On the move
The CNR program is fantastic!!! Gilly was greeted at 3:00, right on the dot by Dr. Neil MacDonald, who heads up the program. He had us fill out a ‘sort of wellness’ questionnaire. When he read of the amount of food Gilly consumes and the extent to which he moves around during the day, the Doctor seemed genuinely concerned (which is actually a good thing, because it is obvious that he fits the profile, therefore is a candidate for the CNR program).
Dr. MacDonald interviewed us in great depth and examined Gilly thoroughly in a manner I’ve not seen before. He was clearly looking for different sorts of signs or symptoms than the other doctors have (Kavan, Mohr, Wan and Sultanen); more related to digestion perhaps, blockages??? He introduced the Dietician, Nelda Swinton and left us with her for a bit.
Nelda interviewed Gilly about his appetite and diet, and made numerous suggestions. She instructed us to purchase a particular whey protein powder (akin to the ones athletes use to build muscle) and mix 4 scoops a day into drinks or other foods. She provided reams of paper filled with information on what to do to assist a person who has lost appetite for reasons such as change in how food tastes…etc. The inormation is very specific (could have used it weeks ago, but better late than never). She also suggested Gilly take a particular multivitamin tablet daily. She paged the physiotherapist and passed us onto him next.
Thi conducted a thorough neurological examination and then used several other instruments to track blood pressure, grip strength and so on; neat gadgets totally unfamiliar to us. He worked quickly and spoke positively. His manner was enthusiastic, reassuring and ever so gentle. He concluded by stating that Gilly would receive physiotherapy twice a week, and that they would work on strengthening his right side, especially his right hand, and they would also concentrate on improving his balance. He seemed quite certain that Gilly would benefit. I am elated!! My wish has finally been granted.
Dr. MacDonald and Nelda re-entered the room and left the floor open for any questions we might have about the program. All 3 key professionals were there to field our questions. They had been so forthcoming with information, that thanking them profusely was all we could think of at the time. Gilly will be followed monthly by Nelda and Dr. MacDonald. Nelda assured us that she and Thi work Monday through Friday, so we are welcome to call at any time. I was asked to call Thi tomorrow morning to set up the physiotherapy appointments for next week.
We left the building after having been individually attended to for nearly 2 hours. This is the most impressive, state of the art operation we’ve encountered yet on our journey through the medical system. We lucked out big time. Nelda, at some point, mentioned to me that it is a good thing Dr. Kavan suggested this program. I explained that it was the social worker who responded to my plea for services, and Dr. MacDonald knew right away that it was Naomi. I get the feeling that she has a wonderful reputation. She deserves the badge of honor for creative problem solving. We’ve never actually met her, but I hope to cross paths with her one day soon to express my gratitude in person.
We dined with our sweet Tamara this evening and discussed her impending relocation. She plans to move to her new digs gradually over the summer, and the best part is that she will live VERY close to home. What a wonderful compromise; she has her freedom (and so she should at nearly 22 years of age) and we have her close by.
Dr. MacDonald interviewed us in great depth and examined Gilly thoroughly in a manner I’ve not seen before. He was clearly looking for different sorts of signs or symptoms than the other doctors have (Kavan, Mohr, Wan and Sultanen); more related to digestion perhaps, blockages??? He introduced the Dietician, Nelda Swinton and left us with her for a bit.
Nelda interviewed Gilly about his appetite and diet, and made numerous suggestions. She instructed us to purchase a particular whey protein powder (akin to the ones athletes use to build muscle) and mix 4 scoops a day into drinks or other foods. She provided reams of paper filled with information on what to do to assist a person who has lost appetite for reasons such as change in how food tastes…etc. The inormation is very specific (could have used it weeks ago, but better late than never). She also suggested Gilly take a particular multivitamin tablet daily. She paged the physiotherapist and passed us onto him next.
Thi conducted a thorough neurological examination and then used several other instruments to track blood pressure, grip strength and so on; neat gadgets totally unfamiliar to us. He worked quickly and spoke positively. His manner was enthusiastic, reassuring and ever so gentle. He concluded by stating that Gilly would receive physiotherapy twice a week, and that they would work on strengthening his right side, especially his right hand, and they would also concentrate on improving his balance. He seemed quite certain that Gilly would benefit. I am elated!! My wish has finally been granted.
Dr. MacDonald and Nelda re-entered the room and left the floor open for any questions we might have about the program. All 3 key professionals were there to field our questions. They had been so forthcoming with information, that thanking them profusely was all we could think of at the time. Gilly will be followed monthly by Nelda and Dr. MacDonald. Nelda assured us that she and Thi work Monday through Friday, so we are welcome to call at any time. I was asked to call Thi tomorrow morning to set up the physiotherapy appointments for next week.
We left the building after having been individually attended to for nearly 2 hours. This is the most impressive, state of the art operation we’ve encountered yet on our journey through the medical system. We lucked out big time. Nelda, at some point, mentioned to me that it is a good thing Dr. Kavan suggested this program. I explained that it was the social worker who responded to my plea for services, and Dr. MacDonald knew right away that it was Naomi. I get the feeling that she has a wonderful reputation. She deserves the badge of honor for creative problem solving. We’ve never actually met her, but I hope to cross paths with her one day soon to express my gratitude in person.
We dined with our sweet Tamara this evening and discussed her impending relocation. She plans to move to her new digs gradually over the summer, and the best part is that she will live VERY close to home. What a wonderful compromise; she has her freedom (and so she should at nearly 22 years of age) and we have her close by.
posted by Gilly at 10:35 PM
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