Light at the end of the Tunnel

I see light at the end of the tunnel. So far, so good with the rehabilitation hospital. Like all hospitals, it can be noisy and food not spectacular. There are 40 beds, and the nurses are really busy. Medications are the same as I was taking at home. The therapy consists of three hours per day of occupational therapy (OT) 25%, and physical therapy (PT) 75%.

Acute rehab rehabilitation is an inpatient, hospital-based program for people who still need close medical oversight while regaining function after an illness, injury, surgery, or in my case, someone who spent 66 days in the hospital and lost my muscular capabilities. Acute treatment is more intensive than standard outpatient therapy and usually combines several therapy disciplines to help a person safely return home.

My main goals of acute rehab are to rebuild strength, mobility, balance, and independence. The PT focuses on movement: walking, balance, strength, endurance, range of motion, and pain or stiffness related to movement. A PT is especially concerned with helping you move your body safely and efficiently, such as getting out of bed, standing, or walking.

OT focuses on daily life tasks: dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, cooking, using tools or devices, and doing the activities which matter at home or work. OT also addresses fine motor skills, coordination, cognition, and adaptive strategies so a person can function more independently. My wife Joanne has relieved me of many dependencies for the past year, and I look forward to gaining the strength and mobility to do more things on my own.

PT helps you **move** better, while OT helps you **do** better. PT may work on standing, walking, and leg strength, while OT may work on dressing, brushing teeth, and using the hands for everyday tasks.

The initial therapies have been miIder than I expected.  I am looking forward to the first full week and will let you know how it goes.