There hasn't been a lot to report on Matt's progress lately and I'm not sure if anyone is even reading this anymore.
We have spent a lot of time on the road to doctors and therapies but I think it is coming to an end soon.
He is so much better. The bald spot is his biggest worry!
I broke a rib a few weeks back and it hurts like crazy and I feel stupid complaining knowing that Matt broke numerous ribs along with everything else and hardly ever mentions pain. I am just a big baby.
I think Matt made a great discovery here. Matt said it was upsetting him that people were always telling him how lucky he was and he said he didn't feel lucky. He had broken leg, hand, ribs and brain injury, etc. He couldn't drive, couldn't work, etc. We are not a highly religious family so his response surprised me. He said, "Mom, I feel blessed." Matt, we all do for your survival was a miracle. We love you.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wed. Oct.26 Matt
Hand cast is gone and Matt can now walk on that funny black boot. Probably one more trip to wound clinic for fixups. Therapy family meeting went well. I am beginning to think like Matt. They sit there and say how wonderful he did on all the tests,etc. Showing definate improvement, etc. But...low and behold, a few more sessions and he will be at the top of his game. I thought he was there already. Are they really keeping him in therapy for the money?
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wed. Oct 19 One Month Update
One month, its been one month. Unbelievable. Not sure if it seems like so much longer or if it was just yesterday the world tilted on its axis.
Matt is progressing. He just seems so tired. Six hours of therapy a day will do that to you. At this stage, mmentally Matt is nothing like I expected, thank goodness. He is calmer, and not frantic. At one point, I thought that was what Matt would be like that for the rest of his life. Thank God, its nothing like that. My biggest worry is he is pushing himself so hard.
From what I understand about brain injuries is it can still all change. Right now, I feel I have the old Matt back. I don't see much difference in him other than the broken leg, the broken hand, the trouble he has with chest and back pain, the effort it takes to get around by walker or wheelchair, the visits to the wound clinic for unhealing sores, all the trips to therapy, trips for blood work. Yea, life has changed for all of us.
Its a big week of tests for him. When we discuss the therapy tests they are giving him, I can assure you, even a normal person wouldn't pass them. He is doing well but the tests just sound outrageous. Today and Friday will be a major days for Matt so keep him in your thoughts.
It's hardly worth writing on the blog when there is nothing new but I will keep posting updates periodically.
Matt is progressing. He just seems so tired. Six hours of therapy a day will do that to you. At this stage, mmentally Matt is nothing like I expected, thank goodness. He is calmer, and not frantic. At one point, I thought that was what Matt would be like that for the rest of his life. Thank God, its nothing like that. My biggest worry is he is pushing himself so hard.
From what I understand about brain injuries is it can still all change. Right now, I feel I have the old Matt back. I don't see much difference in him other than the broken leg, the broken hand, the trouble he has with chest and back pain, the effort it takes to get around by walker or wheelchair, the visits to the wound clinic for unhealing sores, all the trips to therapy, trips for blood work. Yea, life has changed for all of us.
Its a big week of tests for him. When we discuss the therapy tests they are giving him, I can assure you, even a normal person wouldn't pass them. He is doing well but the tests just sound outrageous. Today and Friday will be a major days for Matt so keep him in your thoughts.
It's hardly worth writing on the blog when there is nothing new but I will keep posting updates periodically.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Thur. Oct 13 Matt update.
Matt may be out of the hospital but there is so much to do with the different doctor appoints and therapies. We are on the road a lot!
His therapy on Wednesday was a far cry from the attention he was getting from the therapists at the hospital. Their take on Matt's condition was totally different. One of them went so far to tell Matt he was surprised he wasn't already back to work, at least part time, because he had progressed so far so quickly and seemed so normal. They all agreed the reports they received from the hospital, they thought Matt would be in far worse condition.
I am looking forward to his sessions on Friday. Matt feels he will get some real answers about what is really ahead for him in the immediate future.
His therapy on Wednesday was a far cry from the attention he was getting from the therapists at the hospital. Their take on Matt's condition was totally different. One of them went so far to tell Matt he was surprised he wasn't already back to work, at least part time, because he had progressed so far so quickly and seemed so normal. They all agreed the reports they received from the hospital, they thought Matt would be in far worse condition.
I am looking forward to his sessions on Friday. Matt feels he will get some real answers about what is really ahead for him in the immediate future.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday, Oct 11 Matt's home
MATT'S HOME! Right now, its like the same old Matt. He finally got his new cell phone and is receiving calls. He is thrilled with having a phone again. He's sacked out watching TV.
After I picked him up from the hospital, we ran a few errands like getting his medications and he found getting around with the walker was more of a challenge than he thought it would be. My wonderful neighbors borrowed a wheelchair to make his outings easier. Thank you, thank you.
Tomorrow he has therapy and we have to run a few errands to locate necessary paperwork to file on the medical bills.
He is tired but settling in. Its like the flip side to how he was in the hospital. If it could just stay like this.....
After I picked him up from the hospital, we ran a few errands like getting his medications and he found getting around with the walker was more of a challenge than he thought it would be. My wonderful neighbors borrowed a wheelchair to make his outings easier. Thank you, thank you.
Tomorrow he has therapy and we have to run a few errands to locate necessary paperwork to file on the medical bills.
He is tired but settling in. Its like the flip side to how he was in the hospital. If it could just stay like this.....
Monday, October 10, 2011
Monday, Sept 10
Just got back from the hospital. Matt will be released tomorrow. I should be thrilled, I know he is, but he was so anxious again tonight. His mind races. Sadly, Matt does not recognize that he has a TBI. This kid can rationalize about everything and why he is the sane one and everyone else isn't.
He is upset that at the hospital he was not allowed cruise the hallway in his wheelchair. Once he gets home, it will be about the same. He cannot go up and down stairs, he can't put weight on his leg, the restrictions go on and on. I know he will still have the same anxieties, fears, concerns, whatever you want to call it.
This is going to be a massive change in our household. I appreciated all the friends who took the time to visit Matt in the hospital but am asking for no visitors at home for at least a week. We will be coming to South Bend at least three times a week for therapy and Matt will be exhausted. We need to come up with a routine and I don't really want visitors. If you feel the need to come, I ask that you call first. That is a must.
Once we get our act together, I have no problem making arrangements for Matt to spend some time with friends. He gets a new cell phone tomorrow so he will be easy to contact.
I think I too am in denial of just how serious this is. It is overwhelming to try to rationalize with Matt or try to point out a different point of view when it comes to his medical condition. He wants to drive. He can't. He wants to work. He can't. He wants not to have to answer to anyone. He can't. For all the things he can't do, I am having a difficult time coming up with something he can do or would even want to do. I am open to suggestions.
Back to baseball analogies....The game is just beginning and all we seem to hit are foul balls.
He is upset that at the hospital he was not allowed cruise the hallway in his wheelchair. Once he gets home, it will be about the same. He cannot go up and down stairs, he can't put weight on his leg, the restrictions go on and on. I know he will still have the same anxieties, fears, concerns, whatever you want to call it.
This is going to be a massive change in our household. I appreciated all the friends who took the time to visit Matt in the hospital but am asking for no visitors at home for at least a week. We will be coming to South Bend at least three times a week for therapy and Matt will be exhausted. We need to come up with a routine and I don't really want visitors. If you feel the need to come, I ask that you call first. That is a must.
Once we get our act together, I have no problem making arrangements for Matt to spend some time with friends. He gets a new cell phone tomorrow so he will be easy to contact.
I think I too am in denial of just how serious this is. It is overwhelming to try to rationalize with Matt or try to point out a different point of view when it comes to his medical condition. He wants to drive. He can't. He wants to work. He can't. He wants not to have to answer to anyone. He can't. For all the things he can't do, I am having a difficult time coming up with something he can do or would even want to do. I am open to suggestions.
Back to baseball analogies....The game is just beginning and all we seem to hit are foul balls.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Saturday Oct 8
I took Matt out to dinner yesterday at Lonestar. He was very quiet, something he hasn't been here lately. He seemed depressed. Today, his dad and I went up with the idea of taking him out to dinner, an opportunity to get out again, but he was too tired, in pain and very sleepy. He took a long nap while we were there and worry he won't sleep tonight.
I was trying to pin down the hospital on the plan of therapy once he was released. No straight answers available. Not sure if we are talking weeks, months, etc. Matt has shown definite progress. He still is under the impression he will be returning to work next week (wishful thinking on his part) but according to the nurses, it will be at least six weeks.
One thing is for certain, for a year, he is to have no alcohol, no smoking and no drugs. I would appreciate the help of his friends to police him. That's unfair of me but it doesn't hurt to ask.
I was trying to pin down the hospital on the plan of therapy once he was released. No straight answers available. Not sure if we are talking weeks, months, etc. Matt has shown definite progress. He still is under the impression he will be returning to work next week (wishful thinking on his part) but according to the nurses, it will be at least six weeks.
One thing is for certain, for a year, he is to have no alcohol, no smoking and no drugs. I would appreciate the help of his friends to police him. That's unfair of me but it doesn't hurt to ask.
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