Story | Healing | New | Needs | Links
1998 June
It has been over a year since this site was last updated. Joe's progress, although still visible, has been very slow. His voice loudness and clarity have improved slightly. His heal cords have been lengthened which straighted his feet. His front tooth has been replaced. He smiles, laughs, and sings more often. He is more aware of self and feelings, of the opposite sex, and much more aware of food and eating. These gains are real but also very small. He can get mash potatos from the plate to his mouth about one-half of the time but still needs someone to perform most of his basic living chores like bathing, dressing and hygine. He still does not stand without the help of three others and his left leg will not bend. The reality of these facts is very depressing. In fact, I would describe the past year as sinking into a black hole. We are beginning to climb out of that hole and continue to hope, pray and love, but with a greater understanding of the process of healing, both for Joe and for us.
During the past year, Joe's home therapy for PT, OT and Speech were discontinued. Since Joe is a veteran, in early January he began outpatient PT, OT and Speech therapy at the VA Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. After four months of outpatient therapy, he was admitted to the VA long-term care facility (nursing home) so that he could receive therapies on a daily basis. After a two-month stay, he is returning home on June 22, 1998. Although the therapies he received were much needed and well performed, it is my opinion that the non-therapy time was detrimental to his overall progress. By definition, in a nursing home you don't have the same level of support and stimulation that living in your home with your family can provide.
The down side to living at home is the affect it has on the other family members. It is a hard balancing act to accomplish. Joe's stay at the VA was of great benefit to our family and other caregivers because it created an extended time away from caring for a severely disabled person. This time is called respite and should not be neglected. The VA has a program specifically designed for respite and we will definitely need this program in the future. On August 1st it will be two years that Joe has been living at home and almost three years since the accident.
Respite is also a time to reflect and regroup. How can we best help Joe and the entire family? As those who have experienced TBI know, it is an event that affects the entire family.
1997 May
May 11, 1997 (Mother's Day) is the official launch for Miracle Island and Joe's Hope Page. We had quite a party celebrating with family and friends.
Joe continues to improve and gain strength, especially in his right arm. Using his right hand he is able to reach up and grab the trapeze over his bed for the first time (he still must use his left hand to help but it's coming). That might not seem like much, but to someone with traumatic brain injury it really is. It means he is still improving. How far will he go? We don't know. We can only hope and pray. The rest is up to God and Joe.
His speech is also improving slowly. This site will soon have Joe's voice telling his mothers-Happy Mother's Day. Stay tuned.
Joe is also in the process of getting a new front tooth. This should not only help his speech but also his self-concept.
1997 March
Report from Dr. Owen Z. Perlman, M.D.
1995 November
Two weeks after the accident, November 28, Joe opened his eyes for the first time. Press here to hear Joe's father telephone call telling Joe's older brother Paul the good news. We have this conversation thanks to telephone answering machines and Paul's quick thinking.
Last Updated 6/18/98
Story | Healing | New | Needs | Links