I can't believe I actually have a relationship with my brother. A real one. It's not perfect, but I am so grateful to have that second chance.

Kif's biggest concern is that he find a job in Cali and that they have a YMCA out there. Luckily they have both in Cali.

He's at the cusp of being able to make choices for himself, but still uses poor judgement and his emotions to decide what he thinks is best.

On Tuesday, earlier this week, we met with Linda, the speech therapist. She asked Kif what he thought his problems were. He said his speech and his right side was still messed up. But he didn't list memory.

His problem solving: needs to be directed, needs to be given concrete examples.

Suggestions:
* using a chart on the refrigerator, or some consistent place, of things to do, and check them off as he does them.
* grocery list, pick out several things and see if he can find them at the store; once he masters that, try a different store.
* get him using a computer.
* three things to remember
* physical therapy evaluation, Linda suggested.
*

I think it's time to end this particular weblog. This weblog seems to be more about bureaucracy and my brother's emotional problems, than any recovery going on. I have no doubt that he'll recover physically from his injuries, but I'm concerned that his life will be shortened by the poor decisions he makes.

I love my brother and want to have a relationship with him. But it seems like too many years have gone by causing too much damage.

Kif still wants to work, which I think is great. But I believe he's still "cognitively disabled".

he also had three hotdogs for breakfast. yeck.

After I caught up with him, I took him to the hospital for his finger.
Since he has CICP, which is a type of insurance, I took him to the University Hospital. We ran into an "old friend" of his, Dr. Mathieson. She was doing a rotation in the emergency department. She seemed genuinely happy to see a familiar face. It was nice to see her because it reminded me how far we had come since his stay in the "step down" unit. Kif recognized her face but couldn't place her, so I told him who she was.

Kif did in fact break his finger, and it's in a splint. We didn't get home until around midnight, so he's sleeping now.

I talked to Kris re: Learning Services in CO.
In order for Kif to go to Learning Services, DGH/Kendra should have applied for the Brain Injury Waiver, Medicaid needs to have been approved.

If Kif were to go to Learning Services in CA, he would need to reapply for Medicaid out there.

Makes me reconsider taking him to CA. If he can stay in an assisted living facility, I think that would be helpful.

One more month until the four month mark.

Yesterday, Kif fell and "jammed" his finger. At least I hope it's jammed. I'd like to avoid going to the hospital. It's still puffy and swollen, but not obviously deformed.

Need to move him to California so i can be back home.

So, I called Alta Bates's outpatient neurological rehabilition. To schedule an appt, the need a written referral from an MD (I guess that's Dr. Blei), and I have to talk to a social worker about Medi-Cal.

I called Alta Bate's Brain Injury Program thinking they had a hospital social worker, and they referred me to the Alameda County Social Services of CA, who in turn, referred me to Adult and Aging (510-577-1971). I left a message with the Program Manager, and _hopefully_ she'll call me back. But leaving messages doesn't seem to help, especially if I say "medicaid pending".

I just want to go home now.

Finally, good news!!

Dr. Eusterman said that the dizziness would most likely improve within six months. We're not even at the three month mark yet, so I think we're going to be okay.

This past month with Kif staying with me have been emotionally difficult. It's been a roller coaster. For most of our lives we haven't been on good terms, so the time we've spent together has been therapeutic, at least for me. Kif has a good sense of humor and I'm really enjoying getting to know him without being all judgemental.

Denver Health Physicians
Account #94943602
P.O. Box 17309
Denver, CO 80217

CICP Pending: need to call Edgar Acosta about his application.
Medicaid pending

Afterwards, he seemed happy it was over, at least in a better mood, than when we arrived. We went out for lunch and then walked in Washington Park for an hour. We laughed and joked about "happy, hopping squirrels", until we saw one that was recent roadkill. That wasn't so funny.

About the ENG test:
http://www.webmd.com/hw/balance_disorders/hw205591.asp#hw205602

On Wednesday, Dr. Blei chatted with us for a long time. He really didn't say anything at all, just talked in circles. It was annoying, I wanted to get out of there fast.

Thursday, we went to CCD, the local Community College, to just walk around on campus. Kif has since shown an interest in going back to school. So we sent a request for a copy of his GED.

Everyday seems painful for him, and I am wracking my brain just trying to keep us both upbeat. I'm not sleeping at night, and I can't drink enough coffee in the morning. I feel completely discombobulated and constantly distracted.

This a.m. I tried to schedule an outpatient therapy appt. Here's how it went:
1. I called the centralized appt. telephone number like Dr. Blei told me to. They tell me they aren't scheduling appts for outpatient therapy until August 1. So, they give me the direct number of the clinic to call.

2. I call the clinic directly, where I wait, and wait, patiently. The nurse I talk to then tells me she doesn't see the Dr.'s referral for therapy in the computer. This means that Dr. Blei didn't put in the referral yet. So, I call his direct number. No answer. No voice mail. So I'll have to call on Monday to try and schedule the appt.

You'd think making one therapy appointment wouldn't be so difficult.

Our next appt. is with ENT (Ear Nose Throat) clinic on Tuesday a.m.

Here are some helpful brain injury websites you may want to check into:
www.biacolorado.org
www.memoryzine.com
www.subtlebraininjury.com
www.headinjury.com
www.tbilife.com