Three weeks plus

It is now just over three weeks since Jim had his accident. We are amazed at the progress he has made in that short time. His ability to form short-term memories is starting to return, and he now has recalled events of December 14 leading up to his accident. This is good news as some brain injury patients can lose all memories up to a month or so before their accidents. Such a loss generally has a poorer prognosis.

As Jim recovers he is becoming less satisfied with his lot. He desperately wants to come home from hospital and salvage something of his remaining summer holidays. He has complained repeatedly to us that he was asleep for half of December missing Christmas and New Year. Although these complaints can get irritating given how lucky Jim has been, we see them as encouraging signs of the return of his self awareness.

We have just confirmed with Auckland hospital that Jim will be leaving hospital today at lunchtime to move to the Wilson Centre in Takapuna, where he will start his physical therapy. Much of this will involve learning to walk again, and restoring movement to his right side, in particular his broken shoulder. Jim will also be working on his short-term memory and social awareness. We are optimistic about his prospects, and hope that his time in the Wilson Centre will not be too long so he can come home before the beginning of the school year in February.