Several weeks ago, a member of the Radiant Recovery Community made a very generous donation to have Franklin's ramp built through the Rescue Fund (Thank you!!), which is now finished! We made it just before snow fall. The pics I took of it seem to have evaporated, so I will take another to share tomorrow.
While the ramp was being built, Franklin started getting more wobbly on his feet.. not being able to stand. With the help of GRRNM, we went to see a neurologist at The Maine Referral Center in Scarborough to see if we could get some ideas for him. While we had a very nice visit with Dr. Danielle Eisner DVM, we came away without anything concrete.
Soon after, we asked physical therapist Debra St.Laurent LMT VT CCRP to come meet and evaluate Franklin in hopes for some ideas there. This visit felt alot better, and she talked with me for a long time, showing me exercises I can do with him to help. So we are doing the exercises every day, and are also in the process of building a quad rehab cart that will support his weight while he works his legs. Think large baby walker.
Franklin has been enjoying his massages, and loves lounging on his soft rubber mats which were also generously donated. (Thank you!)
Oh, and Kathleen suggested we try doing a potato at night to see if it might help with some temper tantrum type behaviors that started coming up with frustration and low window of tolerance with struggling to try to stand. So, with Steps 1, 2 and 3 very solid Franklin has officially started Step 4 of the Radiant Recovery Program. (If you are wondering how his journaling is lets just say he has some help there. And it is very thorough!) After almost 2 weeks of doing the potato (with butter, of course), it is obvious that it is helping. :) He's also connected the microwave ding to his potato and gets *very* excited.
And yes, our prince has a bit of a refined life. He loves bubble baths, and gets them often. With his thermal regulation impaired I take care to keep him warm after. If you are wondering who the little red guy is..that is Elmer, one of the beloved. You may recognize his pillow as his Lambie that Kathleen gave him when he was a baby. Without a doubt, his most prized possession.
Hoping everyone is safe and warm this holiday season, and wishing you all the best.oxoxox Diane and Franklin
Posts
