Wednesday, June 10th

When Tim left the hospital last month, he stopped taking his seizure medication (Dilantin). He just did not want to take it anymore. He did not like how it made him feel. Without this medication, he was doing well. His head was clear, and he could function. He went in for a follow up appointment with his doctor, and this doctor really let him have it about taking the seizure medication. So Tim began taking it again. We have to remember, Tim has not had a seizure with this accident or recovery. His doctor wants him to take it as a precaution. Last week Tim experienced severe side effects from this medication. Bad enough to visit the emergency room. As an adult, Tim can refuse any medication he wants to. His nursing staff actually told us that in the hospital. He is conflicted with following Doctor's orders and taking something that makes him feel so horrible or going against the Doctors and feeling normal and fully functioning.

His doctors will not sign off on his driving release until 6 months after the accident. This is only a few months away, but seems like an eternity to Tim. He could really use some words of inspiration. If you would like to call or email Tim and don't have his information, please email me at lisaallen30@yahoo.com .

Wednesday, May 27th

Tim had his evaluation last week. It was a 7 hour testing session. They will receive the results in about 10 days. I assume that is business days. Tim thought he did okay on most of the material. He did have a problem with algebra and fractions. Being that he has not even started his Neurological rehabilitation, I don't think that is too bad. Once his results come back, he will just have to wait until his name comes up on the wait list for DARS. We just don't know how long that will be. Tim still enjoys receiving phone calls from friends and family. If you do not have his phone number, and would like to call him, just email me at lisaallen30@yahoo.com . I can give you his information.

Tim did have a fall last week. He tried to get up out of bed too quickly and lost his balance. He hit his head on a TV tray. He is okay, but had a knot on his head for a while. Everything is a learning experience for him. He has limits right now, and he doesn't always realize what those limits are until he tests them. Tim is still in the early stages of his recovery. I am very confident that he will exceed our expectations in the end. He's been doing that all along. Why stop now?

Friday, May 15th

Tim is now scheduled to have a full Neurological and Psychological examination on Tuesday, May 19th. This is funded by DARS. This exam should tell us where he needs the most help. Any rehabilitation provided by DARS will be based on this exam.

Wednesday, May 13th

Tim saw Dr. Monty Morris, Don Morris' son, this week. Tim was complaining of hearing loss in his right ear. After his examination, Monty found that he still has swelling inside his ear. So, we're hopeful that his hearing will return once the swelling is gone.

Tim also saw Dr. Bixler from Harris Methodist hospital in Fort Worth today. This doctor is in charge of rehabilitation. He is very pleased with Tim's current status. He made the comment that, in the beginning, he wasn't expecting Tim to be able to walk or talk. He said that Tim is definitely a miracle patient. He actually released Tim to work, starting next week. Tim is still not allowed to drive. And he will only be able to work part time at first.

The DARS group (Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services) has requested funding for Tim's evaluation for rehabilitation today. We are hoping to get this ball rolling and have Tim working toward 100% recovery.

Donna said that Tim is doing very well. He never uses the walker. They bring it when they leave the house, just in case. Tim's eating is going well too. We knew that this would be a long road to recovery. But, Tim also shows us that the road may not be as long as expected. It was like this in the hospital too. Tim's progress changes a great deal in just a weeks time.

Friday, May 8th

I just spoke to Tim on the phone. He seems to be having a good day. He actually did some yard work today. He mowed part of his yard, and edged some too. Tim cannot stand to be doing nothing. Donna sat outside and watched him the whole time. He thought that was unnecessary. We know better. Tim was totally exhausted when he went back inside. He will take naps when it is needed. Tim's appetite is slowly coming back. He ate all three meals today. His portions are still much smaller than he ever ate before. But, it is definitely giving him energy to be active. I am looking into "Home Health" for him. We can have physical, speech, and occupational therapists come to the home and work with him. This will take care of some of his idle time. If anyone knows of a specific agency that we should use, please email me at lisaallen30@yahoo.com . Otherwise, I am researching on the Internet.

Thursday, May 7th

Tim had his stitches and peg tube removed this week. All is well with that. Today, he went in to have an EEG (measure brain activity). The results showed irregular brain activity. He has been told that he cannot drive for at least 4 months. Tim is feeling down, as you can imagine.

Sunday, May 3rd

Tim is beginning to make some progress with his eating. He finished the "Muscle Milk" drink at breakfast, ate a chicken drumstick at lunch with 3 bites of vegetables, and planned to drink another shake at dinner. Donna feels like he is slowly getting some strength back. The stitches in his head are very painful at this time. They should be removed later on this week. The peg tube (feeding tube in his abdomen) will be removed shortly thereafter. Tim cannot hear out of his right ear at all. While he was in the ICU, that ear often had bloody drainage. We're hoping that it just needs to be cleaned out, and not damaged. Tim went to church today. Church is something that is non-negotiable in Tim's opinion, he is going. I didn't hear of any problems afterwards.