Update from Dad (04-08-09 5:30pm)
TEAM TOMMY,
Well, the much anticipated meeting with the doctors is over and questions have been answered. The neurologist said that all the test results are in and they DO NOT think Tommy has vasculitis. They think the narrowing they found in his vessels is from either scar tissue in his brain or a plaque buildup from lack of circulation. They plan to try to treat the issue with an aspirin regiment or with the prescription drug Plavix. They are still discussing the use of that medication and the pros and cons of it’s use. They all seem to think that with treatment, the vessels will function enough to keep Tommy from having future strokes. That was the good news. The bad news is that the damage to Tommy’s brain has progressed from both the strokes and the continuation of the injury to his brain. The earlier reports from the neuro team was that 60 % of Tommy’s brain had damage due to the accident. The current MRI’s show that almost 100 % of the exterior of his brain now has some type of damage, but the part of the brain controlling heart and lung function are doing fine, and it is the consent of all of the team that Tommy’s future progress will be very limited due to the amount of damage.
The PLAN - Tommy is scheduled to be transferred back to TIRR tomorrow morning for his remaining two weeks of therapy. A TIRR representative was here today and he told us that the therapists at TIRR agree that Tommy’s progress will be limited and that they will concentrate on his range of motion and spasticity issues to try to limber him up for his transfer home in two weeks. All of Tommy’s equipment for home has been ordered and is being scheduled for delivery. Craig is working on finishing Tommy’s room and has told us that it will be ready for his homecoming. That is about all we know. Tommy is stable for now and life goes on. Thank all of you for your continued support and prayers. God is still working on His plan for our boy and I know that He will show us the road to follow in His time, not ours. We will continue to follow that path as it is revealed to us. Love you all, Billy
