Update
Mid Summer
Hello all it has been a slow summer with everything moving at a snails pace.
Therapies have been running at three quarters with holidays and all.
Chris is
doing well and we so appreciate the emails and inquiries as how he is doing
even though I have not kept up on the blog as I should have. There is so much
going on in the back ground and keeping busy, I have less time now than I was
hoping for.
We are going to mediation on the 15th of August, very interested to
see how things will work out. House searching is still on going and very
difficult to jump into anything as it has to be just right.
The Lokomat device
is wonderful and giving Chris a chance to walk for 35 minutes each week. I am
trying to find a way to increase it to three times a week but money and open
times are holding us back.
Still having trouble with the Ministry of Disabilities as they will only over
the bare essentials and really not even that it is ridiculous what is needed
and what they say is needed, guess they have never had to be in a position of need
at this level. I believe if I keep at it, and make sure the fire is hot then
things will keep cooking.
Thank you to all the doctors who continue to follow and support Chris and to
all his many many friends for the encouragement and added drive you give me to
keep the wheels on the road and the pedal to the metal, all this and stay
focused on the journey and not the trip. Life itself is a long relentless path
but it is the people that make it worthwhile.
Just quick follow up to some of the questions I have been getting, Chris is in
great shape adjust finished a physical, with all the tests in and looking
great, he is probably in better shape than me.
He is one determined fellow as most of you know; having said that I know his
journey into medicine is nowhere close to being over.
Christopher got into medicine to make a difference and I will make sure he is
able to do that in a way he would enjoy and be able to take part! I do believe
before this is over there will be major changes to different Government
Ministries and those who do business with them. The health department, those
who deal with brain injury will be brought into the light and public view and
maybe get some of the badly needed recognition that is sorely missing. I was
told I could not change the world let alone the system but with seeing Chris
everyday and what he has had to endure, I can not express the hopeless feeling
I get not being able to change it fast enough. It will change and Chris will be
the driving force to make the change.
The court case is set for October 3, 2011. The TV stations have already been
talking about covering the story, I think you all will be amazed, if you are
able comedown and watch or make sure you tune into the evening news for
updates.
If anything happens in the mean time I will update immediately, if not I will
try to keep it regular as time permits.
Thank you all so much to all my friends in Alberta, BC and across the country,
your support and caring fuels the drive.
Talk soon,
Chris and Kevin
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Hello everyone,
Here we are in the early days of July, Summer has somewhat started and we are still in lots of turmoil as how things will progress. I try to keep Chris informed on the things that are going on with the legal side of things but find I am much stronger in convincing him we are going to do all we can do to keep his therapy going and the results continuing to happen as it has been happening.
Needless to say he loves and responds to therapy and excersce more than anything else. So with that said, as the wheels turn and all the crap keeps floating from all sides, all I can do is assure him that soon he will be home and therapy will be directed by his involvement and desires.
The Lokomat has been fantastic and an unbelievable experience, if any of you would like to come to a session let me know and I will open up time for it.
We will be fitting for a new easy chair of sorts built to fit all of his body for comfort and support should be done in the next couple of weeks.
Therapy is going great a little slower with summer and the heat but still pushing forward and looking at all the new things that are happening out there, Chris may become an expert on rehab as he has surpassed the doctor of physiatry that we first had in Surrey who could not figure how to tie his shoes and having difficulty coming into the 21st century with rehab and knowledge. So glad we asked all the questions and pushed all the professionals to their limits to get the results we have, the exciting part is we have only just begun!
Society shirts should be available in a few weeks time will keep you posted, you can order by email at drbigelow@gmail.com
I am still finding it hard to make time to post videos of Chris on the Lokomat but promise to do it very, very soon.
Thank you all,
Chris and Kevin
Here we are in the early days of July, Summer has somewhat started and we are still in lots of turmoil as how things will progress. I try to keep Chris informed on the things that are going on with the legal side of things but find I am much stronger in convincing him we are going to do all we can do to keep his therapy going and the results continuing to happen as it has been happening.
Needless to say he loves and responds to therapy and excersce more than anything else. So with that said, as the wheels turn and all the crap keeps floating from all sides, all I can do is assure him that soon he will be home and therapy will be directed by his involvement and desires.
The Lokomat has been fantastic and an unbelievable experience, if any of you would like to come to a session let me know and I will open up time for it.
We will be fitting for a new easy chair of sorts built to fit all of his body for comfort and support should be done in the next couple of weeks.
Therapy is going great a little slower with summer and the heat but still pushing forward and looking at all the new things that are happening out there, Chris may become an expert on rehab as he has surpassed the doctor of physiatry that we first had in Surrey who could not figure how to tie his shoes and having difficulty coming into the 21st century with rehab and knowledge. So glad we asked all the questions and pushed all the professionals to their limits to get the results we have, the exciting part is we have only just begun!
Society shirts should be available in a few weeks time will keep you posted, you can order by email at drbigelow@gmail.com
I am still finding it hard to make time to post videos of Chris on the Lokomat but promise to do it very, very soon.
Thank you all,
Chris and Kevin
Monday, June 27, 2011
June 27, 2011
June 27,2011
Hello everyone,
Chris has had a good weekend and starting out all charged up this Monday morning. Heading to Abbotsford for our twice a week visit to Physio, we have an eye appointment this week and will be walking the Lokomat again on Wednesday. All the extra stretching Chris is getting on the off Physio days has been great for increasing breathing and awareness. We will start our speech sessions with a new therapist as ours is off teaching for the months of July. The therapies and there impact on Chris has increased greatly since Fraser Health bailed out on us at the end of April. people can work on what they were trained to do rather than what they are told to do, a great benefit of being independent.
Will update shortly as things transpire this week.
Thank you again, for all your support and help when asked.
Kevin and Chris
Hello everyone,
Chris has had a good weekend and starting out all charged up this Monday morning. Heading to Abbotsford for our twice a week visit to Physio, we have an eye appointment this week and will be walking the Lokomat again on Wednesday. All the extra stretching Chris is getting on the off Physio days has been great for increasing breathing and awareness. We will start our speech sessions with a new therapist as ours is off teaching for the months of July. The therapies and there impact on Chris has increased greatly since Fraser Health bailed out on us at the end of April. people can work on what they were trained to do rather than what they are told to do, a great benefit of being independent.
Will update shortly as things transpire this week.
Thank you again, for all your support and help when asked.
Kevin and Chris
Monday, June 20, 2011
Monday June 20, 2011
Hello All,
The Lokomat consists of a robotic gait orthosis and a body weight support system that suspends the user over a treadmill. It has computer-controlled motors, precisely synchronized with the treadmill, that move the user’s legs through trajectories that mimic physiological gait patterns. The training parameters are individually set and adjusted to meet each individual’s needs. A wide range of training possibilities exist with the Lokomat as the therapist is able to adjust the amount of body weight that is supported, the joint angles, gait speed, and guidance force. By adjusting these parameters to the individual user’s needs, the therapist is able to optimize the functional training. Assessment tools built into the system, standardized measures, and functional goals are used to measure the patient’s progress.
Chris' session will be posted on Utube for all of you to see, as soon as I can figure the connection out.
Speech, Physio, and OT are all secured to continue, even though the manager at Fraser Health's ABI program tried to shut it all down. We have overcome most of the obstacles created by the system, Fraser Health and those who would interfere or stand in the way of progress.
The CSIL program we have fought for, for almost three years has again been stopped. This is now the second time we have had it taken away, without just cause, as the rules for us seem to differ and the definitions used for being a part of the program do not apply to us, we seem to get special attention the wrong kind, with us having to pass through a microscope of constantly changing rules. It is amazing how the personal feelings and preconcieved notions of a few can ruin the lives of so many. This belief that people belong in an extended care facility if they are not able to care for themselves has got to change and reflect the peoples needs on a person by person basis and not lumped together as an average. These problems have hounded us for our whole journey to-date and continue as we try to move forward!
We will endeavour to move forward walking around the obstacles we encounter, I feel that in the not so distant future we will be required to start turning over those rocks and walking over the obstacles. It always astounds me how those with nothing to lose and who have no accountability create all the problems?
Kevin
Chris has started going to NeuroMotion to use the Lokomat walking system, here is some background,
NeuroMotion Physiotherapy is the only clinic in British Columbia to have a Lokomat®system in their clinic. The Lokomat is a gait orthosis that assists walking movements on a treadmill to improve mobility in individuals with various neurological and orthopedic diseases and injuries. Body weight supported treadmill training has been extensively researched and has been shown to be an effective method of improving recovery in individuals with neurological injuries and diseases.
The Lokomat consists of a robotic gait orthosis and a body weight support system that suspends the user over a treadmill. It has computer-controlled motors, precisely synchronized with the treadmill, that move the user’s legs through trajectories that mimic physiological gait patterns. The training parameters are individually set and adjusted to meet each individual’s needs. A wide range of training possibilities exist with the Lokomat as the therapist is able to adjust the amount of body weight that is supported, the joint angles, gait speed, and guidance force. By adjusting these parameters to the individual user’s needs, the therapist is able to optimize the functional training. Assessment tools built into the system, standardized measures, and functional goals are used to measure the patient’s progress.
In principle, all gait-impaired patients, whether the cause of the impairment is cerebral, spinal, neurogenic, muscular, or osseous, can be trained with the Lokomat system. Most of the data gathered to date on the Lokomat system is based on experiences with patients with spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy.
Chris' session will be posted on Utube for all of you to see, as soon as I can figure the connection out.
Speech, Physio, and OT are all secured to continue, even though the manager at Fraser Health's ABI program tried to shut it all down. We have overcome most of the obstacles created by the system, Fraser Health and those who would interfere or stand in the way of progress.
The CSIL program we have fought for, for almost three years has again been stopped. This is now the second time we have had it taken away, without just cause, as the rules for us seem to differ and the definitions used for being a part of the program do not apply to us, we seem to get special attention the wrong kind, with us having to pass through a microscope of constantly changing rules. It is amazing how the personal feelings and preconcieved notions of a few can ruin the lives of so many. This belief that people belong in an extended care facility if they are not able to care for themselves has got to change and reflect the peoples needs on a person by person basis and not lumped together as an average. These problems have hounded us for our whole journey to-date and continue as we try to move forward!
We will endeavour to move forward walking around the obstacles we encounter, I feel that in the not so distant future we will be required to start turning over those rocks and walking over the obstacles. It always astounds me how those with nothing to lose and who have no accountability create all the problems?
Till the the next update, which will be after Chris' next session.
Thank you,
Kevin
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Post Fraser Health Meeting
Hello,
Back on track with all most everything, it still is a daily struggle, but we move forward each day. Chris will be trying out a new. Walking machine on Wednesday hooray! If it goes well we will be doing it every week in conjunction with other therapy. Speech and communication is very time consuming and tedious but on the days Chris is up to it, it is the most amazing thing you have ever seen. W ho would have thought such a simple thing would bring tears to you eyes every time. It is moments like this that let me know he is so frustrated and wants to speak so badly........unbelievable amount of work but very minute is worth it.
We will have Fraser Health on board until the end of July but for care costs only so we will remain being responsible for the therapy costs on a daily basis.
Therapy has been going great since Fraser Health pulled out at the end ofApril leaving us with nothing, I am sure the therapist or more at ease and can do what they were trained to do, with out someone watching over their shoulders every second and constantly trying to get them to reduce therapy time. Independent therapy and therapists are the only way to go, a world of difference.
We did Have CSIL support to help pay some of the care costs but Fraser Health decided we were not spending it the way they wanted us to. (seems the purpose was for CSIL was for us to do what made best sense for us, without their control) Guess as long as they are involved they will make it as hard as possible to live life the way we see fit.
If we could only put more accountability into their decisions, better yet get someone who can think and pay attention longer than five minutes.
Till next time with more to add,
Kevin
Back on track with all most everything, it still is a daily struggle, but we move forward each day. Chris will be trying out a new. Walking machine on Wednesday hooray! If it goes well we will be doing it every week in conjunction with other therapy. Speech and communication is very time consuming and tedious but on the days Chris is up to it, it is the most amazing thing you have ever seen. W ho would have thought such a simple thing would bring tears to you eyes every time. It is moments like this that let me know he is so frustrated and wants to speak so badly........unbelievable amount of work but very minute is worth it.
We will have Fraser Health on board until the end of July but for care costs only so we will remain being responsible for the therapy costs on a daily basis.
Therapy has been going great since Fraser Health pulled out at the end ofApril leaving us with nothing, I am sure the therapist or more at ease and can do what they were trained to do, with out someone watching over their shoulders every second and constantly trying to get them to reduce therapy time. Independent therapy and therapists are the only way to go, a world of difference.
We did Have CSIL support to help pay some of the care costs but Fraser Health decided we were not spending it the way they wanted us to. (seems the purpose was for CSIL was for us to do what made best sense for us, without their control) Guess as long as they are involved they will make it as hard as possible to live life the way we see fit.
If we could only put more accountability into their decisions, better yet get someone who can think and pay attention longer than five minutes.
Till next time with more to add,
Kevin
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Hi everyone update and explanation!
Hey everyone,
Please read over the story from CBC that started all of this crap with the Health Authoity (kind of an oxy-moron...Health Authority) more like dictatorship. There is no authority on health or brain injury that is hired by the government to help with the recovery or rehabilitation. they are hired for their ability to pinch pennies and refuse service.
Please forward to all the people you know and get them up to speed on Chris' story. The gloves are coming off and the fuse is about to be lit. I will start up dating tomorrow and it will be every other day. It will include Chris' progress and all the crap we have had to endure just to keep the help we were promised after being yanked back here from Ponoka right in the middle of treatment!
Thank you,
Kevin
The story from CBC is below.
Dr. Christopher Bigelow is receiving extensive rehabilitation in Alberta and is beginning to move his limbs and interact with others. (Shelley Bigelow-Bradshaw)
The family of a B.C. physician who suffered a major brain injury in a car accident is speaking out about how he was denied rehabilitation in his home province and given only limited support for treatment elsewhere.
"The hurdles have been non-stop," said the man's father, Kevin Bigelow. "It's awful. It's just like pulling your heart out."
Dr. Christopher Bigelow, 33, is undergoing intensive rehabilitation at a facility in Alberta. According to his father, most doctors in B.C. said his condition was hopeless. Despite that, reports now indicate he is showing some improvement.
Christopher had recently graduated from medical school when the car he was riding in was in an accident in November of 2007. Before his family found treatment for him, his father said, he spent a year lying immobile in Surrey Memorial Hospital, without any rehabilitation and with minimal assistance.
Bigelow had suffered a severe head injury, leaving him in what doctors described as a "minimally conscious state."
"It got so we hated to leave him, because we weren't sure what would happen," the father said. "The care there was — from what I've seen elsewhere — substandard.
'He's a victim now of the very system
he wanted to help.'
— Dr. Christopher Bigelow's father, Kevin
"He worked long and hard at what he wanted just for the dream of being able to be a doctor — and practise in this place. And this place has sorely let him down.
"He's a victim now of the very system he wanted to help."
Bigelow said Christopher was deemed not responsive enough to qualify for treatment at Vancouver's G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, and doctors suggested the family place him in a long-term care facility. His father is adamant this will never happen because the stimulation for him in that setting would be minimal and lacks the intensive rehabilitation he is receiving now.
A car accident in the fall of 2007 left Christopher Bigelow barely conscious and suffering from severe head trauma. (Kevin Bigelow)
"We spend millions of dollars saving lives, but we don't care what happens after we save the life," Bigelow said. "We give them three months to show us signs that they are going to come back and, if not, we get rid of them."
The family found space for him at the Halvar Jonson Centre for Brain Injury in Ponoka, Alta. Bigelow has been there since March. He is now correctly answering questions and responding to commands non-verbally. He has also started to move his limbs.
B.C. funding set to end
"When we come into the room, he will look our way and his arm will start to move," Bigelow said. "When you are standing beside him, he will be reaching out to touch you or to grab your hand. And when he has your hand, he will squeeze almost enough to break your finger."
The B.C. Health Services Ministry agreed to pay for his treatment in Alberta, on a temporary, time-limited basis, but that funding is set to run out Jan. 15.
"Nobody listens," Bigelow said. "Nobody cares. To government, it is just dollars and cents."
"We shouldn't have to go to the media with this," said Chris's sister Shelley Bigelow-Bradshaw. "I always just thought this was something that you would get help with."
Kevin Bigelow offered to pay for his son's rehab but said he was told this would not be allowed under the public health-care system. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia has paid out some money for special equipment and therapy outside the Halvar Jonson Centre, but the claim from the accident has still not been fully settled.
The family is pushing the B.C. government to pay for an extension in Alberta, because there is still no comparable treatment for him at home.
Dr. Chistopher Bigelow's father, Kevin, and his sister Shelley are urging the B.C. government to pay for more rehabilitation in Alberta. (CBC)
"There have been times lately — with the fight with the B.C. government — that I am thinking, 'Why did we save him?'" the father said. "Because I can't imagine being locked in a body not able to move and show emotion and fight every day."
Doctors support family's request
B.C. neurologist Dr. John Diggle treated Christopher prior to his move to Alberta and continues to confer with his doctors there. Diggle wrote letters of support to the Health Ministry in November, saying, "He has made moderate gains in his functional status …based on those gains … I would fully recommend an extended stay at the Halvar Jonson Centre."
Alberta physician Dr. George Rosenkranz has also written in support of continuing Christopher's care in Alberta. "The intervention has stopped his frequent epileptic seizures and since then he has very slowly, but definitely, started to follow simple and repeated verbal commands," Rosenkranz wrote in another recent letter to the B.C. Health Ministry.
Despite those medical opinions, the latest correspondence from the ministry indicates funding is still only in place until mid-January.
Submit your story: http://www.cbc.ca/bc/features/gopublic/
Kevin Bigelow said he needs time to find a new home to accommodate his son's needs, before he can bring him home. He also wants to arrange private therapy at home, which he said can be expensive and difficult to organize.
"I'm not asking for the moon," Bigelow said. "I just want the rehab and the things that he is moving forward in. I want a chance for me to work with him for as long as it takes."
"He deserves the chance to keep progressing and to get back to wherever he can get," his sister Shelley said. "He's a human being."
No response from B.C. minister
CBC News asked for an interview with B.C. Health Minister Kevin Falcon but did not hear back about the request. The ministry sent a statement, which reads:
Surrey, B.C., resident Christopher Bigelow graduated from medical school at age 31, just before his injury occurred. (Kevin Bigelow)
"The Ministry of Health Services recognizes the desires of Dr. Bigelow's friends and family that he continues to receive the best care possible … the ministry will continue to support the best plan of care for Dr. Bigelow based on the expert advice and recommendations of his health professionals in Alberta and in B.C."
Professionals who work in the field of brain injury confirmed services for the most severely injured patients are lacking, in B.C. and elsewhere.
G.F. Strong "doesn't have long-term services of that type," said Dr. Jennifer Yao, medical manager of the acquired brain injury program there. "Some people are left in the cracks. This is an area that could be improved upon."
"There's definitely a need for additional rehabilitation services for this population," said Jerry Stanger, director of brain injury services for the Fraser health region, which also did not accept Dr. Bigelow for treatment in its program.
"Our rehabilitation services are currently under review."
Growing national problem, association says
The Brain Injury Association of B.C. says that brain injury is the number one cause of death and injury for people under 45. It estimates 160,000 people in B.C. suffer from brain injuries, with 14,000 new injuries occurring every year.
"There aren't enough services at any price," said B.C. Opposition Health Critic Adrian Dix. "And people say, 'Isn't it expensive? Can we afford it?' Well, in many cases not providing the services is incredibly expensive — because these patients end up back in acute care with serious complications."
B.C. Opposition health critic Adrian Dix says lack of rehabilitation for severely brain injured patients is a serious, national problem. (CBC)
"This is a national issue. What we need right now is to take the issue seriously. We need to respond to the very significant recommendations from brain injury groups and make improvements in the system. Because it's not going to get better."
Shirley Johnson, president of the Brain Injury Association of Canada, said more people are surviving brain trauma than ever before, with new medical technology to keep them alive.
"It takes a tremendous toll on family caregivers," Johnson said. "The majority of people in Canada do not have the money it takes to pay for the care that's needed. What it comes down to is, it's up to the families."
Kevin Bigelow flies back and forth to Alberta constantly to help his son with his rehabilitation. He said caring for him and fighting for resources has become a full-time job and depleted almost all of his savings.
"If your loved one has a serious brain injury, unless you are very, very wealthy you are not going to be able get the help. It will not be there for you," he said.
Please read over the story from CBC that started all of this crap with the Health Authoity (kind of an oxy-moron...Health Authority) more like dictatorship. There is no authority on health or brain injury that is hired by the government to help with the recovery or rehabilitation. they are hired for their ability to pinch pennies and refuse service.
Please forward to all the people you know and get them up to speed on Chris' story. The gloves are coming off and the fuse is about to be lit. I will start up dating tomorrow and it will be every other day. It will include Chris' progress and all the crap we have had to endure just to keep the help we were promised after being yanked back here from Ponoka right in the middle of treatment!
Thank you,
Kevin
The story from CBC is below.
Dr. Christopher Bigelow is receiving extensive rehabilitation in Alberta and is beginning to move his limbs and interact with others. (Shelley Bigelow-Bradshaw)
The family of a B.C. physician who suffered a major brain injury in a car accident is speaking out about how he was denied rehabilitation in his home province and given only limited support for treatment elsewhere.
"The hurdles have been non-stop," said the man's father, Kevin Bigelow. "It's awful. It's just like pulling your heart out."
Dr. Christopher Bigelow, 33, is undergoing intensive rehabilitation at a facility in Alberta. According to his father, most doctors in B.C. said his condition was hopeless. Despite that, reports now indicate he is showing some improvement.
Christopher had recently graduated from medical school when the car he was riding in was in an accident in November of 2007. Before his family found treatment for him, his father said, he spent a year lying immobile in Surrey Memorial Hospital, without any rehabilitation and with minimal assistance.
Bigelow had suffered a severe head injury, leaving him in what doctors described as a "minimally conscious state."
"It got so we hated to leave him, because we weren't sure what would happen," the father said. "The care there was — from what I've seen elsewhere — substandard.
'He's a victim now of the very system
he wanted to help.'
— Dr. Christopher Bigelow's father, Kevin
"He worked long and hard at what he wanted just for the dream of being able to be a doctor — and practise in this place. And this place has sorely let him down.
"He's a victim now of the very system he wanted to help."
Bigelow said Christopher was deemed not responsive enough to qualify for treatment at Vancouver's G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, and doctors suggested the family place him in a long-term care facility. His father is adamant this will never happen because the stimulation for him in that setting would be minimal and lacks the intensive rehabilitation he is receiving now.
A car accident in the fall of 2007 left Christopher Bigelow barely conscious and suffering from severe head trauma. (Kevin Bigelow)
"We spend millions of dollars saving lives, but we don't care what happens after we save the life," Bigelow said. "We give them three months to show us signs that they are going to come back and, if not, we get rid of them."
The family found space for him at the Halvar Jonson Centre for Brain Injury in Ponoka, Alta. Bigelow has been there since March. He is now correctly answering questions and responding to commands non-verbally. He has also started to move his limbs.
B.C. funding set to end
"When we come into the room, he will look our way and his arm will start to move," Bigelow said. "When you are standing beside him, he will be reaching out to touch you or to grab your hand. And when he has your hand, he will squeeze almost enough to break your finger."
The B.C. Health Services Ministry agreed to pay for his treatment in Alberta, on a temporary, time-limited basis, but that funding is set to run out Jan. 15.
"Nobody listens," Bigelow said. "Nobody cares. To government, it is just dollars and cents."
"We shouldn't have to go to the media with this," said Chris's sister Shelley Bigelow-Bradshaw. "I always just thought this was something that you would get help with."
Kevin Bigelow offered to pay for his son's rehab but said he was told this would not be allowed under the public health-care system. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia has paid out some money for special equipment and therapy outside the Halvar Jonson Centre, but the claim from the accident has still not been fully settled.
The family is pushing the B.C. government to pay for an extension in Alberta, because there is still no comparable treatment for him at home.
Dr. Chistopher Bigelow's father, Kevin, and his sister Shelley are urging the B.C. government to pay for more rehabilitation in Alberta. (CBC)
"There have been times lately — with the fight with the B.C. government — that I am thinking, 'Why did we save him?'" the father said. "Because I can't imagine being locked in a body not able to move and show emotion and fight every day."
Doctors support family's request
B.C. neurologist Dr. John Diggle treated Christopher prior to his move to Alberta and continues to confer with his doctors there. Diggle wrote letters of support to the Health Ministry in November, saying, "He has made moderate gains in his functional status …based on those gains … I would fully recommend an extended stay at the Halvar Jonson Centre."
Alberta physician Dr. George Rosenkranz has also written in support of continuing Christopher's care in Alberta. "The intervention has stopped his frequent epileptic seizures and since then he has very slowly, but definitely, started to follow simple and repeated verbal commands," Rosenkranz wrote in another recent letter to the B.C. Health Ministry.
Despite those medical opinions, the latest correspondence from the ministry indicates funding is still only in place until mid-January.
Submit your story: http://www.cbc.ca/bc/features/gopublic/
Kevin Bigelow said he needs time to find a new home to accommodate his son's needs, before he can bring him home. He also wants to arrange private therapy at home, which he said can be expensive and difficult to organize.
"I'm not asking for the moon," Bigelow said. "I just want the rehab and the things that he is moving forward in. I want a chance for me to work with him for as long as it takes."
"He deserves the chance to keep progressing and to get back to wherever he can get," his sister Shelley said. "He's a human being."
No response from B.C. minister
CBC News asked for an interview with B.C. Health Minister Kevin Falcon but did not hear back about the request. The ministry sent a statement, which reads:
Surrey, B.C., resident Christopher Bigelow graduated from medical school at age 31, just before his injury occurred. (Kevin Bigelow)
"The Ministry of Health Services recognizes the desires of Dr. Bigelow's friends and family that he continues to receive the best care possible … the ministry will continue to support the best plan of care for Dr. Bigelow based on the expert advice and recommendations of his health professionals in Alberta and in B.C."
Professionals who work in the field of brain injury confirmed services for the most severely injured patients are lacking, in B.C. and elsewhere.
G.F. Strong "doesn't have long-term services of that type," said Dr. Jennifer Yao, medical manager of the acquired brain injury program there. "Some people are left in the cracks. This is an area that could be improved upon."
"There's definitely a need for additional rehabilitation services for this population," said Jerry Stanger, director of brain injury services for the Fraser health region, which also did not accept Dr. Bigelow for treatment in its program.
"Our rehabilitation services are currently under review."
Growing national problem, association says
The Brain Injury Association of B.C. says that brain injury is the number one cause of death and injury for people under 45. It estimates 160,000 people in B.C. suffer from brain injuries, with 14,000 new injuries occurring every year.
"There aren't enough services at any price," said B.C. Opposition Health Critic Adrian Dix. "And people say, 'Isn't it expensive? Can we afford it?' Well, in many cases not providing the services is incredibly expensive — because these patients end up back in acute care with serious complications."
B.C. Opposition health critic Adrian Dix says lack of rehabilitation for severely brain injured patients is a serious, national problem. (CBC)
"This is a national issue. What we need right now is to take the issue seriously. We need to respond to the very significant recommendations from brain injury groups and make improvements in the system. Because it's not going to get better."
Shirley Johnson, president of the Brain Injury Association of Canada, said more people are surviving brain trauma than ever before, with new medical technology to keep them alive.
"It takes a tremendous toll on family caregivers," Johnson said. "The majority of people in Canada do not have the money it takes to pay for the care that's needed. What it comes down to is, it's up to the families."
Kevin Bigelow flies back and forth to Alberta constantly to help his son with his rehabilitation. He said caring for him and fighting for resources has become a full-time job and depleted almost all of his savings.
"If your loved one has a serious brain injury, unless you are very, very wealthy you are not going to be able get the help. It will not be there for you," he said.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Update long overdue.
Well I am sitting in a muffler shop waiting for Chris's Van to be fixed before tomorrow morning so we can make it to Abbotsford for his physio session of walking strides and hand stimulation which takes place twice a week; this gets his legs stretched and circulation going as well.
Speech and swallowing is going great, our speech therapist has reached out beyond our own group, as well as the health authority to bring in GF Strong people to assist in technology and communications because Fraser health does not understand the very basics, of brain injury or how to treat it effectively. Chris's speech therapist also got the CAYA program involved and we have waited nine months or so to get in but finally met with them last week. It looks like they will help us with computer and software to help with communication and access switches. We should be getting that in the next week!!!!!
Our OT has been working hard to adjust and find the things we need but even
she is having a terrible time with the system as it gives her the run around and around.
It truly seems that the system uses therapists that are under an ongoing contact that keeps their costs down and in turn keeps the amount and quality of therapy down. They approve and spend foolishly without proper knowledge or without having properly trained people to over see, the most important part is quality of therapy, not just throwing money aimlessly hoping to make it go away.
Sorry to those of you who use this as an only means to checking in on how Chris is doing, but all of the changes in the system his court date is approaching rapidly and preparation is paramount. Therapy is still going very well Physio exceptional we do have the odd day and that is expected. Heather I am sure you would vouch for that, although Ponoka didn't have many off days.
We are waiting to hear from Chris dentist to get in for a cleaning and check up. Chris is still waiting for an eye exam which will have to wait until June. His 6 month check up with DR Reebye was great and very encouraging to hear that all the work we do is not in vain and shows extremely well with the condition and place Chris is in after all this time and struggle! Chris is still making great strides moving forward. All of this even though Fraser health has had us applying for equipment that they new we would not get.
Same old crap let you do all the work wasting time for something that is never going to be approved.
I guess most in the health care system just show up and collect a pay check the human side really plays nothing into decisions that are made.
At the present time Fraser Health will be planning on pulling all funding and support on April 26, 2011. This means an end to all therapy all health care workers helping Chris and they would like to see him sent to an extended care home with no therapy cut and dry ending what ever progress and hope Chris had!.
I still am in disbelief that ICBC and those responsible are still thumbing their noses and refusing to step up and be that pillar of the community they all talk about. Can you imagine having an accident on your way home one day and a month later being sent to a care home and throwing away the key, that is just how the system works unless you have an endless supply of money.
Just when did we stop caring and letting unelected and elected morons tell us what we were able to do or not to do, what we are not entitled to, how we are lucky to have what we have which is not very much!
We have been waiting ten months for a bed and mattress that would fit Chris properly, for a standing frame for physio, chair that he can sit in? Do you think the people who are responsible for providing these pieces of equipment and necessities care one iota, nada!
Fraser Health in all their wisdom by yanking us out of Ponoka before we were ready to go, have done a substandard job at providing the basics for health care and have kept us on edge guessing at what might be provided or approved or just ignored long enough so they can say it’s to late for them to help with those needs.
Speech and swallowing is going great, our speech therapist has reached out beyond our own group, as well as the health authority to bring in GF Strong people to assist in technology and communications because Fraser health does not understand the very basics, of brain injury or how to treat it effectively. Chris's speech therapist also got the CAYA program involved and we have waited nine months or so to get in but finally met with them last week. It looks like they will help us with computer and software to help with communication and access switches. We should be getting that in the next week!!!!!
Our OT has been working hard to adjust and find the things we need but even
she is having a terrible time with the system as it gives her the run around and around.
It truly seems that the system uses therapists that are under an ongoing contact that keeps their costs down and in turn keeps the amount and quality of therapy down. They approve and spend foolishly without proper knowledge or without having properly trained people to over see, the most important part is quality of therapy, not just throwing money aimlessly hoping to make it go away.
Sorry to those of you who use this as an only means to checking in on how Chris is doing, but all of the changes in the system his court date is approaching rapidly and preparation is paramount. Therapy is still going very well Physio exceptional we do have the odd day and that is expected. Heather I am sure you would vouch for that, although Ponoka didn't have many off days.
We are waiting to hear from Chris dentist to get in for a cleaning and check up. Chris is still waiting for an eye exam which will have to wait until June. His 6 month check up with DR Reebye was great and very encouraging to hear that all the work we do is not in vain and shows extremely well with the condition and place Chris is in after all this time and struggle! Chris is still making great strides moving forward. All of this even though Fraser health has had us applying for equipment that they new we would not get.
Same old crap let you do all the work wasting time for something that is never going to be approved.
I guess most in the health care system just show up and collect a pay check the human side really plays nothing into decisions that are made.
At the present time Fraser Health will be planning on pulling all funding and support on April 26, 2011. This means an end to all therapy all health care workers helping Chris and they would like to see him sent to an extended care home with no therapy cut and dry ending what ever progress and hope Chris had!.
I still am in disbelief that ICBC and those responsible are still thumbing their noses and refusing to step up and be that pillar of the community they all talk about. Can you imagine having an accident on your way home one day and a month later being sent to a care home and throwing away the key, that is just how the system works unless you have an endless supply of money.
Just when did we stop caring and letting unelected and elected morons tell us what we were able to do or not to do, what we are not entitled to, how we are lucky to have what we have which is not very much!
We have been waiting ten months for a bed and mattress that would fit Chris properly, for a standing frame for physio, chair that he can sit in? Do you think the people who are responsible for providing these pieces of equipment and necessities care one iota, nada!
Fraser Health in all their wisdom by yanking us out of Ponoka before we were ready to go, have done a substandard job at providing the basics for health care and have kept us on edge guessing at what might be provided or approved or just ignored long enough so they can say it’s to late for them to help with those needs.
Thank god we had the smart and experience people in Ponoka with years of professional training and a deep understand of brain injury and what it takes to evoke change.
To be continued!!!
Kevin
Kevin
Sunday, January 9, 2011
New Year New Times
Hello and Happy New Year to all,
We hope you all will have a happy and prosperous New Year.
Believe it or not, (and most do know) I have struggled to sit and write this with all the goings on during the holiday season and the need to always be ahead of Chris’ therapies.
Chris’ adventures have had him out lots for many occasions, from Thanksgiving dinners and his nephews birthday party as well as lots of visits to and from family over the holidays for dinners and breakfasts with all getting together.
We have now expanded on his physio getting him up on a walking machine and with guidance and assistance helping him to form strides and stretch out his legs and hips as well as changing his stretching routine to the floor and moving things that have not moved in a long time. Sometimes feels like therapy will never end and then I realize how lucky we are to be experiencing this great thing of exercise that so many of us look at as work!
It has been a rollercoaster of a time since returning home in April. First was missing all the great people in Ponoka the openness, with access to great therapists being able to talk with professionals when needed as well as address all of Chris’ needs without having to leave the building so to speak?
Then there was dealing with the mess of broken promises that whisked us home to nothing, not a plan or rehab to be found, just a bunch of Health professionals (and I use that term loosely) from Fraser Health and the Ministry of Health thinking, if they got us home and out of the system we would go away and disappear.
As time marched on, new people came into Chris’ life and the cycle of rehab and worry got a little less intense. My views on rehab and the Ministry of Health have not changed, I have just started to see that there are people in the “system” that do care and truly would like to help, I am glad to have met them and love working with them and I know Chris is getting to know and trust them as his workouts have been great.
We still have the odd day where Chris does not want to take part or gets frustrated but that’s the way it works, sounds weird but it is great to know he can get frustrated and show those emotions.
I took part in the West Coast Brain Injury Conference in November and it gave a whole new breath of fresh air to all the things Chris and I deal with on a daily basis. I now know that I was not crazy believing in all the things I talked and preached about to so many. There are so many wonderful people stuck or maybe I should say in the same place we are in dealing with the injuries and the need for understanding and desperate need for more rehab and counselling with guidance.
If any of you are interested or know someone in need check out the site at: http://www.brainstreams.ca/
Lots of new research being uncovered hopefully it will change the way health care workers and I hope administrators approach rehab and individuals.
I must say from experience that each case must be examined on its own merit and sometimes a leap of faith is required to clear hurdles. I really owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Gray and Dr. Rosenkranz as they, I think changed their minds on several different occasions and at one point took a leap with me, but my listening, talking, watching and paying attention to all that they had to say has stuck with me and changed the way I approach life, for myself and Chris and really hits home with the adversity in Chris’ daily activities and life. Sometimes it is what is not said that means so much.
As all of you know I am not one to wait for things to transpire or people to drag their feet and hope the right things will just happen. So I continue into this New Year with a new boost of enthusiasm and a stronger mind set than in the past. We will have a whole new set of challenges ahead this year but we will succeed and move forward (even if I need to get a bigger pair of shoes). I only wish I could make a bigger difference for those who are following in the same path we are traveling to help with the red tape and silencing the nay Sayers.
We plan in the very near future to put together information and help for those who can not stand up to bureaucracy and ignorance. It can not come fast enough to those in need I know we have been there!
We have applied to PWD (persons with disabilities a level of government on the health side of things if you will) for standing frame that is so badly needed along with a request for a chair that Chris can just relax in, instead of only having a bed or wheel chair.
Months to approve or deny these requests do not bother them at all; it would seem they just don’t give a dam.
All of this is drives me crazy and really makes me wonder, if I can not get answers or intelligent decisions from them with my being of sound mind and body how the hell is someone with a disability supposed to navigate all the red tape and get what is needed or required to move forward.
It would seem that these are the most vulnerable and neediest people in our society, yet PWD personnel do not interact or keep you informed on requests you have made or keep timely the requests being made. Sometimes decisions are made locally if not too much work and then some are sent to the VAT of confusion in Victoria to be denied, so they can have a clear conscience when telling you no it’s beyond their control.
This year will bring a lot of new needs as far as equipment and living arrangements are concerned. We are continually working on the house and have several in sight some are just out of reach and all the begging and pleading with ICBC has fallen on deaf ears. They clearly have no conscience or care for the clients they sell insurance to. Make sure all of you review and tighten up your coverage’s, what you think you have covered and what they will cover is two different things.
I just learned they wrote a cheque to the government that came from excess premiums charged on our backs for somewhere around 450-500 million dollars for what? This money could have been used to lower our rates or to better the lives of the victim’s who thought they would be covered in the event of an accident. Clearly this government could not care less for you or me or the hundreds of insured and badly in need of help. They would rather use the money to spin a picture of all the good they are doing….. I’m still waiting to see the good?
Will keep you informed of our house hunting and if some of the ones we are working on come through.
Thank you for your patience and understanding and all the support over the last year.
Kevin and Chris
We hope you all will have a happy and prosperous New Year.
Believe it or not, (and most do know) I have struggled to sit and write this with all the goings on during the holiday season and the need to always be ahead of Chris’ therapies.
Chris’ adventures have had him out lots for many occasions, from Thanksgiving dinners and his nephews birthday party as well as lots of visits to and from family over the holidays for dinners and breakfasts with all getting together.
We have now expanded on his physio getting him up on a walking machine and with guidance and assistance helping him to form strides and stretch out his legs and hips as well as changing his stretching routine to the floor and moving things that have not moved in a long time. Sometimes feels like therapy will never end and then I realize how lucky we are to be experiencing this great thing of exercise that so many of us look at as work!
It has been a rollercoaster of a time since returning home in April. First was missing all the great people in Ponoka the openness, with access to great therapists being able to talk with professionals when needed as well as address all of Chris’ needs without having to leave the building so to speak?
Then there was dealing with the mess of broken promises that whisked us home to nothing, not a plan or rehab to be found, just a bunch of Health professionals (and I use that term loosely) from Fraser Health and the Ministry of Health thinking, if they got us home and out of the system we would go away and disappear.
As time marched on, new people came into Chris’ life and the cycle of rehab and worry got a little less intense. My views on rehab and the Ministry of Health have not changed, I have just started to see that there are people in the “system” that do care and truly would like to help, I am glad to have met them and love working with them and I know Chris is getting to know and trust them as his workouts have been great.
We still have the odd day where Chris does not want to take part or gets frustrated but that’s the way it works, sounds weird but it is great to know he can get frustrated and show those emotions.
I took part in the West Coast Brain Injury Conference in November and it gave a whole new breath of fresh air to all the things Chris and I deal with on a daily basis. I now know that I was not crazy believing in all the things I talked and preached about to so many. There are so many wonderful people stuck or maybe I should say in the same place we are in dealing with the injuries and the need for understanding and desperate need for more rehab and counselling with guidance.
If any of you are interested or know someone in need check out the site at: http://www.brainstreams.ca/
Lots of new research being uncovered hopefully it will change the way health care workers and I hope administrators approach rehab and individuals.
I must say from experience that each case must be examined on its own merit and sometimes a leap of faith is required to clear hurdles. I really owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Gray and Dr. Rosenkranz as they, I think changed their minds on several different occasions and at one point took a leap with me, but my listening, talking, watching and paying attention to all that they had to say has stuck with me and changed the way I approach life, for myself and Chris and really hits home with the adversity in Chris’ daily activities and life. Sometimes it is what is not said that means so much.
As all of you know I am not one to wait for things to transpire or people to drag their feet and hope the right things will just happen. So I continue into this New Year with a new boost of enthusiasm and a stronger mind set than in the past. We will have a whole new set of challenges ahead this year but we will succeed and move forward (even if I need to get a bigger pair of shoes). I only wish I could make a bigger difference for those who are following in the same path we are traveling to help with the red tape and silencing the nay Sayers.
We plan in the very near future to put together information and help for those who can not stand up to bureaucracy and ignorance. It can not come fast enough to those in need I know we have been there!
We have applied to PWD (persons with disabilities a level of government on the health side of things if you will) for standing frame that is so badly needed along with a request for a chair that Chris can just relax in, instead of only having a bed or wheel chair.
Months to approve or deny these requests do not bother them at all; it would seem they just don’t give a dam.
All of this is drives me crazy and really makes me wonder, if I can not get answers or intelligent decisions from them with my being of sound mind and body how the hell is someone with a disability supposed to navigate all the red tape and get what is needed or required to move forward.
It would seem that these are the most vulnerable and neediest people in our society, yet PWD personnel do not interact or keep you informed on requests you have made or keep timely the requests being made. Sometimes decisions are made locally if not too much work and then some are sent to the VAT of confusion in Victoria to be denied, so they can have a clear conscience when telling you no it’s beyond their control.
This year will bring a lot of new needs as far as equipment and living arrangements are concerned. We are continually working on the house and have several in sight some are just out of reach and all the begging and pleading with ICBC has fallen on deaf ears. They clearly have no conscience or care for the clients they sell insurance to. Make sure all of you review and tighten up your coverage’s, what you think you have covered and what they will cover is two different things.
I just learned they wrote a cheque to the government that came from excess premiums charged on our backs for somewhere around 450-500 million dollars for what? This money could have been used to lower our rates or to better the lives of the victim’s who thought they would be covered in the event of an accident. Clearly this government could not care less for you or me or the hundreds of insured and badly in need of help. They would rather use the money to spin a picture of all the good they are doing….. I’m still waiting to see the good?
Will keep you informed of our house hunting and if some of the ones we are working on come through.
Thank you for your patience and understanding and all the support over the last year.
Kevin and Chris
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.
I know it has been a long time life is crazy busy and sometimes I just do not have the energy to write. There is lots to update on and I will do it in the morning and bring everyone up to date on Christopher's progress.
Please be patient and thank you for being vigilant and checking the blog often for updates. All of the loose ends and work through the months of November and December have ended and now the push forward will have fresh approach and lots of energy, something I was lacking going into November. It has taken most of this two months to finish and rebuild.
tomorrow will be a complete up to the minute of all activities.
Chris is doing well and some interesting changes have taken place
Till tomorrow,
Good bye,
Kevin
I know it has been a long time life is crazy busy and sometimes I just do not have the energy to write. There is lots to update on and I will do it in the morning and bring everyone up to date on Christopher's progress.
Please be patient and thank you for being vigilant and checking the blog often for updates. All of the loose ends and work through the months of November and December have ended and now the push forward will have fresh approach and lots of energy, something I was lacking going into November. It has taken most of this two months to finish and rebuild.
tomorrow will be a complete up to the minute of all activities.
Chris is doing well and some interesting changes have taken place
Till tomorrow,
Good bye,
Kevin
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