JackieG
Posted : 3/19/2010 2:04:59 PM
Sorry, Johnny I haven't been on in a bit to update. Charles is doing great. I am trying to not jump his bones because the doc told me I should refrain. LOL There's a story behind that but I'll leave it be. 
The dogs are loving up on him every chance they get. Charles is now seeing the advantage of not allowing the dogs to climb all over you as though he is a piece of furniture. I've preached to him for years but he's realizing now why that's not always a good idea. The kitty is banished from his lap due to the colostomy bag. Our cat is a hard core biscuit maker and the two combined would be a poopy mess. I told someone the other day that dog people are probably much less bothered by a colostomy than people who haven't dealt with poo in all it's many forms for years and years. lol
Charles' appetite is much better and other than his somewhat restricted diet he's so happy to have home cooked meals. He is pretty weak but overall he's walking well. He has some slight balance problems if he turns to sharp. His calf muscles are less than half the size they were before this happened. I'm shocked at how quickly he lost so much muscle mass.
He goes for evaluations on Monday and Tuesday for outpatient PT and speech therapy. The speech therapy helps with the short term memory loss. He has some of that but not too severe. Heck, I have the same problem and don't have any excuse. lol I love this new place so far and he's looking forward to getting stronger.
He is now only taking one medication, for seizures. It's preventative and we were told it's commonly prescribed for a month or two after this type of brain surgery. He has passed the time when he had to be medicated to prevent vasospasm.
My BIL told Charles to rub something and send it to him. He wants it for a good luck charm since he figures Charles is the luckiest guy he knows. I think I'll have Charles give Belle a big ol belly rub and ship her off to AZ. lol