Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to thank all of you who have shown so much love and support throughout this ordeal. It is greatly appreciated. I especially want to thank RJ for running this blog and keeping everyone up to date and informed. We are so lucky that Greg is alive and doing so very well with his recovery. More and more each day I see my "old Greg" and although we still have a long way to go, I know that he will continue to improve because he is extremely motivated and strong. He also wants me to thank everyone who has shown concern. He is very moved by your caring and it's nice to know we have so many great friends. He will be home tomorrow and maybe I will be able to convince him to post something soon! Until then, the master of information giving (RJ) will keep everyone in the loop.
Again, we feel an overabundance of gratitude towards all of you.
Love,
Jessie
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Homeward Bound
Exciting news - the doctors at UPMC Southside have decided that Greg is medically ready to come back home on Wednesday, February 4. Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, this doesn't mean that he's completely recovered (he's most certainly not), but he is doing well enough that he won't endanger himself or Jess (or the as-yet unborn baby). As you can imagine, this is great news, and everyone is really excited to get Greg back home.
Therapy will continue three days a week for three hours per day on an outpatient basis. In addition to guided rehabilitation, Greg will be increasing his ability to speak and use his right arm by doing things that he does every day, instead of simulating exercises (though he'll do those during outpatient rehab).
Greg's talking has come along beautifully. He's speaking in full sentences, though his enunciation is not perfect, he stutters on some words and has trouble with others. Greg is aware of these problems, which is both frustrating to watch as well as encouraging. The progress of his speech is one of the most amazing things about his injury: the way the brain can rebound after trauma is astounding. It's also a reminder of how lucky Greg has been, as plenty of TBI patients never regain speech to nearly the extent he has (and still improving!).
Greg's right arm is the main point of concern right now. The strength is improving, but his right hand is still clearly weak. For example, he can lift a styrofoam cup, but bringing it to his lips is next to impossible. He's using large-handled utensils in therapy, and is able to control them but again has difficulty with the strength and control of bringing them to his mouth. The right arm will obviously be a major concentration of his continued therapy.
As Greg comes home, we're hoping he'll be able to make some updates to this blog. Jessie will also make a guest appearance shortly, and we're going to try to get some recovery photos and videos up as well (home being a much more conducive environment to photography than a hospital).
In the meantime, by popular demand, the following is a photograph of Greg's head. While undated, it was taken after he moved to UPMC Southside. As you can see, the surgical scar is quite long on the left side of his head, and the extra stitch to the upper right of the photo is from the drainage tube that stayed in Greg's skull following surgery. And, as so many images and moments since January 21 have, this photo reminds us of how lucky we are that Greg is in a position to recover.
Therapy will continue three days a week for three hours per day on an outpatient basis. In addition to guided rehabilitation, Greg will be increasing his ability to speak and use his right arm by doing things that he does every day, instead of simulating exercises (though he'll do those during outpatient rehab).
Greg's talking has come along beautifully. He's speaking in full sentences, though his enunciation is not perfect, he stutters on some words and has trouble with others. Greg is aware of these problems, which is both frustrating to watch as well as encouraging. The progress of his speech is one of the most amazing things about his injury: the way the brain can rebound after trauma is astounding. It's also a reminder of how lucky Greg has been, as plenty of TBI patients never regain speech to nearly the extent he has (and still improving!).
Greg's right arm is the main point of concern right now. The strength is improving, but his right hand is still clearly weak. For example, he can lift a styrofoam cup, but bringing it to his lips is next to impossible. He's using large-handled utensils in therapy, and is able to control them but again has difficulty with the strength and control of bringing them to his mouth. The right arm will obviously be a major concentration of his continued therapy.
As Greg comes home, we're hoping he'll be able to make some updates to this blog. Jessie will also make a guest appearance shortly, and we're going to try to get some recovery photos and videos up as well (home being a much more conducive environment to photography than a hospital).
In the meantime, by popular demand, the following is a photograph of Greg's head. While undated, it was taken after he moved to UPMC Southside. As you can see, the surgical scar is quite long on the left side of his head, and the extra stitch to the upper right of the photo is from the drainage tube that stayed in Greg's skull following surgery. And, as so many images and moments since January 21 have, this photo reminds us of how lucky we are that Greg is in a position to recover.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The Tyrrany of Distance
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.
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.
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