Moving Along

Mike had a few new doctor's appointments last week. We first saw a hand therapist and began to work with his wrist and hand for the first time. A normal grip strength for a man his age and size would be about 25# of grip strength. Mikes right hand (due to the injuries to his wrist and arm and due to the fact that he hasn't been able to use it for over the last 3 months) is at 8# of grip strength. His therapist has given him some weight barring exercises as well as some strength training exercises to increase the strength and range of motion. She was very optimistic considering the injuries and with how far he's come from the accident. We will be seeing her about every two weeks.

Mikes graduated up from using the gym at Kaiser to being able to return to our own gym. We hope to start a regular workout time together 3 times a week. He is looking forward to working out in a normal gym and at his pace. The fun part is that I can work out along side of him.

Mike also saw another Physio-doctor, (I think that's what they said he was) anyways...he works with patients who are physically recovery from major injuries and works directly with the healing of nerves. He conducted a preliminary (45 minute) nerve test (as Mike described it ...with a taser gun) on Mikes hand and arm. He said this was not fun. They determined the nerves are healing at an appropriate rate and the Ulna Nerve isn't damaged like they thought it was...this is good. The Ulna Nerve controlls the thumb and pinky finger and Mike has struggled with getting full control of these two fingers (he still can't get them to touch the two to each other. They will conduct another nerve test in a few weeks but next time they will actually put wires into the muscles to see how they react with the nerves. He is not looking forward to this.

On a more positive note...Mike has had a very small but noticeable improvement in "one" of the muscles on the right side of his face. After looking in the mirror about 2 weeks ago he came out and asked if I was seeing what he was seeing...while trying to smile there was a very slight twinge in the muscle between his mouth and nose. I told I could also see and Mike has a very slight but noticeable movement resulting in a slight smile. This is very encouraging that the nerves really are beginning to heal. This was a great bust for him and the family. He hasn't had any other improvements in the right side of his face and are still on track to schedule him for surgery on his right eye sometime in November. We are continuing to pray and are hopeful.