Monday, May 26, 2014
Memorial Day Greetings,
Our Jacob has been moved to the TBI unit at Bethesda as of Wednesday, May 21 where he will be receiving more intense therapy related to PT, OT Speech and TBI. He has tolerated this transitional move well and we are seeing daily gains in his body movements, speech and communication skills. He has been highly interactive with us as parents through gestures and short responses. The doctors noted the importance of the physical presence of "mom and dad" being their to expedite Jacob's whole body and brain healing process, and to reinforce and to reassure Jacob that he is in a safe place that will heal his body.
We are still referred to the Glasgow Coma Scale to understand Jacob's TBI and the stages he will go through. Each stage has its pros and cons and can be confusing for parents and family members as his brain fully wakes up. There are some times that our Jake appears frustrated and confused, but Jeff and I are there for him to reassure him where he is, that he is safe, what day it is and that he is at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, MN recovering from a motorcycle accident. Any more than that could overwhelm him, but stating the simple facts reinforces consistency for him and reassurance that we are there for him to help him.
Jake, my husband Jeff, and myself have enjoyed a peaceful Memorial Day weekend. We have taken Jake outside in his wheelchair two times a day to the park next to the hospital since Friday, and he is tolerating it well for two hours at a time. He has been starting to talk with one word responses of "yes" "pain" "pain meds" "Be-thes-da" and short strings of simple sentences- but they are a little too difficult to make them out just yet. This is a great improvement, but also scary as his brain is waking up more- and is more active with his entire body movements- he is strong. It means his brain is healing and sending signals to his other parts of his body to begin working again and regain his strength.
Jake is on the road to recovery and these small gains are wonderful signs of what is yet to come.
Comments (11)
This news is wonderful! I know Jake will continue to get stronger and heal at such an amazing facility. Prayers continue to be sent. God bless you kind friends.
Sending continued prayers for all of you - glad you had a pleasant holiday weekend and such a special one to honor all of our veterans. The fact that Jake is responding to you so well is so promising! Hugs to all of you for continued strength on this journey.
So glad Jake is healing, but I can understand how scary, frustrating and difficult it must be for Jake and you and Jeff. Keep up the hard work and healing. I'm thinking of you every day!!
I continue to send positive thoughts and prayers to the whole family as Jake continues his healing journey!
Wonderful news. It may seem like very same steps, but rather large steps when one thinks of all that Jake has gone through. Continuing prayers.
oh such wonderful news., we will continue to send prayers and positive healing thoughts. Thinking of all of you every day and praying for the best possible outcome for Jake. also praying for strength for you and Jeff as I can not imagine how awful this has been for you. God Bless.
This is good! Positive thoughts and prayers are being sent from Saskatchewan.
Naomi, Our 3rd grade student who was hit by the semi has gone through the same process as Jake is now. He is having a miraculous recovery. It sounds like Jake is on his way to the same!
Constant prayers are going out to all of you, for strength, for health, for healing, for hope.