October Wrap Up

Jeff has made some incredible progress ...

After removal of the fixator in early October, Jeff would hardly stay in bed and tried to shuffle along whenever he could (remarking, sometimes as a joke, "I'm an old man"). Because he wasn't supposed to be walking yet, he got a wheelchair on the 12th, which enabled him to really move around. On the 18th, it was back to the Medical Center for X-rays on his pelvis, and his doctor pronounced the bones fully healed! Jeff has progressed so rapidly that his old-man shuffle has become a strong, steady -- though somewhat rigid -- gait. He has regained some muscle tone and although physical therapy tires him, he is getting stronger every day.

Jeff's cognitive skills are also incredily improved. His speech therapist gives him 'homework' ... exercises meant to stimulate complex reasoning. His family continue giving him games & puzzles that do the same but are much more fun. He is slowly learning more about the accident and all of his injuries and seems to be taking it in fairly well. He really enjoys visits from friends & family, especially when they bring food from the outside world.

Overall, Jeff has made a terrific comeback so far! He is still challenged by some short-term memory loss, occasional depression, and the need for continued physical and cognitive therapy -- but he seems just like his old self much of the time. Jeff's next step will be transitional treatment to help him prepare for normal daily activities and for living on his own again. We are so happy to report these improvements!