"Hello, Rehab"

Over the course of the past few hours, we've met no fewer than 12 people that will be tightly woven into Dad's days of rehab. Physicians, occupational therapist, physical therapists, speech therapist, pharmacist, care techs, nurses, recreational therapist, and social worker. They're all going to keep Dad quite busy each day, with the goal of going home as soon as possible.

Mom and I got the tour of the floor, learning where the laundry facilities are, seeing all of the different rehab areas, the "kitchen" (toast, pudding, juice, water, ice), computer room, and the outside area. The unit is split into two areas - brain injury/stroke, and spinal injuries. There are 40 beds in this unit. Even more impressive is that there are 40 physicians that work in this area. All very specialized, and the agenda for the next few weeks will be tailored for Dad's needs as both we see them, as well as what they determine he needs.

Overall, Dad is doing very well; and while really tired now, he's tired because he's been so active today and not because he's too fatigued from surgery. A big day today with haircut/shave, shower, moving, PT X 2, OT x 2, neuro eval, neurosurgery eval, and evaluations by two doctors once in rehab. I'm tired, and all I did was watch.

Kind of a bittersweet afternoon, though. Dad was oriented enough to finally get the news about his friend from Utah passing away earlier in the week. As expected, it hit him incredibly hard. He hopes to talk to the family yet tonight.

Dad should be up here for a little while (a week or two), so if anyone has been looking to send a card or words of encouragement, you can send him an email or a card. The address up here:

Roger Dillon
Patient Care Unit - Mary Brigh 3F
Room 3-632B
Saint Marys Hospital
1216 Second Street SW
Rochester, MN 55902

There were a bunch of cards that Tracy just mailed up here today (the mail had been stopped), so he'll get those either Saturday or Monday.