Mordy's first weekend at home

Mordy came home from the rehab hospital Friday afternoon and immediately went to sleep.  He woke up for Shabbat dinner with our boys and his parents (compliments of the Orchid restaurant!) and then went back to sleep. He was just so tired!  But we were very happy to have him home with us.  He and I gave the traditional blessing to our children at dinner, as we do each Friday night, and he read to them at night before bedtime, as he used to do each night before the stroke.

Saturday was sleepy, too.  Mordy slept a huge amount, and when he was awake, he had some trouble seeing.  The double vision and vertigo had returned.  But after a long afternoon nap, he felt much better and after Shabbat we got to watch the two episodes of Mad Men that we had missed while he was in the hospital.  Now we're all caught up for tonight's (Sunday night's) season finale!

Late at night, when I and most normal people are getting ready for bed, Mordy decided Saturday night, for the first time since the stroke, to have a late night snack.  This was a wonderful thing, because before the stroke, Mordy would always have a late night snack.  It is delightful to see him returning to old habits.

Today was a much better day. Mordy was awake much more of the day and the double vision and vertigo had significantly lessened.  He felt much better throughout the day, though he still has been taking it easy and napping occasionally.  At one point, Sammy, Mordy and I went out for a short walk for a few blocks in the neighborhood.  He used the cane part of the time, and walked without it part of the time.  It seems that walking without the cane is better for him, even though he's not 100% steady in his gait, because using the cane required so much coordination and concentration that it made walking harder for him. Going up and down stairs was not difficult at all.  I'm sure he'll continue to work on walking and using stairs as he goes to physical therapy later this week.

Overall, Mordy describes his experiences as similar to the sensation of being drunk.  He can't get his legs to walk properly, and his gait is slightly off.  At times the world is spinning, even when he is sitting still.  He is cognizant and aware of everything around him, but he just wants to go to sleep.

Since yesterday when he slept most of the day, to today when he was awake and had less vertigo and double vision, I am encouraged that he's getting better.  Obviously, the transition from the rehab hospital to home wore Mordy out.  But since he's resting so much, he's continuing to improve.  I hope that will continue to be the case.