Terry is doing great! I was able to spend a couple of hours with him yesterday. He was responsive and seemed to know who I was. He was able to respond to simple requests like, stick out your tongue, raise your legs, squeeze me hand. He even smiled when I commented n the shotty job the nurse had done on trimming his mustache. He still has a long way to go. He cannot yet see, even though his eyes are open. He cannot talk and is in fact not overly perceptive to his surroundings. His condition is improving but it is a slow steady process.
Many of you have requested more information. I do not even know where to start. For information on what is going on with Terry go read some of this WEB Site. http://www.waiting.com/abouttbiicp.html . It will tell you about head injuries.
Terry is completely off of the respirator, he is being fed through a feeding tube and will be in the neck collar and brace until his broken neck heals in another 3 to 4 weeks. His ribs and broken shoulder are mostly healed and getting better daily. He does physical therapy daily. In those sessions they strap him in and stand him up so his legs can feel his body weight and feel a little balance. They also work all of the muscle groups in those sessions.
He looks, well, like Terry without leathers, dark sunglasses and a cigarette sticking out of his mouth. I just expect him to wake up and speak to me any minute.
A member of his family is with him 24 hours a day. When I arrived on Monday, Kenny Tolbert had just arrived from straight from I96 speedway and was visiting before catching some sleep, prepping Chris's bikes and heading out to West Virginia. Brother-in-law Donnie Tolbert was there too along with Teddy and Kathy.
Kenny had just brought in a poster signed by, it looks like everyone at I96. It was cool and I fought back a tear or two. It is a long hard road to full recovery. He is a winner - he will make it back.
I want all of you to know all of his family are so appreciative of all of your generosity. They are careful stewards of contributions you are making and it is making a direct difference in Terry's recovery. I personally thank all of you. As I do, please remember remember Terry in your prayers often.
I hope that gives all of you a good idea of Terry's condition.
Terry Poovey Condition Report - Thursday July 6, 2006
Terry continues to improve. While still in a come his physical therapy is
doing better and he is making sounds at the request of the speech
therapists. He can respond to simple commands and seem to know people who
are talking to him. Also his fine motor skills are greatly improved. He
keeps wanting to take the neck brace off.
The docs and people who have been through this before say this is all part
of the process of him regaining consciousness. SO we remain hopeful and
prayerful of a speedy recovery.
Thank you caring and joining all of us in waiting for Terry to come back.
Terry Poovey Condition Report - July 11, 2006
Terry continues to improve daily! He is still in a mid-stage coma but is
responding to more and more external stimuli daily. He has much of his fine
motor skills back, as far as we know he is able to move all muscles in his
body (he can turn completely over in bed) and he is active. He does physical
therapy daily and they even come and sit him up in a chair daily.
The trachea tube is plugged and he is breathing through his mouth. He can
respond to simple questions and seems to respond to voices familiar to him.
Keep praying --- We are waiting Terry!
Terry Poovey Report Monday July 17, 2006
Terry is doing GREAT.
Medically he is no longer in a coma but still suffering from trauma as a result of the racing incident. During the time I had to spend time with Terry on Saturday afternoon they had him sitting in a chair (assisted with safety straps), and he was able to communicate with short answers or by using hand signals. "Thumbs Up" being the favorite. On Friday Terry kept asked Kathy for his car keys - I can only guess he knew it was race weekend and yesterday asked his brother Teddy when he was going home. In his PT session he can support his weight seems to have good strength in all muscle groups. His weekly progress is awesome.
This week they will do another round of tests including a CAT can and MRI. Terry is making good progress and but will need long term rehabilitation therapy. As early as next week he may move to a rehab facility where he will do rehab for seven hours a day.
Because of the stability of his medical condition we will only update the WEB site on Thursday unless there are major developments.
I know all of you are Pulling for Poovey (thank you for the slogan JB!) and it is appreciated. Your financial generosity is being used for his medical bills and constant care. Most importantly, your prayers and well wishes are appreciated and are making a difference.
Thank you.
Roy (on behalf of Terry and the entire Poovey Family)
Terry Poovey Condition Report - July 23, 2006
Terry is completing a good but tiring week. He had several routine but
necessary medical and diagnostic tests. He continues to improve steadily.
Due to a throng of visitors and Terry being tired, the doctors have ordered
some limited visitation for the coming week.
All is well and as always your prayers and well wishes are appreciated.
Thank you from Terry and the entire Poovey family
P.S. Keep sending in those stories and pictures and guestbook posts. He is
getting them!
Terry Poovey Report - Saturday, July 29, 2006
Terry is doing well! His family sends their greetings to all of you.
Terry had surgery yesterday to repair a feeding tube mishap but other than
the minor residual effects of that procedure is doing well. He continues to
do rehab, physical and speech therapy. He is making steps forward.
Thank you for all of your prayers, well wishes and generosity.