Motorcycle Rallies and Events

An update on my brother-in-law

May 1st, 2007

A quick update on my brother-in-law, Jack. Since his seizure, we have had him going through some testing ordered by a neurologist here. Suspecting pressure buildup from his brain trauma, the neurologist has already put him on some medication. Today, Jack was scheduled for an MRI. A good friend of mine agreed to take him so I could go to work. About lunch time, I got a message from my wife, who was somewhere in Tennessee, saying to call her immediately. It was Jack. About an hour after my friend had dropped off the film from the MRI to the neurologist, the neurologist office had called my house and said to bring Jack in as soon as possible. Well, that gave both my wife and me a huge scare.

But it was not quite as bad as we imagined. The MRI did show that pressure buildup was indeed occurring, but the doctor only wanted to increase his medication levels to treat the swelling, not surgery as we feared. Jack will have some additional testing, but for now it appears that we caught the problem in time to avoid more serious consequences.

Jack has severe internal brain trauma, and it is obvious from the MRI films I saw, but the films also showed evidence of a lot of healing that has already taken place. So again our hopes are elevated.

If Jack ever rides his motorcycle again, and he says he will, it will be with a helmet (by his choice, not our politicians). He has also asked me to tell his story as we go along to help others who have the freedom to choose to at least make an informed decision on helmet usage. He will not say that the helmet would have prevented his problems, but he feels it may have.

In related news, I talked with the people at Social Security about his SSI. It has been temporarily suspended while they determine if he is still disabled. (Somehow they can do this without even coming to see him, but I am not quite sure how) They have said that the process takes about 120 days, and until then, no payments. Now me and the wife have vowed that we would see this through no matter what, but I don’t mind telling you that the $600 a month we just lost, while a small portion of the expenses of caring for Jack, was a much appreciated aid, and we will miss it sorely. But we will deal with it, and watch Jack as he grows stronger. If anyone wants to help us help Jack, we also will very much appreciate that.

I will keep everyone up to date using this blog as important news springs. Until then, Ride safe, and consider Jack’s suggestion on motorcycles and helmets.

Entry Filed under: General, Motorcycle Safety