Thanks SO much for the ping, 4God -- keep it up, there's so much to be brought to light. I just don't understand why it wasn't shouted earlier.
For example, WHY did the St. Pete paper repeatly use the word "coma" to describe a woman who looked like THIS? (1990, St. Pete Times):
and THIS (date unknown, early 90's)
and THIS? (2002):
Terri exam info from 6/90 & 3&6/91
===BEGIN 6/27/90 physical exam, pg 1/3
Physical Examination -- 6 - 27 - 90
*patient is awake, eyes are open
*easily startled to her name or when bedrail fell down
*no respiratory distress, breathing easily
*pupils are equal and reactive
*just short focusing attention, does not track, keeps her head to the position on the right
*significant amount of tone in the head and neck.
*reflex and voluntary movement of her mouth in a chewing reflex
*T-tube in place & working properly
*severe hypertonicity of all four extremities; plantar flexor contractures, some shoulder limitation
*“again, tone is quite significant in all four extremities and difficult to achieve range of motion of the left hip and knee while she is in a supine position.”
*pt is awake
*she does give eye contact to family members
*she will close her eyes to any threatening response around her face and blink appropriately
*tracking is inconsistent
*no verbal output during this exam but it has been reported by husband and other family members and therapists over at College Harbor.
*no voluntary movement on command
*responds to painful stimulation. . . cont on next page . . . [there is no next page]
===END 6/27/90 physical exam
===Begin Treatment plan pg 2/3
Treatment Plan Review from Mediplex rehab, Bradenton, 1/29/91
*PT 3 X wk due to decreased range of motion in legs.
OT [occupational therapy] modified splints, will look at __ on lap tray.
*Will check at head rest also
Cognitive/Communication:
*no significant changes.
*Vocalizing when prone in P.T. [physical therapy]
*Occasionally will say "STOP" to nursing during procedures.
*to TR [recreation?] groups. More relaxed to therapists voice, touch (habituation)
===END Treatment plan
===BEGIN therapy notes, pg 3/3 PDF
3-15-91 Monthly summary ---
Ms. Schiavo was readministered the sensory stimulation assessment measure on March 13, 1991. The results show a slight increase in a few response areas.
Terry’s [sic] eye-opening responses and motor responses (which increased two points) are now both her strongest response output category. However, the vocalization response modality increased two points also. Terry’s tactile response remained her best sensory input category, as it increased 3 points, the other 4 response categories remained at about the same level.
These slight increases may be a result of the time change. The original test was administered at 8:00 a.m. right after she got up and the second test was given at 4:00 p.m.
Terry’s ocular cranial nerve function was assessed and the results indicated that her pupil sizes were large, she had a very sluggish response to light, the consensual light reflex was present but she had an abnormal response to accommodation, tracking, and a blink reflex. These responses are very similar to last month’s administration.
Overall her general responsivess score increased slightly from 19 to 23, but remains at a __ Level II.
These scores indicate a need for a sensory stimulation program and this is being developed. In addition, the SS_M will be readministered in one month. [signed -- a nice caring person]
3 - 28 - 91 Weekly note: Pt. was seen by psych [psychology? rather than psychiatry, I’m guessing] in the sensory stim program 1 X [one time], program started 3-25-91. The goal was to increase her localized responses to sensory modalities. Her best response was to almond extract (olfactory), otherwise she only responded by opening her eyes briefly.
Summarizing across the interdisciplinary team results show similar findings. In addition, the most response increases was to tactile stimulation. Tx [treatment] plan will be continued. [signed -- nice person helping Terri 12 yrs ago]
===END
Prayerfully submitted in hopes that this will help dear Terri, who is on my mind and heart, and her loving family -- hugs to you all. With prayers also that those planning evil against Terri might have their minds and hearts changed -- God is able. But even if He does not . . .