7/14/21 Update

I am so grateful that Craig Hospital provides guidance on navigating a world that requires different considerations, a world that looks unfamiliar in its new challenges. Not only is Kevin doing the hard and important work of physical rehab, he is also learning from experts on adaptive living.

This week, he attended an air travel class. They gave information on navigating airports, booking flights, checking in, boarding, onboard experiences and leaving the airport.

Kevin and Mom also met with a transportation expert. They taught them about side and back exit vans and different features available in adaptive vehicles. During this, Kevin was able to get into a specially equipped van in his power chair.

Kev is currently struggling with tightness and pain in his neck, shoulders and bicep muscles. They especially bother him when he is in his chair. Because one of his goals at Craig is to begin spending most days in his chair, this presents a problem. Luckily, he received his first round of dry needling yesterday. He said it was painful but that it provided some relief. I also brought in a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit from home. TENS units work by delivering small electrical impulses that provide pain relief. I was given the okay to use this with Kevin myself as Craig also has TENS units but Kevin can only use theirs when with a staff member.

Kevin also was given a new kind of powerchair to try out today. He finds it much easier to use than the last two he tried. He demonstrated as much by asking if I wanted to see him pull off some quick circles as soon as I got to the Hospital after work.

He is struggling with muscle spasms at the moment, but we are hoping we can at least see less of them with some medication adjustments.

While he is tired from all the lessons, physical therapy, spams and tight muscles he is still in good spirits and completing his programs well. As always, I am endlessly impressed with his strength.

Thank you all for checking in and following along. We will always remember the kindness we have seen in the last two months.

Much love,

Katie and the Cavanaughs