Since he was attacked he's lost weight, has a problem with one eye--has seen eye doc and getting glasses, still has the blood clots but they are being treated. The recovery center where he is has done miracles with him though--couldn't have asked for a better place for him to be treated.
What I've learned through this ordeal--when hit in the head, no one jumps back up and fights his way out like you see in movies and read in books. When attacked by a whole bunch of people from the back, you might not make it. Frankly, we thought our son would die and so did the docs. In my opinion, prayer made the difference. He went two weeks without proper treatment for anything, managed to get pneumonia from the doc's office filled with sick patients and for him to get medicine for that, I had to yell at the doc. Funny note: doc had just finished reading my An Axe to Grind and told son I was a sick woman. I don't think he expected an old lady to write a book about someone who had his head cut off. I think he was just a bit afraid of me--and he did prescribe antibiotics for the pneumonia.
Some workmen's comp docs (I've seen this with another one) are out to save money for workmen's comp, they don't really have the patient's best interest in their mind. I'm sure there are exceptions, just haven't seen it in my experience. Who came through for him was the night club's insurance company--they sent a nurse to examine him and she made the decision that he wasn't getting the right treatment and put him into the brain trauma center where he is now.
I also learned that the police don't necessarily do anything about something like this. I don't think they are even investigating. Perhaps they are, but I know my son has not been questioned by them.
Another interesting fact is that the treatment center is an Adult Residential Facility licensed by the state. I had an ARF licensed by the state, but the people I served were developmentally disabled and they lived with me full time.
I'm sure son will find another line of work after this is all over.
Now to get back to mysteries, will I use any of this in a mystery one day? Probably some of it. There's very little that happens that I've observed that I don't use in one way or another.
18 comments:
You've been through a lot, Marilyn, yet you are still as energetic as ever!
Morgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com
I'm so glad your son is recovering. I too believe in the awesome power of prayer, as I know I've seen it in my own life and recovery from loss and grief. I'm dismayed about the lack of a police investigation. But so releaved for you, Marilyn, that your son is progressing. Hugs!
Thanks, Morgan and Betty Ann, it's been a long and scary ordeal. He is truly doing better. Has been home on two visits, and may be home for good this weekend, depending on doc reports.
I hope that you have a little less excitement in your life during the rest of 2013. We all want you to save your energy for your books.
JL Greger
What scared me the most when the doctor put the first of my four tiny babies in my arms and sent me home from the hospital, was that now that he was out of my body, I was no longer in complete control over what happened to him. The older they get, the more they are out of your reach and you can only stand on the sidelines and cheer them on.
I have 3 sons, and the idea of someone causing any of them such pain is unconscionable. Yet it happens, even to big bruisers like your son looks to have been, in that picture. Just because they are big, strong men, doesn't mean they are invulnerable.
Hugs to you, from one mom to another. I hope he can resume an independent life after this ordeal is behind him. And the strength he gets from having his biggest cheerleader unflaggingly supporting him, will surely help him on his road to recovery.
I'm so glad he's on the road to recovery. When I had my head injury a year and a half ago, no one took it seriously and I still have residual effects. You are an amazing woman and I hope that when I grow up I can be more like you. I know your writing allows you to better deal with the realities of life.
So sorry about your son, Marilyn. He's in my prayers. I've had similar experiences with doctors and law enforcement. When they learned I'm a writer and former news reporter, they decided to do something.
Wow, that sure is upsetting, but hopefully your son gets better soon.
Good for you for being your son's advocate, Marilyn. I'm glad he's getting treatment and hope and pray for the best outcome possible.
Marilyn: The sad thing about health care and police work is that only those who scream the loudest are the ones who get the attention and that is only until they can get them quiet. Glad you knew how to get their attention!
Wendy
W.S. Gager
So sorry to hear about your son. Glad that you're making sure he gets the treatment he deserves!
Thank you for leaving your encouraging comments, Fiona, Lisa, Jean, Madison, Wendy and Larissa. I already lost one son to cancer, so this was especially terrifying.
Marilyn, I'm so glad to hear about your son's progress, and your attitude is phenominal. I understand yelling at medical and insurance professionals (they aren't all the professional) because I've been there and done that.
Marja McGraw
Thanks for the update, Marilyn. I'm glad he's doing better but I really do think you should go to the police station and find out if they're investigating. They definitely should, your son was hurt bad on the job and he almost died. Someone is liable for all that damage. Don't let the police sluff that off. XOXO Beth
Wow, Marilyn. You and your son have been through a lot. One thing I learned during my husband's long illness is that every patient needs an advocate. That way they've a better chance of getting the right treatment. Good thing you were vocal about matters. Your son went through a lot. I know how lethal pneumonia can be. Sounds like your son is on his way to recovery. Good thing he has you.
Marilyn, I'm so glad your son is doing better. I hope he fully recovers soon.
Hurray for your son's continuing recovery! The real story behind this is the horrendous American health (or lack of health) system in which insurance companies work hard to refuse payment as well as the inability of getting the right treatment immediately. Yes, prayer does work miracles.
Thank you, everyone, it was great to read all your support.
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