Kristen's physical and occupational therapy is in full force! She spends time with 2 physical therapists and 2 occupational therapists each day, as well as completing "homework therapy" here in the apartment both morning and night. Emotionally and mentally she is tolerating it very well, just as we expected. It is painful for her but she doesn't complain.
Her therapists expressed their appreciation today for her cooperativeness and positive attitude and shared that they already see some improvement in her muscle tolerance. However, tonight we notice some swelling in both of her knees and hope it will not slow her progress.
During Kristen's initial evaluation last week her therapists identified the joints that have the most limited range of motion. Her ankles, wrists, fingers, and hips will receive the greatest focus as they are the biggest trouble spots. We had no idea how much function she had lost in those joints. It is no wonder to us now that even activities of daily living were so exhausting for Kristen...and still are.
At the end of Kristen's therapy session late this afternoon(about 4:00pm) her therapist advised me to keep Kristen moving and not let her nap until after supper. So, as we walked to the car Kristen said, "I am so hungry...let's go ahead home now and have an early dinner." Hee!! I didn't fall for it but still thought it was a good try! Instead, we stopped in at Lipscomb for a short visit with Lauren which helped Kristen forget that she really wanted/needed a nap before dinner.
Dave is back in Nashville with us tonight. He wanted to be here for our appointment on Wednesday with Dr. Graham, a pediatric rheumatologist at Vandy Children's Hospital. We are hoping that good communication will come easier at this appointment. The Arthritis Foundation and all of the therapists seem complimentary of Dr. Graham so perhaps our first appointment just caught him and/or us on an unusually bad day.
I will wait to post again following our doctors appointment on Wednesday. Some have asked me to post our address. Here it is: 801 Inverness Avenue #A-5
Nashville, Tennessee 37204
Keep those prayers coming...they are much appreciated!!
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