When Jessica Prowe sustains a serious brain injury in a tragic car accident, her husband and author Garry Prowe is left in a state of shock, disbelief and confusion. The reality he faces is overwhelming, but he quickly becomes proactive and takes on the role as the main caregiver in his wife’s long journey to recovery.
Eleven years later, with immeasurable experience, insight, and help from other patients, family members and medical professionals, Prowe has put together an extensive guide book for family members and anyone who is apart of the recovery process after such an injury. He leads us from the first shocking moment in the emergency room, though intensive care to rehabilitation. He includes information about levels of recovery and what to expect from a patient at every moment. He discusses, in great detail, the ins and outs of health insurance, government services, disability, Medicare, legal assistance, social services and the importance of the doctor/family/patient relationship.
“Surviving a Brain Injury” is a valuable guide book filled useful information, and ultimately, hope. Although no one is ever quite the same after such a trauma, Prowe says the key for all involved is to change life goals and remember that the recovering person is still the same, albeit with different limits and challenges. Recovery depends a great deal upon the people directly involved and their attitude, acceptance and compassion play an important role in the ultimate rehabilitation of each patient.
Today Prowe and his wife have taken this life-altering experience and created an ongoing quest, involving new participants in their “Surviving a Brain Injury” project. For them, and for the reader, Prowe’s guide is a beacon of light and hope.
Reviewed by Peggy La Vake for IndieReader