Baby steps

Well, we are on plan D for Michael and it is called Touchstone. He has been here for 2 weeks and after a rocky start appears to be settling in somewhat. Every time he is moved, it is very hard on him. I'm hoping that this Rehab has the staying power to be "The Place" that gets him back on the road to recovery. The staff are very friendly and can already see what kind of person Michael is. His aggression is beginning to decrease and at times he can be talked down when he is getting upset. The trigger is always his lack of understanding of where he is and wanting to go home. He seems to think that he has done something wrong and is being punished. We are constantly reassuring him that he is in a very good place and that he has not done anything wrong. What is different from before he started the cytoxan is that he will listen and take the info in [which is progress]. However, the problem is that he only remembers it for a couple of minutes. The short term loss is devastating. Until he knows Mike and I consistently, we cannot safely bring him home. Of course, we are hoping that the cytoxan will help with that issue, but only time will tell. My gut feeling is that because the HSV had simmered in his brain for a good 8 days before his friend, thank God, found him, it is the result of the HSV and not the NMDA.
I often wonder how Michael's boss feels about what his own personal lack of concern for Michael, has done to him and our family. It is probably a good thing I don't know who he is. Some of you may be saying, "Rosi sounds angry" and let me assure you, that I am. I watch my beautiful, bright son struggle every day to remember how old he is and how to find the restroom. He was recruited to go to work for this company and this is what he got from them. He could afford his own apartment for the first time in his life. He was so excited to be able to buy nice furniture of his own. Over these last 8 months, we've been paying it off for him so he could enjoy it again one day. I am going to change gears because I know I sound negative.
My nephew came this past weekend and had a great time with Michael! He really enjoys when family and friends spend time with him. I would like to encourage those friends of Michaels who haven't visited, to do so. This is not the time to abandon a friend in need. We have a 2 bedroom apartment and car here for anyone to use while they visit. Mike and I would like to spend more time in Nashville with family but we need someone to be here for the weekend. It is all down time and is boring and lonely for him if no one is here. Rajib is coming for the 2nd time this weekend so Mike and I can get home. He is so good with Michael. Thank you Rajib! Let me finish on a positive note. Michael is asking very good questions now that point to continual awareness which is a phase of healing. He leaned over to me at dinner and said "The bad thing about me is that I can't remember anyone's name."
Post from Mom