Homecoming for Barnetts
By Jake Waddingham, The Creston News Advertiser, Iowa | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Daniel, 29, was a 2004
Ann, 28, graduated from
They were married in 2008 and eventually moved south to
The couple was expecting for the first time -- twin boys Jason and
"Daniel isn't a wordy person," said his mother
Daniel's right side and speech were hindered after a second blood clot caused bleeding and inflammation of his brain. He spent almost two months in intensive care, hospital rooms and rehab before being allowed to return home with his wife and new baby boys
But getting the clearance to return home was not the final hurdle in the Barnett family's journey as they work together to balance therapy sessions and raise Jason and
Returning home
"The first day Dan was awake I was able to move him and have him actively participate," Turk said. "We went from laying to sitting and working on his balance there to standing and taking a couple of steps."
In addition to his occupational and physical therapy, Daniel had speech therapy to help him sort out words, work on his memory with projects similar to the game Taboo and learn how to write left handed.
"I was right handed, but I am left handed now," Daniel said. "I didn't struggle with eating (left handed), but doing the writing has been the hardest."
Ann was induced into labor in
"We joked with him all the time because no first-time dad knows what to expect," Turk said. "We were able to help him in both capacities (rehab and being a father) so he could still be the dad he wanted to."
The quartet moved home
"I feel like it was a blessing that we could be available as much as we have," Deloris said. "We have had time to spend with the boys and we have been there to help Daniel and Ann with the transition of being back home."
But trying to establish a schedule and keep track of who was visiting, when therapy was and most importantly what the twins needed both Daniel and Ann described as chaos.
"What was frustrating was it felt like the house had a revolving door on it," Ann said. "We had people in to do home therapy, I was trying to take care of the babies, plus do exercises with Daniel and then you have two wonderful, well-meaning moms with you. It was quite the adjustment."
As Daniel and Ann adjusted, Deloris and Susan were more confident their children could handle the day-to-day tasks on their own and started giving the family 24 hours alone, then full weekends and eventually just visits to help with babysitting.
The Barnett family found themselves back in the hospital
"I've noticed and been very thankful for the strength they have had," Susan said. "They have not allowed themselves to be discouraged."
Daily activities
Each morning after breakfast as a family, Daniel works on a couple of strength exercises from home. He does balancing drills, pushups and planks.
"I read the Bible every day," Daniel said. "It is how you look at the situation. You always struggle with the why of it all. Why me and definitely why now."
They spend time playing with Jason and
"His right hand wants to curl up," Ann said. "He can't open his hand with all the muscles fighting against him."
During the afternoon Ann also makes phone calls with insurance companies and doctors to keep schedules straight and make sure their visits are still covered.
"The insurance company counts speech, occupational physical therapy each as one of our days," Ann said. "If we keep doing physical and speech therapy, then we would run out of days even if we didn't go to occupational therapy."
Technology has made traveling to therapy visits very important in Daniel's journey to recovery. He uses a SabeoFlex -- a spring-loaded device -- to retrain and strengthen his right hand and another electronic device to send electric signals through his leg to help his heel strike first.
"If we can use these devices more and more, it will transfer over and the brain will relearn how to make the movement," Ann said. "I am hoping that it wakes up those muscles."
In the evening, Daniel and Ann go for walks at the local track while family or friends babysit the twins.
"I am up to a mile, roughly," Daniel said.
Then it is time to put the twins to bed and rest up for another busy day.
"The twins are the centerpoint, and we just work around that," Ann said. "It is pretty much like any other person's day, just with Daniel's exercises added in."
Future
While there is no telling what Daniel will eventually be able to relearn after his stroke, the encouraging thing is that there is rarely a limit either.
"No two strokes are the same because no two brains are the same," Turk said. "Most recovery comes back within the first six months to two years, but with someone as motivated as Dan, there is no limit."
Daniel's main goal is to learn how to drive again, which will take a lot of work getting his leg, ankle and heel responsive and mobile. He also wants to get back to work.
"Most dad's do not get the chance to bond with their children (early on because of work, etc.)," Deloris said. "We have encouraged him to take advantage of the situation and use that as encouragement."
Turk said the couple shares the same dynamics and playfulness you would normally see in new parents.
Ann is still working to get more access to the technology that helps Daniel during therapy sessions and is hopeful they can use the SabeoFlex from home.
"Everyone has been so supportive," Ann said. "People from the
You can follow updates on Daniel, Ann, Jason and
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