Another day piecing back the puzzle. Darryl added a few more firsts to his growing collection when he had his gym programme today. He made a good effort at rolling over and demonstrated a lot more control over his left leg, and even a little with his right (which has been very tight from the storming for weeks now). But the major advancement came when he was able to ‘bridge’. This is the name given to lifting the backside and lower back of the mat while the legs are bent up. It indicates growing strength in the core and and trunk which as I have mentioned is a key factor moving forward.
While at the gym, the Physio and Occupational Therapist also placed a cast on Darryl’s right arm, which is the first step in trying to break the tone in this arm and getting some normal movement back in it. Over the next three weeks he will have a series of casts applied to his arm, each new one increasing the degree of extension than the last. It is a painful process, expecially in the beginning when Darryl’s arm is under the first major stretch for weeks. I just hope he can cope without too much discomfort.
The other notable achievements for the day was getting Darryl to be able to move his head from left to right. I joked that he looked like one of those circus clown heads I remember from Easter shows, that rock their heads from side to side while you endeavour to pop ping pong balls into their mouths. He didn’t laugh, but I’m sure he was smiling on the inside.
He also managed to poke his tongue out for the first time. We were doing some mouth opening exercises and I decided to touch the end of his tongue to stimulate some sensation. All of a sudden it popped out! It may not sound much, but the tongue movng is essential in speach so it was significant. Between that and the facial massages I am laying on him three or four times a day we hope to get some speech developing. All in good time.
Darryl, each day you exceed the expectation and the established ‘norms’. Darryl, each day you demonstrate to the rest of the world what I have always known. The flame that is your character has remained burning brightly throughout this darkest night. And that same light will lead you home.
Keep passing the test of you, mate.
Dad.
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