Thursday, September 16, 2010

Wow, he's doing great!!!

So, Emily and I ventured over to the island to see how Grandpa was doing.

Well I'm happy to say he's doing great!!! He does have the usual post ccsvi surgery symptoms but everyone gets them. The doctors, physiotherapist and former patients all say that you will have good days and bad.

But what they need to say is that while you are here in Costa Rica you will be in a Shangri la like, euphoric state of bliss. Seriously, Everyone is freakin out of there mind happy down there. Miracles around every corner, unbelievable stories being told from the person in the story, and it doesn't stop. Everyday a new miracle, everyday a new smile, everyday more happy happy happy.

They should package that and sell it. But the worse part is that you can't stay there the rest of your life. You have to come home and even worse you have to come down from that high.

So, on that scale, my dad isn't doing to bad. He's had his ups and downs but he seems to be doing really well. Physically he is doing as good as ever. I watched him do his workout and I believe he is doing each exercise more fluently then what I saw in Costa Rica in his first week of Physio.

I only had to yell at him once because he wasn't taking a full minute break in between sets but other than that I was really proud of him. Don't worry it's my job to yell at him and make sure he's doing his exercise right.

Your job and yes you do have a job is to pass on your positive comments to Don. Reading this blog isn't free. You got the pre-surgery, during surgery and post surgery updates and you all sent your good wishes. Well, it didn't stop after the surgery, that was the easy part. The road to recovery is the hard part and positive state of mind helps make it easier.

Here is how I put it to Gary our MS friend who had the surgery the same day as Don. (Gary over did his workouts and hurt his back, so I yelled at him.) A baby takes over 12 months to learn to walk. A baby doesn't know any better, it brain isn't telling it's body that it can't do something. If you think you can re-learn to walk, open your hand, jump, swim.... in a couple weeks your sorely mistaken. 12 months for a baby means 12 months to two years for someone who has there brain working against there body.

Video to follow tomorrow

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

New Pictures From Costa Rica

Costa Rican Clothes Drier


Grandpa and Emily in their new shirts

Carlos our favorite waiter/bartender

Gabby and Claudio, Team Physio!!!!

Bonzai!!!!!

Watch out Mr. Liberation coming in!!!!!


Wow, something new

- Don can now cross his legs

- He can grab his hands behind his back

- and hug, i think he likes that the best

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Welcome Home!!!!

Who's that pushing the luggage? Is that Mr. Liberation

We were all jumping for joy to see Don and Donna!!! And Don was excited to see us too!!!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Excellent news

Post Op is in and there is no change. His veins remain open and his physio is on going. He is gaining more and more motion in his left hand and the small things become easier.

Two days and counting until they arrive in Vancouver. I hope to post an avalanche of pictures and video.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Bonus Pictures

Random Pictures:

Costa Rica Nature


Don and Gary (aka Panama and Dumbo)


Mom and Me