Robert found it best if Gini’s right arm was tied to her body. That way there was no movement of the arm, and she could continue her therapies. She still had a small limp in her right leg.
While in the training program, Dr. Meyer worked on a team that treated three patients and did case studies on all three. He was confident the therapy would help Gini not only gain control of her arm but also increase other body functions and mental capabilities, as he had seen in one of the case studies.
When he arrived back in New Haven, he gave Dr. Young, Debbie, and Maggie all a two-inch-thick manual that described the process of the therapy, case studies, pros and cons, and the risks.
Robert had a lengthy discussion with Franco, and Franco agreed to go forward with the treatment.
But Ric was outraged when he talked to Debbie about it. From what she had described to him, it sounded like some kind of torture, overworking her poor brain. And with the risks of having a stroke, it made no sense to him why they would even want to try such a procedure.
“Once again, I’m completely out of the loop. Franco decides sight unseen on some wacko treatment. Maybe if he’d come and visit her once in a while, he’d see she is getting better.” Ric paced around the living area.
“Ric, I know how difficult this is for you, but Franco is her guardian. He is the one making the decisions presented to him by her doctors.”
What she didn’t tell Ric was that she too was leery about the therapy and had told both doctors she didn’t want Gini to be at risk. But both were impressed with Dr. Steel’s results and thought the treatment would help Gini.
“Why doesn’t he ever visit her? She’s his wife! He shouldn’t be in control. He knows nothing about her.”
“He doesn’t visit because it upsets her so.”
“Really, how?”
“She has attacks, like the one when she heard the motorcycle, not that drastic but still very agitated. And he and Dr. Young have a video call every week to talk about Gini. He knows about all the successes and her problems. Aaron usually has a video every week that he sends Franco so he can see her progress.”
Ric stopped pacing and rubbed his hand over the top of his head and down his neck. “So he is engaged.”
“Yes. I do think if he would come and have therapy with Dr. Kramer and Gini, she’d work past her anger toward him and stop the attacks. But he refuses to get therapy.” She looked straight at Ric. “And he needs it. He’s suffering from this whole situation, but he won’t face reality; just like you.”
“Me? Debbie, I’m here every day I’m in Boston. I have faced the reality of her accident. I love her and want to be with her always. If I’m suffering, it’s because I have no control over any of this, and it’s just not fair to Gini, and it’s not fair to me.”
“I know, Ric. But that’s the way it is. As you know, I worry about your expectations.”
“And you think I need therapy for believing in Gini?” he said sharply.
“I think not accepting that things may not turn out as you wish can cause problems.”
“Problems? I think I know quite a bit about problems, Debbie.”
“Ric, this is my job, and I’m used to patients like Gini. But it wasn’t easy for me in the beginning.”
“You don’t seem to understand that this is the woman I love.”
“Okay, Ric. I know you love her.” But sometimes Debbie wondered if Gini was still the woman he loved. He was holding on so tight to their past and seemed convinced that in the near future she would be the same woman she was before the accident. How could she get through to him that that Gini no longer existed?
Ric let out a loud breath of air and went in to sit with Gini while she slept.
The date for the start of the new therapy was set. The treatment was over five days. The team would include Dr. Meyer doing the hypnosis and commands; Patricia, Dr. Meyer’s assistant, recording Gini’s vitals during the treatments; Aaron assisting John with the equipment; and Dr. Young watching Gini’s EEG for any significant changes. Debbie would also be present, at her request, mostly to observe but also to act as a runner if Dr. Meyer needed something outside of the room. He decided the best place to administer the therapy was in Gini’s room.
The first day was a test to see if the patient could tolerate the procedure. It was a short exam, taking about fifteen minutes. Dr. Meyer explained everything they were doing. Wires were attached to her head and chest to monitor her brain waves and heart. An oxygen tube was put in her nose, and a clip placed on her earlobe for blood oxygen and body temperature. John talked to Gini, sitting in her wheelchair, in a calm monotone voice, keeping her full attention. “When I say it’s time to let your brain rest, I want you to go to sleep.
“Okay, Gini, we have all the equipment ready. I want you to relax and enjoy our conversation.”
“Oh… yes…” Gini seemed unconcerned with what was going on. She had become quite comfortable around Dr. Meyer. He was very gentle with her.
“I’m going
