Update on Marie - Oct. 21

Hi Friends:

Sorry we have been so slow updating you on Marie’s progress. First, we have been in Iowa for a couple of weeks. Secondly,we have been waiting for “new” news and don’t have any, really.  She still has not had the cognitive test they were going to give her last week.  She did have her vision checked and was assured it is 20/20 but she is still complaining about “fuzziness” so we are hoping that improves as her brain heals further.

We did meet with some of the staff again, and the psychologist continues to believe Marie cannot live alone yet.  Since she no longer qualifies for staying at QLI we are trying to decide what next step is best for her.  The psychologist continues to be concerned about Marie’s unpredictability and impulsiveness.

We do hear Marie say “i was overwhelmed”…by things like going to Barnes and Noble, The Zoo , the Pumpkin Patch etc.  We liken it to when someone gets a hearing aid and all the sounds are amplified at the same level…we think her brain is having trouble sorting out background from the “task” at hand.  If you sit and talk with her for short periods, you are not apt to pick up on these subtleties. Physically she is gaining strength, although still a bit “wobbly” .  Her right hand is not back to normal, but our biggest concern is her emotional health.

She is beginning to read through all the hundreds of e-mail messages, and is so touched that so many of you have written. I think she has even answered a few of them.

She also feels blessed that you continue to keep her in your prayers…it means a lot to all of us; and please add a general prayer for all the residents here at QLI and the people who love them.  There are a few moms who rent houses or apartments and attend to their children daily. They are inspiring.

Thanks again for your thoughts, prayers and caring.  We’ll keep you posted on the next step when we know what it is.  She will not be at QLI much longer.

Jeanne and Dick

Update on Marie - Oct 2nd

Hello Everyone!

Marie has made big improvements (parents opinion) since I last wrote only a week ago, and we are so encouraged. The insurance did agree to pay for Marie’s therapies for another month.  When she found out, she was so relieved she could stay a bit longer, as she wasn’t ready to go home.  This week, however, instead of feeling anxious and uncomfortable about going home, she is beginning to mention things she could do if she was there!

The psychologist who gave her the original test of cognitive skills, (when she was anxious  and suffering back pain), is going to repeat the test, and of course we are very eager to hear what the results are.  We’re by no means experts, but she appears so good.  They  are quick to point out that with brain injury, one can’t always go by how things look….

We took her violin to her, and apparently she had a bit of trouble with the bowing arm (the right one) but the fingering hand worked good.  We weren’t there when she tried it, but the therapist said it sounded good to him!!  The exciting thing is that she tried it, and she wasn’t discouraged.  Another new adventure is trying to draw a still life with colored pencils; an artist comes in to help with the class. Marie enjoyed that.

She also tried to “jog” a few steps, but thinks it may be awhile before she’s really ready to run….but we’re just thrilled that she is feeling good enough to try.

They did tell her that she needed to slow down when she speaks…they thought it was a result of her brain injury….she had to tell them that is pretty much how she talks….fast. 

Thanks for thinking of Marie and “checking up on her!”   The cards, messages, BLOG messages etc. keep us all inspired.   We appreciate you (I know we say that a lot, but it’s so true.)

Jeanne and Dick