We talked about where we were 5 years ago and how much has happened since then. We are so incredibly lucky and thankful that we get to have today together and for each next day that we get.
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Beautiful! I am thankful, too. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! Love, Jody
ReplyDeleteHi, you two -
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!
Jan T.
Shouldn't read at work. I'm a little teary. But Steve Jungst called about business and mentioned the new entry. Lots of love to you, Karen
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteMirror Therapy has been described in medical literature to be of benefit to 80% of users, but like all therapies dose not always show immediate results. The rate and amount of recovery much depends on the extent of the damage, and the intensity and duration of the therapy you receive. Recovery also is likely to be influenced by personality, life experiences and coping styles. Motivation to recover is a key factor in obtaining an optimal level of rehabilitation. Mirror Therapy is use for CRPS/RSD and rehabilitation after a stroke or injury. A good sauce of info is www.mirrorboxtherapy.com
ReplyDeleteHappy belated Anniversary! We sure remember your wedding day very vividly. What a beautiful day! The obvious love that you had at that time has certainly blossomed and has definitely been enriched by these experiences that you two have had. We are so happy to see your continued love and the ways in which it has manifested during the challenges of the last 8 months. You are constantly on our minds. We love you both and want to see you in the near future if we can swing it. We are all inspired by the strength you both display every day.
ReplyDeleteOur love,
Uncle Doug and Aunt Penny