Busy times

Well I see it is a month since I last wrote something so here goes with a catch-up.  After the excitement of seeing Ron's thumb moving it turns out that it was an automatic movement and not one that Ron did.   However since then he has moved it under his control just a few days ago.
We have been so busy as we have had visits from the Papworth team, Physio once a week, OT twice a week plus Saffron Walden Gym twice a week.  In addition the Neuro psychologist has been and spent three hours assessing Ron.  We were delighted with the results which she gave us verbally on the day.  Basically she assessed Ron as almost normal for someone of his age.  She said that he needs time and/or repitition to absorb information and she is going to send us a written report together with suggested strategies to put in place such as repeating information such as appointments.   Best of all she could see no reason why Ron could not drive our converted Jaguar.  She said some people in this situation would take some driving lessons to gain confidence and since her visit Ron's daughter who is a qualified driving instructor has been out with him twice.  He got on well, just needs to get used to the controls.

Ron continues to progress regarding becoming more independent with personal care, toilet and washing.   He now walks in the house, rather than use his electric wheelchair, he sits at the table, pulling the chair in himself.

On Sat 14th we had the last visit from the Papworth Physio and she did all the measurements and tests again to compare with those she did when she started.  Ron's original score was 32 out of 54 and he was 49 on Saturday so a huge improvement and his test walk outside had gone from 16 mins to 11 so again very satisfying.

We are so grateful for this extra help we have had from Papworth Trust.  The OT's last session will be around 3rd March and our Saffron Walden Physio finishes on 1st March and then we will be on our own.   I think this is going to be a bit of a let down so we have to make sure that we organise ourselves as it is all too easy to get lazy.   I will set up a spreadsheet and hope that this will motivate us.  
The Physio is going to recommend another session and this will be great if we can get it.   If not we have the option of paying privately we will just have to see how it goes.

We have been out for various lunches with the car clubs, Ron is able to walk in, albeit slowly, and this makes it a lot easier.
On Wednesday 10th I went out all day and Ron managed perfectly well.  I can go out for a few hours without any problems or preparation.

I will write again when there is something to report.