Putting the pain in physical therapy.

Tyler’s day started with Occupational Therapy, or it would have if not for his low blood pressure. Despite compression gear and tilting his chair back, his BP dipped to 81/47 so OT was a no-go today. 

Orthostatic hypotension does improve with time, but it’s still frustrating for Tyler to want to do OT but his body says no. But trust, he’ll get there.

Then we had a visit from Uncle Steve and Aunt Lavern. They brought cookies and the largest cinnamon roll I have ever seen! Denica’s in Pleasanton does not mess around!

Then he had a quick CIC, followed by an even quicker lunch, and then it was time for PT. Today’s PT met us in Tyler’s room and checked his BP before we went to therapy (solid 105/62). Today’s therapy focused on shifting from the chair to a bed and back. Tyler successfully accomplished a board transfer. It was incredibly hard and it took a half hour, but he did it! And this will only get easier with time. The limiting factor wasn’t his BP this time — it stayed in the range of 105-114/62-67 👍🏾— rather it was his lingering injuries. That broken #2 posterior rib (in 2 places), the intercostals, and the muscles at his surgery site all caused pain today. He missed his Tylenol re-up before PT and this was a reminder to make sure he stayed on schedule. 

After an afternoon nap, Tyler met his peer mentor; he had a C5 Injury (motorcycle accident in 1995) and will be a resource for Tyler while in rehab in Vallejo. We were also introduced to some local resources that I invite you all to check out as well. Both Tyler and I are learning each day about his injury and the incredible SCI community in the Bay Area. Start with NorCal SCI, a rich resource of beginner, intermediate, and advanced information. I found this handout Learning About Paralysis to be super helpful.  

After his peer introduction, we were gifted with more visitors: Colin, Toast, and Matt! It was nice to catch up and share this new and somewhat strange new part of our lives. Yet another reminder of how lucky he is to be here and how lucky I am (and we are) to still have him. Thank you all for being there for us.*

*A quick shoutout to Cielo and Sara who cleaned my kitchen and did laundry and had a double play date™ with Arthur, all in the background of the above day. And Khadji’s meal drop off meant I had a glorious spinach pie breakfast before I hit the road.