A beloved teacher from Vancouver is finally returning home after experiencing a traumatic brain injury during what was supposed to be a routine shoulder surgery. Scott Munro underwent elective orthopedic outpatient surgery last September, but did not wake up for days following the procedure. His family set up a GoFundMe page, stating that during the surgery, he suffered a loss of oxygen to his brain, resulting in significant brain damage.
The Brain Injury Association of America explains that this type of injury occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen, which can lead to brain damage. Munro, who had been an educator for nearly 30 years, fell into a coma and spent a month in the ICU after the surgery.
His wife, Katrina, expressed concerns about the lack of oxygen monitoring during the surgery, stating that something went wrong in the operating room that day. Munro has been undergoing rehabilitation for the past 8 months in Chicago and Omaha, where he is relearning basic tasks like walking, talking, and self-care.
Despite the challenges, Munro has shown progress in his recovery. He has been working on assisted walking, standing up with assistance, and improving his self-care skills. His daughter, Katherine, shared updates on his progress, mentioning improvements in his ability to use a strong voice and perform daily tasks with decreasing assistance.
After months of rehabilitation, Munro finally returned home, greeted by cheers from his loved ones at the airport. He will be staying in an assisted living community while his home is being modified to meet his needs. His wife expressed relief and emotional gratitude at having him back home, feeling like they have come full circle in his recovery journey.
The road to recovery for Munro will be long and challenging, but with the support of his family and friends, he is determined to regain his independence and continue his journey towards healing.