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Finally, the doctors in Billings installed an internal drain in Alan’s head so that he could be flown to Denver to begin treatment at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital. But as soon as he arrived in Colorado, Beth realized her husband was not improving. His temperature was elevated and he “really wasn’t doing very well.” Alan had developed a massive infection and the end of his drain was plugged so again he became hydrocephalic. Back to the operating room – this time at Swedish Hospital in Denver. They removed the internal shunt that caused the infection and then, for a third time, installed an external drain. After his infection cleared, doctors replaced the internal drain. “It was like having an ice pick jammed through his brain on four different occasions,” Beth said describing the procedures. After two weeks, he returned to the rehabilitation center and Beth believed her husband could finally begin to make some progress. By this time, the fall semester was already underway at CWC. Beth, perennially elected by students as their favorite, had to take a leave of absence. Although she was really sa d about missing school, Beth wasn’t going to leave Alan’s bedside. The autumn in Denver turned into win-
ter, and finally Alan was released from Craig at the end of the year. “I was getting so protective of him it was awful,” she recalled, emphasizing her gratefulness for the outpouring of love and support she received from the staff at CWC, friends and family. “How do I ever repay people for their kindness? Everybody has been so supportive – from Jo Anne (CWC President McFarland) down to my students.” This spring, Beth returned to the classroom though her hours at the college are kept at a minimum because Alan still requires a great deal of care. At first glance, Alan looks the same though he’s lost some weight. His long-term memory is intact though his short-term memory is still an issue. He doesn’t remember the accident. He doesn’t remember his hospitalization. Sometimes, he doesn’t remember if he had breakfast. Multi-tasking and “executive functioning” are still issues for him. “He’s improving,” Beth said, not really knowing how much progress he’ll make. The Discovery Health Channel sent a production crew to Wyoming to do a story on Alan’s medical miracle. They filmed Alan at the Powell Research Center and will re-enact the accident for a show that will be aired in June or July. Photo by Justin Lessman/The Powell Tribune
“I’m not sure what the future will hold,” she said. “But, he’s alive.” Alan is anxious to get back to work, but still requires daily physical, occupational and speech therapy. Recently, Fremont County Alfalfa Growers presented Alan with a special service award and Alan is very proud to show it off. Despite the dehumanizing types of treatment long term hospital patients are forced to endure, Beth said her husband has “been such a class act through this whole thing.”
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