A couple of great things happened today, the first being that Kevin played the card game "War" and was able to play it without any help. He knew when he won the hand and he knew when he lost. It has made me wonder if maybe he was mad that the therapist was 'talking down' to him with the flash cards? I am not sure, but if you know pretty much everything and someone asks you a dumb question thinking you don't know the answer, I suppose one could get mad. I need to test the theory out tomorrow. We just didn't have time tonight.
We also gave him a new cushion on his chair and he was able to sit for about 2 hours today. We even went outside and watched all of the traffic for a while and for a totally new experience...Kevin went shopping! They have a small little store in the hospital and we wheeled Kev right on in there. You could tell he was excited so we will go back soon. Stupid me didn't have my purse with me so we couldn't buy anything. I just never thought about him doing something like this! Great, huh?
And he ate almost a whole pudding pack today. He also drank quite a bit of the powerade as well and he is able to feed himself with the spoon. We have to hold him back because he wants normal man sized bites and we have to have small ones, but he is still doing it himself.
One thing that I found very sad today though was when I asked him to help me exercise his right arm. He picked it up using his left hand and looked at me with this look on his face and then just dropped it. It was very obvious that he was saying "Don't be stupid, mom. It's dead". I gave him yet another pep talk and I sure hope it doesn't bite me in the butt. I told him that it would work again and that it would just take time. Maybe I shouldn't have said that. I can't say for sure it will work.
And finally! Yes finally! Our stuff arrived from Texas via Pennsylvania! Yay - we now have clothes!
First 2 from the Nov kit!
11 years ago
15 comments:
I guess I'm the insomniac in the crowd today - so I'll post a note.
Let me start with, I can not comprehend the stresses you are going through daily. That being said - this is an exercise in patience. Look how far Kevin has come, further than anyone ever anticipated. Please don't scold yourself for saying his arm will come back. While there may be some things that don't come back, at least not right away, some things will. You can be surprised every day and what new things he accomplishes that they said he wouldn't. How far you have come is a tribute to strength and love. Who knows how far that love will carry you! Hang in there, Blessings, Mary
What happened to day 105?
Hi, Leslie. I'm still here, but I've been off-line cleaning up after hurricane Ike's windy visit to Ohio. What a mess!
As for Kevin's arm, you can guarantee him that if he doesn't stimulate it daily, then no, it won't recover. Keep pushing him. Your intuition is still dead-on.
And as for the flashcards, it is possible he could not ID the spoon in that exercise. The brain works in very strange ways. With the language center damaged/missing, coming up with the word 'spoon' after simply viewing a photo may be impossible at this stage. However, if he could currently speak, he might be able to look at the picture and describe how the spoon is used based on his experiences. That info is stored elsewhere in the brain. Also if he holds an actual spoon, he might then be able to name it because touch memories are also stored outside of the language area. You can use these alternate types of memories to try and rebuild his vocabulary - let him hold the spoon while showing him the flashcard and discussing the name and use for the item. Hopefully the brain will repurpose a new area for language processing. If you keep working with words like you have been, I firmly believe he will continue to progress.
Please do make time for you and Breezy to meet with a counselor. Maybe formally schedule a midday nap time for Kevin at the same time as your session. Having someone you can vent to goes a long way to maintaining your strength and sanity. You and Breezy should do both individual and group sessions. We know there are things you need to voice, but would never want your child to hear. Same is true for her. But there are also things you two need to work out together so that you can be certaib that you are both on the same page when it comes to helping Kevin.
Hang in there, Hon. You've still got a long road ahead of you, but the end is looking brighter everyday!
Hi Les..
I'm so proud of Kevin but i'm also proud of you & Breezy..All of you are reaching for a goal that's slowly getting there but the thing is , it IS getting there..Just look how far you've come..
I was wondering something..I can some foam domino's that Keving might like..They are over 7' X 3" .
If you think they may help let me know..The same company has giant checkers as well...
take care hon...
Brenda
How wonderful! Kevin might have some 'down time' but it seems to me he is progressing by leaps and bounds thanks to your and Breezy's love and persistence. My prayers are with you all.
Hugs,
Liv
Hi Leslie,
I have been reading your blog for about three months now and I gotta tell ya, Kevin is progressing way beyond my layman expectations. If you have any doubt, go back a couple of months and read a few of your earlier entries. Very impressive and very exciting. Baby steps....
Question: I was wondering if you have shown Kevin any of the cards sent to him?
I am so proud of all three of you!
Hugs,
Cathy
Hi Les, It's so great to hear of all Kevin's progress. You and Breezy deserve the mom and sis of the year award. You guys have been through so much and keeping your strength toward Kevin has really brought him this far. He's a real fighter and it amazes me how far he has come. Keep up the great work and continue to be strong. Mother's instincts aren't just something to blow off. You're his mom and you know what he needs. Hats off to you. And keep pushing him to use that arm. It may take awhile but if he's made to continue to work with it he'll be able to use it later on. It's just like if you leave a broken bone go, you'll lose all feeling and it will be worth nothing, so make him use it. Little steps at a time, that's all. I'm so glad to hear your belongings made it to FLA. I think of you all daily and continue to pray too. (I made stuffing yesterday and definitely thought of you then) Hope to hear from you soon. Take care and keep your strength. Love you all!
Diana
Hang on!! I am sure this is so very frustrating for all three of you. I am sure you want him back and all the way back RIGHT NOW!! Who wouldn't? I am not a patient person either so I understand the "NOW" factor:)! Try to look at all the progress he has already made. Also remember all the love, support, postive thoughts, and prayers that are behind you, holding you up. Keep fighting and listen to your insticts. They are better than any doctor or therapist. They have gotten Kevin this far and I believe they will bring him the rest of the way. Take care, stay strong and as always we continue to pray for all three of you. Fight on, Kevin.
Dear Leslie
Sorry , I haven't written in a long while. But Hurricane Gustav , made us evacuate . And I had no way to get my WIFI , I missed reading your Blog . But we are back now and I have caught up with all your blogging .
I am so glad that you finally did go to Florida. But it sounds that they know very little about burned people.To bring the Temp down so cold.
I hope you watch and make notes about the things that don't agree with your inner Guts.
I will be in Texas in the next week. Just trying to help ! Texas is devastated !I know how they are feeling.
I am glad that Kevin is doing so well and hope you are holding up !
As always
You are all in
my prayers
Love
Petra
Les, Wow honey everyday is a new adventure isn't it. I really think more good things are happening now than the bad ones. Way to go guys what a great team you make. I am gettin lonesome for ya so I'm gonna call. Love ya bunches. Pam
I'm sure you have tried this but I'm going to ask anyway since my son believes if you can count the money in your wallet and play a card game such as war, then you just might be able to send a text (is that the right word) message.
He was wondering if you pulled up the screen on your phone and asked Kev if he could try and send a message to you or Breezy. Since he could hold it right in front of his good eye he thought he might be able to do it.
Anyway I'm glad he has a new seat cushion and can go shopping! It will be interesting to see what he will pick out. That in it's self could tell another story as to where he is in recovery.
I've been thinking he is really annoyed at the "baby" stuff, like flash cards. He might just be thinking "get real lady" and ignoring her.
I thought with the room sitter you might grab yourself some time away? Don't burn out or you won't be any good to anyone. No one can keep staying up until 1:am without it eventually breaking them down.
Take care of yourself too :-)
So gald you got your stuff!!
Hey Leslie,
This is difficult to write as my son has returned to Italy with very minor injuries. I read your post's everyday with out failure. I can not even understand what your family is going through. I have recently reached out to the local VA's close to me asking how I can help our troopers. I hope to hear from them soon.
Kevin! Kick ass dude and be all you can be! As an American I support you dude. Your Mom and Sister will help you get through this.
Love,
Larry Arnone
Your family has to remember how they got to Day 110. I haven't read since Wednesday (traveled to San Francisco and back to FC in three days, yikes!)Slow and steady; a couple giant steps forward, maybe a couple baby steps back. I asked about Kevin's agitation and am glad you could actually link it to an event. I was very worried it might be his shunt or a blood clot or infection; emotions run strong in head injured patients. I have quite a lot of experience from not only my healthcare background but my personal background. My husband before we were married was left side paralysed for 17 days due to a head injury. He still has deficits today due to this. My son was concussed with >15 hours of amnesia during football and for weeks coudld not comprehend the written word. He "knew" the word but could not put the written words together to understand sentences.This his senior year of high school. although everything eventually returned to normal, it was a very frightening time. Nothing to compare to your situation but I can relate. Give Kevin time, he will surprise you. He seems like such a good kid and I loved the picture! Thank you for sharing. He looks great for his 110 days of recovery. Keep positive. We'll all keep praying. I also agree about the counceling - you and Breezy need to take advantage of it. You are both in it for the long haul; let others help as much as possible. We know you are dedicated to your son; he knows it;the healthcare providers know it; and you know it in your heart. Talk to someone; it does help.
That's really encouraging that Kevin can play a card game! I'm glad he got a new seat cushion so he can get out more. With the progress he's been making there's no telling what he'll be able to do next! I think your "mom pep talk" could be just what he needs to motivate him.
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