Jason's day begins at 8 am when they get him to dress and clean up. At 8:30 he has a group breakfast with other residents. This experience focuses on cognitive therapy in a social setting. Jason says that the hospital food is killing him and he is probably right.
At 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 and 12:00 he has physical therapy. This is focused on helping him regain his balance and especially repairing the muscles strain to his left shoulder that occurred in the accident. Most of the physical therapy sessions also include a cognitive component which is really what he needs now. His body, except for the left shoulder, is pretty much healed. The 11:30 session is recreational therapy where he plays games with the therapist. He really enjoys this because the therapist is a man about his age and they have common interests. This therapist, as well as many other staff members, has had a head injury. They are a constant source of inspiration.
After lunch Jason passes out until about 2. I have read that the injured brain requires a lot of sleep to heal and this certainly seems to be the case with Jason. For this reason we ask that you limit visits but that you send cards or post comments on the blog for Jason to read. He is deeply touched by your expressions of love and concern for him and this is very motivational. The address is University Medical Center, Rm 2234, 750 E. Adams St. Syracuse, NY 13210.
At 2 pm Jason has a focused cognitive session where they work on his memory and on making connections in his mind. This really highlights which of Jason's circuits are damaged. He can multiply 13 x 5 in his head faster than I can but he cannot look at a paperclip and then draw it when it is no longer visible. Steve observed this activity with him yesterday and Jason commented that this exercise should be really easy for him but it was not so maybe he did have a brain injury. He told me that it was very scary to admit to himself that this was true.
After another PT session at 3pm, Jason passes out again until dinner.
To my mind, Jason's recovery is miraculous. He knows where he is and why. His short term memory is definitely coming back. I was very concerned that he could not remember how old he is until Isabel told me that he was pretty sketchy about this even before the accident. Some of the other circuits may take a little longer but were are thrilled with his progress. Until he is exhausted, he is lucid, eloquent and very opinionated. He is easy to be with because he is interesting and funny and because he constantly expresses his appreciation for our love and support. We have all been enriched by this experience.
Please keep sending your positive energy in this direction. Miracles are happening here!!! We are so thankful for all of you. There are no words to adequately express my gratitude. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
PS. Would Ralph S who visited yesterday please call me at 904-477-3208.
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