Today Terre and Jill are leaving the hospital and are due home in Jackson sometime this afternoon. What an awesome bit of news that is to report.
So I was wondering about how many local folks still got there ears on out there. I was thinking that Jill may have a good bit to do here and was wondering if anyone out there wanted to maybe make some casseroles or similar prepared meals for the two of them. Maybe we could also stock their fridge with normal stuff too. I can be reached at 307-413-6477 if anyone can help and again thanks so much for tuning in and sending out prayers and positive thoughts to what ever powers in the universe made Terre's resurrection possible.
I think his new name should be "Lazarus"
Cheers
About Terre Brooks
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday Night
We'll folks here we go. I am just so thrilled to report that we're really about done here!!!!!!!!
Terre continues to improve mobility, he does have more work to do on his right side, but is walking, talking, training on stairs and even went out to dinner Thursday night with his wife and parents. How bout them apples!
Jill has a meeting with doctors tomorrow morning where they will discuss how soon Terre can go home. From the looks of things he'll be home by Friday. If they are more impressed, it could be sooner. I also watched Terre read a letter this weekend from a rugby friend and was continually impressed by the 'Lazarus-ness' of his personality. He's still totally Terre and may even be funnier. In light of Terre's abilities I may not be writing much longer or as often but take care and thanks for all the support, love, prayers and positive thoughts from all.
Looks like my best man's got to get to work on his speech for my wedding in 4 weeks, CHEERS!
GO T!
Peace and love, Poot
Terre continues to improve mobility, he does have more work to do on his right side, but is walking, talking, training on stairs and even went out to dinner Thursday night with his wife and parents. How bout them apples!
Jill has a meeting with doctors tomorrow morning where they will discuss how soon Terre can go home. From the looks of things he'll be home by Friday. If they are more impressed, it could be sooner. I also watched Terre read a letter this weekend from a rugby friend and was continually impressed by the 'Lazarus-ness' of his personality. He's still totally Terre and may even be funnier. In light of Terre's abilities I may not be writing much longer or as often but take care and thanks for all the support, love, prayers and positive thoughts from all.
Looks like my best man's got to get to work on his speech for my wedding in 4 weeks, CHEERS!
GO T!
Peace and love, Poot
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday Night
Terre is just on feugo!
Just got back from visiting with Terre, Jill, Mrs Brooks, Jim Smith and Denny. We sat around and listened to Terre tell stories for almost 2 hours.
He continues to impress all party's with crazy recollection, detail and humor. Terre is improving short term recollection and seems to be making big gains with his PT. Last night turned into a scary one when he got up again in the night and tried to utilize the facilities solo. Terre slipped and landed on his face, cutting a small part of his brow. The Big Cat is okay and understands why ventures of this nature are not yet allowed alone. Definitely a dodged bullet but good for appreciating what his needs may be as he regains agility and independence.
Thanks to the urging of his physical therapist, Terre walked today several hundred yards to his therapy session across the street. He still is shuffling somewhat on his right side but his walking is so much better than it was even a few days ago! There is some redundency in his speech content but who cares!!!!!!!!!!! He persistantly tells old AND recent stories and is just as funny as ever. Trully amazing and Miraculous.
Cheers all and have a great weekend, GO T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just got back from visiting with Terre, Jill, Mrs Brooks, Jim Smith and Denny. We sat around and listened to Terre tell stories for almost 2 hours.
He continues to impress all party's with crazy recollection, detail and humor. Terre is improving short term recollection and seems to be making big gains with his PT. Last night turned into a scary one when he got up again in the night and tried to utilize the facilities solo. Terre slipped and landed on his face, cutting a small part of his brow. The Big Cat is okay and understands why ventures of this nature are not yet allowed alone. Definitely a dodged bullet but good for appreciating what his needs may be as he regains agility and independence.
Thanks to the urging of his physical therapist, Terre walked today several hundred yards to his therapy session across the street. He still is shuffling somewhat on his right side but his walking is so much better than it was even a few days ago! There is some redundency in his speech content but who cares!!!!!!!!!!! He persistantly tells old AND recent stories and is just as funny as ever. Trully amazing and Miraculous.
Cheers all and have a great weekend, GO T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Tuesday Night
As y'all can see from yesterday's picture Big T is pretty much up and at'em, rad!
Today, according to Terre's folks, Terre aced his math tests! I say Terre's parent's cause for the first time in 8 weeks.........Jill visited Jackson!!! She's looking for a new one-story spot, hopefully south of town. There are a few available, but any good leads would be super appreciated, Call/text me, Poot/Patrick at 307-413-6477.
Terre also climbed some stairs today and continues to work on his right side as well as general mobility and speech.
Last night I was reading the old blogs from 2 weeks ago and am just amazed, grateful and awed by how much Terr-Bear has progressed. Doctors told Jill this morning that chances were pretty decent that Terre could probably start packing for home in less than 2 weeks. He frequently proclaims he's ready to go home tomorrow but great things are still being accomplished daily by his therapy staff and he's increasingly aware of their awesome contributions. THANKS EIRMC!!!!!!!!!
Cheers
Today, according to Terre's folks, Terre aced his math tests! I say Terre's parent's cause for the first time in 8 weeks.........Jill visited Jackson!!! She's looking for a new one-story spot, hopefully south of town. There are a few available, but any good leads would be super appreciated, Call/text me, Poot/Patrick at 307-413-6477.
Terre also climbed some stairs today and continues to work on his right side as well as general mobility and speech.
Last night I was reading the old blogs from 2 weeks ago and am just amazed, grateful and awed by how much Terr-Bear has progressed. Doctors told Jill this morning that chances were pretty decent that Terre could probably start packing for home in less than 2 weeks. He frequently proclaims he's ready to go home tomorrow but great things are still being accomplished daily by his therapy staff and he's increasingly aware of their awesome contributions. THANKS EIRMC!!!!!!!!!
Cheers
Monday Evening
Terre continues to do amazing!
Terre wanted a current photo posted for everyone that is following the blog to see.
Check out the photo of Terre and Jill in upper right corner of the blog. Terre gives a thumbs up to you all.
(photo taken Monday night during visit with Kim, Carla and Deidre)
Terre wanted a current photo posted for everyone that is following the blog to see.
Check out the photo of Terre and Jill in upper right corner of the blog. Terre gives a thumbs up to you all.
(photo taken Monday night during visit with Kim, Carla and Deidre)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday Night
" What's up PootyTang"...........words I've been waiting to hear for around two months now, came rolling off Terre's tongue as he sat upright in his lazy-boy chair. He and Jill had been watching tv together and talking about what they saw as I entered his room. Soon thereafter T inquired about my fiance' Kim and how our wedding plans were coming along.
What followed was pretty much a two hour conversation with the Terre Brooks we all know and love. We covered fishing, hunting, rugby, the Targhee Music Fest, gossip about his hospital floor neighbors as well as his desire to get home ASAP! Sure he confuses words every once in a while (like refering to the nurses as 'waitresses') and occassionally repeats himself, but honestly I'm not sure how much longer I can keep writing this blog before Terre starts reading it and possibly gets offended. He's THAT coherent, or soon to be.
I also offered to strum the guitar while he held the chords with his left hand. He did, starting with a G chord, and when I asked him to make a D chord............he DID!!!!!!!! Such a long way, such a long way from where we've been...........Amen............and thanks to the Good Lord above and everyone's positive vibes sent out from coast to coast. Terre's back..........I mean really BACK!!! He's telling jokes, trying to crack up the nurses, making fun of people and pulling such random Terre slang out from deep deep within, so awesome!
After Terre told me that he was thinking about "that Jamey Johnson song 'You Should Have Seen it in Color" I played it. I tried to cut the song short, worrying I was Bogarting the attention, but Terre corrected me saying "Hey, what about that other verse that says something bout Grandma". Powerful, powerful stuff! He even went on to complement my voice and tell his parents that I really had a good voice for 'that country sound'. Totally Terre, trying to make folks feel good about themselves and convincing others that his friends are cool, that's are man!
He's coming along with his right side mobility and generally his mental capacity seems to increase tangibly every couple of days. As his articulation improves he increasingly expresses his desire to get home to Jackson but also seems to be understanding the help he is receiving from the therapeutic staff. Recently the Big Cat walked (with Jills's help) into the ICU and was perplexed by how many nurses there knew his name and were so impressed by his recovery. Terre also seems to be quite impressed when told who all and how many are aware of his accident. Thanks everyone, thanks alot. Cheers
What followed was pretty much a two hour conversation with the Terre Brooks we all know and love. We covered fishing, hunting, rugby, the Targhee Music Fest, gossip about his hospital floor neighbors as well as his desire to get home ASAP! Sure he confuses words every once in a while (like refering to the nurses as 'waitresses') and occassionally repeats himself, but honestly I'm not sure how much longer I can keep writing this blog before Terre starts reading it and possibly gets offended. He's THAT coherent, or soon to be.
I also offered to strum the guitar while he held the chords with his left hand. He did, starting with a G chord, and when I asked him to make a D chord............he DID!!!!!!!! Such a long way, such a long way from where we've been...........Amen............and thanks to the Good Lord above and everyone's positive vibes sent out from coast to coast. Terre's back..........I mean really BACK!!! He's telling jokes, trying to crack up the nurses, making fun of people and pulling such random Terre slang out from deep deep within, so awesome!
After Terre told me that he was thinking about "that Jamey Johnson song 'You Should Have Seen it in Color" I played it. I tried to cut the song short, worrying I was Bogarting the attention, but Terre corrected me saying "Hey, what about that other verse that says something bout Grandma". Powerful, powerful stuff! He even went on to complement my voice and tell his parents that I really had a good voice for 'that country sound'. Totally Terre, trying to make folks feel good about themselves and convincing others that his friends are cool, that's are man!
He's coming along with his right side mobility and generally his mental capacity seems to increase tangibly every couple of days. As his articulation improves he increasingly expresses his desire to get home to Jackson but also seems to be understanding the help he is receiving from the therapeutic staff. Recently the Big Cat walked (with Jills's help) into the ICU and was perplexed by how many nurses there knew his name and were so impressed by his recovery. Terre also seems to be quite impressed when told who all and how many are aware of his accident. Thanks everyone, thanks alot. Cheers
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday Night
So doctors are now telling Jill that 3 weeks ago, after Terre endured a seizure-type fit, an EEG was done to detect brain wave activity. This X-Ray of the brain did not yield good results. In fact the general collective consensus among medical personnel was that little activity in the brain was detected. Just incredible.
Incredible because I just returned home from the hospital where Denny, Jill and I had a 30 minute conversation with Terre. He called us all by name. Shook our left hands with a good strong Terre handshake. We talked about fishing, hunting, doctors, therapy, friends etc etc etc!!!!!!!!!!! Just Miraculous! Denny and I took turns quizing Terre. I said "Yeah Terre, Denny and I floated the Hoback the other day and caught a few on that little streamer you tied, what's that thing called again?", without being prompted he comes up with "The Micro-Mini-Pimp?". Who else even puts these words together? Let alone whips out an answer like this after a 5 week coma?
Big Rotch does, that's who and I couldn't be happier! Terre went on to dazzle us with answers to nearly all of our covert questions, just awesome. Additionally I started telling him about one of his good rugby friends from UW, Jeff Morris. I told him about Morris taking a new job in Colorado and that he would be moving down there with his wife Linette and their infant son...............??? Trey? Travis? I couldn't think of it and Terre blurted out "Trevyn!" How cool is that.
Terre does vacillate in his understanding of what happened to him. Sometimes he thinks he was hurt playing rugby............"these doctors just don't understand how rough rugby is on your body"and "I've been playing a lot of rugby lately".....to referring to his 'illness'...."I've been sick for a little while now' and thanks to Jill's patient and loving reminders he'll say ...."I had a bad fall......you know....I was in a COMA" he tells me. It's just incredible, the increased cognition and personality that Terre continues to express. He also clearly still wants to tell stories and be hospitable......."Come on in fellas, get yerself a seat here" and even offered us some of his food.
Terre continues to make physical strides as well, today with the help of his PT guy he walked down the hall of his hospital floor and continues to work on catching his right limbs' dexterity up with his left.
Personally I was quite flattered by Jill's story of Terre's answer to the Occupational therapist's question "Terre what do you do when your truck runs out of gas?" To which he replied "Call Pooty". The Big Cat also matter-of-factly told Denny and I that he'd be coming home next week sometime and would 'get on the horn' and 'come pick us up' to go out fishing or something. "I'll see you guys over in Jackson" was another great quote.
Sorry for the rambling nature of this post, I'm just too excited for words that Terre's really coming back to us. Oh one more thing, he asked when my wedding was...."So how many days do we got?" I replied " Oh about a month and a half". He say's " Okay so we still got time to get out to Fontenelle or something". Fontenelle is a lake south of here where he and I had talked about having my bachelor party/fishing trip. Hardly anyone else knew about those plans so I am just, again, so impressed with the rate and depth of his recovery thus far.
Y'all all have a great day and again thanks for all the support. Another thing Terre said today was " Alot of people know about me being in here, we got a long list" to which his loving, wonderful, grateful wife Jill replied " Yes we do Terre, we got a long long list". Thanks all, thanks so much. GO T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Incredible because I just returned home from the hospital where Denny, Jill and I had a 30 minute conversation with Terre. He called us all by name. Shook our left hands with a good strong Terre handshake. We talked about fishing, hunting, doctors, therapy, friends etc etc etc!!!!!!!!!!! Just Miraculous! Denny and I took turns quizing Terre. I said "Yeah Terre, Denny and I floated the Hoback the other day and caught a few on that little streamer you tied, what's that thing called again?", without being prompted he comes up with "The Micro-Mini-Pimp?". Who else even puts these words together? Let alone whips out an answer like this after a 5 week coma?
Big Rotch does, that's who and I couldn't be happier! Terre went on to dazzle us with answers to nearly all of our covert questions, just awesome. Additionally I started telling him about one of his good rugby friends from UW, Jeff Morris. I told him about Morris taking a new job in Colorado and that he would be moving down there with his wife Linette and their infant son...............??? Trey? Travis? I couldn't think of it and Terre blurted out "Trevyn!" How cool is that.
Terre does vacillate in his understanding of what happened to him. Sometimes he thinks he was hurt playing rugby............"these doctors just don't understand how rough rugby is on your body"and "I've been playing a lot of rugby lately".....to referring to his 'illness'...."I've been sick for a little while now' and thanks to Jill's patient and loving reminders he'll say ...."I had a bad fall......you know....I was in a COMA" he tells me. It's just incredible, the increased cognition and personality that Terre continues to express. He also clearly still wants to tell stories and be hospitable......."Come on in fellas, get yerself a seat here" and even offered us some of his food.
Terre continues to make physical strides as well, today with the help of his PT guy he walked down the hall of his hospital floor and continues to work on catching his right limbs' dexterity up with his left.
Personally I was quite flattered by Jill's story of Terre's answer to the Occupational therapist's question "Terre what do you do when your truck runs out of gas?" To which he replied "Call Pooty". The Big Cat also matter-of-factly told Denny and I that he'd be coming home next week sometime and would 'get on the horn' and 'come pick us up' to go out fishing or something. "I'll see you guys over in Jackson" was another great quote.
Sorry for the rambling nature of this post, I'm just too excited for words that Terre's really coming back to us. Oh one more thing, he asked when my wedding was...."So how many days do we got?" I replied " Oh about a month and a half". He say's " Okay so we still got time to get out to Fontenelle or something". Fontenelle is a lake south of here where he and I had talked about having my bachelor party/fishing trip. Hardly anyone else knew about those plans so I am just, again, so impressed with the rate and depth of his recovery thus far.
Y'all all have a great day and again thanks for all the support. Another thing Terre said today was " Alot of people know about me being in here, we got a long list" to which his loving, wonderful, grateful wife Jill replied " Yes we do Terre, we got a long long list". Thanks all, thanks so much. GO T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tuesday Morning
"We need to get S&#t done"...........now that's a pretty good sign of the ole Grizzly Bear waking up!!
"We got a lot of stuff to kill" Big Rotch is totally exceeding expectations of all therapists it seems and even took a walk today, holding on to the parallel bars, but made it back and forth. His speech is progressing, he's gaining more control of his movements and all in all Terre's personality is regaining more and more ground. Pretty dadgum miraculously impressive!!!!!
Terre continues to recognize faces with names both in pictures and in person, He even named pictures of animals in Spanish, showing off for his speech therapist no doubt. Each day seems to bring new 'leaps and bounds' measures of improvements which is just what we all expected but elates us nevertheless. Hallelujah!!!!! Cheers
"We got a lot of stuff to kill" Big Rotch is totally exceeding expectations of all therapists it seems and even took a walk today, holding on to the parallel bars, but made it back and forth. His speech is progressing, he's gaining more control of his movements and all in all Terre's personality is regaining more and more ground. Pretty dadgum miraculously impressive!!!!!
Terre continues to recognize faces with names both in pictures and in person, He even named pictures of animals in Spanish, showing off for his speech therapist no doubt. Each day seems to bring new 'leaps and bounds' measures of improvements which is just what we all expected but elates us nevertheless. Hallelujah!!!!! Cheers
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday
"Biggg DENNY" Nobody calls him that but Terre. So when I told Terre Denny was here that was his reply. He talks softly and sometimes it's tough to understand him but using nick names, lingo and even inflection unique to TB makes his recovery all the more real.
I told him salmon flies were hatching on the Hoback and he replied (in our Emeril mocking way) "aw yeah babe". I also quized him to name the faces on some pics and his recall-although not yet 100% is really amazing compared to where we've been. He hasn't said my name yet but I almost think he was kind of insulted I would ask him my name. I may be overly optimistic but I think the Brook's family shares the assessment that Terre's face implies a much higher level of understanding than his speech is able to reflect.
I think one of the more convincing manifestations of Terre's recovery is the frustration and determination on his face. You can tell at times he's a little confused about where he is or why but it seems clear to all who know him that he wants to get up, get out and be free! I am a little concerned, as his speech continues to improve, how he may articulate these frustrations. During my visit yesterday I didn't feel so much like he was just glad to see me but more so he was looking at me like ' alright, your here, now get me the H... outta here'.
His right arm is sore and in pain, he say's, but doctor's have yet to determine the cause. Both limbs on the right side have a way's to go but both HAVE moved. His left hand has become too agile and needs to be restrained at times to keep Big T from messing with the supplemental feeding tube to his stomach or the unhealed scars on his body.
Overall............huge progress........He's really doing it. Cheers
These are all great things
I told him salmon flies were hatching on the Hoback and he replied (in our Emeril mocking way) "aw yeah babe". I also quized him to name the faces on some pics and his recall-although not yet 100% is really amazing compared to where we've been. He hasn't said my name yet but I almost think he was kind of insulted I would ask him my name. I may be overly optimistic but I think the Brook's family shares the assessment that Terre's face implies a much higher level of understanding than his speech is able to reflect.
I think one of the more convincing manifestations of Terre's recovery is the frustration and determination on his face. You can tell at times he's a little confused about where he is or why but it seems clear to all who know him that he wants to get up, get out and be free! I am a little concerned, as his speech continues to improve, how he may articulate these frustrations. During my visit yesterday I didn't feel so much like he was just glad to see me but more so he was looking at me like ' alright, your here, now get me the H... outta here'.
His right arm is sore and in pain, he say's, but doctor's have yet to determine the cause. Both limbs on the right side have a way's to go but both HAVE moved. His left hand has become too agile and needs to be restrained at times to keep Big T from messing with the supplemental feeding tube to his stomach or the unhealed scars on his body.
Overall............huge progress........He's really doing it. Cheers
These are all great things
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wedenesday Afternoon
"I'd be a lot better if they'd let me get some sleep".........................Terre responded to his phyical therapist today after being asked how he was doing!!! Just incredible stuff. His voice is quiet and he doesn't always have energy enough to respond but formulating replies of this length and cognition are absolutely the best news yet.
Terre also answered Jill's question today asking him to name duck hunting buddies in an old photo and he said "Chuck" and "CJ Austin". She also asked Terre what kind of fish she was holding from an old Green River trip pic and he replied "brown trout", right on the money!!!!!!!!!
Jill and Terre's parents asked me to thank all for praying for Terre as they all feel God has answered very specific prayer requests for these new steps in his recovery. While being rolled out into the hallway of his floor Big T gave the 'hang-loose' sign to one of his therapists who happened by, as well as gave him a high five.
Additionally, during a PT sesh this morning Terre was asked to move his right leg.........and he DID! His right side limbs continue to be used less often but PT folks are really expressing increased confidence in recovery with these kinds of gains. T continues to improve the clarity of his gaze, focus and speech and I just find his recollection of people, places and fish to be totally rad. I hope to visit again soon and report more great new gains, thanks all for y'alls support, generosity and interest in seeing our Big Cat back into action, peace!
Terre also answered Jill's question today asking him to name duck hunting buddies in an old photo and he said "Chuck" and "CJ Austin". She also asked Terre what kind of fish she was holding from an old Green River trip pic and he replied "brown trout", right on the money!!!!!!!!!
Jill and Terre's parents asked me to thank all for praying for Terre as they all feel God has answered very specific prayer requests for these new steps in his recovery. While being rolled out into the hallway of his floor Big T gave the 'hang-loose' sign to one of his therapists who happened by, as well as gave him a high five.
Additionally, during a PT sesh this morning Terre was asked to move his right leg.........and he DID! His right side limbs continue to be used less often but PT folks are really expressing increased confidence in recovery with these kinds of gains. T continues to improve the clarity of his gaze, focus and speech and I just find his recollection of people, places and fish to be totally rad. I hope to visit again soon and report more great new gains, thanks all for y'alls support, generosity and interest in seeing our Big Cat back into action, peace!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday
I inadvertently left out that Terre is also now being fed by a spoon instead of a tube. He also is able to respond and take water from Jill by spoon, really cool. As he has lost quite a few pounds, the nurses tell Jill they think he looks like Dennis Quaid, he'll love hearing that!
So hopefully yesterday's big move to the rehab floor went well but I just wanted to tell everyone that Terre can be fed applesauce and seems to really enjoy it, bet he's really going to enjoy it when we figure out how to grind up carne asada and jumbo margarita!
Cheers
So hopefully yesterday's big move to the rehab floor went well but I just wanted to tell everyone that Terre can be fed applesauce and seems to really enjoy it, bet he's really going to enjoy it when we figure out how to grind up carne asada and jumbo margarita!
Cheers
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday Morning
More really good news................Big T is continuing his power week of recovery strides. Ten days ago Terre was not awake either from the paralytic drugs or his own healing state. Today, after a great weekend of great therapy sessions, Terre has had his neck brace removed, had his tracheotomy removed, is responding with a broader range of expressions and seems to really study pictures and faces with more focus. He's really on the path to recovery and each 'baby step' he makes is a 'giant leap' by our new standard.
Terre occasionally makes really good eye contact with whose talking to him and has said words like "yeah", "uh-huh". and "okay" on several occasions very softly. He also smiles at new faces and familiar faces when his energy allows enthusiasm. Its really exciting to have the neck brace and trach removed as well as today's big move from the cardio-floor to the rehab floor. The exercise sessions will be more intense but as Papa-Bear Bill Brooks has been saying " Terre is NOT a fragile flower."
Terre's left arm and leg are moving with increased agility and steadiness. He scratches himself, picks his nose and even took a napkin and wiped his mouth, all good and normal Terre behaviors. His right side arm and leg occasionally move but much less frequently which seems at this point to be a challenge for therapist's more than a concern for paralysis. Another encouraging display is when Terre is really connecting with a picture or a person he will sort of laugh and smile...more good stuff.
Thanks to all the support as we wait and hope that Terre's recovery pace continues at this rate.
Cheers
Terre occasionally makes really good eye contact with whose talking to him and has said words like "yeah", "uh-huh". and "okay" on several occasions very softly. He also smiles at new faces and familiar faces when his energy allows enthusiasm. Its really exciting to have the neck brace and trach removed as well as today's big move from the cardio-floor to the rehab floor. The exercise sessions will be more intense but as Papa-Bear Bill Brooks has been saying " Terre is NOT a fragile flower."
Terre's left arm and leg are moving with increased agility and steadiness. He scratches himself, picks his nose and even took a napkin and wiped his mouth, all good and normal Terre behaviors. His right side arm and leg occasionally move but much less frequently which seems at this point to be a challenge for therapist's more than a concern for paralysis. Another encouraging display is when Terre is really connecting with a picture or a person he will sort of laugh and smile...more good stuff.
Thanks to all the support as we wait and hope that Terre's recovery pace continues at this rate.
Cheers
Friday, July 3, 2009
Friday
"Mo-oovin on uu-up"......... we're still comin right along with the Big Cat. After a restless first night in his new room Terre settled in fine last night and got a good night's rest. Doctor's are trying to get him on a day/night schedule and it seems T is cooperating as he slept till 830 this morning. Afterwards he had his normal visits from physical, speech and occupational therapists and performed well even softly saying the word "yeah". Barely audible but "Yeah" never the less!!! Really great stuff.
I was reading the 'Insight " book last night and came upon a line I really liked where the author says "I realized that morning that a hospital's number one responsibility should be protecting it's patients' energy levels." Unless anyone knows Sen. Bill Frist's direct phone number I doubt we're going to shape HCA policy but it does make us treasure his caregivers who seem more cognizant than others. Like the author states and the Brooks's have observed, when Terre encounters a caregiver who he likes and has energy, he cooperates. When he is tired or does not prefer a therapist, he turns his head away from them or closes his eyes. Terre of course respond's best to Jill but Mr Brooks contends that, oddly, Terre also really likes this one sweet talking nurse who happens to be cute..................hmmmmm? He might be playing us a little.
Talks of a move to Denver or Salt Lake seem to be on hold for the time being but a move to the rehab floor could happen as early as Monday. Great stuff, and as I understand it that wing is even more flexible, laid back and seemingly conducive to recuperation, howboutit.......sounds good! Adios
I was reading the 'Insight " book last night and came upon a line I really liked where the author says "I realized that morning that a hospital's number one responsibility should be protecting it's patients' energy levels." Unless anyone knows Sen. Bill Frist's direct phone number I doubt we're going to shape HCA policy but it does make us treasure his caregivers who seem more cognizant than others. Like the author states and the Brooks's have observed, when Terre encounters a caregiver who he likes and has energy, he cooperates. When he is tired or does not prefer a therapist, he turns his head away from them or closes his eyes. Terre of course respond's best to Jill but Mr Brooks contends that, oddly, Terre also really likes this one sweet talking nurse who happens to be cute..................hmmmmm? He might be playing us a little.
Talks of a move to Denver or Salt Lake seem to be on hold for the time being but a move to the rehab floor could happen as early as Monday. Great stuff, and as I understand it that wing is even more flexible, laid back and seemingly conducive to recuperation, howboutit.......sounds good! Adios
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thursday
Terre graduates from ICU.........Yeay!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So yesterday they rolled the Big Cut down the hall and into the elevator to move him to a different floor. Again just great news! It's much less stressful there and indicative of the progress and stability Terre has made. Additionally the energy of the visitor's is often much more optimistic and less exhausting.
I entered his new room, guitar in hand, and spoke to Terre while his eyes where barely open. He kinda leaned up, furrowed his brow to focus and smiled at me .................. really amazing!!! I then sang a few verses of Jamey Johnson's "In Color" ( the first song I think that Terre has ever performed on the guitar in public) before the respiratory therapist came in to check on his trach. Terre is now hooked up to NO machines for his breathing and his gaze is still improving even though , as the 'Stroke of Insight ' book says, he does tire of most things pretty quickly.
Perhaps the most poignant event occured just before my arrival yesterday as Jill was talking to Terre at his bedside. Without being prompted Terre slowly reached up with his shaky left hand and gently touched Jill's cheek, pretty cool. Thanks Terr for easin on back to us
I entered his new room, guitar in hand, and spoke to Terre while his eyes where barely open. He kinda leaned up, furrowed his brow to focus and smiled at me .................. really amazing!!! I then sang a few verses of Jamey Johnson's "In Color" ( the first song I think that Terre has ever performed on the guitar in public) before the respiratory therapist came in to check on his trach. Terre is now hooked up to NO machines for his breathing and his gaze is still improving even though , as the 'Stroke of Insight ' book says, he does tire of most things pretty quickly.
Perhaps the most poignant event occured just before my arrival yesterday as Jill was talking to Terre at his bedside. Without being prompted Terre slowly reached up with his shaky left hand and gently touched Jill's cheek, pretty cool. Thanks Terr for easin on back to us
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
