This week the occupational therapists have begun working with Freya to equip her with the skills to manage with the use of only one functional hand. While it is hoped that Freya may regain some limited movement in her left hand, this hand will never recover to the point where there is any of the fine finger movement required for functional use. At best, she may develop the ability to create a loose grip, but even this is not guaranteed. From now on she will need to learn how to shower, dress, feed herself and perform all school-related tasks with the use of only her right hand.
While watching her struggling attempts in therapy to put on a t-shirt, cardigan or shoes with one hand (and a limp left arm) is it very difficult not to jump in and help her out. This of course would not be very helpful in the longer term, as Freya needs to be able to function in daily life independently without our constant assistance. Still, it's hard not to be effected by how frustrated and fed-up she is by the amount of effort now needed to do the small things we all take for granted.
Dear Freya,
ReplyDeleteKeep trying to do those difficult things, I know it is hard to believe but one day you will be able to get dressed and shower and other things using one hand without even thinking about it. You are doing a fantastic job, think how much you have achieved in a few weeks.
It was good to talk to you on the phone yesterday, I'll see you in a fortnight.
Love Grandma. xxxx
Hi freya,
ReplyDeleteremember not to give up and keep trying!!!
i miss you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
much!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<3 edith
Freya, mom and dad,
ReplyDeleteTake a look at this book if you can:
One-Handed in a Two-Handed World:
Your guide to managing single-handedly
by Tommye- K. Mayer
It is a great resource.
Hi Freya
ReplyDeleteYou are doing so well learning how to do all of those things for yourself again. Ella, Joel and Alan went to the Sydney zoo yesterday and Ella talked to Alan about all the animals that you like best. She misses you a lot and likes to talk about you. She asked for a special photograph to be taken for you with your favourite animal/bird (you know what we mean!) which we will bring to the hospital when we come. Keep up all your good work I know it must be very hard and exhausting. We heard you had some time in the pool which must have been nice.
Lots of love, Susan, Alan, Ella, Hannah and Joel.xxxx
Hi Freya, I have been away for a while during these school holidays and I have missed following your progress. I was so thrilled when I caught up on all your progress. You are doing so well, your medical team must be super impressed. I know you must also be pretty proud of yourself. You are just amazing!! I loved the pics your mum put on the blog, especially the one where you are in Lygon street with the cup of coffee (??) - you look like you are in a fashion shoot in Paris!! Please say hello to your beautiful sister and tell her that I am looking forward to seeing her at school next week. Also, say a huge thanks to your wonderful mum for all of the information she is sharing with everyone. I know we all appreciate it. See you soon!!
ReplyDeleteHey Frey
ReplyDeleteI arrived in America today for the conference on RE. It was a long flight, but it's nice here and there are lots of great things to buy in the shops! Keep up the good work with your therapy and pretty soon you will be doing things by yourself and ready to take on the world. I'm thinking of you. Lots of love
Aunty Deirdre
Hello there Freya,
ReplyDeleteWell, it's the weekend and time off for great behaviour and hard work in that endless round of OT and physio and all of it. I know it's hard baby but equally, I know you can do it, and it no time at all you'll be walking and running and having fun. Just in time for summer.
Thinking of you all the time and sending my best and all my love.
Auntie Patricia xxx
Hey Freya,
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear you're on the improve. I'm a long time friend of your Dad and we are looking forward to catching up with you in he near future. I have a wife Alison, daughter Holly (10 years old) and Kieran (14 years old).
Kieran is really impressed that you have an iPad because he loves all things Apple.
Keep up all the good rehab work, we'll be following you and your blog.
Say hi to your Mum and Dad for me and tell them what a great job they're doing. They should know, but let them know if they need anything no matter how crazy it might sound, we're happy to help.
All the best David, Alison, Kieran and Holly Goldsworthy