What is the best thing to do to help...

[Larissa]

My uncle-in-law was biking and was hit (and partial run over) by a truck. He has woken up from his coma and just recently has been moved out of ICU. His cat scan did not show anything major, but he does not realize he has been injured (even though he has been told), and keeps speaking of things he needs to do that he needed to do over a year ago.

I told my aunt about this website and want to help them in some way. Any suggestions on what I can do, I live so far away (MD and they live in VT).

Any advise would be great.

Thanks,
Larissa

[Saul Raisin]

I'll keep your uncle-in-law in my thoughts and prayers... Continue to talk and express any worries that you and your family might have. Here at Raisin Hope we are that friendly for you to cry on. Wipe the tears aways because there are blue skies ahead.

Saul

[Larissa]

Thank you Saul, that means a lot. I hope that my aunt will also come to Raisin Hope for support.

On a positive note, my friend who was badly injured with major TBI in the end of 2008 has recovered to the point where he can concentrate to be able to read books again and has started reading Tour de Life. His prognosis was pretty bad, and while he cannot play sports anymore, he is almost completely back to his former self.

Thanks,
Larissa

[Randy]

Hi Larissa,

Words that I wish we did not hear anymore. We all wish your uncle in-law a speedy recovery.

I am not a doctor, just someone that has been through a similar experience. A few questions and a couple of observations.

You probably have the answers to most of the questions already. How long was he unconscious and in a coma? It sounds from your description that sugical intervention was not indicated or required. Is this correct? Was it a penetrating injury?

Do some homework. There are tons of sites on the web that have information on head injuries. Be prepared to ask questions when you meet with the doctors. Make sure that the family is there for him and are ready to provide moral support.

A CAT scan or MRI really does not tell the story. Brain function is the key. It is a good thing that the scan does not show anything major, but there can be issues.

Regular conversations with the medical staff and doctors is the best course of action now.

Let us know how we can help.

Be strong.

Randy

[Larissa]

Hi Randy,

Here is what I know. He was medically unconscious while he under went multiple surgeries. He did not have surgery for his brain, only pressure relieved after the accident. He is out of ICU and hopefully will be moved to start rehab next week.

Being long distance, what are the best ways my aunt or I can support family that lives farther away?

Thank you,
Larissa

[Randy]

Larissa:

The one thing that your Aunt does not need to be doing right now is making or answering a lot of phone calls. The best way to handle it is to have all communication cleared and any announcements distributed through another family member. Then the family can do a call-around to update everyone else. The bike shop I ride with was very concerned in the first few days after my accident and contacted my son quite a bit for updates. This was pretty stressful on my son and he stopped responding or just provided to-the-point brief responses. This was not great since everyone assumed the worse and the rumor-mill was in full swing by then.

The key is to make sure that your uncle has all the support that he needs. Focus on him. It is a good sign that they want to start him in rehab this quickly after his accident. I was in Neurological ICU for three days unconscious on a 24-hour watch after my incident. I started rehab about 5 days later.

Talk with the doctors, Ask questions and get answers! You are entitled to know what is happening. Take notes. While it sounds extreme, keep a joiurnal of your uncle's progress. Healing can take a long time and it is easy for the survivor or the family to despair when it seems like there is no improvement. I did in the beginning. Then my family would remind me how bad I was in the early days and how far I had come. They are still reminding me.

My neurologist said it would take a year to 18 months for my recovery and now I am seeing it and believe it! Thanks, Dr. Escober!

Have faith. Pray often. Believe. Be there for your aunt and uncle!

Stay in touch. Please keep us updated.

Randy

[Larissa]

Hi Randy,

Thank you for the great advise, the last thing I would want to do is add stress to anyone. I forgot to mention the accident happened in June. The doctor also said it would take about 1 year for recovery.

Thanks,
Larissa

[Larissa]

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to give an update. My uncle-in-law is going to be going home. This is great news and I thank everyone for their support.

Thanks,
Larissa

[Yvonne Raisin]

Thank is great news!
Yvonne

Larissa said:

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to give an update. My uncle-in-law is going to be going home. This is great news and I thank everyone for their support.

Thanks,
Larissa

[Randy]

Larissa,

Fantastic news. Keep up the positive reinforcement and support. It goes a long way during the recovery process.

Randy