A visit to the Neuro-Surgeon

DearJan,

This morning seemed to be like any other, the day opened with all the challenges every urbanite has to face. We had an appointment with the neurosurgeon that saved your life. It was the second follow up visit. Dr. M.S. is an unassuming fellow, if you bumped into him in a supermarket, you would think he is the guy working in the produce department. You were a bit anxious to discuss with him your questions. When we went into his office you were more relaxed and answered his questions with ease. I think he answered all your questions to the best of his ability, although not to your complete satisfaction.

The one outcome that made you experience more relief was to hear that you are going to try to get out of the medication to prevent seizures. The previous brand gave you grief with many side effects. The second one, although more benign, also affected your speech and made you sleepy. Now, you may be able to stop it for good. But, if you have just one seizure, you will have to take the medication for life! You like challenges, so when Dr. MS proposed this plan, you were quick to accept it.

Now we know first hand of the power of prayer. Nothing is really impossible with prayer. They prayed. You are alive. We will ask anyone who knows you, to pray that the seizures stop from happening again, so you can be free from this medication for life.

You continue your amazing progress. It is very revealing seeing and listening to you at this stage in which all the subtleties of polite and diplomatic language are still missing. You will ask your questions without any trimmings. At one point, when the Dr. was writing, you told him: "I am talking to you", he stopped what he was doing and looked at you attentively. Direct, truthful, fearless, I see the same Jan with the same personality, perhaps with some parts exaggerated because of the healing process.

On the way back, we stopped at the school where you used to teach to drop some equipment you had borrowed. We met with one of your colleagues and you were totally yourself, like a fish in water.

It is five months since you were taken to the hospital. It is Three months since you were transferred to the Rehab hospital, it is a bit over one month since you came back home. Time flies, and your brain continues to rebuild new neuropaths, to reprogram functions and to relearn. A few minutes ago you were explaining to me the meaning of a passage in St. John. The language, a bit slower, was error-free.

You continue to be a walking and talking miracle.


FC