Journal entry by Jessica Sanders —
Happy New Year everyone!
A few days ago John was transported to a skilled nursing facility for the next phase of rehabilitation. Some medical issues occurred in the time of leaving the hospital and arriving at the new facility and so therefore was sent directly back to the ER. Once there, John took matters in to his own hands, and took off. He is still extremely confused, delirium has its residual effects and the likelihood of early onset dementia from the PRES diagnosis is high.
John is now safe, and re-admitted to the hospital.
A few things need to be known going forward.
First, and foremost, John is coherent and can talk to anyone he chooses to. His phone is back on, anyone is welcome to call him and connect with him!
But please keep in mind, there is brain impairment. He may not sound like the John you know. What he "dreamt" about during his coma are things he truly believes he experienced. He can be easily aggravated, quiet, unkind, confused, and paranoid. Try not to take this personally.
We knew things would never be the same, but there is a degree of psychological impact we were not prepared for.
There is also concern for the damage that certain lifestyle choices has caused. It is our belief that he needs rehabilitation in more ways than one. He deserves to be happy and healthy. But he also has the right to make his own choices. We can open the door for a new path to take, but ultimately it's up to him to take that opportunity and give it the full effort it requires.
As we continue to monitor and assist with the next steps of where John will go for long term care, I believe that since he is able to speak for himself I no longer need to do that for him. And so, for now will be signing off as the village reporter. Again, please feel free to contact John via text or phone call.
Should any major changes happen, I will of course make sure it is announced here for the sake of accuracy.
For now, we will put the fundraising event on pause until there is a more permanent solution for placement.
It's been an incredibly challenging experience, and yet one of the most powerful things to see how much love and support people have when we rally together for the ones we love.
Thank you for not only supporting Johnny, but for supporting Kasarah, and myself as well.
Take care,
Jess
A few days ago John was transported to a skilled nursing facility for the next phase of rehabilitation. Some medical issues occurred in the time of leaving the hospital and arriving at the new facility and so therefore was sent directly back to the ER. Once there, John took matters in to his own hands, and took off. He is still extremely confused, delirium has its residual effects and the likelihood of early onset dementia from the PRES diagnosis is high.
John is now safe, and re-admitted to the hospital.
A few things need to be known going forward.
First, and foremost, John is coherent and can talk to anyone he chooses to. His phone is back on, anyone is welcome to call him and connect with him!
But please keep in mind, there is brain impairment. He may not sound like the John you know. What he "dreamt" about during his coma are things he truly believes he experienced. He can be easily aggravated, quiet, unkind, confused, and paranoid. Try not to take this personally.
We knew things would never be the same, but there is a degree of psychological impact we were not prepared for.
There is also concern for the damage that certain lifestyle choices has caused. It is our belief that he needs rehabilitation in more ways than one. He deserves to be happy and healthy. But he also has the right to make his own choices. We can open the door for a new path to take, but ultimately it's up to him to take that opportunity and give it the full effort it requires.
As we continue to monitor and assist with the next steps of where John will go for long term care, I believe that since he is able to speak for himself I no longer need to do that for him. And so, for now will be signing off as the village reporter. Again, please feel free to contact John via text or phone call.
Should any major changes happen, I will of course make sure it is announced here for the sake of accuracy.
For now, we will put the fundraising event on pause until there is a more permanent solution for placement.
It's been an incredibly challenging experience, and yet one of the most powerful things to see how much love and support people have when we rally together for the ones we love.
Thank you for not only supporting Johnny, but for supporting Kasarah, and myself as well.
Take care,
Jess
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