Update on Marie - Sept 21st

Dear Friends,

We had another meeting with the psychologist who had us in a “tizzy” before, and actually she has not changed her mind about Marie’s condition. It is hard for us, but we see some of what she is insisting is the case.

Marie is having trouble focusing on tasks,and needs quite a bit of “prodding” to carry through her tasks.  She is still experiencing anxiety…they are working on medicating that problem, but think it is a brain function also. The psychologist feels that many times the anxiety comes from mention of things from her “former life”…which was upsetting to us, because we thought if we could get her in her own home, she would feel better.  That is true of normal situations, but not Marie….it adds to her stress.

When she does feel stress, she no longer knows how to handle it…like write a list, or tackle the problem, or jog….so she sits with a knot in her stomach.

As many of her friends are aware, she suffered from depression before the accident, and the experts tell us that her pre-existing condition is complicating her brain injury recovery.

Because of what we have been told, we plan to extend her stay here at QLI and are waiting (and waiting and waiting) for confirmation from the insurance company.

Some of the activities appear to be “busy work” but it was explained that a trip to Target involves making a list, thinking through what should go on that list, understanding how much money you have to spend etc…pretty simple, unless one has had a brain contusion!!!

The good news is that she and her ribs and back survived a great big bear hug from members of the Torch group that came again to sing with her.!!  :-)  Everyone else in the room held their breath and cringed, but Marie never uttered a whimper…we had been SO concerned about the awful shape her ribs were in, and she has never complained of them being sore…we have experienced more than one miracle through all this trauma!!  Her back appears to be healing very well.

Marie continues to be “blown away” by all the cards, messages and e-mails sent her way.  She can’t believe all the people who have taken the time to let her know they care.

Thanks to all of you…wish I could thank each and every one of you individually. Lux Middle School teachers, kids and the principal continue to send cards and come by when possible (it is hard to find her not busy) and Marie does appreciate all the thoughts and messages she is receiving.

Thanks again to everyone for what you have done and what you are doing.  It has helped to sustain all of us through some of the low spots.

There are great strides in Marie’s recovery too, and it is heart warming to see.  We just wanted her to be “back to normal” in a few months  and are learning that that may not be the case…but overall, considering she was laying unconscious about two months ago, it is REMARKABLE she is doing as well as she is…and we are grateful.  We are hoping and praying that some of what the psychologists say is not accurate and that since they don’t know Marie…perhaps she can prove them wrong!!

Jeanne and Dick

Update on Marie - Sept 11th

Hi Friends!

Sorry it has been awhile since we’ve written. We did go back to Iowa for a week, but are back in Nebraska.  Marie is happy to see us.

They told us originally that Marie would make great strides and then hit a bit of plateau…i think that is the case.  She is still doing rehab activities.

Her back is better, but has slowed some of her progress, as it is uncomfortable.  I think she is no longer on pain meds however (as it turned out, it seemed to affect her blood pressure, and she was dizzy when she stood)  Overall, we think her back is better….but not cured.

She still complains about fuzzy eyesight; they are continuing eye exercises to strengthen her eye.  She is discouraged and still a bit teary, as she realizes what capabilities she has lost. 

We still aren’t sure what the next step will be…it is quite evident that she will still not be able to live alone when she leaves here in a few weeks, so her Dad and I are still mulling over various possibilities…not easy to make decisions for someone else….

Thanks again for thinking of her; her Torch group brought over a lap quilt for her and there is an afgan in her room to “wrap her in love”; she is still getting cards and messages.  She (and her parents) appreciate all the thoughts and all the prayers said for her. (and for us…thank you)

Jeanne and Dick

Blog note:  Many thanks to the prayer quilt ministry at St. Mark’s for making and tying the quilt with their many prayers.  Praisefest allowed the folks at First Christian to tie and continue the prayer vigil for Marie and her recovery. TORCH was honored to deliver the quilt and prayer folder to Marie. Many thanks from all of us for your participation and dedication to prayer. –Amy

Cards and well-wishes may be sent to Marie:
Marie Chelikowsky
c/o Quality Living Incorporated
6408 North 70 Plaza, House 4, room 8
Omaha, NE 68104