Steps to Recovery : Healing the Brain

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

As we get closer to the end of his hospital stay, Connor continues to progress. His hand is now able to fully open and close and the therapist is working diligently to have him focus on working the fingers independently (difficult for anyone). His left shoulder is becoming stronger and becoming more aligned with the right when standing. His walking is continuing to improve and even reached a milestone  today  for both the OT and PT to not put the stability belt around his waist when he left the room. This belt has been their lifeline to hang on to, to make certain he is stable and balanced. His improvement has allowed them to be comfortable around him and allow him to be free when walking ( huge deal). His speech improves daily and he works on all other aspects of memory daily with games and note-taking to assist. He continues to rest well and talks extensively about his desire to return to his old self - unbeknownst to him, he is returning before our eyes, slowly day by day. ...

Currently, we are looking for  visitor/s who can sit with Connor on Friday this week from 5-8pm.  He has a full schedule during the days and doesn't have time for visitors until this time of day. Typically Sundays are for taking it easy - lazy usually - but not for Connor. A full day of therapy including his longest adventure walk to date, completely off campus and close to an hour of walking.  Of course he enjoyed every moment of it and looks forward to the next. In addition, he worked on his left hand in OT with increased dexterity and movement in fingers, arms and shoulder. Next up was Speech with some great mind games with multiple tasks required for each item to test the brain and try to confuse it with multiple results.  Connors rash has taken a hiatus for now. Hopefully we have gotten all the allergens out of his diet. He's much more comfortable without the itch.  The day ended with excited discussions of his first meal home and not having to ask f...

Currently, we are looking for  visitor/s who can sit with Connor on Monday and Friday next week from 5-8pm.  He has a full schedule during the days and doesn't have time for visitors until this time of day. As another day closes, we continue to be thankful for Connor's innate ability to heal.  He continues to climb out of this hole we call a TBI.  Today he went on a scavenger hunt that his speech therapist created.  She gave him instructions yesterday on where he was to go today.  He wrote them down in his phone (he uses his phone as it is easier to type with his right hand than it is to write, as he is left handed) and had to lead the physical therapist, speech therapist and Dave around the hospital.  Dave said he was very successful in that he found all the points he was given, along with walking the entire way with only one rest. After wearing a splint to bed last night that kept his left hand straight out, he woke up this morning to a deli...

Currently, we are looking for  visitor/s who can sit with Connor on Monday and Friday next week from 5-8pm.  He has a full schedule during the days and doesn't have time for visitors until this time of day. Another day of solid hard work and determination for Connor  today . He is keeping busy learning how to keep track of his day to help with his short term memory. Additionally, they are working on his deductive reasoning through games to help him return to the world of numbers he loved so dearly.  He was able to enjoy a sizable walk through the hospital and around the outside areas. Throughout the walk, he helped guide the way and was entirely walking without the therapist holding or keeping a hand on him for the first time. This alone amazes me remembering back to his arrival at this facility only one week prior. At that time he was taking steps but had not walked to this extent.  Connor is still battling food allergies.  The full-body rash see...