I am writing very early tonight because I came home for dinner instead of going out so I have an extra few minutes before going back over to the hospital.
Today I went and bought a dry erase board for Kevin. For the first time in days, he had a spark of interest in his eyes and he hasn't been pushing us away. I am quite sure now that he is bored shitless. Anyway, he really liked the board. He scribbled a few things on it for about an hour (no words yet) and I just let him go. It takes him a while to hold the small markers so I am going to go back to the store tomorrow and buy some larger ones. Tonight I am going to see if he wants to use it some more and I am going to pay attention to the colors he uses. I want to see if he writes with all the colors or just certain ones. I just didn't think of it earlier because I was so excited that he could even hold the marker to the board.
And I know he needs to learn how to write with his left hand now and that is going to take some time. I told him that I would learn with him because I can't do it either. This way I will know exactly what he is going through and we can have two angry, frustrated people, lol.
So wish us luck yet on getting him to really use the board. I tried some questions tonight and wrote yes and no on the board and told him to pick the answer, but he wasn't doing it. I am going to work on that if he is still awake. If not, there's always tomorrow, right?
First 2 from the Nov kit!
11 years ago
17 comments:
That's awesome Leslie! I hope the big markers work better.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Tampa.
Love,
Brittany Snow
Leslie, YAY, that is awesome news!! You have some great ideas to help him!! Here is all the luck in the world to get him to use the board!!
Healing and positive thoughts for Kevin.
Safe thoughts for Alan.
Big hugs for all of you!!!
Love ya'll!!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi
Hey Leslie, I used to do special needs Daycare. I used 2 ping pong paddles green and red. The kids could ask the SN yes or no questions and all he had to do was LOOK at the red(no) or green(yes). All the kids thought it was great. Then we made a simple board with pictures and the word. So you might try music, rest, TV,etc. I would try just 4 things on a board until you learn to read his eye. I am so please with all the leaps and bounds that Kevin is making. Please know that you all are in our prayers.
Blessings to you all
Wendy
Andrew's MoM
You might also look at magnetic letter boards. I know it looks childish but it might get him looking, focusing and thinking. You can arrange the letters so he can look at the words 'yes' or 'no'. Put all of the red letters on one line, all of the yellow on another and so on.
People with brain injuries can sometimes see black and white better meaning that what I just wrote won't help. If you think black/white is better for him, get a magna doodle and see how that works.
Hi Les! Cat and I are sitting here, reading , as we have every night while she's been here. We think of you and are sending you hugs!!!
That's an exciting development! Just the fact that he's putting the marker to the board is a great sign. What a great idea and it sounds like he's ready to do more than just sit around! I'll be praying for you both learning how to write with the left hand. I know a right-handed farmer who lost his whole right arm in a farming accident and had to learn how to do everything with his left hand. He copes amazingly well now. It must have been quite the challenge, of course. Take care and may God continue to work these "small miracles" in your lives. I can't wait to see what else you think of.
hey there! just wanted to let you know that i'm thinking about both of you!
hey again, i wanted to mention PECS, it's a form of non-verbal communication...deals with pictures-
it helps a great deal when i try to communicate with my son... I can send you links but i don't have your email - if you have time and want some links, please send me an email :-)
Leslie...that is great that Kevin is working with the markers. Before long he will be writing words...When Micah was in TBI rehab we also bought wooden childrens puzzles that had the peg that sticks out so they can be put in the right whole easier. Also, a little toddler toy (i forget what it is called) but it is red and round and you have to put the objects in the right hole was good for Micah. I am trying to think of other things for you. I am so proud of Kevin's progress. Keep taking him outside if you can...they told us that would help to make Micah wake up. If you can, when your out, take a medium size ball out with you and try to play a little throw and catch. If you ever need to talk to me my cell is 814 2293361. His TBI rehab reminds me a lot like Micah's. Also, if you can you should video much of the rehab process. I remember someone once told me to do that for Micah and I was very offended...I didn't think I would ever want to wach videos of that. Now, there isn't a day to go by that I don't wish I had that video. I think Kevin would like it too! Sorry so long!
Micah's mom...Brenda Armstrong
Leslie,
Each day brings a new adventure. Your stamina amazes me.
The comments from your blog readers share so much hope. They have visions of Kevin being well, healing and prayers by the millions sent for him. How can anything but good happen each day. : )
I see you as a nurse, a teacher, a counselor, a mediator, a writer and the list goes on and on.
You are trying to see things through Kevin's eyes. Good for you for learning how to write with your left hand too. You're such a good Mama.
BRAVO KEVIN...each task must be so hard. Sing proud of you songs, praise, laugh and show so much excitement. PRAISE WORKS..he will want to please you more. He must be so proud of himself.
In the 80 days you have been by Kevin's side...the roller coaster of emotions you experience and feel each day are more than most feel and live in a lifetime.
God Bless you...I am so very proud of you.
STAY STRONG, Leslie. STAY STRONG
Your strength is most definitely working in helping your son get well. Your strength is coming through to Kevin...for sure.
When I can I search for things that might help you, I have found some interesting things about color. I did read that brain injured people see in black & white and that's why it is so important to force colors and the names of colors on them..red, orange & yellow will be the first learned, while purple, brown, blue will be harder to separate from black. It has something to do with forcing the brain to use another root to connect color with the name of color.
I also found that they use one line mark for yes, and 2 lines for no because in the beginning it's too hard for them to form letters, especially those with curves and a circle is suppose to be the hardest.
Kevin might be far ahead though because he remembers to put a pencil to the paper...and that's a wonderful beginning!
Leslie,
I've been thinking this and just never asked. I know you told us that time is of the essence with brain injuries and getting to Tampa.
What if you contacted Tampa and asked them if you could possibly ever have some of the "therapy" that they start their new patients out with so that you can work with Kevin while you are still in Texas. They probably want to do it themselves because they are the professionals, but it was just a thought.
I know he must be evaluated in Tampa, but at times it must seem like your head is spinning with being frustrated...knowing he needs to get to Tampa. If they knew how much you and Kevin have advanced together...maybe they'd send you some material to work on and get a little jump start to make up for lost time.
I know how well he responds to you...I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask your case worker.
Is it possible for the hospital in Texas to put you in contact with the hospital in Tampa to actually speak with someone and ask questions ? Maybe you could be lead or actually trained a bit in his rehab. After all, you are truly doing that right now...with no training at all and succeeding.
Good Luck. I'm so glad you are able to get some rest. My Mother always used to say that rest is as good as medicine.
Hey, Leslie. Sounds like things are going pretty well for you and Kevin. Some ideas that came to me while reading your latest update -- while in rehab, my therapist had me use putty to exercise my hands/fingers and build up dexterity. As for a ball, maybe buy him some Koosh or Nerf balls. He can easily grip them and safely toss them indoors or out. And for his mind, how about a game of Memory, where he has to match the cards. Maybe you can find a deck of standard playing cards with interesting designs for the numbers. These can then be re-used for more complex games as he progresses.
I'm so impressed with everything you have thought to do with him so far! Thank goodness you are there to keep him from going too crazy from the boredom. Just remember to keep taking care of yourself, too. Keeping Kevin occupied can be just as tiring as worrying about his injuries was before.
Keeping you close in thought,
ida
Les, You are a Wonderful Mom. You are always thinking of the best things honey. Not only do we have to say keep up the good work Kev but also keep up the good work Les. Wish I was there some to help you. I keep praying that Tampa will come soon and I think by the sounds of it it is closer than we think. Love ya miss ya. Pam
Leslie,
I was wondering if they have told you what part or parts of the brain were damaged? There are 5 sections like temporal lobes or Parietal lobes, etc.
If you knew this it might help you decide what Kevin can or cannot do a little better, and what to work on with him. I found this site that tells you what controls what:
http://www.braininjury.com/symptoms.html
Leslie, keep coming up with new ideas for him. It will stimulate him and that can only be good. You will stumble on things he can do more and more and sooner or later find a way for him to comunicate with you.
Good Luck. I can't wait to hear how it went.
Theresa
Dear Leslie
What a wonderful Idea , to learn with Kevin , how 2 write with the left Hand.
My Niece from Florida just recently told me to use my left Hand sometimes just to show that you can .
I am so glad that he is making such progress . I know it is a slow Process but I also know that with patience ( I have none but I am learning) and time ; Kevin will come around and get better
I am sending you some Angel Power and lots of Love
Petra
S.A. Louisiana
Post a Comment