Progress TBI
Wayne Renardson
Since I believe good news should be shared:
Some of you remember my original post about J. a 44 year-old female
friend who collapsed, had CPR started 15 minutes after onset, and
originally had only brain stem activity. This incident occurred March
12, 1999. Physicians suspected electrolyte imbalance possibly from drug
use and/or bulimia. She is in Gainesville, Florida.
This is what I sent to friends today:
Today I phoned Jodi...other than some memory lapses, she sounded great.
Some words do not come easily but for someone who was supposed to be
brain dead, she has a sense of humor, we laughed at jokes, and generally
kept things light. While I was chatting with her, Jeannie J. (an old
friend of ours) came in the room: Jeannie had driven up for the day so I
talked with her a bit and then signed off with Jodi.
Jodi was quite concerned about her after-care (who would not be) and I
tried to tell her friends like Wendy and Susan, Peggy Young, et.al.
would give her help with this: finding a competent person when she
retuns home to help her accomplish tasks.
She told me she received some cards from Randy Johnson and it really
meant a lot. Here is last from Susan.
Wayne
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey hey hey Susan:
SL> j is almost able to use the phone - the number is 352-xxx-xxxx.
then press x and room xxx. she's eating 3 meals a day and the tube
is removed.
Damn....from "brain dead" to using phone and eating 3 squares. Nice.
SL> we have a meeting today with her speech path, physical therapist,
occupational therapist and psychologist. vera & bob, wendy, me and
the 2 peggis will be there. hope for it to be very productive. we'll
let you know the outcome.
Would appreciate that. Tell Peggy Y. that Cindi called me the other day
and I got her info via that route. I understand her situation and know
phone bills can kill. Please convey my regards.
SL> our main point of concern is discharge plans, and hopefully
something will surface today. can you believe it - discharge plans.
Uhhhhh.....sorta like the rock rolled back after the third day?
SL> currently it's felt that she'll need 24 hour care, but this should
improve with time. she still has 3 weeks at ihs, and with the rapid
improvement she continues to show it should be no time at all before
she's able to care completely for herself. i'm just glad that no
major setbacks have occurred.
So far...and pray none occur. One step forward, three back kinda deal.
But, to your real point:
SL> she is definitely depressed since she now realizes her current
limitations, but this is to be expected and rightly so.
Bingo...Exactly. Depression, anger..lots of anger. All, as you say,
normal and to be expected. J. had a fair amount of anger anyway...and
this event is simply going to exacerbate what is already present. I say
this not as a judgmental POV but as an observation. I am in no position
to make judgements.
SL> we'll let you know what happens...
Deeply appreciated. Thank you.
Wayne Renardson
Carol J. Mortensen
I am so happy to hear that Jodi is doing so well. It is the best
news I heard in days.
Please give her my best, I will continue to pray for a fast and complete
recovery.
God Bless
Carol
Ricks
Good news is reason to celebrate for sure! My Tracy had
an appt wit the social security doc today and iy was a
farce, I could tell!
Pam