Kevin went outside today and we sat just on the edge of the rain, just under the overhang. His physical therapist was out in the rain jumping in the puddles trying to get some kind of response from him, but nothing. We are back to him not wanting to do anything and just wanting to be left alone. I mostly just sat in his room and read a book today, letting him know every once in a while that I was there. It didn't matter though - he swatted me away just as much as he swatted the nurses away.
These days are hard. Hard on us emotionally. I know that this is a normal symptom of both TBI and PTSD, as well as depression, but it still makes it hard on us. We just don't know how to help him.
So there really isn't anything much to say. To answer a quick question to Jessica - Kevin's burns are very well healed already. No open wounds anywhere and even the tendons that were showing are nearly healed.
But that's it. I don't have anything else to say tonight so I am going to cut it short. I am just so tired and have to get the laundry finished.
First 2 from the Nov kit!
11 years ago
9 comments:
Cin up.. things will get better. Huge Hugs today!!!
Leslie,
Don't get so down. Just remember that Kevin can swat at you..that in its self is a good sign. He might not be able to see far enough "yet" to see someone jumping around in the rain. Anything more then a foot away from his one good eye might be just a huge blur like having vaseoline smeared on your eyeglasses.
You might not be able to do much to help his thinking pattern because he needs more and that's coming in Tampa. You already did plenty with the connect 4 game, enough to get his name sent off to Tampa.
I do think I'd try a string of colored blinking lights and a hand held computer game. Not that he could play the game but it might trigger something since he played a lot of xbox games. The sound and the feel of it in his hand might get a reaction. That's all they are looking for. Some small reaction that he can pull out a memory once in a while from wherever the brain stores them..something to work with.
Sounds like you need to do something for you, take a day off and just treat Leslie?
I am no doctor, but it sounds to me like Kevin does know you and what's going on around him. I am sure he is also frustrated with his situation.
Did you get the cd? It might be something more for Breezy. LOL. Just some of those bands are more heavy bands than the others. I thought it might at least be something a little more softer, and popular songs for everyone to listen to.
I'm with you Les, when Mark puts that stuff on, I go outside. LOL. Can't handle it long at all.
I know you don't have much room in your room, but if you think of anything you can't get there to eat in a jar or can that you or Breeze miss, I will be happy to pick it up and send it to you. I know since I moved here, everytime I go to Virginia, I go shopping and have to stock up on some of those little things that people don't eat up here in the North! Sorry folks, I am sure the salads Les is getting now DO NOT come with french fries on top! One of the many differences in the North and South.
Have a good day!
Love
Susan
Hi Leslie and Breezy,
Hang in there ladies. Kev is having a couple of "down" days, but if he is swatting you away, he is still reacting to you, so that is a good sign in my opinion. Just keep being there for him....
Please stay strong!!!!!
Healing and positive thoughts for Kevin.
Safe thoughts for Alan.
Big and lots of hugs for all of you!
All my love,
Andrew's Aunt Jodi
Leslie you are amazing and like Vicki said keep your chin up. Kevin will have his ups and downs, try not to get frustrated because tomorrow is a new day. HUGS!!!
Jami
If he's getting PT, then he should be getting speech therapy as well. At least a consult to give you some ideas on what I think is called 'coma stim'. I work with kiddos not adults but I know that SLPs have worked with folks at Glasgow Level 9 or higher. I know the government is hard to deal with but this is so frustrating for you.
Hang in there.
There is an accredited training program in SLP at a San Antonio university. Someone there might be help you navigate the hospital system. The number is 210-434-6711-410
Leslie,
This blog was such a good thing. I know it was started not long before this happened with Kevin.
I know they say God works in mysterious ways...but this blog was already in place for you just to start typing.
Some of the information you are getting from people who simply have a kind heart..is priceless information.
The entry right before mine. God Bless that person.
May one of the tips or suggestions we are sending your way be the one to one day just "click" with Kevin.
Sometimes it makes you think that Kevin realizes more than he is letting on. He must be feeling so helpless and I am guessing he is depressed.
Hang in there..your strength can move mountains and we've seen it happen. You are one strong and very determined young woman.
Hi Leslie, you don't know me (regular reader who comments occasionally). I've been away a few days and am catching up tonight. As a matter of fact I was in Tampa dropping my older daughter off at USF for her freshman year.
Because you are with Kevin every day you might not see this. But for me, sitting here reading all at once, there seems to be a real connection between what you said about Kevin getting upset after hearing his nephews' voices, and pushing away the baby toy, and his recent apparent depression. I no longer have any doubt that, inside, he is very aware of who he is, who you are, and what has happened to him. Painful, yes, but that has got to be better than NOT knowing.
It cracks me up to imagine the PT jumping around in puddles. It's good that people are willing to put that much effort into helping your son.
I hope today was a better day.
Hi Leslie, just wanted to let you know that I've been thinking about you and Kevin and Breezy today. It sounds like a frustrating day for everyone. I'm glad to hear that Kev's burns are healed, thank God for that! I'm still praying for you, that God will give you the strength you need each day.
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