A BIG milestone

[Trainnut484]

This might belong on the Coffee Shop thread, but I think this deserves special recognition.

I am an employee in a physical rehabilitation hospital for stroke and brain injury victims here in the Kansas City area. This below is the best reason why I work there.

A patient, whom I cannot reveal his name due to patient rights under HIPPAA regulations, is a fellow model railroader and suffered an injury a long time ago, and was confined to a wheelchair. He has been undergoing therapy for much of that time.

Today he WALKED FOR THE FIRST TIME with help from his walker into the hospital for routine therapy. All the staff gave him high praise and cheer. He told me he'll soon be able to work on a layout with his grandson.

He's getting closer to living life before the injury. That is his goal.

Take care,

Russell

[Anonymous]

That is really good to hear. I hope he gets better.

[tomwatkins]

Russell,
That is truly outstanding! My wife is an occupational therapist. She works with a lot of stroke patients and also a lot of hand injuries. When she comes home with a huge smile on her face, I know that one of her patients has acheived a big milestone. It's a wonderful feeling.
Keep up the good and very important work,
Tom Watkins

[simon1966]

Hi Russell

It is great to hear stories like this. I sell medical equipment, with one of the devices being used in the Neuro intensive care unit. I spend many days a month in this environment seeing patients in the worst possible state after massive stroke or head injury. It is really great to hear about people emerging from the end of the long hard road with positive outcomes. Thanks for sharing.

[Paul W. Beverung]

Russell; Please convey my warmest gongrats to the gentleman. Absolutly a milestone.

[Big_Boy_4005]

No Russell, this story IS worthy of a topic unto itself, and should not be buried in the coffee shop.

Not only is it heart warming on a human level, but also on a hobby related level. Thanks to you and your co workers, this man now has a chance to share the hobby that we all love with his grandson.

[Anonymous]

Russell,

Outstanding!! I hope the gentleman's grandson realizes someday the huge gift he received from you and the others were you work. I'd give anything to have had a grandfather, and I would give even more to have had a grandfather to railroad with!!!

On a related thought. Perhaps you could answer this for me. It seems to me that those that have a hobby that involves either physical skill or mental effort seem to recouperate from major illnesses and trauma better and enjoy retirement much more than those that don't and that many of these people have had a life long interest in those hobbies. Have you found this to be true in your occupation?

BTW: Hearing a story about a man who has suffered immensely and his biggest joy is working on a layout with his grandson puts things in perspective. Yes, we may debate scale, guage, DCC systems, prototypes, operations vs. running etc etc and even get into fights about them, but here's a guy who is happy to just be able to enjoy it. This should serve as a reminder to all of us. This is a great hobby and even more fun when you share it with others. Or, in the case of Russell, help someone else enjoy it. What a great way to end the week!!

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dkelly

Russell,

Outstanding!! I hope the gentleman's grandson realizes someday the huge gift he received from you and the others were you work. I'd give anything to have had a grandfather, and I would give even more to have had a grandfather to railroad with!!!

On a related thought. Perhaps you could answer this for me. It seems to me that those that have a hobby that involves either physical skill or mental effort seem to recouperate from major illnesses and trauma better and enjoy retirement much more than those that don't and that many of these people have had a life long interest in those hobbies. Have you found this to be true in your occupation?

BTW: Hearing a story about a man who has suffered immensely and his biggest joy is working on a layout with his grandson puts things in perspective. Yes, we may debate scale, guage, DCC systems, prototypes, operations vs. running etc etc and even get into fights about them, but here's a guy who is happy to just be able to enjoy it. This should serve as a reminder to all of us. This is a great hobby and even more fun when you share it with others. Or, in the case of Russell, help someone else enjoy it. What a great way to end the week!!

Thank you for completing and filling in my thoughts on this, especially the part about putting things in perspective. I also think that it is fair to say that the medical community recognizes the value of both hobbys and pets as forms of therapy.

[simon1966]

There is a lot of research and anecdotal evidence that individuals with interests and hobbies that require a lot of problem solving and thought are less suceptible to brain debilitating illness like dementia. There is also a lot of evidence that individuals with a real drive and plan for the future, folk that can focus on a goal and not let it go, can have remarkable recovery from what seem like hopeless brain damaged situations. For all that medical sicence knows about the human brain, there is so much we still do not understand. I was talking to a patient in a hospital the other day, she had come in for a follow up visit. To talk to her you would not know that anything was wrong. Then I saw some of her brain images! When she was an infant, she had half her brain removed due to a tumor, now as an adult, the remaining half of her brain had assumed all the functions of the missing hemisphere. The brain has an incredible capacity to re-learn, which is why the rehab centers are places of miraculous success. Miracles happen every day in hospitals all over the USA. I for one, am a firm believer that a hobby like model railroading has the capacity to keep my brain active long into retirement!

[eastcoast]

There is nothing better than being able to carry on a quality
life. And this kind of progress is wonderful after such a life
altering tragedy, no matter what form. Give my regards.
Ken

[cjcrescent]

Russell;

Damn straight this deserves its own topic!!!

I was a Registered Nurse for 30 years until I retired, so I understand the feelings you are having now.

Even if no one else says it, THANK YOU for all you have done.

[Anonymous]

Russell,
That was a real day-maker for lack of a better word. I suffered a "permanent' T-6 spinal cord injury 8 years ago. I'm 40 now and been model railroading for 35 of it. The hobby has helped me keep my sanity through it all. Its so motivating and moving to hear this news. Nothing is permanent. God bless you for the work you do. This news definitely needs its own topic if not its on forum.

[Trainnut484]

Thank you to all for your kind and warm replies. As simon1966 puts it, people who have determination and plans for the future make remarkable progress in their recovery.

dkelly, you've made a valid point. We can bicker about this vs that, but it doesn't really matter if you can't physically or mentally enjoy the hobby.

He has more milestones to achieve.

Take care,

Russell

[Trainnut484]

I just wanted to give an update on our patient. He is walking a little smoother and faster, but not at the pace he would like. All the staff knows he's a little impatient. He told me today he has the material and rolling stock for an HO layout, and hopefully soon will be able to be productive with it.

As for me, I have found another job position much different than the one I have at the hospital. I will miss our patient. I hope to keep up on his progress.

Take care,

Russell

[Trainnut484]

Just posting an update here. I've ended my employment at the hospital, but he's continuing with therapy. He came in on my last day (Monday 11/1) wearing a Santa Fe Super Fleet shirt [bow][bow][bow].

He is now a member. Please welcome Hobo Jungle to the forums!
[#welcome][#welcome][#welcome][#welcome]

Take care,

Russell