Here is a copy of the set of emails I received from Bruce Clapp and Linda Curry on 10/17. As you can see, it is still not known whether Steve will recover the use of his legs. That's the bad news. The good news, as I said in my last post is that he is much further along at this point than anyone expected. It appears we are past the point when we are wondering whether Steve will live or die. Brain damage appears to be considerably less than was first feared. Bruce has assured Linda that, should he desire to return to work at GAB, there will be work for him supervising a national account or other work that can be done from the office. Here are the most recent emails:
"Here's the latest on Steve with his new location. At this point, let's
pray that he continues to heal, deals with the physical pain that Linda
describes and begins to eat!!
"Will keep you posted as we get in to see Steve's new 'digs' "
Bruce G. Clapp, AIC
Branch Manager
Indiana Branch
and from Linda Curry:
"I won't say he's settled in but Steve is at the rehab center. The
telephone number in his room is 317-329-2444, but he won't be in it
much during core business hours Monday through Friday. He can speak
well, but his voice is gravelly and sometimes low in volume.
"Visiting hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., but he will have therapy sessions
during much of the day. (He may return to his room between sessions,
but there doesn't seem to be a specific schedule for him--each
therapist has his or her own schedule, without much apparent
coordination.) There is less intensive therapy on weekends.
"The address is
Steve Curry
Room 211R
Rehabilitation Hospital of Indianapolis
4141 Shore Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46254
"The hospital's web site is rhin.com
"Steve's been off oxygen since Saturday and is doing ver well. They may
cap the trach today, and then after a test with the cap, remove the
trach. He still has the feeding tube (used only at night) because he
has little appetite and isn't eating much of his meals. I can bring in
different food, but thus far, he's refused all offers, saying he just
isn't hungry. Once he starts eating at least half of each meal
regularly, they will remove the tube.
"Sometimes he tells me he can't eat because he's in pain (the back brace
apparently is very uncomfortable). Because this is a rehab facility,
and not an acute-care hospital, pain medication is provided only when
the individual requests it. Unfortunately, Steve tends to feel he can
deal with "discomfort" at a mid-level, but then the pain does prevent
other activities (including eating). If I can get him to request
something mild at a lower level of pain, I think he'll be better off in
the long run.
"His physical therapy right now is aimed at strengthening his upper body
to sit upright without supporting himself with his hands, to roll over
(somewhat difficult when you can't move your hips and legs), and to
transfer himself from his bed to a wheelchair and vice versa.
"Speech therapy has him playing games such as "Facts in Five" to test
his memory and vocabulary.
"Occupational therapy is learning to dress himself and take care of
personal needs, such as shaving himself.
"At this point he still has no sensation in his lower abdomen or legs.
He'll see the neurosurgeon again in 2 to 4 weeks, and we won't know
more until then about whether he'll need additional surgery or any
change in the odds of regaining any use of his legs."