h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

.. .. I am here now and hoping for the best .. .

Optimism is good - we need to share it more often - sorry for the downer story, it probably wasn't appropriate.

Don't have a lot of news, partly because both my parents are currently abroad so I don't hear as many updates, abut mostly because progress is slow.
There are some constant small improvements, mainly in motor control (they've been doing some physiotherapy, and he can move his fingers, even on his left hand which is apparently more difficult or something). He sometimes responds to orders, like to close or open his eyes or blink, but not always (when my dad heard that, he told them that hey, he didn't really respond to orders before the accident, too ). But still not fully conscious, and there's still some... oedema, I think. is the word I'm looking for, but I don't know much more than that. And the doctors seem to have expected it to improve faster, so, well, worries. We all know that we need to be patient, and that it's a slow process, but I really just wish that he'll fully wake up already, even if it's only the beginning of another stage.
At some point this week he's going to be moved to the USC rehabilitation facility - to the hospital at that facility, anyway, since they can't start rehabilitation just yet.

At some point I'll probably need to take my turn in LA. I'm trying to concentrate on finishing my thesis (not that I needed _another_ reason to concentrate on the darn thing), so it won't be in the way. And I'm hoping to be able to combine this with a trip to visit Dan, because we haven't seen each other in over a year.

*sigh*
Life. Don't talk to me about life.

Good to hear from you again .. Every little bit is a step in the right direction to be a little bit thankful for . Do you go on the premise that he can hear you and does anyone provide music .. ??

Hi Ginger!

Yeah, it definitely seems he can hear, and even listen (hence being able to respond to orders sometimes). When his sister came over she brought with her some music he likes, and they've definitely been talking to him, and I think they're reading some selected texts to him now, as well.

Last update from mum yesterday was that the other day, a speech therapist was working with him, and he managed to open his mouth, and chew and swallow a piece of ice. That's quite an improvement, apparently.

These are positive steps, but painfully slow ones. I think of the patience your family is having to show as he progresses. My thoughts are with you all.

F1926355?thread=8175284

Lady Pen,even the slightest movement in the right direction is
an ice cube today, brings more wonders tomorrow and positive thoughts do count

as before, mine are in full flow towards your relative

Thanks!
Prof, I might not be posting on that thread, but I definitely lurk there to read, and I am really happy that Jr. is doing as well as he is.

Anyway, not a lot of news, but in a good way. There are still small improvements, and while the breakthrough we've been waiting for (consistently responding to orders), my dad says that he seems much more aware, and it seems like it will be coming very soon. And the doctors in this new hospital are very warm and optimistic, and apparently his condition is now stable enough that they could start intensive rehabilitation stuff pretty soon.

So, .

Fingers crossed, indeed, Lady P. Here's wishing for more good news, and steady improvement.

I love a fighter, wait while those magic words appear - "I'm hungry"

That's very good news! The family seem to be receiving the support they also need.


lil x

... .. . . .. ...

...And in less smileylicious news, latest email from my dad (who will be leaving LA in the morning [local time]) is, well, basically the same stuff, for better and for worse. For worse, because there's no full consciousness yet - still not responding well to orders, and no communication - just those tiny little gradual improvements. For better, because there are improvements, tiny and gradual though they may be. He's following things with his eyes, and can sometimes focus on specific items; my dad also says that he has an 'understanding' look in his eyes (although who knows what actually goes on in his mind). His doctor says that some of his movements appear to be voluntary, not just reflex. Also, she previously took part in research related to external stimuli and brain functions, or something like that (dad previously told us that she let him smell ground coffee and he responded with chewing motion; I'm not sure if that's related. Dammit Jim, I'm a grad student, not a doctor! ) and she knows some doctors in UCLA doing some related research that my cousin might end up taking part in, and stuff like that.

I probably won't have news in such detail for a while, now that my dad is leaving, but I hope to be able to keep reporting progress.

Thanks for your concern, everyone.

Smelling ground coffee is good for people. I'm convinced of this. Here's to aromatherapy and more progress.

Hmmmm, now there is an idea, aroma-therapy. Fresh baked breads, popcorn, coffee, any number of simple things that can waft around and entice a 'reaction' or response.