comas?

Roxan,

With respect to his lack of eating, what do you think about getting a psych consult ASAP for him rather than waiting until rehab????

Roxan,

With respect to his lack of eating, what do you think about getting a psych consult ASAP for him rather than waiting until rehab????

While he passed a swallow study, he may still have pain and/or difficulty eating due to his mouth injuries. I know it's hard for me to eat when it feels like I have a golfball in my mouth :) Or he may just not like the consistancy of pureed food (and it's hospital food to boot ). For whatever the reason, I'd request to have a dobbhoff feeding tube placed to assist with his nourishment. Are you allowed to bring in things like smoothies or other soft, tasty, high caloric treats? He might be interested in those.......

Because depression can often accompany these types of brain injuries, a psych consult is not out of the question. If a DH is placed and he is proceeding well with it, the consult could probably wait until rehab.

Hi all...

My husband's appetite had picked up just a bit. He is such a picky eater, and besides who really wants to eat pureed hospital food?

We start rehab in the morning 4/22/05, and they expect our stay to be 2-3 weeks. He will have PT for his leg fx as well as therapy for cognitive issues.

He now speaks at will...clearly and appropriately. He still has difficulty remembering some things and reconizing some people. His neuro surg is very optimistic that most of his memory will return in time and once the bruises on his L temporal heal.

In an attempt to pick up his appetite, I would mix chocolate ice cream and ensure. He thought that he was eating a regular McDonald's shake!!

He has made a stunning recovery and surpassed the expectations of many (think...he was in a coma for a week...in all this occured 2.5 weeks ago). I continue to pray and hope for the best...thank all of you for your concern and suggestions. I will keep you posted

shawnette

Hi

This will probably be the last time that I post on this thread. My husband is scheduled to come home on May 10. He has spent nearly two weeks in med rehab for a total hospital stay of 1 month. He is expected to make a complete recovery.

I find it amazing to watch his progress everyday; it is also amazing to watch his physicans,physical therapists, and nurses shake their heads in awe. I was told just yesterday that because of the severity of his brain injuries, he should have died. I was also told that it is amazing how he woke from a coma cognitivly intact. He can speak, read, write... execuative functioning completely intact...all in all, he is going to be okay.

The one problem that he does have is impaired short term memory, and even that improves everyday! His physican told me that the problem will resolve with time!

I want to thank all who posted with information and suggestions. I want to especially thank those who sent up prayers. It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord can work; once again I am humbled and stand in awe of his power! Thanks again...Shawnette

I am so happy to hear your husband is doing well. I will continue to keep you in my prayers!