Potpourri

One of Dad's frequent requests is to have water dripped on his face. Something about that sensation feels good to him. (We may get him recruited to the FBI following this since he obviously is immune to water torture. Our national secrets would be safe with him.)

Dad has splints for his hands and a boot for his foot that we alternate every 3-4 hours to help prevent foot drop. We want to preserve as much function as possible so that he is ready to roll once those nerves reconnect.

One day when Rich Frazier stopped by to visit with Dad and read some encouraging words to him, we got to thinking, "What is Dad really thinking about in there?" We asked him if he was planning his next train layout and he said, "Yes." ;)

Dad has full sensation in his arms and legs. One day I watched them assess this - the nurse touched his right arm and said "Steve, am I touching your leg?" "No" (motioned with his jaw) "Am I touching your left arm?" "No" "Am I touching your right arm?" "Yes" He was able to answer all of their questions correctly, even when they tried to trick him and touch 2 places at once.

Since finding out that nerves regrow at a rate of only 1 mm per day, I can't help thinking when I see a tall person, "Oh goodness, I hope he never gets Guillain-Barre!" I playfully said that to one of the neuro residents at UC who was over 6 ft 5 in. I said, "You've got a lot of nerve!" He said, "That's what my momma always tells me!"