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Articles: True inspiration!

Monday, May 19, 2008 - 01:50 AM, (604 Reads)

Two and a half weeks ago Kev went to Aylesford House, a Brightwater rehab unit in Perth, for 3 weeks’ assessment/respite. To stop me worrying about him and jumping in the car to rush and and see him, I’ve spent 2 weeks in Bali, with all four girls coming for different lengths of time. This has given us all some much-needed breathing space as I try to plan our next move in Kev’s road to recovery. I felt at a loss as to what the next step should be and was concerned as there was a definite relapse, most likely caused by me being very tired and needing lots more support for both of us in his daily life.

I have been told that a repeat CT, bloods, oral hygiene and Kev’s footdrop will be attended to during his stay. After meeting the staff and seeing how they handled things, I felt confident to take the leap and leave him in their care.

So this was an opportunity with great timing and I’ve had lots of great things happen that have empowered me and given some positive direction:

1. Read a book called “Paper Cranes” by Cheryl Koenig, whose son Jon had a massive TBI (GCS 3). She went with her gut instinct and would NOT allow her vision to be clouded by negativity and those who dwelled on the negative. Doctors “wrote him off”, but she refused to believe Jon wouldn’t recover from his injuries. From the start she was determined that he would get well. As a result of her initiative and hard work Jon is now working part-time after completing year 12 at school. He now walks and even runs! He is able to eat, talk and look after his personal needs. We are talking here about someone who was given the prognosis of being a so-called “vegetable” (hate that word; you know – would you like to be a kumara or potato, cauliflower or broccoli?). It’s a great book, and I encourage all who want an insight into our journey to read it (see www.exislepublishing.com/shop/Hourglass/Paper+Cranes.html). Cheryl has gone on to become an active campaigner, and among other things is a member of an advisory panel for the Australian Brain Injury Association.

I have been in touch with her via email and she has responded promptly and with great warmth and compassion; this in itself makes the journey not so lonely! She has some great suggestions and fantastic contacts for networking, e.g. Bobath physiotherapy (she has given me the name of a physio, Gavin Williams, whose praises she sings for his unique and tailored work), Dr Ted Freeman (author of a book called “The Catastrophe of Coma” that has been a tremendous inspiration to many in our situation; see http://www.ypinh.org.au/index.php/News/Carers-need-care-6/5/2008.html for a great interview) and the Epworth Centre of Rehabilitation for ABI in Melbourne.

2. Met a lovely lady, Shelly, who lives between Bali and Christchurch. Eight years ago she had a horrific accident and was treated by a family friend who is very well known for his work, which involves the use of the Feldenkrais Method. And yes, his forté is spinal and head injuries. He goes to Bali once every 2 years or so, and amazingly he was in Bali at the same time as me! Shelly told him about Kev and he met up with me twice. His name is Patrick Douce and he was nothing short of amazed when he viewed Kev’s progress over the last 8 months (we have video footage on the video camera).

Patrick lectures professionals and works with people who have injuries such as Kev’s and, as I said, was very impressed. His said that he has complete faith that Kev will keep on healing and that he has great potential!! Well, I’m walking 10 foot tall (and as a bit of a shorty, that is saying something!).

Patrick and Shelly will keep in contact via email, so that’s another two great supporters. Thanks Patrick and Shelly!

3. Shelly has experience in employing Balinese people and may be able to help with getting staff to assist with Kev (for this, we DO have some funding for Kev).

4. Met some amazing people with story after story of the ability to heal after massive injury. One guy sustained TBI when he was run over, and he was in a coma for months. Six years later he works as a plumber again and cares for himself. A NZ girl who fought the odds had her spine fused; her parents sold their home to pay for treatment and then spent 1 year teaching her to walk again, etc., etc. …

The common thread in all these stories and the message coming from all the people mentioned here are the belief that the body will heal itself and the importance of treating the recovering person with dignity and respect. Having no doubt!

So, on to the next exciting episode of “Caring for Kev.” xxxxxx
Ali

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Re: True inspiration!

(Score: 1)
by Kerry on May 23, 2008 - 05:26 PM
(User information

This is actually written by Alison, as you can see by her sign-off at the end - I just posted it for her to make it easier for her.

Re: True inspiration!

(Score: 1)
by Margaret (mjm@farmside.wxc.net.nz) on May 23, 2008 - 09:53 PM
(User information http://family.munro.cc)

Thanks for that update , Alison and Kerry. And for posting it Jay when you are so busy.
Bali sounds as if it was a good choice, Alison. Lots of good happenings. Hope you do feel rested.
Love
Margaret