This month's update on Tim's niece:
June 4, 2014
Posted 20 hours ago
On June [May?] 19, Kim saw Dr. Snow, her psychiatrist who had overseen
her care while she was at Meriter Hospital. It was a very
encouraging appointment for me. She will be Kim's overseeing doctor
when Kim leaves Clearview. She hadn't seen her since leaving
Meriter in January and was pleased with Kim's progress, but was
surprised that she still had her g-tube in place since it is not
being used. If Dr. Snow had the authority to make the decision, she
would have had it removed.
Every doctor seems to have a differing opinion about how permanent Kim's personality change is. Many say personality changes caused by traumatic brain injuries are permanent. Dr. Snow was fairly encouraging that Kim may return to her pre-accident personality as she has come far in her recovery already. Dr. Snow was quick to add that it could take years. Some of the personality changes are better than others - she has a boldness that she did not have in the past. This is a good thing when she is sharing how God has helped her through her brain trauma, but not so good if she hears about anything that is hurtful to animals, including hunting. She has no problem speaking her mind when she feels animals are not being treated right, and we have had to redirect her to keep her from angrily voicing that opinion. Another personality change area is with some of Kim's age-inappropriate mannerisms or responses. She isn't as impulsive as she had been, but we and her therapists continue to work on proper actions and responses. She has to re-learn to think through actions and their consequences before doing them.
I was also encouraged by Dr. Snow's willingness to work with Kim to get her off some of the anxiety/depression medications. It can't be done quickly, but I'm thankful she is open to my concerns of the effects of these medications.
Kim finished reading her first novel this week. It was a goal Dr. Baskaya challenged her with back in March, so it has taken several months compared to only days she would have finished it in before her accident. But, it is a goal accomplished. One step makes the next one easier.
Kim's appetite has gotten better as she has been asking for additional helpings at some meals and it doesn't take her an hour to eat a meal. She still doesn't seem to be able to keep the weight on though, and that has been discouraging to her and all of us.
Kim had a special time with her brother Scott being home from Florida for a few days. He was good therapy for her - lots of laughing and spending time with her. The last time he saw her, she was still at Meriter and had her jaw wired shut so he saw a lot of progress. Those of us who see her daily or weekly don't see the progress until we think back to where she was several months ago.
Next week I have another progress report meeting at Clearview and will get their estimate of time to discharge.
We are thankful for all those who continue to pray for Kim's progress.
Every doctor seems to have a differing opinion about how permanent Kim's personality change is. Many say personality changes caused by traumatic brain injuries are permanent. Dr. Snow was fairly encouraging that Kim may return to her pre-accident personality as she has come far in her recovery already. Dr. Snow was quick to add that it could take years. Some of the personality changes are better than others - she has a boldness that she did not have in the past. This is a good thing when she is sharing how God has helped her through her brain trauma, but not so good if she hears about anything that is hurtful to animals, including hunting. She has no problem speaking her mind when she feels animals are not being treated right, and we have had to redirect her to keep her from angrily voicing that opinion. Another personality change area is with some of Kim's age-inappropriate mannerisms or responses. She isn't as impulsive as she had been, but we and her therapists continue to work on proper actions and responses. She has to re-learn to think through actions and their consequences before doing them.
I was also encouraged by Dr. Snow's willingness to work with Kim to get her off some of the anxiety/depression medications. It can't be done quickly, but I'm thankful she is open to my concerns of the effects of these medications.
Kim finished reading her first novel this week. It was a goal Dr. Baskaya challenged her with back in March, so it has taken several months compared to only days she would have finished it in before her accident. But, it is a goal accomplished. One step makes the next one easier.
Kim's appetite has gotten better as she has been asking for additional helpings at some meals and it doesn't take her an hour to eat a meal. She still doesn't seem to be able to keep the weight on though, and that has been discouraging to her and all of us.
Kim had a special time with her brother Scott being home from Florida for a few days. He was good therapy for her - lots of laughing and spending time with her. The last time he saw her, she was still at Meriter and had her jaw wired shut so he saw a lot of progress. Those of us who see her daily or weekly don't see the progress until we think back to where she was several months ago.
Next week I have another progress report meeting at Clearview and will get their estimate of time to discharge.
We are thankful for all those who continue to pray for Kim's progress.
