...And "a late" Happy Birthday!
We will have a big celebration this summer!
Back to Charb, here he is! In his van, and no wheelchair!
It is the first time in three and a half years!
Thanks to Wanda's dedication and hard work,
the efforts paid off! With Justin's help, she
was able to move Charb in the passenger seat!
"I wanna be driving", he said!
Hopefully soon!
"OK, let's go!"
Justin took him for a spin around town...
and ended at the beach!
1 comment:
Hello to Charbel & Family!
You all have never met me; however, I must let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog.
Unfortunately, I too have first-person experience with the frightening world of severe traumatic brain injury. My husband, who has also been my best friend for almost 10 years, suffered a severe TBI 9 months ago at the age of 25. There was no oxygen loss, but the severity of his injury is mainly due to diffuse axonal injury.
Of course, doctors insisted to me that he would remain in a PVS for the rest of his life. However, my husband emerged from PVS into MCS as early as 10 weeks post injury.
My husband continues to progress very very slowly. He has gone from just tracking, to finger movement on command, to arm movement, to leg movement, and he is just now beginning to tackle mouth movement. I would consider him to be at the higher end of MCS, as he also frequently demonstrates object recognition and functional object use. He answers yes/no questions using hand gestures or by pointing to words on index cards, but he does not do this consistently *yet*. He definitely knows who i am, as he often puts his arm around me or gives me a fit when I am preparing to leave the rehab facility. Lately, he even appears to be trying to talk. Overall, I am seeing evidence that he is steadily remapping his brain.
I love reading Charbel's blog because I am so inspired by his awesome progress! It makes me very happy to see the pictures and videos of Charbel talking and smiling. I am sure that you have your difficult times; however, Charbel seems to be living his life very happily. I plan to do whatever it takes to help my husband get as far as Charbel has--all I want is for my husband to be happy. It is so inspiring to see what is possible!
If you get a chance, please check out my blog at exterminatetbi.blogspot.com. If you have any advice for me on any therapy ideas or treatment that may help my husband reach full consciousness, please share!
-Emily Hagan
Thank you for sharing your story. It is amazing.
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