The Physiatrist Surprise

Rob saw the physiatrist, Dr. O'Keefe, this morning. We were both surprised and very encouraged by this appointment! :)
Much of the appointment was spent reviewing what happened to Rob and what treatment he's undergoing. Dr. O'Keefe asked Rob if he felt ready to drive again, to which Rob replied no. We told Dr. O'Keefe that Rob will be having neuropsych testing next week with Dr. Tolsdorf. Dr. O'Keefe was happy to hear that and requested a copy of that report.
The doctor asked Rob to remember three words. He had him do some math in his head, spell some words backwards, checked his reflexes, and watched him walk. Rob was able to repeat the three words back after all the distractions in between, which was fabulous! He did excellent on the math and spelling, too. Dr. O'Keefe said he has increased reflexes on his left side, which is explained by the bleed that caused the stroke-like affect on the left. He had Rob follow his finger with his eyes and he said that the Fourth Nerve Palsy has improved! :) That's incredible news.
Dr. O'Keefe was very impressed with the recovery Rob has made. So impressed, Rob is discontinuing one of his medications, the amantadine. The doctor said amantadine should have been started in UMASS because it works to stabilize the secondary effects of the brain injury and helps to improve coordination. The sooner after the injury the medication is started, the quicker the progress of recovery. Dr. O'Keefe definitely feels that Rob doesn't need that medicine anymore. :)
He also feels that Rob's ready to take his driving evaluation. For that, we'll be going to Easter Seals in Meriden. Dr. O'Keefe is going to do that referral when he returns to his regular office in New London tomorrow. He discussed with Rob that people drive with one eye all the time and he may just need to wear a patch while driving to clear up the double-vision. Even with my optic neuritis, when it's bright outside I have to close my left eye often while I'm driving and have to turn my head more to be able to see with my right eye. He explained to Rob that he may just have to get used to some adjustments for a while.
Some people are really going to love to read this news: DR. O'KEEFE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN EASING ROB BACK TO WORK! :)
The doctor's going to wait until after he gets Dr. Tolsdorf's report and opinion on employability, but does expect to officially give clearance for Rob to return to work on a part-time basis (4 hours/shift) at Rob's next appointment with him on November 2nd. Dr. O'Keefe is aware that Rob works third shift, so we will have to adjust the schedule of his medications, but he is confident that Rob can begin easing himself back to work.
We were both very surprised! I'm so happy!! :D Rob seemed to be happy to hear how remarkably he has recovered, too. ♥ YAY!!! :)