Friday 1 July 2011

Sam Eating On His Own!!

Hi All,

A beautiful afternoon with Stilnox Sammy today, and a huge first! Sam had earlier requested some cold apple, so I cut it up into pieces and gave him the bowl and you wouldn't believe it, he helped himself!! Normally we have to feed Sam as his hand function is quite limited, but today is just another day of proof that Stilnox really does help with rehabilitation.

Love, Sal x

Note- when Sam is not on Stilnox he is on a pureed diet as he does not have the ability to chew or swallow whole foods... So eating an apple after Stilnox = amazing!!

32 comments:

  1. Watching the show on you both was inspirational! I would like to share an experience I have had with an off label drug Baclofen with you.Baclofen is used to relieve spacicity in cerebal palsy sufferers I have suffered from depression for many years and the usual drugs just bombed me out. My symptoms were extreme muscle tension and high levels of alcohol intake. I drank alot to try and relax and relieve the tension in my my aching muscles. I wonder if this drug may help Sam. It is very safe even in high doses. If I can help just let me know by posting here

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  2. Sally you are inspirational and I thankyou for sticking by Sam and being all you can be for him because as at least you know now he appreciates it and loves you for it xxx You are his QUEEN, you have heard it for yourself because of taking the chance and trying Stilnox - well done to his family and your family as well, their support of you makes all the difference to be there for him and for sharing this Story - we all need to take stock of how fortunate we really are!

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  3. Praying for miracle upon miracle.

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  4. l saw you and Sam on
    australian story yesterday...and it touched me sooo deeply...l will watch for more progress...you are in my thoughts...you a one amazing woman!

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  5. Well done Sam, Well done Sally. Each small step is really a giant one.Love to hear the updates.:-)

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  6. That is so cool, nothing like munching on a nice fresh apple. You are both an inspiration!!!!
    Kate

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  7. Hi Sally,
    What an inspirational story I saw on Australian Story last week. I used to work at JR so it touched a nerve in that I know some poeple who worked with Sam there.

    I understand also your frustrations with the medical profession - I have had the same frustrations with my family. My Mum has an extremely rare cancer, and trying to get access and information about experimental treatments and clinical trials is incredibly difficult. We end up having to do all the hard work ourselves, but it does eventually pay off, as you would know! So glad to hear that you are now starting to receive some support locally and all over the world.

    Stay positive - you are both doing an amazing job (along with your families).

    All the best,
    Ashley

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  8. Sally, were you aware Sam had cystic fibrosis before you got engaged? Do you know the average life expectancy of someone with CF is about 37 years of age? I don't understand how in the Australian Story program you were asking yourself whether you could spend 40 to 50 years with him in this state when he probably would not have lived this long even without having had the strokes.

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  9. Dear Sam and Sally..you guys are awesome and i think you may have touched every heart in Australia...i think of you both and your families every day and keep you in my prayers....always
    Sally take time out for yourself wont you and have a massage..facial..ect :)i adore SAM he is such a character and know why you fell in love with him and continue to do so..God bless you both and may this journey get better and better each and every day xxxxx

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  10. Wow Sam!! I'm so excited to hear about you eating, though it should surprise me since all I'd ever hear from you is that you were hungry!!

    And MichaelV, I don't think it's fair for you to ask Sally these questions when it doesn't sound like you know much about Sam or his health. There are huge variations in the severity of CF and with treatments progressing and increasing success with lung transplants, the life expentancy and quality of life is improving. From what I know of Sam, he had an excellent quality of life, amazing energy and vitality - and Sally can still see that in him, and that's all that matters.

    Adrienne

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  12. it so weird how silnox seams to generate whats like a mass neroun overload in the brain.

    one must now wonder and reconsider while on silnox if there is a way to speed up the neuron net , nidentities in the brain so it can repair itself faster.

    its a small step but a big jump ..just to see a human being come out of a pvs ( persistent vegetative state ) is just mind blowing and shows us just how much science has merit.

    question for sam , have you ever tried cannabis in your life ?
    if so.. one would wonder how the effects of cannabis ,or should i say THC effect the brain after a dose of stilnox.

    i wonder if thc can somehow aid and allow the stilnox effects to last longer.

    lots of love.
    baz

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  13. Hi Sally and Sam,
    Your story is truly inspirational. We would really like to help. A group of friends and I have an idea for some fundraising for you that I would really like to talk to you about? You guys would not need to do anything.

    Could you please send me an email on tcrockford@hotmail.com so that I can have a chat to you about it directly?

    Thanks so much Sally and Sam, our thoughts are with you guys, be strong..look forward to speaking with you.

    Tammie :-)

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  14. Hi Sal, just checking in to see how things are? I think of you often, in remembering the simple things we often take for granted, and also wondering whether you are seeing that smile and cheekiness more. I hope so. Take care.

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  15. Sally,
    Dont ever give up on him!!! U both are remarkable! I think you should try and get your story out to the public more and ask for help financially. I know that you can get some really big donations from some big wigs in the United States. I am calling both of your names out loud in prayer. The the pentecostal gal in Texas!!

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  16. Awesome news!
    I first saw your story on ABC's Australian Story, and was moved to tears (and posted on FB that people should watch it).
    What a phenomenal story- both good and bad.
    I was so excited to see you on 60 Minutes tonight (and Tweeted that people should watch it).
    I wish you all the very best- I will be able to keep up to date now I know about the blog :)
    All the best to you, Sam and your families.
    ox

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  17. Sally - you are incredible. My husband suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident in May last year, at the age of 27. Fortunately he has had a remarkable outcome (thanks to the staff at RBWH and PAH), with only some ongoing health problems. We are still on the roller coaster that is TBI - it's not a fun one. I understand the ache you have gone through and I truly wish you and Sam all the best.

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  18. Hello Sam and Sally,
    I viewed your story on Rock Center last night in the US. WOW, what else is possible for the two of you???
    I specialize in energy work and emotional clearing. What if Sam's energetic body is holding on to old energies no longer serving him! What if his body is created to recover with ease and it's just a matter of clearing the path to allow his body to unfold. How can it get any better than that?
    I live in Lawrence Kansas, USA... What if distance is not an obstical and Sam could begin clearing a path to wellness TODAY!?!
    What would it take for the two of you to allow me to gift you this possibility???? What if the nothing missing, nothing broken Sam exists even now.... it's just a matter of clearing the path between him and him!!!
    contact me at tishabrady@yahoo.com
    untill than: What Else Is Possible?
    Tisha

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  19. Hi Sally,

    I would love to get in contact with you about your use of Stilnox; i'm a carer for a 25 year old female called Kate, she has Cerebral Palsy as a result of illness at age 6. She just took half a tablet of Stilnox this morning and was able to move her head to the side and lift up her arm. She was laughing a lot and quite responsive! I work very closely with her family and i know they would love to be able to chat to you as well about your experiences and get your advice and opinions.

    I know you must be very busy but if you would like to get in contact with me, my email is lisa.whittle@live.com
    Hopefully i hear from you soon!
    Lisa :-)

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  20. find a very well educated homeopath. sam's healing with ambien is the way homeopathic remedies work, you treat with similiars. It is a powerful and natural way back to health

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  21. Hi Sally,

    It's good to see Sam's recovery is coming along. I grew up with Josh, Luke and Sam and they were all good friends and it's sad to see this happen but I'm glad that he has you and that you are both putting up a strong fight.

    I wish you the best of luck.

    Benjamin Hoese

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  22. Hi Sally,

    I've just read your article in the most recent Cleo magazine. It spoke to me, not only because of your selflessness and your amazing spirit but because my own family has been impacted by a stroke. My mother to be more specific. At 29 years old and 7 months pregnant she had a stroke and lost her baby- my sister- and her independence. My dad didn't have the strength to stay as you did with Sam, so I want to thank you in a way. For your unconditional love for that man, for your dedication and spirit. I don't even know you and I think I can speak on behalf of anyone who knows your story- you are a truly beautiful person.

    All the best for your future,

    Jess Wright

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  23. Hi Sam & Sally,
    I've stumbled across your story, after researching how to wake up the brain with head trauma. My father had a harness racing fall 4 weeks ago now, he's off sedation, & life support he's opened his eye but he's not focusing or communicating.

    It is so hard to see someone you love, in this state, especially knowing how they were before, and after EVERYTHING dad's been through, he hasn't given up, so neither will i.

    I want to give stilnox a shot, and pray. Sally, from the Past 4weeks I sort of know what it's like, hun don't give up, your both in my thoughts, i send you love strength, And happiness Keep on going and never take no for an answer


    Xxxxxx Vanessa

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  24. Just saw this touching video on God tube. It reminds me that there is a movie called "9000 Needles" about a man with a similar history of being a perfect picture of health then suddenly had massive stroke. His family found a program in China that was a 6 week program of intensive acupuncture and physical therapy. His recovery was remarkable after this program. The movie can be found online by typing "9000 Needles" and you can get the DVD to find out more about this incredible program in Shanghai.

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  25. Sally, in the video you said you were looking for something. Please watch this ABC Primetime Investigative Report on www.abcliveit.com. God love you both!

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  26. dear sally and all audience in this blog,
    i'm wayan from bali indonesia,live in bali, gianyr 2km before ubud, (sorry my english not so good)
    my sister still koma until now (more than 2 years) doctor give up already, after iread this story and another tory from africa, i would like to recommend this pill to my uncle to give to my sister. but i dont know where i can ge this pill? if any one knows please kindly let me know..

    and my qustion for sally: how many pill you gave sam atthe first time? and for how long? please i need this information,

    my very best energy to you and sm GOD BLESS YOU.

    my email : baliex@yahoo.com

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  27. hello Sally, hope you are all doing well, would love an update on how things are going for you all. I was just really moved by this story when I heard it years ago and I re tell it often.. would be lovely to hear some news! wishing you well and sending lots of positive thoughts your way! take care, Shayne.

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  28. Sally, I've worked with a few people with brain and nerve tissue damage over the years and have had some success elevating Nerve Growth Factor in the body. It usually take about 3 to 4 months to see results but Lion's Mane mushroom is inexpensive and effective so you're looking at around $25 a month. Please look into it for Sam. I'm open to discuss through email. God bless!

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    Replies
    1. I should state here that I do not sell it. Lion's Mane Mushroom can be found easily online and there are also great studies published on it. Good luck to you both!

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