Day 3 lived up to the challenge as being the dreaded day for patients when they're required to get up for the first time after 3 days of being in bed. In the morning, after James had his catheter and epidural removed, we were taught how to get James up to a sitting position and transfer to his stroller. We also talked about precautions for lifting and motions to avoid in his initial rehabilitation. Our afternoon therapy appointment was in the gym and it pushed James from the start.
A major change for James post SDR is to learn how to activate isolated muscle groups. When he had spasticity, his muscles would contract all at once. Isolating these muscle groups is a completely new experience for James and will take time to get used to this new ability. Our physiotherapist today, Jordan, was great to push through James' spirited ways (see photos below). We sensed he was more angry than anything this afternoon that he was having to work!
This morning we enjoyed some time in the garden on the 8th floor of the hospital. We'll take James up there today or tomorrow before we're discharged on Tuesday morning. It's beautiful.
We've had some happy and restful moments today too.