Gabrielle Giffords Stands On Own Two Feet

Representative Gabrielle Giffords stood on her own two feet with assistance today, Tucson's KVOA reported. Her doctor, Peter Rhee, also said the congresswoman sat in her hospital room's chair and looked out over the Catalina mountains. According to Rhee, Giffords has begun an "aggressive rehab" program.

Giffords, the last of the shooting victims to remain in Tucson's University Medical Center, will be transferred to TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital, KVOA reports:

Dr. Rhee would not confirm that Giffords will leave for TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital in Houston on Friday, but he says the transition from UMC to the next hospital will be seamless.

TIRR is one of the top-rated rehabilitation hospitals in the country, and has been recognized for this for the past 21 years, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital was chosen for its rehabilitation program and its relative proximity to Tucson, Giffords' husband Mark Kelly says.

Giffords has been continually improving all week. In an email obtained by the New York Times yesterday, the congresswoman's mother described her daughter scrolling through photographs on her husband's iPhone and playing with his tie.

"Everyday Gabby improves and shows higher levels of comprehension and complex actions," Giffords' mother wrote in the message.

Comments

[fumes]

02:24 PM on 01/30/2011

BRAVO GG!!!

keep it coming..

[GustavoRejivik]

08:49 PM on 01/27/2011

How many feet would she stand on?? Looks like the message of 'civility' didn't reach Left Wing Activists in Davos ...

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2727901520110127

[SkippyJiffy]

09:53 PM on 01/22/2011

It pains me to see her picture. I hope she will come out stronger from having gone through this.

[UncleMandingo]

02:56 PM on 01/21/2011

Now Giffords has to go to Texas for rehab? What did she do ? why are they punishing her?

[exigent]

11:17 AM on 01/21/2011

Her survival and rehabilitation is a statement to all the laughners out there. Here's to a smooth and comfortable recovery!

[Lego87]

12:16 AM on 01/21/2011

She is so lucky, I wish her a speedy recovery.

[marm]

11:31 PM on 01/20/2011

I wish Rep. Giffords a complete and speedy recovery, not only for her own sake, but for the sake of her constituents. I also want her Right-wing colleagues to have to look her in the eye when they deny the cause/effect relationship between extreme speech and extreme action. Prison inmates today found guilty of murder (of family members, friends, strangers), excluding those who killed for money or "turf," were all deemed sane when their crimes were committed, or they would not be in prison.

Emotional instability does not equate to mental illness, and as long as otherwise functionally "normal" people cannot control their anger, whether it is driven by jealousy, insult or impatience, even significant improvements in mental-health care will do little to reduce the number of shooting deaths. Habits of alcohol or drug abuse may exacerbate inherent tendencies towards violence that are characteristic of some temperaments and personality types, but these basic elements of the human makeup cannot be altered.

It is little short of "insane," then, for pundits and politicians to once more avoid the larger, knottier issue of gun control by focusing exclusively on the less controversial matter of health-care reform. That is needed, to be sure, but it is not the ultimate answer for a nation so awash in weaponry that Al Quaeda can realize its fondest dreams without ever lifting a finger. We are apparently determined to kill ourselves off.

[NOBSJUSTFACTS]

10:35 PM on 01/20/2011

I guess my biggest question is can and if so, how long will it take if she is able to talk. The frontal and upper brain has Wernick's area so while she may comprehend things being able to speak would seem right up there with standing up. I am sure the brain can rewire itself as many stroke victims wind up being able to speak albeit in a way that sounds odd to us...I hope Gabby regains her natural speech and is able to serve again as while the goal for now is baby steps it pains me every day that I do not hear that she has spoken. Let's pray that she regains her speech with therapy and is not rendered severely handicapped by her brain injury--she clearly will have the best medical care available so lets hope the doctors have a good plan for her. God speed Gabby Giffords.

[rjaxone]

12:41 AM on 01/21/2011

Yes, I hope the bullet did not impair Broca's area in the frontal lobe. Speech is a high executive level function--moreso than walking.

I look forward to the day that Garbriella voluntarily utters her first meaningful word or phase. God bless her...

[RTIII]

12:56 PM on 01/21/2011

"the goal for now is baby steps"

No, that's not the current goal. She has progressed so far so fast, they've put her on the fast track to provide the best rehabilitative care, tailored to her specific state at any given moment. ...You are right that baby steps, both literally and figuratively, usually apply, but she's recovering in - to keep the metaphore going - leaps and bounds...

[Bruinsfan]

10:04 PM on 01/20/2011

I am thrilled with the Congresswoman's progress and wish her well. I am left wondering, however, how many of us would have the insurance to allow us the top notch healthcare she has received. Here's hoping all crime victims get the help they need.

[GrumpyinAZ]

10:02 PM on 01/20/2011

But isn't the important issue

"How does this effect Sarah Palin"

[Razpooten]

12:34 AM on 02/09/2011

Sarah Palin has been back pedaling since the shooting. When she came out with her narcissistic rant using the term blood libel to further shoot herself on the foot. She is a shameless, pernicious woman.

[Michael Mount]

09:12 PM on 01/20/2011

Now, although she is a Congresswoman, and is expected to get the best medical care out there, I still consider her to be darn lucky to survive a shot in the head! I hope she does make a full recovery.

[KittyTreat]

09:03 PM on 01/20/2011

I am so happy for her and her family. They have so much work to do but they are a strong bunch! You go Girl!!

[cargofuzz]

05:19 PM on 01/20/2011

I just smile and feel happy when I read news like this.

[blueplano]

04:56 PM on 01/20/2011

Go Gabby! We are ALL rooting for a speedy and complete recovery. If anyone can do it, YOU can. We love you!

[Jdaddy1951]

04:40 PM on 01/20/2011

I spent four months beginning the process of rehab with my oldest son, Patrick, after he suffered a heart attack which led to a car accident that almost killed him and one of his brothers. Sadly, Patrick died during the rehab process --- no one's  fault, his heart just gave out. This happened last August. I am rooting for Congresswoman Giffords and her family not just for their own sakes, but because I really want to see someone complete this process. It will give hope to so many of us. Obviously her circumstances are different from my family's but I know what hard work lies ahead of them and will be watching closely, hoping for good news every day.

[lillibelle]

05:01 PM on 01/20/2011

So sad to read about your Patrick. I hope his brother made a full recovery?

Blessings to you!

[Jdaddy1951]

07:12 PM on 01/20/2011

Thank you for your condolences about Patrick. The good news is that Michael has made a full recovery and is continuing his career as a country musician. The band he plays in has its first hit on the Billboard country music charts this month.

[blueplano]

05:11 PM on 01/20/2011

I am sorry for your loss.

[Jdaddy1951]

07:13 PM on 01/20/2011

Thank you. It's important to appreciate people while they're here --- that's why I am strongly in the corner of Congresswoman Giffords and her family and hoping for a full recovery.