Scott continues to make great progress at home. He is now able to walk on his own. He requires someone by him because he is still unsteady but, when he is up and about, he can walk on his own. He is talking and conversational however he does remain in a state of confusion and confabulation. For example, this weekend when I saw him I asked if he'd seen Andy and Andrea recently. He told me that he'd seen Andy at the studio and then he proceeded to name other band members and people that were there -- Bob, Anthony, Chris -- and told me about what they'd been up to. So, the details about his bandmates were completely accurate but, he was confused about seeing them recently at the studio and about the details of what they were up to. Most likely he is remembering past events and confusing things that happened long ago with current details but, it is hard to know for sure.
Scott still has the assistance of 24 hour nursing care. He also receives weekly visits from a physical therapist and an occupational therapist. In addition to the visits that are covered by insurance, Jennifer has arranged for a physical therapy student to come work with Scott on other days. The P.T. student has been amazing and Scott is responding very well to her direction. She is coming on a volunteer basis right now despite Jen's best efforts to give her something for her time. Also, Scott has been receiving craniosacral/massage therapy by a wonderful practitioner who at this stage is also volunteering his time. The support and generosity from everyone, even people who didn't know Scott before the accident, has been truly amazing and is VERY appreciated.
Jennifer has spent a lot of time researching alternative therapies found to be helpful in TBI recovery. In addition to the ones Scott has already been receiving, Jennifer has found that pure oxygen has been found to greatly stimulate brain activity and recovery. Scott has an appointment to receive oxygen therapy at a hyperbaric oxygen chamber this afternoon. This kind of therapy has been found to greatly assist in the progress of some patients who are recovering from TBI. Hopefully Scott will be one of those patients.
At this stage the biggest challenge is getting Scott up and about. He is unable to initiate activities on his own (a common outcome of this kind of injury), so it can be a big challenge to get him to moving. Jen and the therapists continue to work on this with him because it is important for him to be up and moving around so that he continues to gain the ability to mobilize.
Scott had a great visit with good friends from the east coast, Abbie and Dave, a week ago. This week his father-in-law is coming and also Amy and Kirk. He seems to really enjoy having visitors to chat with and new faces to see, which gets him thinking and remembering - a great challenge for him at this point in his recovery.
Visitors can also be exhausting so, anyone wanting to visit with Scott should contact Jen first to let her know the days/times you are thinking so that visits can be staggered.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Settling In
Scott is home now. His transition home has been very smooth, all things considered, and he, Jen and Floyd are settling in and adjusting to life.
For now Scott has full-time nursing care. (Since this is not covered by insurance this is being paid for by all the generous donations from friends and family so THANK YOU!) The nursing care has been invaluable to Jen since right now Scott needs assistance with prompting and completing his day to day activities. He also requires constant supervision for his own safety but hopefully, as he progresses, the level of care and supervision can decrease.
Scott continues to make great progress. Since coming home he has begun eating again. He regularly eats breakfast and dinner and, as his intake of solid food continues to increase, he should be able to transition off the feeding tube. He is playing with Floyd. Games such as tossing and catching a ball are such a win/win since it is a great way for Scott to continue to improve his motor skills while having fun with Floyd. He even played a game of solitaire (with some prompting and assistance) during a recent therapy session.
Scott came home with a walker and a wheelchair but both of those devices have been relegated to the basement because he prefers to walk around the house on his own. He does, however, require close supervision while walking because at this stage he is still very unsteady. The walker and wheelchair will wait downstairs until he is ready to start going for longer strolls out of the house.
Scott is feeling very conversational these days and loves to sit and chat about old times. At this stage in his recovery his facts are confabulated and confused. For example, he might recall an event correctly - like a show he has been to - but recite names of people who weren't there or recall it being in a different location than it was.) Confabulation is common with this type of injury and it is a great sign that he is recalling so many memories.
There have also been challenges to Scott being home. As a natural part of his progress Scott has, at times, become very frustrated. Jen maintains a positive attitude during these difficult periods but it is no doubt hard to see a loved one going through this and also to put it in to context for a two year old. Nevertheless, it is a sign that Scott is progressing and becoming more aware of his surroundings. His frustration is a natural part of the recovery process.
Scott is ready to have visitors. Anyone who is interested in stopping by to visit him at home should email or text Jen with some days/times you'd like to come by.
For now Scott has full-time nursing care. (Since this is not covered by insurance this is being paid for by all the generous donations from friends and family so THANK YOU!) The nursing care has been invaluable to Jen since right now Scott needs assistance with prompting and completing his day to day activities. He also requires constant supervision for his own safety but hopefully, as he progresses, the level of care and supervision can decrease.
Scott continues to make great progress. Since coming home he has begun eating again. He regularly eats breakfast and dinner and, as his intake of solid food continues to increase, he should be able to transition off the feeding tube. He is playing with Floyd. Games such as tossing and catching a ball are such a win/win since it is a great way for Scott to continue to improve his motor skills while having fun with Floyd. He even played a game of solitaire (with some prompting and assistance) during a recent therapy session.
Scott came home with a walker and a wheelchair but both of those devices have been relegated to the basement because he prefers to walk around the house on his own. He does, however, require close supervision while walking because at this stage he is still very unsteady. The walker and wheelchair will wait downstairs until he is ready to start going for longer strolls out of the house.
Scott is feeling very conversational these days and loves to sit and chat about old times. At this stage in his recovery his facts are confabulated and confused. For example, he might recall an event correctly - like a show he has been to - but recite names of people who weren't there or recall it being in a different location than it was.) Confabulation is common with this type of injury and it is a great sign that he is recalling so many memories.
There have also been challenges to Scott being home. As a natural part of his progress Scott has, at times, become very frustrated. Jen maintains a positive attitude during these difficult periods but it is no doubt hard to see a loved one going through this and also to put it in to context for a two year old. Nevertheless, it is a sign that Scott is progressing and becoming more aware of his surroundings. His frustration is a natural part of the recovery process.
Scott is ready to have visitors. Anyone who is interested in stopping by to visit him at home should email or text Jen with some days/times you'd like to come by.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Scott is Coming Home
Tomorrow, Tuesday, is the big day -- Scott is finally coming home. He has continued to make good progress at the nursing facility in San Leandro but, alas the hospitalization coverage portion of his insurance has run out and it is time for him to come home. Jen has been working hard in the weeks leading up to his homecoming to prepare their house and has hired a home care nurse to help with round the clock care for his first month home. We are all very anxious to see how Scott will react to being with family, seeing the pugs and being surrounded by all the familiar things in his home for the first time in six months.
Oysters and Bluegrass!
If you haven't already heard, time is running out to get in on a fantastic fundraiser being organized by Abbie, Dave, and others at the Ocean Grill and Tiki Bar in Carolina Beach, NC. Here are the details:
A huge thanks to everyone involved with this amazing fundraiser!
| Tickets are $100 per person and all money raised goes directly to Scott for his care and rehabilitation needs. Ticket includes admission to this private party with beer, wine, roasted oysters, prime rib & heavy hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar and no children, please. Live music by No Dollar $hoes duo. To request invitation/ticket, email info@oceangrilltiki.com. RSVP by October 1st. 910-512-2111 http://www.facebook.com/events/149051501903554/149972531811451/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity |
A huge thanks to everyone involved with this amazing fundraiser!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Drum Roll Please
Last Saturday Jen, Floyd, Karen & Scott, and Andrea & Andy brought Scott's drums to the rehabilitation facility at the recommendation of his physical therapist. Jen was a little nervous about how he might react because so far he has not wanted to play with his drumsticks.
Apparently, after the drums were set up, Scott began tapping on them with his hands. They handed him his sticks and he immediately executed a perfect drum roll! Jen was inside making sure the music was not going to be too loud and missed the whole thing. Jen reports that, though he wasn't interested in playing much more that day, he sat there and enjoyed an afternoon of music with friends.
Apparently, after the drums were set up, Scott began tapping on them with his hands. They handed him his sticks and he immediately executed a perfect drum roll! Jen was inside making sure the music was not going to be too loud and missed the whole thing. Jen reports that, though he wasn't interested in playing much more that day, he sat there and enjoyed an afternoon of music with friends.
Scott transferred from the rehabilitation facility back to the nursing facility in San Leandro on Wednesday. Jen has been working to get him back on a schedule there and get his therapies all set up. I'll provide more details on his progress in San Leandro when I have them.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The Scott Jones & Family Benefit and Talent Show
For those of you who have not yet heard, there will be a benefit concert in Wilmington, NC featuring two nights of live bands, many that Scott played in or played alongside. The show will take place on December 28 & 29 and here is the lineup:
Night 1, Dec 28 - ATU, After Forever, From Beyond, Betrayer, Second Thoughts, Scott Renner & Friends, Bad Rabbi & the Heretics, (T)Ex Svengali.
Night 2, Dec 29 - Quickbread which is Brickbat with Mac McNeilly [of the Jesus Lizard] sitting in for Scott, Rural Swine, Mullet Revolta, The Crack, White Bikes, The Hedgetoads, The Neons, Sweetfeed, The Squirrels.
Night 1, Dec 28 - ATU, After Forever, From Beyond, Betrayer, Second Thoughts, Scott Renner & Friends, Bad Rabbi & the Heretics, (T)Ex Svengali.
Night 2, Dec 29 - Quickbread which is Brickbat with Mac McNeilly [of the Jesus Lizard] sitting in for Scott, Rural Swine, Mullet Revolta, The Crack, White Bikes, The Hedgetoads, The Neons, Sweetfeed, The Squirrels.
Here is a link to more information:
http://www.facebook.com/events/112809528864051/
All proceeds will go towards the Scott Jones Medical Fund.
A HUGE thanks to everyone on both coasts working very hard to pull this event together!
Scott and Floyd
Last weekend Scott and Floyd were reunited for the first time since his accident over four months ago. Jen was understandably a little nervous about the big event because both Scott and Floyd are at a stage right now where it is difficult to predict how each are going to react in any given situation. When Jen arrived she asked Scott if he knew who was there to visit him today and he replied, "Floyd." (I'm not sure if he remembered that from her telling him the day before or if he was reminded by the nurse five minutes beforehand but, in either event, it was amazing demonstration of short term memory skills which is something typically very difficult for people impacted by TBI.) Scott, on seeing Floyd, said exactly what he always says to him, "hey buddy!" They had a great reunion and it has been a huge relief for Jen to be able to bring Floyd with her to Vallejo on the weekends now.
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