Let's start out with a little roommate bulletin. Burt's first roommate Don checked out of rehab today. He is walking much better and has regained most of his physical capabilities. He either forgot to say goodbye or forgot who we were... Via Con Dios, Don.
Burt was also moved out of his room so that he could have more space on his left for the family to visit. This will force him to look left and not neglect that side of his body. His roommate John was very sad to see him go and even offered to switch sides with him so he could stay. Burt is now alone in a new room and still does not have the window spot. He did not really notice as he was happy just to be asleep.
In other news, Wolf-man Jack moved on to the floor today. He is a man with no name, but even at a slow shuffle his grizzled appearance and large scar make him stand in stark contrast to the anti-septic surroundings. The Stern family is hoping that this gentleman does not become Burt's new roommate.
As for Burt, the physical therapists tried some interesting new techniques. To keep the muscles in his left hand functional, they put a glove full of electrodes on Burt. Once the electricity flowed his fingers began to work. While this does not mean there is a neural connection, it does keep the possibility of one open.
They also tried an exercise where Burt was sat in front of a mirror and had to use the image of himself to correct his posture and adjust his balance. Simply sitting up for Burt is an immense workout and after a session, he is completely spent.
To deal with the riggers of rehab, Burt is trying out a new method of scheduling his day. This entails, 3 hours of rehab, 1 hour of bedpan, half an hour of vitals and the rest is spent sleeping. Today he was pushed harder than he has been so far. He had three one hour sessions of rehab, with sleeps between and a chest X Ray just for fun.
During one of his naps, his sleep was disturbed by a volunteer who came in to the unit to play some new age guitar for the patients. Burt did not realize it was live music and asked his brother Harry to please turn off the radio. Harry informed him that it was a live performer, to which Burt replied, "If his name isn't Segovia... Tell him to get lost."
hiya burt...
ReplyDeletefirst off burt, only for a friend of almost 30 years like yourself would i sign-up for a "big brother" surveillance service like this one i order to be in touch!...now seriously,....
...wishing you & yours as happy a new year as possible under the circumstances; connie's call went to my voicemail while i was on the ferry from tiburon back to the embarcadero, enroute to "the slanted door"...
after speaking to connie,the chef's sister debbie (a friend) noted that i seemed rattled; i recounted how you & connie had enjoyed your visit with them....and we agreed that when you return, and you will, it will be an extra special meal for sure....a post-apple juice incentive!
it's notable that your yearning for apple juice/apple sauce has appeared several times as the holiday has approached--for me it is a sign:
while this year you may have to settle for a juice moistening, next year you will have big berkshire slices dipped in honey again--since physical re-hab, as we both know from previous experience, is more about resolve than anything else--and you, burt, have always had that in spades!!
plus, the muscle memory & mental fortitude resulting from the many years of "swallowing one's words"in order to hold your tongue at lotos club meetings full of fatuous bromides has provided you with a hidden reserve that will in short order amaze your rehab drill instructor;
finally, it has been very re-assuring to monitor the blog closely, mostly because it shows that your mainstays--connie, david & gregory are 110% on the case; that incontrovertible fact, and your own depth, imagination, humility, tenacity & humor will not only see you to 5772 and beyond, but also inspire the best in those of us who admire & love you;
so burt, the tagline for starting this new year might as well be: "when life gives you a lemon, make applesauce!"
bst rgds/macphee
Just found out about this from the club office. Will be following the blog regularly, Burt, and hope the recovery continues speedily! Thinking of you, David Schwartz
ReplyDeleteDear Burt,
ReplyDeleteSo this is where you're hanging out! You missed Maine, we missed the Berkshires and this is what happens? Make that boot camp work for you and keep in touch. And many thanks to all working on your blog.
Much love,
Audrey & Joe
We are following the adventures of Burt and the Family Stern, initially with concern for our friend Burt, but as the daily reports were posted and we followed his progress we began to feel less concerned and started to laugh at the various accounts of his progress. We just wish we were there helping in any way we can to get him and the family back home and under one roof. Many thanks to David and Gregory for the daily buletin, often hilarious, sometimes read with tears in the eyes but always informative.
ReplyDeleteA message for Connie, Marj has read some excellent books whilst recovering from her accident in Newfoundland so we'll get them to you either by mail or better still when we board the plane to be there with The Family Stern.
With our love to you all
Les and Marj