Quiet Weekend

Charbie had a quiet weekend, just the basic humdrum routine. He's been really quiet himself lately, hardly talking. He usually now just points to the things he wants. He's made up some distinctive signals that tell us either: I want to eat, I want to drink, I'm watching, I can't see, Give me Kleenex, and Come Here! It's been hard to get him to engage in any kind of conversation - quite a contrast to a couple of months ago when he was so eager to talk and express himself. It's hard to figure out why this is happening. We think it is in part that he is pretty bored and possibly depressed/lonely, the other reason (which is what he says) is that he doesn't seem to have the energy - perhaps all the physical work is taking a lot out of him - hard to say. That's why he needs to see a neuropsychologist or cognitive specialist (whatever they are called) they know more about recovering mentally fron brain injury than we do. Unfortunately, the NS Rehab Centre is in absolutely no rush to admit him, saying that they are short of staff, etc. So we are still waiting for ANY brain specialist to see Charbel, be it neurologist, neuropsychologist or otherwise.

Until then, we are continuing to give it our best. Robert and Dad continue their intensive routine, and on the physical side, Charbel is making gains. It is on the mental/emotional/cognitive side of things that we are at a loss (and seeking professional help) and worried about not getting him the support he needs soon. We have started to look into other options in other provinces and in the US that can offer the cognitive and physical rehabilitation that Charbel needs, in addition to waiting for him to admitted to the NS Rehab Center.

If anyone has any information about successful rehabilitation programs, anywhere in North America, please send us an email at omelia@ns.sympatico.ca. We have just started our research and would welcome any information.