I know a lot of us are pulling for Greg, and it's amazing how many people are part of his life, something we've had the privilege of finding out through this unfortunate circumstance. It's additionally frustrating for those of us who know and love Greg but can't be in Pittsburgh right now.
If you're one of the many who fall into that category (like me), then you're probably finding the biggest frustration with not knowing exactly what's going on, and what Greg and Jess need or could be comforted by. This blog is probably the best way to stay on top of info that comes out, especially since Jess is tough to reach right now, being almost 9 months pregnant and spending most of her time at UPMC Southside. I'm sure she'll be more accessible as Greg continues to improve, but know that she is very appreciative of all the support that so many have sent by email, text, letter, phone, etc.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention that one of the best ways to support the Rippers right now, especially if you're not in Pittsburgh, is to use the Donate link in the left bar of this blog. There are plenty of things we just don't know about what is going to happen with future medical costs, lost income and the baby, not to mention Greg's total recovery (which he's doing great with so far, by the by).
If you'd like to send something to Jess and Greg, please use their home mailing address at:
954 Norwich Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15226
We're asking everyone not to send anything to the hospital for a few reasons: first, it can get rather hectic there; second, it's easier to keep track of everything at home (Jess also particularly thanks those of you that have helped with house and dog sitting lately); and finally, Greg's doctors are beginning to talk about discharge dates (more on this in another post).
Anyway, even if you're not physically present for Greg's recovery, know that you are having an impact. Please leave comments on the blog to let Greg's family know that you're keeping him in your thoughts, and let me know if there's something you'd like to see here.
The title of this post is the title of a Ted Leo and the Pharmacists album that Jessie and Greg (maybe more Jessie) enjoy, in case you were wondering.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Baby Steps
It looks like we're reaching a compromise with Greg's doctors and nurses regarding his pain medication. Today it seemed like he was managing his pain much better, though it's definitely ongoing. That's to be expected just over one week from a horrific accident, but knowing that doesn't make it easier.
It's becoming clearer that progress with a TBI patient is very incremental. We'd all love to see Greg up and running around and doing the things he enjoys, but that's going to be a while from now. Today, Greg was able to walk from his bed to the bathroom and back without calling the nurse for assistance. He is still able to curl the fingers on his right hand, which is a great sign, and it looks like his right arm is getting a bit stronger. We're still not sure how that is going to progress, but the fact that he's moving it voluntarily at all is wonderful.
It's difficult to figure out what Greg's future is going to look like. Right now, if he didn't improve at all, we'd still be thankful that he's alive, but even as he continues to progress it's likely that there will be a ceiling somewhere, and that may not be a "full recovery." TBI prognosis is hard to figure for an individual patient - some never even wake up, some you'd never know had been in the hospital, and everything in between. We're hoping that Greg keeps making little bits of progress while at UPMC Southside and later during outpatient therapy.
It's becoming clearer that progress with a TBI patient is very incremental. We'd all love to see Greg up and running around and doing the things he enjoys, but that's going to be a while from now. Today, Greg was able to walk from his bed to the bathroom and back without calling the nurse for assistance. He is still able to curl the fingers on his right hand, which is a great sign, and it looks like his right arm is getting a bit stronger. We're still not sure how that is going to progress, but the fact that he's moving it voluntarily at all is wonderful.
It's difficult to figure out what Greg's future is going to look like. Right now, if he didn't improve at all, we'd still be thankful that he's alive, but even as he continues to progress it's likely that there will be a ceiling somewhere, and that may not be a "full recovery." TBI prognosis is hard to figure for an individual patient - some never even wake up, some you'd never know had been in the hospital, and everything in between. We're hoping that Greg keeps making little bits of progress while at UPMC Southside and later during outpatient therapy.
Pain and Progress
Greg has started the therapy process, and we're really hopeful that the doctors and nurses at UPMC Southside will be able to help him with our major concerns right now: recover his speech, be able to use his right hand, and walk. We've already seen great progress with his walking, though anything more than a short distance is laborious. He is able to communicate, but he has issues with a lot of words and things like letter order. We're hoping to get some more concrete answers about how his speech works as therapy continues.
Part of today's therapy involved shocking his right arm. Not exactly sure how that works, but the end result is that, for the first time since the accident last Wednesday, he is able to flex his fingers on his right hand, albeit only with great effort.
One of the most frustrating parts of this part of Greg's recovery is the level of pain he's feeling. As directed by his doctors, his pain medication has been lowered significantly. It's amazing to think that one week ago today he had a breathing tube in and was sedated, waiting for brain surgery, but there is a lot of pain associated with head trauma and surgery. We want to make sure that Greg is able to concentrate and focus on recovering, which is hard enough by itself, but is next to impossible if he's in constant pain, so we hope the staff at UPMC Southside can find a balance.
It is really hard to see Greg in pain.
Part of today's therapy involved shocking his right arm. Not exactly sure how that works, but the end result is that, for the first time since the accident last Wednesday, he is able to flex his fingers on his right hand, albeit only with great effort.
One of the most frustrating parts of this part of Greg's recovery is the level of pain he's feeling. As directed by his doctors, his pain medication has been lowered significantly. It's amazing to think that one week ago today he had a breathing tube in and was sedated, waiting for brain surgery, but there is a lot of pain associated with head trauma and surgery. We want to make sure that Greg is able to concentrate and focus on recovering, which is hard enough by itself, but is next to impossible if he's in constant pain, so we hope the staff at UPMC Southside can find a balance.
It is really hard to see Greg in pain.
UPMC Southside
Greg has been transferred to UPMC Southside, where he will be in inpatient therapy and rehabilitation until he is able to come home. He is starting to talk better and even stringing a couple words together, but plenty of words still aren't coming out yet. He is walking with limited assistance, but we still haven't seen much progress with his right hand - he can't move his fingers, though he can feel some pain and temperature change.
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