Publisher's Synopsis
When the author is suddenly paralyzed by a rare disease, he becomes a prisoner inside his own body - and only his wife and doctor stand between him and death. He's "totally locked-in" - he can't move but his mind is still normal - so he is aware of what is happening to him and can hear everything people say.
A Fallen Marionette follows a remarkable journey with cliffhangers and close-calls from start to finish. An honest, inspiring, life-affirming true story, it takes you along to experience the emotions, sensations, and sounds of being trapped in a dark world from which you may never escape. It is a poetic and compelling narrative of a normal man confronting his own humanity, and a testament to the heroism of his wife, doctor, therapists, and medical team.
It contains valuable lessons on topical issues such as patient advocacy, communicating with an incapacitated patient, and the importance of leadership and motivation in rehabilitation and recovery. Events covered include HMO and insurance company disputes, physical therapy, occupational therapy, long-term medical care, transitional care, suicidal thoughts, addiction to painkillers and opioids.
