Heal Nick

Goods things happened this week. Nicholas work at the MGHIHP Clinic was very positive. A goal has been set for both Nicholas and the students to have him walk only using a cane or Lofstrand Crutch by October 1st. To this end he practiced walking between parallel bars with only one hand on a bar and did very well. Rob continues to work on Nicholas’ strength and endurance and on Friday he walked for 20 minutes on the treadmill with only a very short break after 10 minutes. Unlike the week before, when he was exhausted after 20 minutes, Nicholas went on to do some upper body strengthening exercises. Afternoon recuperative naps are getting shorter and the spoken sentences and questions longer and more detailed. We are also just beginning and at rare moments to see some memory emerging. Hopefully all of this will continue.

Hi Friends and Family of Nick!,

Rob Gagnon here, Nick’s Personal Trainer/Athletic Trainer from Manchester Athletic Club. I have not viewed the website for a few weeks and wanted to shed some light on how Nick is doing.

The biggest and most exciting aspect has been to finally get Nick on the treadmill to work on his endurance. The first day that we got Nick on the treadmill for those 10 minutes was amazing. After Nick had left for the day I can’t begin to tell you how many members came up to me and said how great it was to see him on the treadmill. This was a huge step for Nick in his recovery.

Recently, with the change in medications, it has been difficult for Nick in regards to his balance/proprioception. But, he is on the upswing and we actually did 20 minutes on the treadmill at about a .5 mph average. He was exhausted after that, but clearly this was a good thing, and we will continue to increase the time and speed as he continues to get stronger.

Personally, it has been and will continue to be an honor to work with Nick. I feel fortunate that Peter and Lucy found me and chose me to work with Nick. To make him laugh, smile and sometimes raise his voice at me makes me smile as well.

“It is harder to climb up the mountain than down, but the view is best from the top” - Author unknown

Nicholas had an uneventful week. This is good. It would appear he’s fully adapted to the new anti-seizure medication, as his lethargy has virtually disappeared. With little else to report and as I am shaking-off the after affects of St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it only appropriate to pass on an Irish joke and a couple of St. Patrick’s Day blessings.

Two Irishmen, Patrick & Michael, were adrift in a lifeboat following a dramatic escape from a burning freighter. While rummaging through the boat’s provisions, Patrick stumbled across an old lamp. Secretly hoping that a genie would appear, he rubbed the lamp vigorously To the amazement of Patrick, a genie came forth. This particular genie, however, stated that he could only deliver one wish, not the standard three. Without giving much thought to the matter, Patrick blurted out, “Make the entire ocean into Guinness Beer!” The genie clapped his hands with a deafening crash, and immediately the entire sea turned into the finest brew ever sampled by mortals. Simultaneously, the genie vanished. Only the gentle lapping of Guinness on the hull broke the stillness as the two men considered their circumstances. Michael looked disgustedly at Patrick whose wish had been granted. After a long, tension-filled moment, he spoke: “Nice going Patrick! Now we’re going to have to pee in the boat!

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way-
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.

As you slide down the banister of life,
May the splinters never point in the wrong direction!

As you know, if you’ve been keeping up with this site, I was away last week and returned to find Nicholas in good shape, although a bit lethargic. This is most likely attributable to a change from his old anti-seizure medication to a new one. These types of meds are pretty tough on the body and mind and it usually takes more than a few weeks to adapt. Therefore, with little to really report, I thought it might be best to direct you to the Photo Gallery to contemplate some peaceful pictures taken in the Abacos, Bahamas, last week, as we await Spring.