Update on Rep. Giffords from Houston

[RamboLiberal]

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Dr. Gerard Francisco can't be specific about Giffords condition but in an exclusive interview with KVOA's John Overall he said, "The congresswoman is doing very well, as a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation there is nothing I can find more gratifying than knowing she is responding very well to the rehabilitation program that our team designed."

When asked if Giffords has struggled at all during the early part of her rehabilitation, Dr. Francisco replied, "Many of the complications that would have happened to anyone with this type of injury, fortunately did not happen. I think we're beyond that window." Dr. Francisco continued by saying, "We're very much encouraged by the progress that she has demonstrated and we're very happy that she's challenging us to come up with a tougher rehabilitation program for her."

Dr. Francisco said he sees Giffords make new advancements everyday, but her family has asked the hospital not to release specific information about her condition. Dr. Francisco says her list of accomplishments would be too long to recite anyway, "Let me just say that she's doing very well overall."

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News4 Tucson has received information that the Congresswoman recently spoke her first words, but Carusone wouldn't confirm that information. Carusone would only say, "The speech therapy is ongoing and she's certainly doing very well."

http://www.kvoa.com/news/update-on-rep-giffords-from-houston/

[hlthe2b]

1. I can understand their reticence to be more specific...

and the need to respect her privacy. Unfortunately, expectations were so high and understanding of exactly how rough and extended her recuperation/would was so limited by many in the press and thus, the public, it is unfortunately that they can't be more specific. I doubt anyone here has not read or heard from someone suggesting that she'd be back basically to normal--on her feet in and to work in a few weeks. The RW even tried to make it sound like a "grazing" bullet wound injury.

'Glad she is doing well, but maybe it is time for Bob Woodruff and some of the better reporters to do some "generic" stories on what one would expect at this juncture.

[PBS Poll-435]

2. Huge Rec

Thanks for the article.

[Dappleganger]

3. The ups and downs of brain injury...

she deserves to be allowed to recuperate (including all the successes and failures which WILL happen) in private. No doubt she doesn't need to deal with the public being "disappointed" if her progress takes a few steps back. People speculating about what she can/cannot do or whether she'll ever fully be back does not help *her*.

[PBS Poll-435]

4. I will say this

Good vibes, prayers, or whatever can not hurt.

Most people with good sense know that this is going to be a long recovery.