MAY, Othmar G. "Pete" (1964)

MAY

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/29/2010 at 14:38:30

Talks after four years

Othmar May Surprises Doctors

By Mrs. C. E. STAUDT
Globe-Gazette Correspndent

STACYVILLE, IOWA - Othmar May has amazed the medical profession with his partial recovery from serious brain damage.

A car accident, January 23, 1959 left Othmar May, 30, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry May, Stacyville, with a severe brain injury, broken bones and complete paralysis.

Doctors at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota expressed little hope for his survival. The longer he was bedridden, the slimmer were his chances. It was doubted he would ever regain consciousness.

Othmar left St. Mary's Hospital April 11 of the same year and was brought to the Falk Nursing Home at Stacyville for care. At first he lay motionless, not moving an eye or a muscle. The rail was never put up on his bed.

He was tube fed, had no sense of balance, was losing weight, his arms and legs were very thin and his muscles were deteriorating.

Physical therapy was begun to exercise his limbs, even though his broken bones had never been set because of his critical condition. Pressure sores were avoided by turning the patien every two hours. Liquids were fed by spoon.

The Knights of Columbus, of which he is a member, gave Othmar a television set, hoping it might be of some help to him. Gradually he began following the movements and pictures on the TV, rather than staring at the wall. However, he was still in a semi-consious state and did not respond to questions. With the assistance of the nurse, he was seated in a chair daily for half hour periods.

In 1961 he showed sign of recognizing his family and friends, but there was no way for him to communicate with everyone. With more exercising and occupational therapy he regained use of his left arm and finally succeded in raising his hand to his mouth, eventually feeding himself.

As a way of educating him, employees at the nursing home spoke to him and answered their own questions. In time he could answer by nodding his head and then there were other indications that he understood some things. People rather doubted that Othmar knew what was going on, but felt that he was responding to "training." In the summer of 1962, he would point to numbers or letters on the calendar, identifying his birthday and various holidays.

The method of therapy followed at the Falk Nursing Home is that given by the Iowa State Department of Health in the booklet entitled, "Strike Back at Stroke." They also follow the advice of the local doctors, and learn by observing the therapy at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester and the district meetings in Waterloo and Iowa City.

There were continued therapy sessions and Othmar was a cooperative patient. Any progress was duly noted.

Two years ago Othmar was taken to Rochester for a checkup. Doctors could scarcely belive his progress, but they doubted he would ever talk.

It was shortly after that he amazed everyone with a whispered word - his first in three years. Sometimes his whispering voice would go away, but it would return with a mere slap on the back. March 15, 1963, he startled those around him with his first audible word.

At first he could say only a word or two at a time. With speech therapy, he could finally say a short sentence, but would speak only when asked a question. Now he makes conversation, uses the telephone, calls people by name, sings along with radio and TV and is capable of carrying a tune by himself. His interest in music dates back to his accident when he was a choir cirector.

Othmar has also regained his sense of humor, and he can even give the line-up of the baseball team with which he played.

He has full use of, and works with his left side and there is continued therapy on his right side.

A homemade brace is placed on his right ankle, which was broken and never set, and two people assist him with walking. It is hoped he will be able to use crutches and get around by himself. Surgery is being considered.

Othmar is still on the road to recovery. No one knows just how complete that recovery can be, but Miss Falk and her staff, and his family and friends, believe that his determination to improve and cooperate with those who care for him will bring further improvement.

[ Mason City Globe-Gazette - July 6, 1964, Mason City ]

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