Get Well Clarkie!

Here’s a message I just received from Tedi that she asked me to post for you all.

Scott and I would like to bring Aaron’s full condition to light and clarify a few things. In addition to his physical injuries, Aaron has suffered a traumatic brain injury. He is functioning at a cognitive level of 4, which means he is confused, agitated, and aggressive and requires maximal assistance. Doctors have restricted external stimuli, thus no TV/radio, dimming of the lights, and very few visitors – which have been limited to family only.

Even though Aaron’s physical healing seems to be progressing, his cognitive skills have a long way to go. It still remains unknown if his brain injury will result in long-term, permanent cognitive impairment. Aaron has experienced memory loss and currently does not have the ability to retain new information for a significant amount of time.

We will continue the ‘no-visitors’ policy until further notice. Since Aaron doesn’t recognizing all the well-meaning visitors & friends, the situation just adds to his stress level and creates undue external stimuli (against doctors’ orders). We apologize for any misleading information you may have read or heard about Aaron. We wanted to get a better grasp on the situation before announcing this on the website.

Aaron failed several swallow tests and still has the feeding tube. The staff has also tried to cap the trach tube and remove the vent, but he was unable to properly breath through his throat and mouth. Thus the trach remains to assist him in breathing. Speech therapy started on Friday, with a concentration on oral exercises, since Aaron cannot speak at this time. He started OT and PT a few days ago, with the majority of the rehab focused on regaining balance, strengthening his core and neck muscles, along with a few arm exercises.

Thank you for all the wonderful thoughts, calls, emails, text messages, and donations. It has been extremely reassuring to have such a great support group assisting us during this rough time. We are thankful and astounded at the outpouring of concern for us, the Clarks, and Aaron. We cannot begin to verbalize how we are feeling, just know that Scott and I would like to convey our most sincere gratitude to all of you.

I would also like to say thanks to the entire Clark family for flying to the US to assist in Aaron’s recovery.

Thank you.
Scott and Tedi

Thank you very much, Tedi and Scott, for the detailed message. I would like to share a few links where people can learn more. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides good general information about Traumatic Brain Injuries. Here is a description of the Levels of Cognitive Functioning, which Tedi said Aaron was currently at level 4.

Aaron, Tedi, Scott, and the Clarks, know that we’re all sending you our love and best thoughts.