Carla, Suzanne and Sandy Some of you have asked what Tristen does in therapy, so thought we would explain some of his day. Keeping in mind he has TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). For those that have followed us from the beginning you know he was in a coma, and then placed in drug induced coma until he stabilized. Since that time Tristen has to learn how to function again, however he now has limitation and motor skill difficulties. He had multiple fractures, nine we believe, to his skull. His brain swelled and part of his skull was removed until the swelling reduced. When they repaired and replaced his skull they discovered the broken bones around his ear, praise God he can hear in that ear. He had also broken his back, which was repaired; this does not appear to cause him any difficulty. He does have paralysis on his left side; most affected is his left arm and hand along with his leg. During the day he attends various therapy sessions in which each person works on a different motor skill or speech. Although we talk about him walking he still has difficulty and works with a therapist walking. He, unlike you and I, will lean or walk to one side. They are working with him to strengthen his step, as well walk up and down stairs. Imagine when your child was 1 to 2 years old and unstable and you can understand. Even going to the bathroom can be difficult because he only has strength in his right arm and his balance is unstable. Tristen is still unstable in his walking and standing and can become off balance easily. They are working with his left hand, if you notice in pictures he has trouble opening his fingers on the left hand. They are working with him to open his hand, use this hand to pick up items, hold on to things, wave etc. Even lifting his arm can be difficult. He has speech therapy as well working with his memory. One of the most difficult things as a parent is watching him when he struggles with short term memory. He is learning to dress himself and brush his teeth, things that he had already learned is now new to him. He is in what is called day therapy and will eventually move towards outpatient therapy. We are not complaining at all, as we feel blessed to have Tristen doing as well as he is doing. Some people have asked and we wanted to explain his day. In a summary he is learning to do all the things a toddler learns to do, with some paralysis and memory loss. God Bless him because he is still so kind and sweet, never complains and actually like therapy. When he gets done for the day it is like coming home from school. He eats and plays, watches some TV and gets a bath. A slight difference is keeping him entertained. Since he has some short term memory loss, he losses interest in things easily and wants to quickly move to something else to do. Everything he does is a learning experience for him so many things are new to him again. We have no idea how long his recovery will take or what new obstacles are around the corner. We are preparing to take him home where Ron and Dana will be the care givers full time. He will still have to continue therapy have ongoing doctor visits. Tristen will need a wheelchair as sometimes he doesn’t have the strength to stand or walk. He likes to ride and now has to have a specific car seat for traveling that will fit his needs. The weekend of the accident the family would have been moving to a rental home, however all of that changed and the hospital and RMH became their home. Tristen will now need special accommodations and we (the family) have been looking for a rental home that will be convenient to the hospitals as well will have a school system that will be good for Tristens needs. The family will soon be working on some fundraisers to assist with the living arrangements and the rent. All donations so far have been collected for Tristen’s medical expenses and have been placed in Team Mighty T for Tristen. I am writing this update because I know that neither Ron nor Dana would be comfortable asking for help, so I and the family are asking. If anyone has fundraising ideas that would allow for Dana and Ron to be able to provide a home and care for Tristen please PM us. The family has set up an account in which we are securing funds to be used toward the rent allowing for his parents the opportunity care for him. Our plans are to help provide rent and living expenses until Dana is able to return to work. He will not be getting an in- home nurse and will still need to go to therapy, how frequently we are not sure. The family has found a house in which the owner is willing to work with us on rent. We are praying for some direction. All of you are so kind and have supported us this far, your suggestions and even connections would be helpful. Our primary focus is Tristen and what is best for him. Ron and Dana have never asked for anything but prayers, and that is truly what they want for Tristen. This family is strong in their faith and will continue to rely on the prayers and spiritual support of everyone around them. It is the family that is reaching out on behalf of Ron and Dana to try and get Tristen a home. Please keep up the PUSH!!! There have been some obstacles the family has had to overcome and your prayers are appreciated. Philippians 4:13 “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Posted on: Thu, 05 Dec 2013 02:32:07 +0000
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