Savage Impact

By Garry Parsons

In April 2007 Garry Parsons had a brain haemorrhage. He faced death and if he was to survive, his family was told it was likely he would live life as an invalid.

The medical team in the emergency room saved his life but he sustained neurological damage. Not one to be deterred, his unwillingness to accept this condition is the inspirational story of Savage Impact. His rehabilitation took several years of hard work to complete. This is the story of that rehabilitation. They said it was unlikely he’d be able to live a normal life again but he had other ideas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bookpal Australia
• Release date: Jul 10, 2012
• ISBN: 9781921791659

Book preview

Savage Impact

Garry G Parsons

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2010 Garry G Parsons

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The information, views, opinions and visuals expressed in this publication are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the publisher. The publisher disclaims any liabilities or responsibilities whatsoever for any damages, libel or liabilities arising directly or indirectly from the contents of this publication.

A copy of this publication can be found in the National Library of Australia.

ISBN: 978-1-921791-65- 9 (pbk.)

Published by Book Pal

www.bookpal.com.au

Acknowledgements

This is an honest recollection of my experiences leading up to and following the earth-shattering event that changed my life on Sunday, April 22nd 2007. I can tell this story only because of the superb care that I received from the skilful doctors in the emergency room and in intensive care. They saved my life. To my fabulous speech pathologist, the doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and the rehabilitation team, I couldn’t have made it without your inspiration, joy and skill. You are all heroes. I’ll never forget what you have done for me. My thanks also go to the incredible support and devotion from my family. They were always there for me, and to my three beautiful daughters; I just couldn’t leave you.

For Marina

Foreword

Dr Ron A Hazleton

Medical Director – Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit

Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane

Garry was admitted to a slow to recover rehabilitation program in an obtunded condition, totally dependent for all personal cares, with very limited communication. There was however a quality about Garry which was apparent on immediate assessment. He was aware of his environment and had the ability to interact in a meaningful way although he was unable to speak. Other qualities Garry was soon to reveal were those of determination to recover and persist in therapy to achieve remarkable gains with his future independence. With Garry’s determination and guidance by all members of the rehabilitation team, he has now achieved independence with personal cares, mobility in a power chair, communication and meal preparation.

Garry is also determined to contribute further to the wider community and he has written an autobiography which is inspirational for other patients, their families as well as those actively working in rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation is a management concept and is very patient and family focused. It is not a passive process. It requires for success for there to be active participation by the injured person and their family in the rehabilitation program. A challenge often faced by rehabilitation workers is that of achieving active participation, however, this was never required in Garry’s case as he was always able to be self motivated. Garry has given us all encouragement to persist in what is often a slow frustrating path to recovery following a severe brain injury.

Every future success is wished for Garry in his move to live permanently in the community. Garry’s hard work has not only paid off for him personally but is inspirational for us all.

Dr Ron A Hazleton

Never Give Up Garry G Parsons

Contents

Foreword

Prologue

The Event

Emergency

Intensive Care

The Suffering

Memories

Into The Ward

The Fight Back

Misery

Interim Care

Day by Day

Same Old Thing

Last Chance

The Admission

Rehab

Speech Pathology

Depression

Hospital

Celebrate What?

Back to Hospital

Another Year

Barium Swallow

The End of an Era

The End is in Sight

On the Move Again

Life Goes On

A New Beginning

Epilogue

Prologue

This is a story about courage, determination, stubbornness and a limitless will to live. It tells of a struggle between mind and body, defying all odds in a medical recovery that, all things considered, should never have happened. It teaches us that life is precious and should never be taken for granted, because, in an instant, it could all be taken away.

As the first golden rays of sunlight streamed through the window, the thought of losing my life was almost inconceivable. I was about to face my last day of living a normal life. The light danced and flickered across the walls in the office and, gradually, the glimmering rays from the rising sun began to light up the room. My fingers were cramped and sore. It was payback for typing on my computer all night. My eyelids were heavy and it took every bit of strength left in me to keep them from shutting tight. It was time to call it quits. Wearily, I climbed into my bed, made myself comfortable and drifted off to sleep. The time was 6 a.m. I didn’t know it then, but this was the day before my life almost ended.

It had been a wonderful weekend so far. It was Saturday, April 21st, 2007. My daughters were obsessively playing music while I busily worked in the kitchen making dinner. The roar of the neighbours’ lawnmowers shattered the peaceful