Steps to Recovery : Healing the Brain

As we get to the end of this year, we can only say thank you to all.  This year has kicked our asses and we are glad to see it end. First and foremost an update on Connor: He continues to heal and improve daily at home.  His last surgery was cancelled on October 30 which keeps his total count at 4 surgeries to repair his skull since July 17th.  We (and he) are thankful that his infection level reduced during October while accepting the new skull replacement piece.  He had been seizure free since the end of September but unfortunately many of his daily activities from timeliness of medication, low blood sugar and over-stimulation seem to have caught up to him.  On December 9 he suffered another seizure while at home and after a long day of activities.  With some changes to his activities, he begins anew and continues on.  Each week he goes to therapy (OT, PT and Speech) near home and has started working with a trainer at a local fitness club....

Update on Connor: His incision scar has been oozing in two places for the past few weeks.   Last Monday  we went to the Physiatrist, who after reviewing his situation called our neurosurgeon. They responded quickly and wanted to see Connor as soon as possible which happened to be at Legacy that afternoon. We went in and they decided that they needed to open the scar up - explaining that the skin was weak and needed to be fixed.  His appointment was set for  today at 9:30  to repair this situation. We arrived  at 7:30am  for prep prior to the surgery.  They took him back promptly  at 9:30  and completed the entire procedure within an hour. Dr Soldevilla explained that they were glad they went in because it appeared that the bracket holding the new skull piece in place was getting infected.  They removed the bracket completely and will not replace it. The skull bone has already started to grow over the plastic rep...

A mid-week update on Connor: We unfortunately got to experience a seizure last night about 6pm. Earlier in the evening we had gone to the chiropractor and had mentioned while going in for his adjustment that he was feeling weird - left hand wasn't working right and wasn't able to talk correctly.  After the adjustment, we were headed to get some dinner in the drive through and then head home.  As we got to the pick-up window, Connor was saying "What's happening?  Look at my thumb.  It's twitching."  I looked back there and I said "Maybe you're having a seizure."  Everyone agreed that was what was happening.  By the time we were paying for our food, the seizure had started - his left arm was tightening up and Connor was screaming "Help! Help!"  By the time we got parked into a parking spot Connor's arms were twisting in, his body was rigid and straight, and he was pushing up with his feet.  We were all trying to figure out what to d...

So after a week of recovery from home, we can all agree that this is way better. Hospital life, food and atmosphere had worn us all out and we were desperately in need of being together at home.  Connor continues to improve daily with aches and pains from all of his therapy, which continues to strengthen and work all parts of his body. His new therapists are all incredible and aggressively managing his forward momentum. He was able to get a visit in midweek with his neurosurgeon, while his stitches were removed and a whole batch of questions answered.  I was lucky and remembered to snap a photo of them together. We've had a few visitors come by the house as well as Connor traveling to visit friends and going to movies. Little by little, his old life is falling back into place.    There is still fatigue that happens easily. I'll find him in his room fetching a little cat nap mid day and then he's good to go for more brain activity. His left hand is gaining mo...

He walks out the door!!! After 54 days of his overall hospital stay - first being in ICU for exactly 28 days, then TRACU for 11 days, then PARC Rehab for 15 days, Connor walked out the main entrance of Providence Hospital all by himself, with no assistance and a smile on his face this morning at 9:26am. We had a short 20 minute drive home to the animals who were very excited to see him once again.  Connor settled into his life quickly, once home.  He sat down and hooked up with his online friends to let them know he is alive and well.   Thank you once again to everyone who has lent your support with assistance in-person, positive energy online, prayers, phone calls and texts.  We are now windling our way through the hospital bills as they have trickled in - our next adventure.  Thank you to everyone who donated to the fund that will help with Connor's bills. Most importantly, thank you to my dear friend, Dr Michelle Thatcher who directed ...

As we close in on the end of our stay at the Providence Rehab, Connor is more than ready to begin his home rehab. Today each of his therapists provided a review for us to go over his current stage and extended rehab for home. This will be in addition to the next level of therapy he will start next week at his out patient facility near our home.  The rest of us are running on empty tanks, lack of patience and excited to have everyone in the same home again. Looking forward to not having to get up and go somewhere Day and night to see the remaining members of the family will be quite a change, since either Dave or Shan was with Connor night and day minus the dinner hour when we had someone (usually Ginger or the grandparents) visiting with Connor. Goodnight and restful dreams. *Omega 3 10ml *Probiotics 1 dose *staphasagria 30c 3 doses