Life is never dull.  There is always something new.  Now, new may not be good, and new may not be pleasant.  In fact, new may not be something we choose.  But life changes, and new opportunities and events come our way.

And life is never dull for Arla.  So how is Arla?  It is still a question we are asked, and it is a logical question…a question people really want an answer to.  Arla is medically stable and doing well.  Life is not ideal; life is not easy.  Arla is very much the same as she was the last time we posted a detailed description of her state.  We will post a short version of how she is again for those of you who have not been able to visit Arla in a while.  As you read it please realize that, short of a miracle, it appears that Arla has made about as much progress as she will make.

Arla is unable to move herself from bed to chair.  It takes two assistants or a hoyer lift to move her.  While she can stand in therapy, that only happens with help.  She is not able to walk, but can move her legs.   The right leg is the one with partial paralysis.  Arla needs help for most mobility.  She can propel herself forward in her wheelchair using her left leg and her left arm.  She has built up enough abdominal core strength to sit on the edge of the bed or a bench.

Arla does eat regular food but sometimes does not have much of an appetite.  She still receives supplemental caloric nutrition through a feeding tube at night.  She also still drinks thickened liquids.  In the last few weeks, her indwelling bladder catheter was removed.  This was an important step.  The catheter was not medically necessary, and we hope its removal will end the frequency of her bladder infections.

Arla is unable to speak.  She does understand what people are saying, knows people, and communicates as she can.   The speaking is more a matter of the brain not coordinating all the muscles, breathing, signals, etc.  Perhaps through time and practice those paths will come back, and she will be able to say more.   Writing for communication is also not something Arla can do.

And so this is life…depending on others to care for you.  Arla will remain at Vancrest where she can receive the care she needs.  Life is never dull.

Here is a picture of her playing war in therapy.  Arla was never a card player, so this is a new part of her life.  Life is never dull.  For now, she is still in the rehab wing in room F3.  She loves visitors, as does Harold.