Neil Jones Traumatic Brain Injury

On August 29th, 2016, Neil R. Jones (32 yrs old) suffered a traumatic brain injury while working. He apparently fainted and his head struck a machine and then the concrete floor. He fractured his skull. He was lucid when he regained consciousness, but started to make less sense as minutes passed waiting for the ambulance. He had a seizure on the way to the hospital. His injury and the subsequent swelling required putting him into a medically induced coma. He has had complications with pneumonia and high lactic acid levels. Not a good combination as treatments for the conditions conflict with each other.

Neil has continued to amaze us and the care team. He was moved to Bethesda hospital for the 2nd phase of his rehab. Their goal was to wean him from the ventilator and to try and get him moving - before November 2nd. Well, he has had the ventilator removed! The also removed his tracheal tube!!! He is eating real food, drinking and talking. He's also watching South Park and doing all the things Neil used to do.
On Friday, he was moved to phase 3 of his rehab - the Courage Kenney Rehabilitation Institute. The facility is on the 8th floor of United hospital in downtown St. Paul. The plan is to get him ready to move back home!!! He is washing, brushing his teeth, getting dressed on his own. All the things we take for granted and have to do daily. Again, he continues to progress with the goal of returning to his 'old' life. Something that was only a magical dream 6 weeks ago.

One thing Neil hopes - that people will continue to visit. The one effect from the TBI seems to be an increase in anxiety and loneliness. So, even though he isn't 'critical', it is our hope that his friends and family will continue to keep him company!
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Obviously, they were heard...

Neil is scheduled to be discharged from the hospital on 11/2. He will need assistance with medical bills, living expenses and more - until he is able to return to work.

Thanks for reading his story!