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le grand feu

January 18, 2011

On Feb 8, it will be six months since my friend's car crash. This is a crucial date because according to the doctors, if a patient is going to make a meaningful recovery after a coma, it will be apparent within this window of time.

It is also the point at which the doctors will carry out further tests and decide whether or not to transfer him to Le Grand Feu - the renowned hospital unit at Niort where the real work of rehabilitation and reeducation is carried out.

My friend needs to give medical staff a sign that that he is in a position to benefit from Le Grand Feu, that he is able to progress to the next stage.

So far, he hasn't. He speaks only a few words a day and moves very little, although I am convinced that he can understand two languages.

'But there is hope?' I ask his (wonderful) psychologist this morning.

'Yes, there is still hope,' she says.

'Come on,' I think to myself, silently willing him on. 'You can do it. I know you can.'

comments (7)

1. Posted by pierre l on January 18, 2011 2:33 PM

We are all thinking of your friend. We say "come on" as well. Thinking of you as well.

2. Posted by Loraine on January 18, 2011 5:53 PM

Have been following your friends progress from day one and wish you both a positive outcome, which I'm sure there will be.Sometime these things take time but he'll get there in the end.X

3. Posted by Angela on January 18, 2011 6:26 PM

I too hope your friends responds enough for his treatment to continue at Niort. Still over 2 weeks for more positive signs to show.

4. Posted by mimi pompom on January 23, 2011 12:39 PM

Many thanks everyone for you continued good wishes and support for my friend.


I do tell him every time I visit that there are lots of people that he doesn't even know following his progress from different parts of the world. It definitely, definitely makes a difference, and is good for his morale, so thank you again.
Karen xx


5. Posted by Gwenda on January 23, 2011 8:39 PM

i am sure we will all be thinking about him at the beginning of February when the assessment takes place, really really do hope all goes well. Keep us posted!

6. Posted by Kate on January 23, 2011 10:39 PM

I do hope that all goes well, you never know what is around the next corner for any of us but things have a way of working out. Do keep us up to date with your news, x

7. Posted by Rachel S on February 2, 2011 7:54 AM

Hope your friend has made some progress since this post. I'm really missing reading your posts so started reading Tout Sweet again last night! Looking forward to reading more about life in France soon.


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