Enormous Progress

Visit Wednesday 9/25 by Andy Riedy

You guys are missing so much if you do not visit Alison! At every visit, I find Alison with new awareness and capabilities. And her full personality and humor are beginning to show. Take the time to be a cheerleader too and visit her!

At today's visit, both Reenie and Mary Pat were there. At this visit, Alison was for the first time cognizant of the brain limitations that she currently has. Alison commented on how frustrating it was that every time she had a thought, it disappeared. She understands that her brain is not functioning well, something she has not realized until now. THIS IS GREAT NEWS. She is tracking what she wants to say and KNOWS that she is different than she was.  

She also did not know the tremendous progress she has made over the last 6 weeks. We shared HOW MUCH she had improved over the last 3 weeks and that this “frightening” awareness is one step in her recovery. It helps her when we share how much ground she has gained since her coma state through to her current awareness and ability to communicate. It is so much fun to teach her and let her experience who she was and who she is becoming.  

Other examples of progress: Alison also showed several memories of recent events. Again this is great progress given concerns of a week ago that she lacked any short term memory. Also, Alison is moving her limbs, sometimes so much she falls out of bed. Not graceful but certainly a “step” in the right direction. We reassure her that she has gained so much mental and physical abilities over the last several weeks, and that she can gain so much more soon.

Some odds and ends: When Alison said “OW” today, we talked about whether it was a real OW or an itch.  This time it turns it meant “scared” that she was going to be hurt. So we now have 3 words to remind her to use. Alison at one point said, ”Don’t put thoughts into my head” meaning she already had enough to think about. I am mindful to keep from over-tiring her at each visit. Finally, Alison has no filter on what she says (did she ever?). She sometimes says things to people that are racy, bigoted or inappropriate (without meaning harm). Just remind her and then she is contrite.

Reenie leaves Saturday so come fill in time and visit Alison!