12/27/06 Home:

It’s been a long time since the last time we informed you about Felix.  Several things have happened during those days, some good, some bad, and we are still waiting for him to enter TIRR.  Here is pretty much what happened in the last days:

 

Several health conditions prevented Felix from entering rehab at TIRR.  Obviously, he needed to get in better shape in order to be admitted.  He has had several examinations, diagnostics and treatments in the last 3 months.  We have finally received an admission date for his rehab (Jan 8th), we hope that this time we don’t hit anymore bumps on the road this time, and that he can start it right away.

 

Felix’s has made significant neurological progress and his health has gotten better. He is more alert and follows some commands. Felix has been under treatment by Dr. Skouros and Dr. Jerry Street a brilliant Orthopedic Surgeon, and Dr. Munah Hawila taken care of his urologic system, we are glad that they take care of him and we thank them very much. We appreciate their help and support of all the friends and caregivers. Now Felix is back at home and ready for TIRR.

 


7/29/06 Home:


Finally! Felix is undergoing therapy and treatment at TIRR.

After 2 years of the accident, we finally got the go ahead for Felix to start
treatment and therapy at TIRR (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research).

Before telling you what is going on over there, we would like to thank
Dr. Khumi for all his support and for hooking Felix up with TIRR.
Felix first visit was to meet with Dr. Shah and to figure out what to treat
first and how and when to do it.  The first thing ordered for Felix was to receive BOTOX injections in his upper and lower extremities.  Botox will soften up and relax his muscles. Since Felix has not been able to use his legs, the muscle in them begins to harden up and causes a decreases in the range of mobility of the extremeties.

The Botox treatment, was applied last week by Dr. Francisco and Dr. Bosques at the TIRR Out-patient Clinic.  This was a somewhat complicated procedure because they must use a computer screen to figure out how deep into the muscle the injections must be delivered.  Hopefully, we will start seeing the results pretty soon. 


Along with the Botox treatment, Felix will get an Intrathecal (inside his column) “pump” that will deliver medication for the treatment of spasticity (hardening of the muscle).

Felix will receive in-patient treatment starting in the first week of September.  We do not have a date yet.  It is possible that he will spend a few weeks over there.  We will inform you about what will happen in there and the visiting hours.

Once again thanks for everybody who came by and called for Felix’s birthday, and to everybody else who takes care of Fe. 





4/25/06 Home: (by Miguel)


Fe’s recovery is going slow, and our hopes are still really high.  Manolo and I have been taken care of Felix 24/7 because mom and dad are taking a more than well-deserved brake overseas. They needed some time off to recharge batteries and also take a breather.  Mom and dad have been on Felix bedside for the last two years.   On Friday, when they left, Felix seemed a little sad, but on Saturday, he was already in a better mood. 

Felix has started moving his upper body a bit more in bed; he pulls himself up from the rail and helps us out when we need to sit him up to put him in his wheel chair. This is exhilarating to me because it gives me hope that someday he’ll get out of bed on his own.

Last week, I pretended to toss a hand-therapy ball at him, he immediately made the move as to catch it.  So we throw the ball at him and he tries to catch it, however, he hasn’t been able to catch it yet, though. 

Joann Segura has been working with Felix for a while now.  She is really nice and patient with him.  She does a lot for him; last week Joann drove him to see his primary care physician Dr. Creixell.   Creixell seemed happy to see Felix and how more alert he is since his last visit. Felix spends a few hours everyday in his old room; he likes to see what is going on outside the window.  Fe will start hyperbaric treatments in the near future.  I will keep you informed.


3/11/06 Home:


It has been a while since the last time I have informed you about Felix's recovery.  Several things have happened in the last couple of months.  First, today is the second anniversary of the terrible accident in which Felix was involved.  On December 17, 2005 Felix received an cutting-edge treatment, in which we hoping to start seeing positive results in the next three to six months.  Meanwhile, Felix we have seem more alert, following your every move, he spends longer time on his wheel chair, and has his own vehicle to be transported around the city.  Felix had his appointment last week with his Neurologist (Dr. Berrios), and his Neurosurgeon (Dr. Berry), they were really satisfied with his improved condition.  Felix's skin and muscle tone have strengthened, his weight is ideal, and his appearance is coming back to normal.


Once again, we like to thank everybody who has called, visit or e-mailed wanting to know about Felix's progress.  God bless.