Giffords scrolling on iPad, standing

LOS ANGELES— Just 12 days after she was shot through the head at point blank range, Gabrielle Giffords is making “fantastic” progress, including scrolling through photos on an iPad and even standing with help, a doctor said Thursday. The husband of the Tucson, Ariz., representative added he was confidenthis wife would make a full recovery.

“I imagine the next step is here she’ll be walking, talking and in two months you’ll see her walking through the front door of this building,” Mark Kelly said at the University Medical Center (UMC) where she was taken after the shooting.

Her neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Lemole, also lauded Ms. Giffords’ progress, noting she was “beginning to stand with assistance.”

“She’s scrolling through an iPad. These are all fantastic advancements forward. They do indicate higher cognitive function,” he said.

“But, I do want to caution everyone that she has a long road ahead of her.”

Mr. Kelly, a space shuttle astronaut with the National Aeronautics& Space Administration, confirmed plans to move the 40-year-old to Houston, Tex., Friday so she would be nearer his work and his daughters.

The TIRR Memorial Hermann Institute for Rehabilitation& Research treats people for conditions ranging from brain and spinal cord injury to multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

“I’m extremely hopeful that Gabby’s going to make a full recovery,” Mr. Kelly said.

“I’ve told her that. She recognizes it. She’s a strong person, a fighter ... So I am extremely confident that she’s going to be back here and back at work soon.”

He added he believes his wife already has tried to speak but remains unable to do so because of the breathing tube inserted into her windpipe through her neck.

“She has a tracheostomy. Intellectually, she knows that’s there, she knows what that means. In my mind, she’s made some attempts.”

Mr. Kelly also said he and his spouse are tremendously thankful for the outpouring of support they have received, especially from Tucson

residents.

“One of the first things Gabby’s going to want to do as soon as she’s able is to start writing thank-you notes, and I’ve already reminded her

of that.”

Dr. Peter Rhee, the UMC’s trauma medical director, was vague when asked how much Ms. Giffords is believed to know about the circumstances of the shooting. He said she has not been told much about the attack and doctors are unsure what if anything she remembers of the incident.

© 2011 Thomson Reuters

Source