Focus
An interesting conversation with Michael’s speech therapist yesterday that helped possibly answer a building concern the team, family members and some visitors. The team members (recreational, physical and occupational therapists) feel that Michael’s cognition (thinking and reasoning) has gotten worse rather than better over the last few days. I think we’ve all attributed the heightened confusion to the general anesthesia (knee surgery) but Kellie (speech therapist) says different. She says the more he speaks, the more pronounced and visible the impairment becomes.
Michael is using more words when he speaks and now has the ability to form sentences. However, the thoughts projected through those words are not always clear, true or relevant to the subject. The production of speech is impaired due to the frontal lobe injury to his brain and as a result, Kellie feels he has either Apraxia or Aphasia and maybe a little of both. There are day-to-day, even minute-to-minute fluctuations in his ability and I can only imagine the frustration Michael feels when the thought formed in his head, is not the information that leaves his mouth. Actually, I can’t imagine.
Anyone that knows him, is well aware that Michael lives for the debate. Sports, religion, politics, finance, whatever…the art of communication was one of Michael’s greatest strengths. He loved to passionately argue his point. Although speech therapists will continue to work with Michael, the bundle of cognitive deficits (and there are many) will most likely be the battle he will fight hardest to overcome.
Remember the good ole’ Rancho Los Amigos Scale? He’s still climbing and in between floors…
Level V – Confused, Inappropriate, Non-Agitated: Requiring Maximal Assistance.
http://www.neuroskills.com/rancho.shtml
Level Vl – Confused, Appropriate: Moderate Assistance.
Personal thank you’s – it’s the season and it’s my birthday, it’s ok.
Bobby – for unconditional love, for always finding a way, and for endless patience and understanding.
Nathan – there are no words to express the depth of my love and respect for you. My bohemian child, you are my heart. For choosing Sylvette, who’s inner beauty shines just as bright as her amazing, natural beauty does on the outside. To the future mother of my grandchildren (I dreamt of twins), you are a Godsend to our family. If I could have chosen, I would have hand selected you myself.
Emily – for the beauty and bounty of love you give, not just to me but the whole family. My little princess.
My mother – for instilling the importance of grace and dignity and having faith in God. For talking the talk and walking the walk…you exemplify the meaning of a Christian life.
David and Mary – for working hard to make our blended family strong, full of mutual respect and most importantly full of your love and support.
And to the one that still holds Michael’s heart …thank you for being there. I love you baby girl.
xxoo