Today we headed down to the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center in Wellington. We met with Dr. Virmarie Quinones-Pagan who is board-certified physician in sports medicine and pediatric rehabilitation medicine. 

(Thanks to Jennifer Carnes for sending me down there. So blessed to have such a compassionate , caring, and knowledgeable pediatric group to help guide us).

Dr. Q reviewed all of Emory’s medical records, interviewed and assessed him, and was a wealth of knowledge. It was such a relief to have a comprehensive assessment and create a plan to move forward. 

Emory has a Moderate Complicated Brain Injury. 
Not a concussion. It’s been a bit confusing because many different descriptions have been thrown around, but because of the brain injuries and bleeds and the brain swelling, it is not considered a concussion. This means the treatment modalities, symptoms, and anticipated recovery times are different than a sports injury or even a mild brain injury. As a SLP with neuro training, I knew this, but I felt like I was losing my mind hearing so many providers refer to it as a concussion.

Following her initial assessment, we are adding some medications, working to wean the Tylenol a little, and will add in some different therapies. 

Emory had some tough emotions leaving this appt because he heard some things he didn’t want to hear (I think it just still hasn’t fully “sunk in” that he will have limitations for 3-6 months, possibly even 12 months for certain things), but these emotions are to be expected and we will work through them. 

I left the appointment feeling more knowledgeable and hopeful for the future. Despite the injury- she had so much faith in his eventual full recovery/return to baseline. 

I’m really happy to have this doctor on his case. She is amazing and so incredibly knowledgeable. 

#EmStrong