Courtney had another busy day. The day started with the usual beauty treatment followed by speech therapy. Courtney had more ice cream and her trachea was capped so that she was breathing completely through her nose and mouth. She had lots of stretching, sitting up and other exercises meant to strengthen her trunk, neck and overall posture. Courtney worked very very hard and did great with everything!
Today's capping was the beginning of a trial - tomorrow she will be capped for 4 hours - then next day for longer. Once Courtney has tolerated 3 consecutive days of capping the trachea will be removed.
The baclofin pump trial is scheduled for Friday and surgery is scheduled for Monday providing that the trial goes well.
On another note, we are always living in the world of reality and we need prayers that will help us to be able to keep Courtney here as long as she needs. Blue Cross is only approving 5 days at a time here. It seems as though they're looking for the type of improvements one would see with a hip replacement patient. Unfortunately, TBI progress of this nature is very slow.
The staff here is documenting all of her progress very well to support the need for Courtney to stay. But everything we've asked for through prayer we have received and so I'm asking you all to fervently pray that Courtney stays here where she is meant to be. Please pray.
Thank you for the wonderful cards, emails and visits - they are great lift to our spirits and Courtney's enjoying these more as each day passes.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Mom and Dad's Update
Courtney has been very active the past 2 days. While sitting in bed and in her wheel chair she has been throwing her legs over the side. Courtney has also been leaning forward - lifting herself from the waist up off the bed and rolling from side to side.
Because of all that activity, and because Braintree never wants to restrain patients Courtney is now in a 'low' bed. It looks very much like a hospital bed but it sits near the floor similar to a toddler's bed. There are large soft mats on either side so that if Courtney does try to get out of bed she will not hurt herself.
It is obvious that Courtey is very frustrated that she is not walking and talking. We have explained to her that the muscle tone (tightness, spasms, spasticity) has to be addressed before she will be ready to walk - otherwise she would be walking on her toes and hurting her ankles and other joints.
Courtney can speak but the valve that is currently in her trachea doesn't allow for the normal amount of air that passes through our mouths. This feels awkward causing Courtney to force air through her mouth which then comes out in a hoarse tone.
Tomorrow Kathleen, speech therapist, will 'cap' the trachea as it was at RIH thereby allowing all air to pass through Courtney's mouth. When she does make sound it will be her natural voice.
The fact that Courtney is now aware of her deficits is a huge step forward in the process. Her frustration will motivate her to do the hard work she needs to continue her recovery.
Courtney's first week at BRH has been a success considering that she wasn't moving around as much, wasn't eating or swallowing anything (barely opening her mouth) and wasn't communicating just one week ago.
Courtney will nod yes and no to questions and is now making choices about wardrobe. Both yesterday and today I showed her 2 pairs of pants - then 2 shirts - each time she stared at the one she wanted. Then I switched positions and asked her to look at her choice - she made the same choice each time. This morning she added a firm nod leaving no doubt about her choice!
Courtney's genuinely affectionate and loving side is coming through as she is frequently leaning forward to give us kisses. Tonight I kissed her on both cheeks and said 'we'll kiss like Europeans' - this made Courtney laugh - it was a great sound!
We believe that Courtney's memory is very good. Today when I showed her pictured of her holding Jessica and Audrey Laffey in her lap she leaned forward and kissed each face in the picture. She stared lovingly at the picture several times during the day.
Now that Courtney is so much more aware it's a good time to talk about visiting.
Visiting hours during the week are 12-1 and 4-8. Weekends 12-8.
In our experience 3-5:30/6:00 are the best times during the week because by 7pm Courtney is wiped out from all the work she's done all day.
12-1 is okay during the week too.
Weekends from 12-5:30/6:00 work best.
A few things to remember when visiting:
Courtney does have therapy on the weekends and so you may have to wait to see her.
She may be very tired and sleepy - therefore the visit could involve just sitting with Courtney.
Overstimulation is not good - so a crowd of visitors is to much for Courtney to handle. If you come with a group it's best to have 3-4 people in the room at a time.
Avoid using loud voices - she responds best to soft soothing voices.
It's okay to show emotion - sometimes when Courtney sees a good friend she cries -it's okay for you to cry too. We always say 'it stinks that you have to go through this Courtney, but we cry happy tears too because you're doing so well."
Every adult who has visited Courtney has struggled through seeing her less than her energetic self. We all have difficulty reconciling our feelings. If you have young children we strongly discourage you from bringing them to see Courtney. They simply can not reconcile why she is not the bubbly Courtney she usually is. Courtney would be the first person to say "don't upset children by bringing them into a situation they can't handle."
If you ever have any questions about visiting or Courtney's progress feel free to post it on comments or call my cell phone.
Because of all that activity, and because Braintree never wants to restrain patients Courtney is now in a 'low' bed. It looks very much like a hospital bed but it sits near the floor similar to a toddler's bed. There are large soft mats on either side so that if Courtney does try to get out of bed she will not hurt herself.
It is obvious that Courtey is very frustrated that she is not walking and talking. We have explained to her that the muscle tone (tightness, spasms, spasticity) has to be addressed before she will be ready to walk - otherwise she would be walking on her toes and hurting her ankles and other joints.
Courtney can speak but the valve that is currently in her trachea doesn't allow for the normal amount of air that passes through our mouths. This feels awkward causing Courtney to force air through her mouth which then comes out in a hoarse tone.
Tomorrow Kathleen, speech therapist, will 'cap' the trachea as it was at RIH thereby allowing all air to pass through Courtney's mouth. When she does make sound it will be her natural voice.
The fact that Courtney is now aware of her deficits is a huge step forward in the process. Her frustration will motivate her to do the hard work she needs to continue her recovery.
Courtney's first week at BRH has been a success considering that she wasn't moving around as much, wasn't eating or swallowing anything (barely opening her mouth) and wasn't communicating just one week ago.
Courtney will nod yes and no to questions and is now making choices about wardrobe. Both yesterday and today I showed her 2 pairs of pants - then 2 shirts - each time she stared at the one she wanted. Then I switched positions and asked her to look at her choice - she made the same choice each time. This morning she added a firm nod leaving no doubt about her choice!
Courtney's genuinely affectionate and loving side is coming through as she is frequently leaning forward to give us kisses. Tonight I kissed her on both cheeks and said 'we'll kiss like Europeans' - this made Courtney laugh - it was a great sound!
We believe that Courtney's memory is very good. Today when I showed her pictured of her holding Jessica and Audrey Laffey in her lap she leaned forward and kissed each face in the picture. She stared lovingly at the picture several times during the day.
Now that Courtney is so much more aware it's a good time to talk about visiting.
Visiting hours during the week are 12-1 and 4-8. Weekends 12-8.
In our experience 3-5:30/6:00 are the best times during the week because by 7pm Courtney is wiped out from all the work she's done all day.
12-1 is okay during the week too.
Weekends from 12-5:30/6:00 work best.
A few things to remember when visiting:
Courtney does have therapy on the weekends and so you may have to wait to see her.
She may be very tired and sleepy - therefore the visit could involve just sitting with Courtney.
Overstimulation is not good - so a crowd of visitors is to much for Courtney to handle. If you come with a group it's best to have 3-4 people in the room at a time.
Avoid using loud voices - she responds best to soft soothing voices.
It's okay to show emotion - sometimes when Courtney sees a good friend she cries -it's okay for you to cry too. We always say 'it stinks that you have to go through this Courtney, but we cry happy tears too because you're doing so well."
Every adult who has visited Courtney has struggled through seeing her less than her energetic self. We all have difficulty reconciling our feelings. If you have young children we strongly discourage you from bringing them to see Courtney. They simply can not reconcile why she is not the bubbly Courtney she usually is. Courtney would be the first person to say "don't upset children by bringing them into a situation they can't handle."
If you ever have any questions about visiting or Courtney's progress feel free to post it on comments or call my cell phone.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
RIH Trauma Intensive Care Unit(TICU)
When I originally thought about writing of our experience on TICU (trauma intensive care unit) I thought it might be 'TICU in the rearview mirror'. But the emotions of our experience there are to recent and run to deep - they are not behind us but will remain a part of us for a long time.
Imagine for a moment a world where time stands still. A world of constant beeping, alarms, drips, machines humming, voices in the hallway, lights on, lights off, lights on again, more beeping, endless alarms. Those are the aethestics of TICU. A world of intensity where lives are saved and lost nearly every day, often more than once a day.I
remember the first 'night' - it was early morning when we were brought up to the TICU. Lisa was the nurse on duty but many other nurses and doctors were still busy rushing in and out to attend to Courtney's very serious status. As I think back to Lisa asking us questions about Courtney it's odd that I can recall only one emotion during the first hour in TICU - I felt calm.
Perhaps it is the peace in the midst of the storm so often sung about in gospel hymns.
The peace on that day was certainly God's gift but the instrument he used to deliver that gift was the staff on TICU. So often I told them individually "you are giving people a gift."
There were conversations Craig and I had with doctors that cut us in half, I remember being practically carried to a chair more than once, and yet somewhere in the corner of my mind was the thought "how do they have these conversations?" How to you ask a parent about organ donation? How do you ask the unthinkable question of ending life support? The only answer is that they have been gifted by God with an amount of compassion that is beyound reach for for the rest of us.
The doctors who have chosen trauma as their specialty are certainly a breed of their own. The nursing staff dedicated to caring for critically ill patients, with multiple injuries, whose grasp on life is so tentative, have their own amazing capacity to provide compassion , caring and love.
All the staff who work the TICU, xray technicians, housekeeping, see, feel the pain and anguish of patients and families in crisis. They are all a blessing to all of us. These are your neighbors, friends, relatives and the people you pass on the street or in the store without a second glance. Every morning for the entire time that Courtney was in TICU at least 3-5 of the housekeeping staff would stand at the end of her bed and say silent prayers for her. They did this not because they knew Courtney or our family but because they also have a gift of love that runs deep through their hearts.
Not only did they care for Courtney as though she were their own sister, daughter, granddaughter, they cared for us too. We can't count the number of times doctors and nurses alike stopped to ask 'are you okay?', 'do you need anything?', 'is there anything I can do for you?
We found their compassion and willingness to extend that love to us nothing short of amazing.
From the bottom of our hearts we will never forget or be able to thank enough all those who brought Courtney from the brink of death to be medically stable enough to continue her recovery. It was these dedicated professionals, along with close friends and family, who have been by our side during the beginning of this awful journey. A journey where we have been shown Gods presence in this world.
May God bless them all with the strength to continue loving, with compassion for others that only saints have known, and the peace of knowing there are many many grateful hearts who will always and forever pray in thanksgiving for their being.
Diane, Craig, Katy, Claudia and Courtney
Imagine for a moment a world where time stands still. A world of constant beeping, alarms, drips, machines humming, voices in the hallway, lights on, lights off, lights on again, more beeping, endless alarms. Those are the aethestics of TICU. A world of intensity where lives are saved and lost nearly every day, often more than once a day.I
remember the first 'night' - it was early morning when we were brought up to the TICU. Lisa was the nurse on duty but many other nurses and doctors were still busy rushing in and out to attend to Courtney's very serious status. As I think back to Lisa asking us questions about Courtney it's odd that I can recall only one emotion during the first hour in TICU - I felt calm.
Perhaps it is the peace in the midst of the storm so often sung about in gospel hymns.
The peace on that day was certainly God's gift but the instrument he used to deliver that gift was the staff on TICU. So often I told them individually "you are giving people a gift."
There were conversations Craig and I had with doctors that cut us in half, I remember being practically carried to a chair more than once, and yet somewhere in the corner of my mind was the thought "how do they have these conversations?" How to you ask a parent about organ donation? How do you ask the unthinkable question of ending life support? The only answer is that they have been gifted by God with an amount of compassion that is beyound reach for for the rest of us.
The doctors who have chosen trauma as their specialty are certainly a breed of their own. The nursing staff dedicated to caring for critically ill patients, with multiple injuries, whose grasp on life is so tentative, have their own amazing capacity to provide compassion , caring and love.
All the staff who work the TICU, xray technicians, housekeeping, see, feel the pain and anguish of patients and families in crisis. They are all a blessing to all of us. These are your neighbors, friends, relatives and the people you pass on the street or in the store without a second glance. Every morning for the entire time that Courtney was in TICU at least 3-5 of the housekeeping staff would stand at the end of her bed and say silent prayers for her. They did this not because they knew Courtney or our family but because they also have a gift of love that runs deep through their hearts.
Not only did they care for Courtney as though she were their own sister, daughter, granddaughter, they cared for us too. We can't count the number of times doctors and nurses alike stopped to ask 'are you okay?', 'do you need anything?', 'is there anything I can do for you?
We found their compassion and willingness to extend that love to us nothing short of amazing.
From the bottom of our hearts we will never forget or be able to thank enough all those who brought Courtney from the brink of death to be medically stable enough to continue her recovery. It was these dedicated professionals, along with close friends and family, who have been by our side during the beginning of this awful journey. A journey where we have been shown Gods presence in this world.
May God bless them all with the strength to continue loving, with compassion for others that only saints have known, and the peace of knowing there are many many grateful hearts who will always and forever pray in thanksgiving for their being.
Diane, Craig, Katy, Claudia and Courtney
Friday, December 26, 2008
Mom's Update
Courtney had an impressive day today. It started out with a bath that required help only from Mom because she was rolling from side to side herself and holding on to the railings.
Following that Courtney had ice cream for breakfast! She proved that her swallowing skills are strong and continued to make sounds with her vocal cords.
Courtney showed the strength of her abs and all those workouts in the gym paid off - as she was leaning back against Lisa, a PT with Alyssa, her regular PT was standing in front of her she leaned forward from a 45 degree angle to sitting practically straight up - on her own - with no assistance.
Courtney then moved her head and followed sounds as her Aunties, who were sitting in the room, said hello to her one at a time and she turned her head toward each of them. I called her several times from across the room and each time she picked her head up to look at me.
Later in the afternoon she was in her wheel chair and Craig was sitting in the corner behind her. I told her "Daddy sitting behind you" - Courtney leaned forward and turned her head to see her Dad!
I had just told the nurse 'we're going to take Courtney for a walk' - then Craig asked "is it okay if we take Courtney for a walk?" - If Courtney could have decked him she would have! She pulled her head forward and looked at him as if to say "what the heck are you doing? I'm out the door!"
The day continued with a wonderful visit from her bff Jillian. She looked at Jill as though she were an angel from heaven. Jillian has visited many times while Courtney was in the hospital but today was definitely Courtney's most alert visit with Jilly. The two shared tears and kisses and hugs and a wonderful visit. The best part of the visit was the 2 armed hug Courtney gave Jill. For many weeks therapists and we have been trying to get Courtney to move her right arm. The power of love was all that was needed for motivation for Courtney to raise that arm and wrap it around her friend!
A beautiful day for Courtney and we look forward to many more to come!
Following that Courtney had ice cream for breakfast! She proved that her swallowing skills are strong and continued to make sounds with her vocal cords.
Courtney showed the strength of her abs and all those workouts in the gym paid off - as she was leaning back against Lisa, a PT with Alyssa, her regular PT was standing in front of her she leaned forward from a 45 degree angle to sitting practically straight up - on her own - with no assistance.
Courtney then moved her head and followed sounds as her Aunties, who were sitting in the room, said hello to her one at a time and she turned her head toward each of them. I called her several times from across the room and each time she picked her head up to look at me.
Later in the afternoon she was in her wheel chair and Craig was sitting in the corner behind her. I told her "Daddy sitting behind you" - Courtney leaned forward and turned her head to see her Dad!
I had just told the nurse 'we're going to take Courtney for a walk' - then Craig asked "is it okay if we take Courtney for a walk?" - If Courtney could have decked him she would have! She pulled her head forward and looked at him as if to say "what the heck are you doing? I'm out the door!"
The day continued with a wonderful visit from her bff Jillian. She looked at Jill as though she were an angel from heaven. Jillian has visited many times while Courtney was in the hospital but today was definitely Courtney's most alert visit with Jilly. The two shared tears and kisses and hugs and a wonderful visit. The best part of the visit was the 2 armed hug Courtney gave Jill. For many weeks therapists and we have been trying to get Courtney to move her right arm. The power of love was all that was needed for motivation for Courtney to raise that arm and wrap it around her friend!
A beautiful day for Courtney and we look forward to many more to come!
Christmas Day happiness
Christmas morning started out very emotional for Craig and I. We were quite sad at Courtney having to be here on Christmas day and yet grateful that she is still with us when others have lost their children.
But God blessed us with several happy moments:
Courtney made her first venture outside in the wheel chair. With her favorite winter hat, sunglasses and blankets we walked around in the sun for about 5 minutes.
We cruised the hallways and sat in our favorite large room overlooking the parking lot.
Her Uncles and Aunts and friends came to visit Courtney and she did well through it all.
The end of the day was the highlight - since Courtney first opened her eyes after the accident I will often kiss her head and then ask 'do you want to give me a kiss?' - then I'll place my cheek against her lips. Although she's never actually kissed me she does always have a look of happiness on her face. Last night she did pick her head up off the bed and kiss ne several times. Then she kissed her Dad!
But God blessed us with several happy moments:
Courtney made her first venture outside in the wheel chair. With her favorite winter hat, sunglasses and blankets we walked around in the sun for about 5 minutes.
We cruised the hallways and sat in our favorite large room overlooking the parking lot.
Her Uncles and Aunts and friends came to visit Courtney and she did well through it all.
The end of the day was the highlight - since Courtney first opened her eyes after the accident I will often kiss her head and then ask 'do you want to give me a kiss?' - then I'll place my cheek against her lips. Although she's never actually kissed me she does always have a look of happiness on her face. Last night she did pick her head up off the bed and kiss ne several times. Then she kissed her Dad!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Mom's Update
Many people with TBI have problems with muscle spasticity. Courtney has had this problem for about 3 weeks. In these situations muscles in the body tighten and stiffen - the muscles develop 'tone' to the point where they are difficult to stretch out. The results can lead to serious problems that need to be corrected surgically and in some cases they lead to permanent disability.
Dr. Koelbel is a pysiatrist specializing in rehabilitation with a focus on managing and ultimately eliminating spasticity and its debilitating effects. Dr. Koelbel evaluated Courtney this morning and believes the best course of treatment is the most aggressive since her spasticity is wide spread and severe. Therefore on Friday Jan. 2nd Courtney will have a trial of baclofen injected into her spine. If this trial yields positive results then Courtney will have a pump implanted in her stomach with a wire feeding the drug into his spine. This will allow the baclofen to be disbursed to the muscles quickly without the sedating effect of an oral dose of baclofen.
The surgery will take place at Boston Medical Center and it should be about a 24 hour stay.
Success rates with administering baclofen via the pump are about 85%.
We can not overstate the importance of eliminating muscle spasticity and how profoundly this effects her ability to participate in rehab. Imagine for a moment that you've just had a serious muscle pull - your hamstring - you can't walk - you're in pain. Now imagine someone telling you to lift your leg, wiggle your toes, or push your foot down. The pain and stiffness would make those tasks virtually impossible. That has been one of Courtney's challenges for nearly 3 weeks.
Although Courtney could have the trachea removed before the surgery we thought it best that they leave it in so that she would not have to be intubated during the surgery or in the event of an emergency.
We are hopeful that alot will happen after the surgery - trachea removed - by which time she'll be swallowing better and then she can get moving for real! We are very hopeful that this will facilitate progress for Courtney.
We'll let you all know about the test dose on the 2nd and the date of surgery. She will only be away from Braintree for one night - God willing!
Dr. Koelbel is a pysiatrist specializing in rehabilitation with a focus on managing and ultimately eliminating spasticity and its debilitating effects. Dr. Koelbel evaluated Courtney this morning and believes the best course of treatment is the most aggressive since her spasticity is wide spread and severe. Therefore on Friday Jan. 2nd Courtney will have a trial of baclofen injected into her spine. If this trial yields positive results then Courtney will have a pump implanted in her stomach with a wire feeding the drug into his spine. This will allow the baclofen to be disbursed to the muscles quickly without the sedating effect of an oral dose of baclofen.
The surgery will take place at Boston Medical Center and it should be about a 24 hour stay.
Success rates with administering baclofen via the pump are about 85%.
We can not overstate the importance of eliminating muscle spasticity and how profoundly this effects her ability to participate in rehab. Imagine for a moment that you've just had a serious muscle pull - your hamstring - you can't walk - you're in pain. Now imagine someone telling you to lift your leg, wiggle your toes, or push your foot down. The pain and stiffness would make those tasks virtually impossible. That has been one of Courtney's challenges for nearly 3 weeks.
Although Courtney could have the trachea removed before the surgery we thought it best that they leave it in so that she would not have to be intubated during the surgery or in the event of an emergency.
We are hopeful that alot will happen after the surgery - trachea removed - by which time she'll be swallowing better and then she can get moving for real! We are very hopeful that this will facilitate progress for Courtney.
We'll let you all know about the test dose on the 2nd and the date of surgery. She will only be away from Braintree for one night - God willing!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
from UB
Diane and Katy's posts from Tuesday are below.
Christmas is a special time for all of us, for different reasons. The confluence this year of Courtney's accident and Christmas causes us all mixed emotions. We're thankful we have Courtney, we're sad she has so far to go but we're also hopeful for her recovery. In these difficult times, we lean on each other for support and strength. In that spirit, I have "leaned" on another writer to help express my feelings.
This is an adaptation of Francis P. Church’s famous 1897 editorial, “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”.
Dearest Courtney,
It occurred to me that during this most difficult and trying time, you, or others around you, might be tempted to question your faith. Certainly, there are people in the world who would gladly tell you that there is no God and that you and your family are alone in your suffering. Courtney, those people are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Courtney, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Courtney, there is a God. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no God!? It would be as dreary as if there were no Courtneys – a more dreadful thought does not exist! There would be no faith then, no love, no hope, to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which love fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in God!? You might as well not believe in the love of your parents. What folly! You might get your Dad to hire men to search the world and the heavens over in the hopes that one may actually see God, but even if they did not see God, what would that prove? Nobody sees God as we see the stars, the sun and the moon, but that is no sign that there is no God. Be comforted in the truth that most real things in the world, precious Courtney, are those that neither children nor men can see. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in this world.
You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith and love can push aside that heavy curtain to view and picture the heavenly beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Courtney, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No God? He lives and lives forever! A hundred thousand years from now, Courtney, nay, a 1000 times 100,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of Men who accept his love.
Even now, Court, only you and God fully know your pain and suffering. He alone hears your voice and knows your most intimate thoughts. So from time to time as you struggle and fight your way through all the challenges that await you on your difficult road to recovery, take time for yourself and try to relax. Try to be quiet and still in mind and body and in that silence - in that calm in the midst of the raging storm, know that God is with you.
With love,
Uncle Brian
Christmas is a special time for all of us, for different reasons. The confluence this year of Courtney's accident and Christmas causes us all mixed emotions. We're thankful we have Courtney, we're sad she has so far to go but we're also hopeful for her recovery. In these difficult times, we lean on each other for support and strength. In that spirit, I have "leaned" on another writer to help express my feelings.
This is an adaptation of Francis P. Church’s famous 1897 editorial, “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”.
Dearest Courtney,
It occurred to me that during this most difficult and trying time, you, or others around you, might be tempted to question your faith. Certainly, there are people in the world who would gladly tell you that there is no God and that you and your family are alone in your suffering. Courtney, those people are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Courtney, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Courtney, there is a God. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no God!? It would be as dreary as if there were no Courtneys – a more dreadful thought does not exist! There would be no faith then, no love, no hope, to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which love fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in God!? You might as well not believe in the love of your parents. What folly! You might get your Dad to hire men to search the world and the heavens over in the hopes that one may actually see God, but even if they did not see God, what would that prove? Nobody sees God as we see the stars, the sun and the moon, but that is no sign that there is no God. Be comforted in the truth that most real things in the world, precious Courtney, are those that neither children nor men can see. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in this world.
You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith and love can push aside that heavy curtain to view and picture the heavenly beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Courtney, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No God? He lives and lives forever! A hundred thousand years from now, Courtney, nay, a 1000 times 100,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of Men who accept his love.
Even now, Court, only you and God fully know your pain and suffering. He alone hears your voice and knows your most intimate thoughts. So from time to time as you struggle and fight your way through all the challenges that await you on your difficult road to recovery, take time for yourself and try to relax. Try to be quiet and still in mind and body and in that silence - in that calm in the midst of the raging storm, know that God is with you.
With love,
Uncle Brian
Information From Katy
Hi Everyone,
I thought this information might be helpful - and allow everyone to better understand what is going on with Courtney on a day-to-day basis. I'll post it on the blog too.
Courtney's Brain Injury:
Courtney has suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury. This kind of injury results from an outside force hitting the head. There are two categories of TBI that cause trauma to the brain - Courtney has Diffuse Injury. Also referred to as Difuse Anoxal Injury, this results from the shearing and tensile forces associated with significant acceleration/deceleration trauma (like a car accident). The connecting elements of neurons (called axons) are torn and interrupted, causing widespread loss of connectivity. Immediate unconsciousness is a hallmark clinical feature of Diffuse Axonal Injury. Courtney injured the temporal and parietal lobes of her brain. The temporal lobe is located just above the ears, under the frontal lobe. It is responsible for memory, perception, and ability to understand language. The parietal lobe is located just behind the frontal lobe which is at the front of the head. Its responsibilities include the ability to feel (touch sensation), and the ability to integrate sensation for pain, temperature, and movement.
Courtney's Stages of Recovery:
Recovery from a brain injury is a complex process that depends on numerous variables including site, type, severity of injury, and age, among others. The recovery process can plateau at any stage of the recovery process. if the recovery process is prolonged at one stage, each stage after that will also be prolonged. Courtney is in Braintree Rehab Hospital, which uses its own scale to measure the recovery process. I've marked Courtney's current state with "***"
Unconsciousness
Coma
Wakeful Consciousness (Vegetative State)
Confusional
Minimally Conscious State
Confusional State
Post-Confusional
Evolving Independence
Social Competence / Community Re-entry
Coma: When a person is in a coma, it resembles a deep sleep. Their eyes are closed and they have no recognition of or response to internal or external stimuli. They have no apparent sleep/wake cycles.
Wakeful Unconsciousness: This stage is also called a vegetative state. A patient has emerged into this stage when sleep/wake cycles resume and they begin to show reflexive behaviors such as limb posturing, non-purposeful restless movements, startle to loud sounds, or blinking to visual threat. Patients at this stage are still persistently unresponsive and all movements are reflexive.
***Minimally Conscious State***: When patients begin to show higher brain function they have emerged into MCS. This stage is marked by inconsistency. A person may begin to fixate and track people across the room, or turn their head if they name is called. They may begin to follow simple commands or start using objects in a functional way (like combing their hair). These activities are inconsistent - for example, a person may give a high-five if asked one time, but then be unable to replicate this command.
Confusional State: When patients are able to consistently follow commands and use objects consistently and functionally, they have emerged into a confusional state. The hallmark on the confusional state is memory dysfunction, or post traumatic amnesia. Patients are unable to form new memories and are significantly confused as to month, date, year, where they are, and what happened to them. They will be unable to recall recent events and will be unable to recall information from hour to hour or even minute to minute. These patients also demonstrate very poor attention and concentration, varying to very sedate top highly agitated. In this stage, frustration is common and patients will react accordingly. This is common when patients are confused and unable to make sense of their world. Given these behaviors, it is important to maintain a quiet environment, frequent rest breaks, and develop consistent routines.
Evolving Independence: Patients emerge from the confusional state when PTA resolves and new memories can be formed. Patients in this stage are no longer confused and are able to recall elements of their day. Despite this improvement, patients continue to demonstrate significant memory impairment. Deficits in higher level cognitive function become apparent at this stage with continued difficulties in reasoning, abstract thinking, problem solving, and attention. Patients are often discharged at this stage, but continue to need intensive outpatient therapy.
Social Competence / Community Re-entry: Once patients are able to resume community activities such as returning to work or school, they have entered this stage. Even though patients have returned to their normal lives substantial modifications in their homes, work, and school environment are necessary to help compensate for lingering deficits.
Types of Therapy Courtney Receives:
Physical Therapy: Focuses on strengthening, coordination, balance increasing leg flexibility, transferring in and our of bed/chair, and walking.
Occupational Therapy: Focuses on improving strength, coordination, and function of the hands and arms. They also help patients re-learn daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, self-feeding, meal preparation, household tasks, and community activities. They work on the cognitive and perceptual components needed to perform functional activities, including attention, memory, problem solving, insight into impairments, safety awareness, and compensatory strategies.
Speech-Language Pathologist: Focuses on problems with speaking, listening, comprehending, reading, and writing. They also work on improving cognitive skills.
I hope this helps!
Love,
Katy
PS - for everyone with Facebook, I'm updating the group "Get Well Soon Courtney" regularly again :)
I thought this information might be helpful - and allow everyone to better understand what is going on with Courtney on a day-to-day basis. I'll post it on the blog too.
Courtney's Brain Injury:
Courtney has suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury. This kind of injury results from an outside force hitting the head. There are two categories of TBI that cause trauma to the brain - Courtney has Diffuse Injury. Also referred to as Difuse Anoxal Injury, this results from the shearing and tensile forces associated with significant acceleration/deceleration trauma (like a car accident). The connecting elements of neurons (called axons) are torn and interrupted, causing widespread loss of connectivity. Immediate unconsciousness is a hallmark clinical feature of Diffuse Axonal Injury. Courtney injured the temporal and parietal lobes of her brain. The temporal lobe is located just above the ears, under the frontal lobe. It is responsible for memory, perception, and ability to understand language. The parietal lobe is located just behind the frontal lobe which is at the front of the head. Its responsibilities include the ability to feel (touch sensation), and the ability to integrate sensation for pain, temperature, and movement.
Courtney's Stages of Recovery:
Recovery from a brain injury is a complex process that depends on numerous variables including site, type, severity of injury, and age, among others. The recovery process can plateau at any stage of the recovery process. if the recovery process is prolonged at one stage, each stage after that will also be prolonged. Courtney is in Braintree Rehab Hospital, which uses its own scale to measure the recovery process. I've marked Courtney's current state with "***"
Unconsciousness
Coma
Wakeful Consciousness (Vegetative State)
Confusional
Minimally Conscious State
Confusional State
Post-Confusional
Evolving Independence
Social Competence / Community Re-entry
Coma: When a person is in a coma, it resembles a deep sleep. Their eyes are closed and they have no recognition of or response to internal or external stimuli. They have no apparent sleep/wake cycles.
Wakeful Unconsciousness: This stage is also called a vegetative state. A patient has emerged into this stage when sleep/wake cycles resume and they begin to show reflexive behaviors such as limb posturing, non-purposeful restless movements, startle to loud sounds, or blinking to visual threat. Patients at this stage are still persistently unresponsive and all movements are reflexive.
***Minimally Conscious State***: When patients begin to show higher brain function they have emerged into MCS. This stage is marked by inconsistency. A person may begin to fixate and track people across the room, or turn their head if they name is called. They may begin to follow simple commands or start using objects in a functional way (like combing their hair). These activities are inconsistent - for example, a person may give a high-five if asked one time, but then be unable to replicate this command.
Confusional State: When patients are able to consistently follow commands and use objects consistently and functionally, they have emerged into a confusional state. The hallmark on the confusional state is memory dysfunction, or post traumatic amnesia. Patients are unable to form new memories and are significantly confused as to month, date, year, where they are, and what happened to them. They will be unable to recall recent events and will be unable to recall information from hour to hour or even minute to minute. These patients also demonstrate very poor attention and concentration, varying to very sedate top highly agitated. In this stage, frustration is common and patients will react accordingly. This is common when patients are confused and unable to make sense of their world. Given these behaviors, it is important to maintain a quiet environment, frequent rest breaks, and develop consistent routines.
Evolving Independence: Patients emerge from the confusional state when PTA resolves and new memories can be formed. Patients in this stage are no longer confused and are able to recall elements of their day. Despite this improvement, patients continue to demonstrate significant memory impairment. Deficits in higher level cognitive function become apparent at this stage with continued difficulties in reasoning, abstract thinking, problem solving, and attention. Patients are often discharged at this stage, but continue to need intensive outpatient therapy.
Social Competence / Community Re-entry: Once patients are able to resume community activities such as returning to work or school, they have entered this stage. Even though patients have returned to their normal lives substantial modifications in their homes, work, and school environment are necessary to help compensate for lingering deficits.
Types of Therapy Courtney Receives:
Physical Therapy: Focuses on strengthening, coordination, balance increasing leg flexibility, transferring in and our of bed/chair, and walking.
Occupational Therapy: Focuses on improving strength, coordination, and function of the hands and arms. They also help patients re-learn daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, self-feeding, meal preparation, household tasks, and community activities. They work on the cognitive and perceptual components needed to perform functional activities, including attention, memory, problem solving, insight into impairments, safety awareness, and compensatory strategies.
Speech-Language Pathologist: Focuses on problems with speaking, listening, comprehending, reading, and writing. They also work on improving cognitive skills.
I hope this helps!
Love,
Katy
PS - for everyone with Facebook, I'm updating the group "Get Well Soon Courtney" regularly again :)
Mom's Update
It's been written frequently that recovering from brain injury is a bit like starting out at birth.
Like an infant, Courtney can not tell us what hurts, what's bothering her, etc. We never know if something's sticking in her, is she scared, is she in pain. We guess, sometimes we're right, sometimes we're not but this is one of the most painful parts of our experience. It certainly is most painful for Courtney.
Courtney understands everything that is said to her. Today the PT, Dan showed her 2 new ornaments sent by friends at SK Town Rec Dept - one is a globe with her name on it, the other the Grinch. He repeatedly had her 'look at the Grinch', then 'look at the globe' - each time she looked at the correct ornament regardless of how many times he switched positions.
Courtney had OT twice and speech/swallow twice today. She had more ice cream vanilla this time and was in the wheel chair twice. Each time we roamed the hallways to change up the view.
Courtney spent a fair amount of time looking out the window at the cars - her eyes moving back and forth across the parking lot taking it all in.
Dr. Hill came in today to change Courtney's trachea - it is a smaller trachea and will allow her more air which makes it easier for her to speak when she is capped. He also looked at her vocal cords and said they are functioning fine. They are hopeful that Courtney will have the trachea removed within the next 2 weeks - that will be a wonderful day for which we can all pray!
I'd like to share a prayer with you that I pieced together from several prayers. As you gather with your families over these next 2 days I hope you will have a moment to think of Courtney and say a prayer for her.
To Jesus Christ, the light of the world, we pray:
To you o Lord, I lift up my soul.
I trust you, let me not be disappointed.
Those who hope in you shall not be disappointed.
In you I hope all day long
because of your goodness, O Lord.
Remember your mercy, Lord
and the love you have shown from of old.
Come and reward your people's hope!
You come as the dawn of the everlasting day;
sustain in courage those who keep vigil through the
long night of suffering.
You come as the sun of justice to drive away the darkness
of death;
sustain in hope and faith the seriously ill and those who watch beside them.
You come as the light of the world;
sustain in joy all those who are called to follow you.
Amen.
and in the words of Tiny Tim: "God Bless us, everyone!"
Like an infant, Courtney can not tell us what hurts, what's bothering her, etc. We never know if something's sticking in her, is she scared, is she in pain. We guess, sometimes we're right, sometimes we're not but this is one of the most painful parts of our experience. It certainly is most painful for Courtney.
Courtney understands everything that is said to her. Today the PT, Dan showed her 2 new ornaments sent by friends at SK Town Rec Dept - one is a globe with her name on it, the other the Grinch. He repeatedly had her 'look at the Grinch', then 'look at the globe' - each time she looked at the correct ornament regardless of how many times he switched positions.
Courtney had OT twice and speech/swallow twice today. She had more ice cream vanilla this time and was in the wheel chair twice. Each time we roamed the hallways to change up the view.
Courtney spent a fair amount of time looking out the window at the cars - her eyes moving back and forth across the parking lot taking it all in.
Dr. Hill came in today to change Courtney's trachea - it is a smaller trachea and will allow her more air which makes it easier for her to speak when she is capped. He also looked at her vocal cords and said they are functioning fine. They are hopeful that Courtney will have the trachea removed within the next 2 weeks - that will be a wonderful day for which we can all pray!
I'd like to share a prayer with you that I pieced together from several prayers. As you gather with your families over these next 2 days I hope you will have a moment to think of Courtney and say a prayer for her.
To Jesus Christ, the light of the world, we pray:
To you o Lord, I lift up my soul.
I trust you, let me not be disappointed.
Those who hope in you shall not be disappointed.
In you I hope all day long
because of your goodness, O Lord.
Remember your mercy, Lord
and the love you have shown from of old.
Come and reward your people's hope!
You come as the dawn of the everlasting day;
sustain in courage those who keep vigil through the
long night of suffering.
You come as the sun of justice to drive away the darkness
of death;
sustain in hope and faith the seriously ill and those who watch beside them.
You come as the light of the world;
sustain in joy all those who are called to follow you.
Amen.
and in the words of Tiny Tim: "God Bless us, everyone!"
Monday, December 22, 2008
Mom's Update
Courtney had a very busy day today and has hardly slept a wink! She is quite exhausted from all the activity.
The morning started with Anu the Occupational Therapist and a bath where Courtney began, with great assistance, doing things for herself.
Next Anu and Kathleen, Courtney's speech therapist worked on stretching - swallowing and following commands. Courtney has 'yes' and 'no' cards so that she can start to communicate what she needs.
Courtney's swallowing is very strong and her coughing is better and better each day.
Today Courtney had blue ice chips - like a snow cone. Kathleen can watch to make sure Courtney isn't ingesting any of the water into her lungs and then coughing up blue.
The highlight of the day was the chocolate ice cream called 'magic'. The ice cream can be used as a meal replacement and has all the nutrients of a healthy meal! Kathleen said patients love it so much they have to take it away so they'll eat regular food!
Courtney had her first 2 very small tastes of chocolate ice cream today. I told Kathleen that Courtney prefers vanilla - so tomorrow she will get vanilla.
Later in the day Courtney was stretched out by PT and then we took her for a ride in her wheel chair. We toured the floor and showed her the atrium with the Christmas tree.
Most important, as her Dad pointed out, we showed her the door that she would some day walk out. He told her to take a good look at the door because that would be the door she would walk out of some day on her way home!
Hopefully Courtney will sleep well tonight after all this activity. She is getting to know her team - those who are not on Christmas vacation - and all the nurses that take very good care of her.
For those of you who know us personally there was a time many years ago when we had a really difficult time. Craig was out of work for almost 2 years to the week, then both of our mothers passed away around Christmas time within a 3 week period. We used to discuss how we got through those difficult days and always believed that God carried us through. We believe that God again is showing his presence in our lives and we are grateful for his mercy.
Craig and I pray that NO family will ever have to go through the Hell that we are now going through. At least with a nightmare you wake up and the moment is gone. Words cannot adequately describe the horror that we live every minute. We are sustained by our Faith in God and our strong daughters and family. For all of you who are parents who read this. please take a moment and hug your children and let them know what you feel in your heart. Let there never be a day when you go to sleep at night angry over something trivial and not express your love to your children.
Life is fleeting, however love is enduring.
Thank you for praying for us.
The morning started with Anu the Occupational Therapist and a bath where Courtney began, with great assistance, doing things for herself.
Next Anu and Kathleen, Courtney's speech therapist worked on stretching - swallowing and following commands. Courtney has 'yes' and 'no' cards so that she can start to communicate what she needs.
Courtney's swallowing is very strong and her coughing is better and better each day.
Today Courtney had blue ice chips - like a snow cone. Kathleen can watch to make sure Courtney isn't ingesting any of the water into her lungs and then coughing up blue.
The highlight of the day was the chocolate ice cream called 'magic'. The ice cream can be used as a meal replacement and has all the nutrients of a healthy meal! Kathleen said patients love it so much they have to take it away so they'll eat regular food!
Courtney had her first 2 very small tastes of chocolate ice cream today. I told Kathleen that Courtney prefers vanilla - so tomorrow she will get vanilla.
Later in the day Courtney was stretched out by PT and then we took her for a ride in her wheel chair. We toured the floor and showed her the atrium with the Christmas tree.
Most important, as her Dad pointed out, we showed her the door that she would some day walk out. He told her to take a good look at the door because that would be the door she would walk out of some day on her way home!
Hopefully Courtney will sleep well tonight after all this activity. She is getting to know her team - those who are not on Christmas vacation - and all the nurses that take very good care of her.
For those of you who know us personally there was a time many years ago when we had a really difficult time. Craig was out of work for almost 2 years to the week, then both of our mothers passed away around Christmas time within a 3 week period. We used to discuss how we got through those difficult days and always believed that God carried us through. We believe that God again is showing his presence in our lives and we are grateful for his mercy.
Craig and I pray that NO family will ever have to go through the Hell that we are now going through. At least with a nightmare you wake up and the moment is gone. Words cannot adequately describe the horror that we live every minute. We are sustained by our Faith in God and our strong daughters and family. For all of you who are parents who read this. please take a moment and hug your children and let them know what you feel in your heart. Let there never be a day when you go to sleep at night angry over something trivial and not express your love to your children.
Life is fleeting, however love is enduring.
Thank you for praying for us.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
from UB
Yes, from now on Uncle Brian will be known as UB, aka Uber Brian, aka Ultra Brian but most importantly known as Uncle Brian to Courtney and my other hundred or so nephews and nieces whom I love very, very much.
I wrote a post this morning and somehow managed to delete it before it was published! DOH! (aka Uncoordinated Brian) Nothing frustrates me more than to put energy, emotion and effort (hey, the three "E"s!) into writing something only to lose it for one silly reason or another. The subject was the "Courtney Crane", a topic I will revisit asap.
One more thing Courtney and I have in common is that I have had pneumonia, too. Unfortunately, Courtney has had it three times now in a very short time period. I came down with pnuemonia around 1996. Other than being a smoker at the time, (no longer thankfully), I was healthy and strong. The best way to describe my condition is to say that pnuemonia dropped my energy level from 100% to about 25%. Walking 20 feet was a task. Other than a huge depletion of energy however, I felt and looked fine. It was deceiving.
So, we all know that I'm not a doctor having been forced to leave medical school in my ninth year to care for orphaned chimpanzees in the Congo. *sigh* (somebody had to do it). Accordingly, don't take anything I say about medicine seriously unless your plan is to sue me later for damages for passing on totally bogus and misleading information disguised as respected and accepted medical advice. Having said that,,,,, :), my thinking is these bouts of pneumonia are similarly draining Court of energy that her body could otherwise be spending on repairing the rest of her.
And while I joke about this, I believe in my heart that this is a real possibility otherwise I wouldn't write it. We pray that Courtney will continue to improve as she leaves pnuemonia in the rear view mirror of her recovery.
I wrote a post this morning and somehow managed to delete it before it was published! DOH! (aka Uncoordinated Brian) Nothing frustrates me more than to put energy, emotion and effort (hey, the three "E"s!) into writing something only to lose it for one silly reason or another. The subject was the "Courtney Crane", a topic I will revisit asap.
One more thing Courtney and I have in common is that I have had pneumonia, too. Unfortunately, Courtney has had it three times now in a very short time period. I came down with pnuemonia around 1996. Other than being a smoker at the time, (no longer thankfully), I was healthy and strong. The best way to describe my condition is to say that pnuemonia dropped my energy level from 100% to about 25%. Walking 20 feet was a task. Other than a huge depletion of energy however, I felt and looked fine. It was deceiving.
So, we all know that I'm not a doctor having been forced to leave medical school in my ninth year to care for orphaned chimpanzees in the Congo. *sigh* (somebody had to do it). Accordingly, don't take anything I say about medicine seriously unless your plan is to sue me later for damages for passing on totally bogus and misleading information disguised as respected and accepted medical advice. Having said that,,,,, :), my thinking is these bouts of pneumonia are similarly draining Court of energy that her body could otherwise be spending on repairing the rest of her.
And while I joke about this, I believe in my heart that this is a real possibility otherwise I wouldn't write it. We pray that Courtney will continue to improve as she leaves pnuemonia in the rear view mirror of her recovery.
Mom and Dad's Update
Over 300 bears have been collected thanks to your generosity.
In a monumental effort, all the bears will find homes between now and Christmas thanks to Nora Mullen and many volunteers who will help to distribute them.
Some of the places where the bears will go include Hasbro, Wom&Infants NICU, Smith St Day Care Center (where Courtney volunteered), Ronald McDonald House and others.
Courtney had another busy day in rehab. OT came in and stretched Courtney out exercising her upper body and testing the strength of her torso and neck. Overall Courtney's posture is good and she has retained good strength in her torso. Her neck is very tight and will be treated with warm compresses and massage to loosen things up.
Later PT came in and stretched legs and feet testing the level of 'tone' or stiffness in her muscles and joints. This will be the focus for the first week here as the team wants to immediately reverse any effects these may have on Courtney to enhance her overall recovery.
Courtney met Dr. Katz today, her neurologist. Dr. Katz did a brief exam and spoke with Courtney and us for sometime. He has a tremendous reputation in this field and is a leading researcher in TBI.
Mary and Dottie once again did an excellent job of taking care of Courtney. Nana sat with Courtney throughout the night and said that she did very well.
Katy and Claudia brought more loose fitting comfy clothes for Courtney today and made a poster of pictures labeled that will help therapists work with Courtney on memorization.
Courtney will learn to use basic signals to let everyone know if she is in pain, sad, upset, etc as soon as possible.
Courtney's room is beautifully decorated with cards, Christmas stuff and of course her teddies.
Today I showed Courtney the advent wreath made by the Murphy's now with all 4 candles 'lit'.
It's hard to believe these 4 weeks of Advent have gone by. The difference between the first time I showed Courtney the wreath and today is significant. She understands so much more and watches everything closely.
Dr. Katz believes these small signs of improvement within the minimally conscious stage are a good indication that she will continue to improve but once again warned us that improvements will take time.
We continue to pray for a speedy recovery but know that God will bring Courtney back to full health in his time. We are so grateful this Christmas that she is with us and know every day that things could be so much different. That our shattered hearts might not ever have had a chance to be pieced together again - but thank God for his mercy. We believe that some day our hearts will be whole again and joyful.
In a monumental effort, all the bears will find homes between now and Christmas thanks to Nora Mullen and many volunteers who will help to distribute them.
Some of the places where the bears will go include Hasbro, Wom&Infants NICU, Smith St Day Care Center (where Courtney volunteered), Ronald McDonald House and others.
Courtney had another busy day in rehab. OT came in and stretched Courtney out exercising her upper body and testing the strength of her torso and neck. Overall Courtney's posture is good and she has retained good strength in her torso. Her neck is very tight and will be treated with warm compresses and massage to loosen things up.
Later PT came in and stretched legs and feet testing the level of 'tone' or stiffness in her muscles and joints. This will be the focus for the first week here as the team wants to immediately reverse any effects these may have on Courtney to enhance her overall recovery.
Courtney met Dr. Katz today, her neurologist. Dr. Katz did a brief exam and spoke with Courtney and us for sometime. He has a tremendous reputation in this field and is a leading researcher in TBI.
Mary and Dottie once again did an excellent job of taking care of Courtney. Nana sat with Courtney throughout the night and said that she did very well.
Katy and Claudia brought more loose fitting comfy clothes for Courtney today and made a poster of pictures labeled that will help therapists work with Courtney on memorization.
Courtney will learn to use basic signals to let everyone know if she is in pain, sad, upset, etc as soon as possible.
Courtney's room is beautifully decorated with cards, Christmas stuff and of course her teddies.
Today I showed Courtney the advent wreath made by the Murphy's now with all 4 candles 'lit'.
It's hard to believe these 4 weeks of Advent have gone by. The difference between the first time I showed Courtney the wreath and today is significant. She understands so much more and watches everything closely.
Dr. Katz believes these small signs of improvement within the minimally conscious stage are a good indication that she will continue to improve but once again warned us that improvements will take time.
We continue to pray for a speedy recovery but know that God will bring Courtney back to full health in his time. We are so grateful this Christmas that she is with us and know every day that things could be so much different. That our shattered hearts might not ever have had a chance to be pieced together again - but thank God for his mercy. We believe that some day our hearts will be whole again and joyful.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Mom's Update
Day One at Braintree has been very busy for Courtney. Through the night the nurses discovered that Courtney required some moisturization of her trachea to loosen the yuckiness from the pneumonia.
She is much better today and will continue to have this moisturization treatment through the weekend.
Courtney has been tacacardic(?) which means her heart rate and blood pressure have been high although in the safe range for her age. Nonetheless staff here felt that she should be given some medication to bring that down. It helped with the stiffness in her arms and legs as well.
Everyone has been very very attentive to every need and nothing has gone unnoticed.
Courtney was evaluated today by physical, occupational and speech therapy using the JFK Coma Recovery Scale. It is a very sensitive test that measures small - emphasis on small - progress. As Courtney emerges from this minimally conscious stage she will make progress that would under other rehab programs, not be measurable.
The TBI program here at BRH is very specialized in the early stages of emerging coma status.
Eventually and God willing she will progress to other measures of progress such as the Los Ranchos Almos Scale (?).
Courtney sat in a specialized wheel chair that she will have here until she no longer needs it. She was comfortable for about 2 hours - a good start. There is a special lift that brings Courtney back to bed - that means there aren't 6 hands grabbing and lifting her - she slept like a baby through the entire move!
Courtney's window overlooks a courtyard here and so she has spent sometime watching the never ending snowfall.
Mary and Dottie were Courtney's nurses today -they are absolute sweethearts!
She is much better today and will continue to have this moisturization treatment through the weekend.
Courtney has been tacacardic(?) which means her heart rate and blood pressure have been high although in the safe range for her age. Nonetheless staff here felt that she should be given some medication to bring that down. It helped with the stiffness in her arms and legs as well.
Everyone has been very very attentive to every need and nothing has gone unnoticed.
Courtney was evaluated today by physical, occupational and speech therapy using the JFK Coma Recovery Scale. It is a very sensitive test that measures small - emphasis on small - progress. As Courtney emerges from this minimally conscious stage she will make progress that would under other rehab programs, not be measurable.
The TBI program here at BRH is very specialized in the early stages of emerging coma status.
Eventually and God willing she will progress to other measures of progress such as the Los Ranchos Almos Scale (?).
Courtney sat in a specialized wheel chair that she will have here until she no longer needs it. She was comfortable for about 2 hours - a good start. There is a special lift that brings Courtney back to bed - that means there aren't 6 hands grabbing and lifting her - she slept like a baby through the entire move!
Courtney's window overlooks a courtyard here and so she has spent sometime watching the never ending snowfall.
Mary and Dottie were Courtney's nurses today -they are absolute sweethearts!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Mom's Update
Well moving day was quite exhausting for everyone.
The ambulance driver and EMT were very nice. Courtney watched the cars out the window of the ambulance and otherwise remained calm throughout the ride.
Once we arrived at her new temporary home Room 204 and she had many many staff coming in to greet her she was not at all calm. Courtney was very anxious about all the new faces. Then Courtney was in pain. It took sometime for everything to get settled.
Some of the new 'friends' we met at Braintree are:
Gerty - the 'sitter' CNA that will be with Courtney all night one on one.
Nurses Marjorie and Rachel
Sandy who will be the nurse during the week
and another lovely charge nurse at night whose name I've already forgotten!
Catherine - the speech pathologist.
Joy - the patient advocate
We met the case worker and several others.
Courtney will receive some therapy this weekend and will meet her whole team of caregivers on Monday morning - incuding Dr. Katz who is a leading researcher in TBI and the Medical Director for the TBI program.
We moved Courtney's bed so that she could watch the snow today but she was too uncomfortable to enjoy the view.
Courtney will have her own wheel chair until she can get walking on her own. We can take Courtney throughout the hospital and outside weather permitting.
Unfortunately we had to leave Courtney early tonight because of the snow. Braintree's only rule is that you can not sleep in the chair in the room (or anywhere else - I checked)! We will get back to Courtney in the morning as soon as we can get shoveled out.
While Courtney is here Craig and I will be staying with my brother Kevin and Katy and Claudia will stay at Claudia's apartment in Watertown during Christmas break.
Time to call the floor at Braintree and make sure Courtney is okay - will post more tomorrow.
The ambulance driver and EMT were very nice. Courtney watched the cars out the window of the ambulance and otherwise remained calm throughout the ride.
Once we arrived at her new temporary home Room 204 and she had many many staff coming in to greet her she was not at all calm. Courtney was very anxious about all the new faces. Then Courtney was in pain. It took sometime for everything to get settled.
Some of the new 'friends' we met at Braintree are:
Gerty - the 'sitter' CNA that will be with Courtney all night one on one.
Nurses Marjorie and Rachel
Sandy who will be the nurse during the week
and another lovely charge nurse at night whose name I've already forgotten!
Catherine - the speech pathologist.
Joy - the patient advocate
We met the case worker and several others.
Courtney will receive some therapy this weekend and will meet her whole team of caregivers on Monday morning - incuding Dr. Katz who is a leading researcher in TBI and the Medical Director for the TBI program.
We moved Courtney's bed so that she could watch the snow today but she was too uncomfortable to enjoy the view.
Courtney will have her own wheel chair until she can get walking on her own. We can take Courtney throughout the hospital and outside weather permitting.
Unfortunately we had to leave Courtney early tonight because of the snow. Braintree's only rule is that you can not sleep in the chair in the room (or anywhere else - I checked)! We will get back to Courtney in the morning as soon as we can get shoveled out.
While Courtney is here Craig and I will be staying with my brother Kevin and Katy and Claudia will stay at Claudia's apartment in Watertown during Christmas break.
Time to call the floor at Braintree and make sure Courtney is okay - will post more tomorrow.
Moving Day!
Hip Hip Hooray! and Alleluia! It's finally here. Moving day. Of course, like everything else with Courtney it has to be hair raising - we're looking to leave around 10:30 to beat the snow storm.
She is watched and primped from head to toe. We'll not need the aviator glasses but we do have a hat, long pants and they promise me the ambulance will be warmed up so she's not cold.
The ambulance company has made an exception and is allowing me to ride in the back of the ambulance with Courtney. I would have strapped myself to the roof if necessary!
I am overwhelmed with emotion at the moment - happy to be going on to this next step where I know the staff will expect so much from her. Sad to leave the comfort and familiarity of people we have gotten to know well and in whom we have the greatest confidence.
33 days ago we didn't know if we would ever see this day so we can say that God is good.
He has saved our little Courtney's life. Restored her lungs and preserved her body beautifully.
God's last task is to restore her brain to normal function. I pray for the skill of those who will help along the way at Braintree and that God will continue to work his miracles and bring Courtney back to us.
As soon as I have Courtney's schedule and visiting hours I will post them. Look at the previous blog for the address of Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital in Braintree.
I could never say or get tired of saying thank you for your prayers and support. I humbly ask you to continue your prayers. Nurses here at TICU tell Courtney everyday that she will be 'our Christmas miracle'.
She is watched and primped from head to toe. We'll not need the aviator glasses but we do have a hat, long pants and they promise me the ambulance will be warmed up so she's not cold.
The ambulance company has made an exception and is allowing me to ride in the back of the ambulance with Courtney. I would have strapped myself to the roof if necessary!
I am overwhelmed with emotion at the moment - happy to be going on to this next step where I know the staff will expect so much from her. Sad to leave the comfort and familiarity of people we have gotten to know well and in whom we have the greatest confidence.
33 days ago we didn't know if we would ever see this day so we can say that God is good.
He has saved our little Courtney's life. Restored her lungs and preserved her body beautifully.
God's last task is to restore her brain to normal function. I pray for the skill of those who will help along the way at Braintree and that God will continue to work his miracles and bring Courtney back to us.
As soon as I have Courtney's schedule and visiting hours I will post them. Look at the previous blog for the address of Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital in Braintree.
I could never say or get tired of saying thank you for your prayers and support. I humbly ask you to continue your prayers. Nurses here at TICU tell Courtney everyday that she will be 'our Christmas miracle'.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
from Uncle Brian
Courtney and the Butcher Knife,
I've never told this story before for fear that Diane and Craig would banish me from their home forever. Some years ago - it was about the year 12 BC I think, (BC = Before Claudia, - that's how we measure these things nowadays), Diane called and asked if I could stay over and watch the girls. She and Craig were traveling and they needed a sitter. I was flattered that they would ask me and I promptly accepted.
Prior to that day, I had absolutely NO one on one experience dealing with young girls. As I packed my overnight bag, I began to realize that I would be spending at least 3 waking hours with Katy and Courtney. As the minutes passed, a dreadful yet vaguely familiar feeling began to invade my body. Suddenly my palms grew sweaty and my heart rate increased. My legs felt rubbery and weak and the hair on the back of my neck stood straight! At once, I remembered the last time I felt this way. I was with my girlfriend on the wooden roller coaster at Lincoln Park as the car was creaking it's way up the first and biggest hill!
Though I have step-children now, I have no biological children. In fact, I'm not allowed to reproduce. No, it's true. Unfortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court recently rejected my request to overturn a ruling by the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston reaffirming a lower court ruling stating same on the basis that I was genetically deficient. Let me be clear when I say, this so called deficiency does NOT extend to my siblings! Apparently, I'm a genetic mutant!
Anyway, I was now terrified about spending time with the girls. What would we talk about? Did they see the last Red Sox game? No! Not with their turncoat Yankee fan Daddy! He'll get his! Wait till he meets St. Peter O'Reilly of Dorchester at the pearly gates, that's what I say!!
I didn't know what to do. It had been at least 20 years since I pulled the head off a Barbie doll and I figure that Barbie dolls was our only common denominator. Ugh! I was doomed.
I took the girls to a fashionable Cranston restaurant for dinner. I'm not a food critic but the fried potatoes were a bit overdone, my 1/4 pound sirloin burger was under done and my carbonated beverage needed more ice but the girls didn't complain. And why should they, they got a happy meal!? Why couldn't I get a happy meal???!! My meal was mildly despondent, bordering on depressive, at best.
So, we get back to the house and I'm quite proud that I've been with the girls for an hour and we haven't had to rush anybody to the emergency room. This was a huge victory in my mind! I had envisioned all sorts of medical disasters ranging from uncontrollable vomiting to demonic possession and I'm not even talking about the girls yet!
I had the TV on when Diane called and said they were stranded in Chicago or Saudi Arabia or somewhere and I'm like, "yeah whatever, I gotta go, Jethro just fired the shotgun at Granny and Jed's wicked pissed off!"
Apparently, Courtney had some type of project to begin of which I was unaware. I became quite suddenly aware when I looked down to see young Court, at my feet, with a shoe box and a butcher knife! I kid you not!!! At first, I hesistated saying anything due to the fact that I knew that Courtney could, at the drop of a hat, say something so brutally honest about my personal life that she could leave me emotionally crippled for years. :)
So, here's our beloved Courtney, on the floor with a butcher knife and a shoebox, preparing to,,,,,,what,,,,,,drive the butcher knife into the shoebox from what I could tell. "Courtney, that's not a good idea", and then "Courtney, NO, you can use scissors or something". She protested mildly. After taking the huge knife from her tiny hands, I said, "You're going to ruin my resume." "What's that?", she responded. "It's my record of caring for children and not having to go to the emergency room."
My resume remains impeccable. Except for that sky diving incident......
I've never told this story before for fear that Diane and Craig would banish me from their home forever. Some years ago - it was about the year 12 BC I think, (BC = Before Claudia, - that's how we measure these things nowadays), Diane called and asked if I could stay over and watch the girls. She and Craig were traveling and they needed a sitter. I was flattered that they would ask me and I promptly accepted.
Prior to that day, I had absolutely NO one on one experience dealing with young girls. As I packed my overnight bag, I began to realize that I would be spending at least 3 waking hours with Katy and Courtney. As the minutes passed, a dreadful yet vaguely familiar feeling began to invade my body. Suddenly my palms grew sweaty and my heart rate increased. My legs felt rubbery and weak and the hair on the back of my neck stood straight! At once, I remembered the last time I felt this way. I was with my girlfriend on the wooden roller coaster at Lincoln Park as the car was creaking it's way up the first and biggest hill!
Though I have step-children now, I have no biological children. In fact, I'm not allowed to reproduce. No, it's true. Unfortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court recently rejected my request to overturn a ruling by the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston reaffirming a lower court ruling stating same on the basis that I was genetically deficient. Let me be clear when I say, this so called deficiency does NOT extend to my siblings! Apparently, I'm a genetic mutant!
Anyway, I was now terrified about spending time with the girls. What would we talk about? Did they see the last Red Sox game? No! Not with their turncoat Yankee fan Daddy! He'll get his! Wait till he meets St. Peter O'Reilly of Dorchester at the pearly gates, that's what I say!!
I didn't know what to do. It had been at least 20 years since I pulled the head off a Barbie doll and I figure that Barbie dolls was our only common denominator. Ugh! I was doomed.
I took the girls to a fashionable Cranston restaurant for dinner. I'm not a food critic but the fried potatoes were a bit overdone, my 1/4 pound sirloin burger was under done and my carbonated beverage needed more ice but the girls didn't complain. And why should they, they got a happy meal!? Why couldn't I get a happy meal???!! My meal was mildly despondent, bordering on depressive, at best.
So, we get back to the house and I'm quite proud that I've been with the girls for an hour and we haven't had to rush anybody to the emergency room. This was a huge victory in my mind! I had envisioned all sorts of medical disasters ranging from uncontrollable vomiting to demonic possession and I'm not even talking about the girls yet!
I had the TV on when Diane called and said they were stranded in Chicago or Saudi Arabia or somewhere and I'm like, "yeah whatever, I gotta go, Jethro just fired the shotgun at Granny and Jed's wicked pissed off!"
Apparently, Courtney had some type of project to begin of which I was unaware. I became quite suddenly aware when I looked down to see young Court, at my feet, with a shoe box and a butcher knife! I kid you not!!! At first, I hesistated saying anything due to the fact that I knew that Courtney could, at the drop of a hat, say something so brutally honest about my personal life that she could leave me emotionally crippled for years. :)
So, here's our beloved Courtney, on the floor with a butcher knife and a shoebox, preparing to,,,,,,what,,,,,,drive the butcher knife into the shoebox from what I could tell. "Courtney, that's not a good idea", and then "Courtney, NO, you can use scissors or something". She protested mildly. After taking the huge knife from her tiny hands, I said, "You're going to ruin my resume." "What's that?", she responded. "It's my record of caring for children and not having to go to the emergency room."
My resume remains impeccable. Except for that sky diving incident......
Mom's Update
Still haven't heard if Braintree has a bed yet. Courtney's white count is down to 9 - perfect!
She is once again very awake and alert. She touched her nose this morning when I told her to.
It took some time and effort for Courtney to do this. After her first 'trick' I tried to get her to touch her eyes and but she gave me the evil eye that said 'enough - leave me alone'!
She also opened her mouth just wide enough for small ice chips to be placed in there and she swallowed them.
When the doctors were rounding she watched them in the hallway - they all waived and said hello. Dr. Heffernan said he was getting the evil eye. She didn't take their eyes off them until they left the hall - most likely in anticipation of what they might do to her.
I will post the news about Courtney's move as soon as I get it.
She is once again very awake and alert. She touched her nose this morning when I told her to.
It took some time and effort for Courtney to do this. After her first 'trick' I tried to get her to touch her eyes and but she gave me the evil eye that said 'enough - leave me alone'!
She also opened her mouth just wide enough for small ice chips to be placed in there and she swallowed them.
When the doctors were rounding she watched them in the hallway - they all waived and said hello. Dr. Heffernan said he was getting the evil eye. She didn't take their eyes off them until they left the hall - most likely in anticipation of what they might do to her.
I will post the news about Courtney's move as soon as I get it.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Mom's Update
Courtney had a very busy day up until about 2:30. She started the day wide awake - as I was sitting in the chair by her bed I happened to open my eyes and look over only to see her staring at me. It was a beautiful sight.
She was awake the majority of the morning and early afternoon. Courtney watched several episodes of Jon&Kate Plus 8 - I mean really watched them!
She also watched EVERYTHING that was going on in her room and in the hallway.
Courtney didn't just watch the nurses - she watched what they were doing - inserting IVs - taking blood - moving this tube, that tube ,etc.
It was very exciting for all of us to see her so alert.
Courtney sat in the chair for several hours - had PT and OT and was in the standing lift for a very brief moment until disaster struck with an IV that ended her standing time abruptly.
She slept peacefully for the rest of the afternoon but was awake to see some of her Uncles, watch a bit of the Grinch with her Dad. Then Daddy soothed her and rocked her to sleep.
All in all a good day as good days go in the TICU. Courtney's antibiotics for the pneumonia will be administered in her feeding tube which means no invasive pic lines or central lines needed. That's very good.
Of course of Murphy's Law would have it the case worker spoke with Braintree this morning and they did not have a bed for Courtney. She did tell us that things change every day and she would be calling them first thing tomorrow morning to see if they could accept Courtney. We are praying for an empty bed at rehab - after all it means someone else is better and can go home AND Courtney can move on.
We hope and pray that Courtney continues to successfully fight this pneumonia and is able to take full advantage of therapy very soon at Braintree.
She was awake the majority of the morning and early afternoon. Courtney watched several episodes of Jon&Kate Plus 8 - I mean really watched them!
She also watched EVERYTHING that was going on in her room and in the hallway.
Courtney didn't just watch the nurses - she watched what they were doing - inserting IVs - taking blood - moving this tube, that tube ,etc.
It was very exciting for all of us to see her so alert.
Courtney sat in the chair for several hours - had PT and OT and was in the standing lift for a very brief moment until disaster struck with an IV that ended her standing time abruptly.
She slept peacefully for the rest of the afternoon but was awake to see some of her Uncles, watch a bit of the Grinch with her Dad. Then Daddy soothed her and rocked her to sleep.
All in all a good day as good days go in the TICU. Courtney's antibiotics for the pneumonia will be administered in her feeding tube which means no invasive pic lines or central lines needed. That's very good.
Of course of Murphy's Law would have it the case worker spoke with Braintree this morning and they did not have a bed for Courtney. She did tell us that things change every day and she would be calling them first thing tomorrow morning to see if they could accept Courtney. We are praying for an empty bed at rehab - after all it means someone else is better and can go home AND Courtney can move on.
We hope and pray that Courtney continues to successfully fight this pneumonia and is able to take full advantage of therapy very soon at Braintree.
from Uncle Brian
Stopped by the hospital tonight but I didn't see Courtney. I had the opportunity around 5:30 or so but she was just waking and I didn't see the point. The poor girl's been through enough I say, so the last thing she needs is to see my fat head the moment she wakes up. She's suffered enough trauma :). Can I get an "AMEN"?
The Energizer Courtney, barely over the starting line of her marathon, isn't quite ready to move to Braintree. No doubt the spirit is willing but the body is saying, "not yet". So we all pray that her body catches up with her mind and soul NOW! Can I get an AMEN, brothers and sisters????
We're all looking forward to seeing RI Hospital in the rear view mirror asap. AMEN, brothers and sisters!
Truth be told, I don't pray often. Like so many others, when I do pray, I don't ask for things for myself. I don't ask to get this job or win that lottery, etc. So my belief is that when I do ask for something, as in the restoration of Courtney's health, it's OK to ask LOUDLY AND VOCIFEROUSLY!!!! SO JESUS, I'M ASKING LOUDLY AND VOCIFEROUSLY, PLEASE RESTORE COURTNEY TO FULL HEALTH!!!!!!. amen.
The Energizer Courtney, barely over the starting line of her marathon, isn't quite ready to move to Braintree. No doubt the spirit is willing but the body is saying, "not yet". So we all pray that her body catches up with her mind and soul NOW! Can I get an AMEN, brothers and sisters????
We're all looking forward to seeing RI Hospital in the rear view mirror asap. AMEN, brothers and sisters!
Truth be told, I don't pray often. Like so many others, when I do pray, I don't ask for things for myself. I don't ask to get this job or win that lottery, etc. So my belief is that when I do ask for something, as in the restoration of Courtney's health, it's OK to ask LOUDLY AND VOCIFEROUSLY!!!! SO JESUS, I'M ASKING LOUDLY AND VOCIFEROUSLY, PLEASE RESTORE COURTNEY TO FULL HEALTH!!!!!!. amen.
Mom's Update
Courtney has pneumonia for the 3rd time. It's not surprising given that her lungs were so badly damaged in the accident - but frustrating nonetheless.
We are relieved to know what the source of infection is and she was started on antibiotics yesterday.
Doctors have told us that many rehabs will take patients after 1 or 2 days of treatment as long as they know they are stable. We'll wait and see.
Because Courtney had so many tests yesterday there wasn't much going on. She did allow me to open her mouth wide - the first time she's let anyone 'in' and she stuck out her tongue a bit after much prompting.
I told her she could feel free to stick her tongue out at anyone that is doing anything she doesn't like!
We are relieved to know what the source of infection is and she was started on antibiotics yesterday.
Doctors have told us that many rehabs will take patients after 1 or 2 days of treatment as long as they know they are stable. We'll wait and see.
Because Courtney had so many tests yesterday there wasn't much going on. She did allow me to open her mouth wide - the first time she's let anyone 'in' and she stuck out her tongue a bit after much prompting.
I told her she could feel free to stick her tongue out at anyone that is doing anything she doesn't like!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
from Uncle Brian
Yesterday, Diane, Helene, Katy and I were in the waiting area. At the time, Uncle Kevin may have been there as well. I don't recall all the particulars. Kevin has made great efforts to be with Courtney, Katy and Craig and Diane during the weeks since Courtney was admitted. Driving from Boston to Providence and then back to West Roxbury while working full time, and juggling his schedule and taking care of his two beautiful daughters is no easy task. It is a labor of love.
A woman entered the waiting area/elevator vestibule and was awaiting the elevator as we sat there. Diane, excusing herself, jumped up and went over to speak with this stranger. I watched as they conversed and hugged as the stranger thanked Diane again and again for what I didn't know.
When Diane returned I asked her, "who is that"? The woman was a mother who has a daughter, Courtney's age, who also was involved in a bad car wreck. Diane, even in the face of her own pain, was reaching out to soothe others.
A woman entered the waiting area/elevator vestibule and was awaiting the elevator as we sat there. Diane, excusing herself, jumped up and went over to speak with this stranger. I watched as they conversed and hugged as the stranger thanked Diane again and again for what I didn't know.
When Diane returned I asked her, "who is that"? The woman was a mother who has a daughter, Courtney's age, who also was involved in a bad car wreck. Diane, even in the face of her own pain, was reaching out to soothe others.
from Uncle Brian
We're all disappointed that Courtney couldn't move today bu we realize that she needs to be ready to leave on her schedule and not ours'. That's not directed to Craig and Diane. Obviously, there's nothing I could tell them that they don't already know and I know they are agonizing over this delay.
Yesterday, I shared some of my anguish over seeing Courtney in so much distress. So many of us, especially my siblings and Taunt Joan Derrick and Uncle Bob Reall and all our cousins and extended family and friends are all too familiar with this pain. But we endure it in the hope that we can all celebrate Courtney's full recovery at some point in the not so distant future.
Yesterday, I shared some of my anguish over seeing Courtney in so much distress. So many of us, especially my siblings and Taunt Joan Derrick and Uncle Bob Reall and all our cousins and extended family and friends are all too familiar with this pain. But we endure it in the hope that we can all celebrate Courtney's full recovery at some point in the not so distant future.
Mom's Update
You probably figured out by now that Courtney is not going to Braintree today.
Doctors have decided to perform a CT scan, bronchioscope and ultrasound to rule out the possibility of an infection site they can not see.
The results of the tests and preliminary culture from bronchioscope will all be back tonight but the cultures won't be conclusive.
Once again we will have to wait and see what happens between now and the morning.
We will keep you posted.
Doctors have decided to perform a CT scan, bronchioscope and ultrasound to rule out the possibility of an infection site they can not see.
The results of the tests and preliminary culture from bronchioscope will all be back tonight but the cultures won't be conclusive.
Once again we will have to wait and see what happens between now and the morning.
We will keep you posted.
Mom's Update
We are still waiting to hear wether Courtney will go today.
Last night her fevers continued, as high as 102.8 but her white count is down.
She may be fighting something off on her own and successfully.
The fevers could be due to brain activity. All of it is somewhat of a guessing game even for staff.
Since all cultures have come back normal and the xray from last night was normal along with the decreasing white count it will be up to Braintree as to whether or not they accept Courtney with her current issues.
We will keep you posted. In the meantime she did not sleep last night again and so is sleeping soundly now. Like infants often due, she is 'upside down' with her sleepiing schedule.
The nurses keep telling her it's time for her to leave! We agree. We will keep hoping and praying that she will soon be on her way.
Last night her fevers continued, as high as 102.8 but her white count is down.
She may be fighting something off on her own and successfully.
The fevers could be due to brain activity. All of it is somewhat of a guessing game even for staff.
Since all cultures have come back normal and the xray from last night was normal along with the decreasing white count it will be up to Braintree as to whether or not they accept Courtney with her current issues.
We will keep you posted. In the meantime she did not sleep last night again and so is sleeping soundly now. Like infants often due, she is 'upside down' with her sleepiing schedule.
The nurses keep telling her it's time for her to leave! We agree. We will keep hoping and praying that she will soon be on her way.
Monday, December 15, 2008
from Uncle Brian
Powerless -
That's how we all feel. Our praying and supporting of Courtney's family helps alleviate some of that helplessness but we can only do so much.
I stood by Courtney's bed this afternoon and she was obviously in pain and uncomfortable. (the latter being a grand understatement). When I entered the room, Diane was "resting" in one chair while Craig was restless in the other. They maintain their constant vigil by Court's bedside and provide aid and comfort that no MD or RN could provide. (no slight to the champions in the TICU who've been caring for Court).
Not being able to touch Courtney, or being able to touch but not soothe, I left the hospital to cry in my truck, and then on and off on my way home to Uxbridge. This evening has been no different.
Courtney seemed to be crying at times. There is no doubt that she feels the presence of her mom and dad. At one point when Courtney's face was twisted with pain, Diane laid her head right next to Courtney's in a soothing embrace and Courtney's eyes closed and her face relaxed.
That's how we all feel. Our praying and supporting of Courtney's family helps alleviate some of that helplessness but we can only do so much.
I stood by Courtney's bed this afternoon and she was obviously in pain and uncomfortable. (the latter being a grand understatement). When I entered the room, Diane was "resting" in one chair while Craig was restless in the other. They maintain their constant vigil by Court's bedside and provide aid and comfort that no MD or RN could provide. (no slight to the champions in the TICU who've been caring for Court).
Not being able to touch Courtney, or being able to touch but not soothe, I left the hospital to cry in my truck, and then on and off on my way home to Uxbridge. This evening has been no different.
Courtney seemed to be crying at times. There is no doubt that she feels the presence of her mom and dad. At one point when Courtney's face was twisted with pain, Diane laid her head right next to Courtney's in a soothing embrace and Courtney's eyes closed and her face relaxed.
Mom's Update
It is easy to succumb to despair on this awful road that we are on with Courtney.
Today was to be a new beginning and then that was snatched away quickly and cruelly.
Thankfully urine culture and xray are both clear. We are still waiting results from blood cultures but the staff here would be surprised to find that she has a blood infection given that there are no other signs or reasons for her to have such an infection.
We are hopeful that the fevers and spike in white count along with the rash are reactions to the stress her body has been under.
If the blood cultures are negative then it will be up to Braintree as to wether or not they will take her knowing she has had fevers.
So we despair one minute and hope the next. There are times when we don't know how we will make it through the hour or day but then your prayers and the strength of God come to lift us up.
One thing that we know for sure is that Courtney is fighting with all her might to recover.
Tonight she reached out twice to touch my hand and twice she lowered her arm on command. It takes so much effort for her to do these things.
I told her the maintenance men had decorated the trees outside with lights and that they did an awful job and it looked really crappy. She smiled - not just an open mouth like before - but lips turned up at the corner and that look in her eye when she is laughing at something we really shouldn't laugh at. After all they're just trying to make the place a little brighter - maybe there just aren't enough lights to do that.
Christmas is just 10 days away. Our Christmas prayer is that Courtney will be talking again and well on her way to recovery. May the light of Christ that comes at Christmas be brighter for Courtney than a million lightbulbs!
Today was to be a new beginning and then that was snatched away quickly and cruelly.
Thankfully urine culture and xray are both clear. We are still waiting results from blood cultures but the staff here would be surprised to find that she has a blood infection given that there are no other signs or reasons for her to have such an infection.
We are hopeful that the fevers and spike in white count along with the rash are reactions to the stress her body has been under.
If the blood cultures are negative then it will be up to Braintree as to wether or not they will take her knowing she has had fevers.
So we despair one minute and hope the next. There are times when we don't know how we will make it through the hour or day but then your prayers and the strength of God come to lift us up.
One thing that we know for sure is that Courtney is fighting with all her might to recover.
Tonight she reached out twice to touch my hand and twice she lowered her arm on command. It takes so much effort for her to do these things.
I told her the maintenance men had decorated the trees outside with lights and that they did an awful job and it looked really crappy. She smiled - not just an open mouth like before - but lips turned up at the corner and that look in her eye when she is laughing at something we really shouldn't laugh at. After all they're just trying to make the place a little brighter - maybe there just aren't enough lights to do that.
Christmas is just 10 days away. Our Christmas prayer is that Courtney will be talking again and well on her way to recovery. May the light of Christ that comes at Christmas be brighter for Courtney than a million lightbulbs!
Change in Plans
Once again we have unfortunately halted the process and Courtney will not be moving today.
Braintree is waiting to discharge patients today and move other patients so that Courtney can have a room by the nurses desk and a 'sitter' in her room 24X7 until staff deem her okay to be alone.
While we so appreciate the precautions they are taking it is very disappointing as we are all very ready for Courtney to take the next step in her road to recovery.
Also Courtney's white count was elevated late last night so nurse Missy will draw blood in a few minutes to check it again. Hopefully the elevation was due only to the hives that Courtney had and that she is not developing an infection. She can not go to rehab unless any infection has been treated for a couple of days.
We are praying that this elevated white count was nothing and that today's test will be normal so that she can go to Rehab tomorrow.
Braintree is waiting to discharge patients today and move other patients so that Courtney can have a room by the nurses desk and a 'sitter' in her room 24X7 until staff deem her okay to be alone.
While we so appreciate the precautions they are taking it is very disappointing as we are all very ready for Courtney to take the next step in her road to recovery.
Also Courtney's white count was elevated late last night so nurse Missy will draw blood in a few minutes to check it again. Hopefully the elevation was due only to the hives that Courtney had and that she is not developing an infection. She can not go to rehab unless any infection has been treated for a couple of days.
We are praying that this elevated white count was nothing and that today's test will be normal so that she can go to Rehab tomorrow.
Mom"s update
Courtney did not have a good day yesterday and neither did Mom and Dad. She was uncomfortable all day. The anxiety over infection and a possible delay in moving to rehab plagued us until about 8pm when we were told that all is clear.
We do not have a departure time yet but we should be in Braintree by the end of the day. Thank you for all your prayers yesterday.
This is a very big step for Courtney. She is currently smewhere about 8 or 9 on the glaskow coma scale. Rehab speciaists will begin work immediately to get her to a better score.
Later in the day I will post some special thanks and thoughts on the TICU.
We do not have a departure time yet but we should be in Braintree by the end of the day. Thank you for all your prayers yesterday.
This is a very big step for Courtney. She is currently smewhere about 8 or 9 on the glaskow coma scale. Rehab speciaists will begin work immediately to get her to a better score.
Later in the day I will post some special thanks and thoughts on the TICU.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
mom's update
Courtney had avery tough nite. She spiked a temp of 101.9 and had to have cultured taken to check for infection. Xrays of the right llung show a potential problem. Courtney also developed a rash yesterday that we initially thought may have been a reaction to plastic introduced to her environment. We're not sure if all are related and so doctors will be discussing what to do and if its still safe to transfer her to rehab.
Please pray that these issues resolve themselves and that she is able to move on to rehab tomorrow. Everyday in a regular hospital is a day exposed to dangerous bacteria and every day in bed with very little therapy makes her recovery harder and longer.
Please pray that these issues resolve themselves and that she is able to move on to rehab tomorrow. Everyday in a regular hospital is a day exposed to dangerous bacteria and every day in bed with very little therapy makes her recovery harder and longer.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Mom's Update
It's been almost 24 hours since our last post because of a few issues. Last night we were told that Courtney might be moved to Braintree Rehab Hospital (BRH) that night. That sent us scrambling to pack up her room. We later found out that she would not be moved until Monday.
Since then we've spent time gathering things that Courtney will need from home and elsewhere to make her comfortable at rehab.
Also Courtney has been busy moving from bed to chair and back again. She developed a rash overnight that seemed to be a reaction from some plastic. She has a latex allergy and also gets 'tape' rashes from the surgical tape. Courtney has been huffing and puffing - rapid heart beat and sometimes rapid respiratory rate for the past 20 hours.
It's not alarming just something that has to be watched and managed.
In the meantime we washed her hair today and everyone is freaking out because I cut off the deadends off her hair. I'm certain I was careful and cut straight but not everyone is convinced. Fortunately it will all grow back before Courtney realizes what I've done!
We bought aviator sunglasses and a hat for Courtney to wear on her ambulance ride from RIH to BRH as well as on future field trips (which we are so looking forward to).
Everyone here agrees that Courtney is ready for the work of rehab and we are ready to get started. As scary as it is for Courtney to be leaving the loving caregivers here we hope and pray that she will be as well cared for and as much loved as she has been here on the TICU.
Since then we've spent time gathering things that Courtney will need from home and elsewhere to make her comfortable at rehab.
Also Courtney has been busy moving from bed to chair and back again. She developed a rash overnight that seemed to be a reaction from some plastic. She has a latex allergy and also gets 'tape' rashes from the surgical tape. Courtney has been huffing and puffing - rapid heart beat and sometimes rapid respiratory rate for the past 20 hours.
It's not alarming just something that has to be watched and managed.
In the meantime we washed her hair today and everyone is freaking out because I cut off the deadends off her hair. I'm certain I was careful and cut straight but not everyone is convinced. Fortunately it will all grow back before Courtney realizes what I've done!
We bought aviator sunglasses and a hat for Courtney to wear on her ambulance ride from RIH to BRH as well as on future field trips (which we are so looking forward to).
Everyone here agrees that Courtney is ready for the work of rehab and we are ready to get started. As scary as it is for Courtney to be leaving the loving caregivers here we hope and pray that she will be as well cared for and as much loved as she has been here on the TICU.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Mom's Update
Last night while Courtney was alert I held up my finger and told her to touch my hand. She stared intently and with a very shaky hand reached for my finger. At the last second her leg went up and with all her might she grabbed my finger. It was the first time she has followed a command and it took a great deal of effort.
Later while she was wearing her snowman slippers I told her to look at her feet. Courtney looked down toward the end of the bed at her feet and stared at them while her Auntie Linda pointed out the ear muffs, carrot nose and button eyes.
This morning Courtney got the beauty treatment and is resting until it's time for her to get into the standing lift. Since she moved from side to side yesterday we will put her music on today to see if that further stimulates her.
She has been watching Jon&Kate Plus 8 and later we'll play some Christmas favorites like Charlie Brown and Rudolph.
I saw Uncle Scott this morning as he is in the step down surgical unit across the hall. Doctors can hear pulse through his lower leg and foot. His attitude is amazing as he joked with the doctor that we are 'going for the family discount'.
As I was praying this morning it occurred to me that we haven't asked for our prayers to be directed toward specific challenges recently. The next significant developments for Courtney will be for her to follow commands and try to speak. Please pray for those things to happen as they are further signs of her emerging from this stage of minimal consciousness.
Thank you as always for your prayerful support.
Later while she was wearing her snowman slippers I told her to look at her feet. Courtney looked down toward the end of the bed at her feet and stared at them while her Auntie Linda pointed out the ear muffs, carrot nose and button eyes.
This morning Courtney got the beauty treatment and is resting until it's time for her to get into the standing lift. Since she moved from side to side yesterday we will put her music on today to see if that further stimulates her.
She has been watching Jon&Kate Plus 8 and later we'll play some Christmas favorites like Charlie Brown and Rudolph.
I saw Uncle Scott this morning as he is in the step down surgical unit across the hall. Doctors can hear pulse through his lower leg and foot. His attitude is amazing as he joked with the doctor that we are 'going for the family discount'.
As I was praying this morning it occurred to me that we haven't asked for our prayers to be directed toward specific challenges recently. The next significant developments for Courtney will be for her to follow commands and try to speak. Please pray for those things to happen as they are further signs of her emerging from this stage of minimal consciousness.
Thank you as always for your prayerful support.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
from Uncle Brian
Today after work I stopped by to see my favorite niece, Courtney. I was delighted to see my other favorite niece, Katy there as well! And as fate would have it, my other favorite niece, Meaghan was there too!! Who could imagine such good luck??!!! I think my favorite niece, Claudia, may be coming back soon from college but I don't know her schedule. Given my advanced age and all, it's very difficult to keep track of all my favorite nephews and nieces. I think they number in the hundreds now. *sigh*
So Court was resting comfortably when I arrived. She looked peaceful as soothing music from the nearby CD player poured ino the room. A male nurse came in and turned off the overhead light and then left. Rain was softly pelting the large windows as evening descended over the city. Everything was just so relaxing. So relaxing in fact that I fell asleep! Hah! It was the first time in my life that I actually WANTED a bed in the hospital.
We wish the best for Uncle Scott and his family as he deals with his own challenges.
So Court was resting comfortably when I arrived. She looked peaceful as soothing music from the nearby CD player poured ino the room. A male nurse came in and turned off the overhead light and then left. Rain was softly pelting the large windows as evening descended over the city. Everything was just so relaxing. So relaxing in fact that I fell asleep! Hah! It was the first time in my life that I actually WANTED a bed in the hospital.
We wish the best for Uncle Scott and his family as he deals with his own challenges.
Mom's Update
After touring both Spaulding and Braintree Rehab hospitals we have chosen Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital for Courtney. We believe that Braintree will provide the level of therapy and TBI expertise necessary to give Courtney the best chance for a full recovery. We also believe that the staff and overall approach to care fits with our family values allowing us to be actively involved in Courtney's care and therapy and be with her at any time we feel she needs us.
Braintree is an accredited rehab hospital with many physician specialties necessary to Courtney's care. They have the latest equipment and interactive setup in the gym that will allow Courtney to participate in occupational therapy with real world activites such as a full kitchen and 'pretend' car.
The first days or weeks of Courtney's rehab will be geared toward drawing her out of her minimally conscious state. After that she will relearn many of the skills we take for granted each day.
Today Courtney 'stood' with the help of a 'standing' lift. Using a harness she was listed to her feet. Although I wasn't here to witness it I was told that she moved her feet in a purposeful motion that told the therapists she wanted to walk.
Everyone here at RIH TICU was anxious to hear about our visits and choice of rehab. They are all very excited about Courtney moving on.
Everything will be arranged over the next 1-3 days and she will be transferred as soon as the paperwork and insurance issues are all set.
In the meantime, Courtney's Uncle Scott, who is a diabetic and had a kidney transplant last year, had foot surgery yesterday to replace a bone that had deteriorated due to the diabetes. Doctors inserted a rod into his ankle. Late last night they were unable to feel a pulse in his foot and took him back into the OR. Early this morning we were told that they did not hold out much hope for saving his leg. Fortunately as of late today he did have a pulse in his foot so there is still hope. We are asking, that you keep Scott in your prayers and his wife Nora and children Daniel and Abby.
It is times like these when we find it easy to ask 'why God?' 'why us?' But we have to believe that God will never give us more than we can handle and that he will carry us all through this difficult time.
Thank you for supporting us all. We will let you know the day of Courtney's transfer. Here is her soon to be new address (should all go as planned):
Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital
250 Pond Street
Braintree, MA 02184
Braintree is an accredited rehab hospital with many physician specialties necessary to Courtney's care. They have the latest equipment and interactive setup in the gym that will allow Courtney to participate in occupational therapy with real world activites such as a full kitchen and 'pretend' car.
The first days or weeks of Courtney's rehab will be geared toward drawing her out of her minimally conscious state. After that she will relearn many of the skills we take for granted each day.
Today Courtney 'stood' with the help of a 'standing' lift. Using a harness she was listed to her feet. Although I wasn't here to witness it I was told that she moved her feet in a purposeful motion that told the therapists she wanted to walk.
Everyone here at RIH TICU was anxious to hear about our visits and choice of rehab. They are all very excited about Courtney moving on.
Everything will be arranged over the next 1-3 days and she will be transferred as soon as the paperwork and insurance issues are all set.
In the meantime, Courtney's Uncle Scott, who is a diabetic and had a kidney transplant last year, had foot surgery yesterday to replace a bone that had deteriorated due to the diabetes. Doctors inserted a rod into his ankle. Late last night they were unable to feel a pulse in his foot and took him back into the OR. Early this morning we were told that they did not hold out much hope for saving his leg. Fortunately as of late today he did have a pulse in his foot so there is still hope. We are asking, that you keep Scott in your prayers and his wife Nora and children Daniel and Abby.
It is times like these when we find it easy to ask 'why God?' 'why us?' But we have to believe that God will never give us more than we can handle and that he will carry us all through this difficult time.
Thank you for supporting us all. We will let you know the day of Courtney's transfer. Here is her soon to be new address (should all go as planned):
Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital
250 Pond Street
Braintree, MA 02184
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Mom's Update
Courtney's last chest tube came out this afternoon! xrays from this evening looked good.
As long as tomorrow morning's xrays show that the lung has not collapsed Courtney will be ready to go to rehab.
She has been extremely agitated today and there's no doubt in anyone's mind here that she's more than a little ticked off at being in bed for 3 1/2 weeks. She continues to lift her hips, throw her legs over the side of the bed and move her arms around.
Nurses are working very hard to keep Courtney as comfortable as possible without over sedating her so that she can continue to emerge from the coma.
Courtney was very very happy to see Katy tonight. She stared into Katy's eyes for a very long time and had tears in her eyes.
Tomorrow will be another busy day with more physical and occupational therapy. Courtney will be in the chair alot tomorrow and hopefully will stand up with the aid of some special equipment.
We will let everyone know of our rehab choice, the date of the move and address as soon as available.
As long as tomorrow morning's xrays show that the lung has not collapsed Courtney will be ready to go to rehab.
She has been extremely agitated today and there's no doubt in anyone's mind here that she's more than a little ticked off at being in bed for 3 1/2 weeks. She continues to lift her hips, throw her legs over the side of the bed and move her arms around.
Nurses are working very hard to keep Courtney as comfortable as possible without over sedating her so that she can continue to emerge from the coma.
Courtney was very very happy to see Katy tonight. She stared into Katy's eyes for a very long time and had tears in her eyes.
Tomorrow will be another busy day with more physical and occupational therapy. Courtney will be in the chair alot tomorrow and hopefully will stand up with the aid of some special equipment.
We will let everyone know of our rehab choice, the date of the move and address as soon as available.
"Other People's Pain" from Uncle Brian
Yesterday, in southern California, a military F/A-18D jet, flying out of Marine Air Station Miramar, crashed into a residential neighborhood after both engines failed. Thankfully, the pilot safely ejected. I wish that was the end of the story. Four people on the ground died when the crash set their house on fire.
My stepson, John, is interested in the military and so I said to him last night, "Can you imagine what the pilot is going through knowing what happened on the ground?" My heart went out to him.
For Korean immigrant, Don Yun Yoon, the nightmare was only beginning. In the resulting fire, Mr. Yoon lost his two young daughters aged 2 months and 15 months, his wife and his mother-in-law. His whole world was wiped out in a second.
None of us, save Diane and Craig, can even begin to imagine Mr. Yoon's loss. But in the face of his terrible loss, Mr. Yoon reached out to the pilot. He was quoted as saying on CNN's website, "I don't blame him. I don't have any hard feelings. I know he did everything he could." He went on to say, "He is one of our treasures for the country." Even in his broken English, and as an immigrant, he recognized what many of us already know.
He's correct, of course, but his response is remarkable, to say the least. Nothing I could write would be worthy of evaluating Mr. Yoon's pain. So, I want to leave you with his words- "I know there are more people who have experienced more terrible things. But, please, tell me how to do it. I don't know what to do."
Please pray for Mr. Yoon.
My stepson, John, is interested in the military and so I said to him last night, "Can you imagine what the pilot is going through knowing what happened on the ground?" My heart went out to him.
For Korean immigrant, Don Yun Yoon, the nightmare was only beginning. In the resulting fire, Mr. Yoon lost his two young daughters aged 2 months and 15 months, his wife and his mother-in-law. His whole world was wiped out in a second.
None of us, save Diane and Craig, can even begin to imagine Mr. Yoon's loss. But in the face of his terrible loss, Mr. Yoon reached out to the pilot. He was quoted as saying on CNN's website, "I don't blame him. I don't have any hard feelings. I know he did everything he could." He went on to say, "He is one of our treasures for the country." Even in his broken English, and as an immigrant, he recognized what many of us already know.
He's correct, of course, but his response is remarkable, to say the least. Nothing I could write would be worthy of evaluating Mr. Yoon's pain. So, I want to leave you with his words- "I know there are more people who have experienced more terrible things. But, please, tell me how to do it. I don't know what to do."
Please pray for Mr. Yoon.
from Uncle Brian
Beth and I have big "Pray for Courtney" signs on our vehicles on the rear window. I was putting gas in my truck this afternoon when a stranger came up to me and said that he had attempted to go on the blog but couldn't. A few people have told me this and I don't understand why. It could be that they're mispelling. Even when his face was no more that 12 inches from the sign, he used the name, "Hollingsworth" which I think is a common mistake. In fact, he also said that his name is Tim Stone and this brother is a friend of Sean Congdon!! God bless him! The man's name is Tim Stone, the brother of one of Uncle Sean's friends. I told him to keep trying and thanked him for approaching me.
Mom's Update
Courtney is very active today. She sat at the end of the bed today and nurse Donald picked her up under her arms and let her feel her feet under her. With very shaky legs and full support she 'stood'.
People are asking 'is she still in a coma?' The answer is yes. There is a glaskow coma scale - you can google it- that rates an individuals level of consciousness. Courtney's score is still very low because she is not following commands and makes noise or speaks.
Courtney did make a couple of squeaks this morning after the trachea was 'corked'.
With the trachea corked there is air flowing and she is breathing through her nose and mouth with some oxygen in her nose. Courtney's vitals are very solid with this important change. The staff and Craig and I keep telling Courtney that she can talk now in case her brain is ready to do that.
Her progress these past 2 days have been tremendous. We feel more encouraged with each passing day and pray for her continued healing and speedy full recovery.
People are asking 'is she still in a coma?' The answer is yes. There is a glaskow coma scale - you can google it- that rates an individuals level of consciousness. Courtney's score is still very low because she is not following commands and makes noise or speaks.
Courtney did make a couple of squeaks this morning after the trachea was 'corked'.
With the trachea corked there is air flowing and she is breathing through her nose and mouth with some oxygen in her nose. Courtney's vitals are very solid with this important change. The staff and Craig and I keep telling Courtney that she can talk now in case her brain is ready to do that.
Her progress these past 2 days have been tremendous. We feel more encouraged with each passing day and pray for her continued healing and speedy full recovery.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Mom's Update
Courtney was very very active again today. The nurses had difficulty positioning her on her throne and ensuring that she stayed put safely. After many attempts and much discussion they were able to safely position Courtney so that she couldn't wriggle off the chair.
Once in bed she was active again moving her legs over the side of the bed and raising her arms in the air over her head.
Courtney continued to raise her head off the pillow and this evening when she held our hand she pulled her head and shoulder right off the pillow. She is really fighting her way through this - it is amazing to watch.
It is also exhausting for Courtney and so we speak with the staff frequently about when we all feel it is appropriate to medicate Courtney so that she will relax and sleep.
Her bruises have all but disappeared at this point and so there are very few outward signs of the tremendous trauma that her body sustained. From the beginning there were no marks - not even a scratch on her face - her 2 front teeth were slightly chipped. This is a miracle in itself and it has allowed us the peace of seeing her beautiful face just as before the accident.
Once in bed she was active again moving her legs over the side of the bed and raising her arms in the air over her head.
Courtney continued to raise her head off the pillow and this evening when she held our hand she pulled her head and shoulder right off the pillow. She is really fighting her way through this - it is amazing to watch.
It is also exhausting for Courtney and so we speak with the staff frequently about when we all feel it is appropriate to medicate Courtney so that she will relax and sleep.
Her bruises have all but disappeared at this point and so there are very few outward signs of the tremendous trauma that her body sustained. From the beginning there were no marks - not even a scratch on her face - her 2 front teeth were slightly chipped. This is a miracle in itself and it has allowed us the peace of seeing her beautiful face just as before the accident.
Dads letter to Courtney
This is a letter to Courtney;
Dear Courtney,
I wanted to tell you how much that I love you and miss your smiling personality. Since the accident almost 3 1/2 weeks ago our lives have been forever changed. At first the days seemed longer, the sun less brilliant, the rain a little colder, a cold chill settled over our lives. Your mom and I have witnessed your strength and will to survive on an hourly basis. Our family has also been gifted by the miracles of Gods actions through your caregivers.
Like you, I also enjoy reading biographical stories where ordinary people are placed into desparate situations and only through acts of courage and faith in God does the story end on a positive note. People often single out courage as though this personal value were an island into itself. I have learned through you that courage is only a small part of the equation of love and faith. Your courage and will to survive cannot be anything less than a gift from God and we are thankful that you have been blessed with these attributes.
I must confess to you that there have been times as I watched your crumpled body writhe in pain that the agony was almost to much for me to bare and it caused me to question my faith in God. "Why God", I asked myself? I felt pity for myself and that was selfish of me. After much soul searching and prayerful reflection I believe that I now understand some small part of this painful puzzle. That you are much more than my daughter, you are a living example of compassion, love, courage, strength and above all deep and abiding faith in God.
I am sure that God will sustain you and bring you back to us whole, and with a message of courage, faith and love that will inspire others who may be challenged as you are at this moment in your life.
All my Love Forever,
Dad
Dear Courtney,
I wanted to tell you how much that I love you and miss your smiling personality. Since the accident almost 3 1/2 weeks ago our lives have been forever changed. At first the days seemed longer, the sun less brilliant, the rain a little colder, a cold chill settled over our lives. Your mom and I have witnessed your strength and will to survive on an hourly basis. Our family has also been gifted by the miracles of Gods actions through your caregivers.
Like you, I also enjoy reading biographical stories where ordinary people are placed into desparate situations and only through acts of courage and faith in God does the story end on a positive note. People often single out courage as though this personal value were an island into itself. I have learned through you that courage is only a small part of the equation of love and faith. Your courage and will to survive cannot be anything less than a gift from God and we are thankful that you have been blessed with these attributes.
I must confess to you that there have been times as I watched your crumpled body writhe in pain that the agony was almost to much for me to bare and it caused me to question my faith in God. "Why God", I asked myself? I felt pity for myself and that was selfish of me. After much soul searching and prayerful reflection I believe that I now understand some small part of this painful puzzle. That you are much more than my daughter, you are a living example of compassion, love, courage, strength and above all deep and abiding faith in God.
I am sure that God will sustain you and bring you back to us whole, and with a message of courage, faith and love that will inspire others who may be challenged as you are at this moment in your life.
All my Love Forever,
Dad
Mom's Update
Courtney was once again 'agitated' and fully alert this morning.
I played a DVD of her favorite show, Jon & Kate Plus 8, which she watched intently. It settled her down for a little while but then she seemed to be in pain so the nurse gave her medication.
She is sleeping comfortably now.
When she is awake both her eyes are wide open. The nerve damage on the right seems to be healing on its own as we haven't noticed any weakness or drooping on that side of her face.
She was lifting her head off the pillow again this morning - another sign that she is gaining strength.
Her face was beat red at one point this morning - her fighting Irish coming through.
Later today she will sit at the edge of the bed again and then be seated on her 'throne'. That's the pink chair that Courtney sits in looking out the window and at the cards hanging on the walls by the window.
Nurse Missy inserted a peripheral IV into Courtney's hand. If the IV stays and works well over the next 24 hours they will remove the main line along with the chest tube tomorrow.
Doctors may try to 'cork' the trachea later today allowing air to pass through her throat and mouth which will allow her to make more sounds. She seems to be trying to make sounds now.
Katy will be home by Thursday and I'm sure - as she did with Claudia - it will be a moment of staring and inner peace for Courtney to see her sister again.
I played a DVD of her favorite show, Jon & Kate Plus 8, which she watched intently. It settled her down for a little while but then she seemed to be in pain so the nurse gave her medication.
She is sleeping comfortably now.
When she is awake both her eyes are wide open. The nerve damage on the right seems to be healing on its own as we haven't noticed any weakness or drooping on that side of her face.
She was lifting her head off the pillow again this morning - another sign that she is gaining strength.
Her face was beat red at one point this morning - her fighting Irish coming through.
Later today she will sit at the edge of the bed again and then be seated on her 'throne'. That's the pink chair that Courtney sits in looking out the window and at the cards hanging on the walls by the window.
Nurse Missy inserted a peripheral IV into Courtney's hand. If the IV stays and works well over the next 24 hours they will remove the main line along with the chest tube tomorrow.
Doctors may try to 'cork' the trachea later today allowing air to pass through her throat and mouth which will allow her to make more sounds. She seems to be trying to make sounds now.
Katy will be home by Thursday and I'm sure - as she did with Claudia - it will be a moment of staring and inner peace for Courtney to see her sister again.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Mom's Update
Courtney was indeed very alert and active today. She was moving her arms and legs non-stop. She was lifting her hips off the bed in an obvious attempt to get off her back and out of bed. When the nurses put her in the chair they had to recline the chair because they were afraid she would scoot right out of it!
Later this afternoon doctors replaced the trachea with a smaller diameter trachea that will eventually allow her to talk and breathe normally. Once doctors know that she is stabilized and can breathe consistently without any troubles - eventually the trachea will be removed.
In the meantime there is an oxygen mask over the trachea hole. Courtney kept moving away today which initially concerned me but the nurse pointed out that her vitals were stable indicating that even without oxygen for a few minutes she was fine.
Courtney was raising her left arm (remember the right clavical is broken) high in the air. When her friend Emma remarked about her hair growing back Courtney reached up and touched her hair.
She had her Courtney bear in a choke hold with her right hand and was touching the bear's face with her left hand as she stared at the bear lovingly.
Finally, as if all this wasn't enough to lift our spirits - Courtney was lifting her head off the pillow tonight. She did it several times - we brought Dr. Carey in to see this astonishing action. Everyone was very excited as was Courtney - a little to excited - so Dr. Carey decided Courtney needed a little help sleeping tonight.
We wish Courtney a restful sleep and thank God for a wonderful day of amazing progress!
Later this afternoon doctors replaced the trachea with a smaller diameter trachea that will eventually allow her to talk and breathe normally. Once doctors know that she is stabilized and can breathe consistently without any troubles - eventually the trachea will be removed.
In the meantime there is an oxygen mask over the trachea hole. Courtney kept moving away today which initially concerned me but the nurse pointed out that her vitals were stable indicating that even without oxygen for a few minutes she was fine.
Courtney was raising her left arm (remember the right clavical is broken) high in the air. When her friend Emma remarked about her hair growing back Courtney reached up and touched her hair.
She had her Courtney bear in a choke hold with her right hand and was touching the bear's face with her left hand as she stared at the bear lovingly.
Finally, as if all this wasn't enough to lift our spirits - Courtney was lifting her head off the pillow tonight. She did it several times - we brought Dr. Carey in to see this astonishing action. Everyone was very excited as was Courtney - a little to excited - so Dr. Carey decided Courtney needed a little help sleeping tonight.
We wish Courtney a restful sleep and thank God for a wonderful day of amazing progress!
The Energizer Courtney
As Diane reported earlier, Courtney was very active today. Her legs were going non-stop when I visited as she continues to recover. Apparently, Courtney was given Vicoden, a muscle relaxant and one other drug that I can't spell so I won't even try. (actually I don't know if I spelled Vicoden correctly but at this point, it's not important.)
Despite the fact that Courtney was given enough drugs to knock out the New England Patriots front line, she was still moving about. (I know that Courtney wants to be a teacher but I would suggest she take up Martial Arts to release some of that positive energy. She'd give Chuck Norris a ride for his money, to be sure.) According to Diane, Courtney has also been trying to speak. It's impossible to imagine the frustration Courtney must be experiencing as she recovers.
Nonetheless, Courtney keeps steaming ahead and she keeps going and going and going,,,,,,
Despite the fact that Courtney was given enough drugs to knock out the New England Patriots front line, she was still moving about. (I know that Courtney wants to be a teacher but I would suggest she take up Martial Arts to release some of that positive energy. She'd give Chuck Norris a ride for his money, to be sure.) According to Diane, Courtney has also been trying to speak. It's impossible to imagine the frustration Courtney must be experiencing as she recovers.
Nonetheless, Courtney keeps steaming ahead and she keeps going and going and going,,,,,,
Moving on
Stopped by to see Courtney and her mom and dad this afternoon. I'm sure there will be many people like me who can't wait for Courtney to move on to her next step in her recovery, yet are sad in that she'll be so much farther away. I know in RI many people dread the "long" drive from Lincoln to, say, Warwick but this is different. Driving into Boston from Providence and returning to Uxbridge isn't a trip I can make often, during the week, while still contributing here at home.
Ultimately, we all want Court to get the best possible care and if that means she needs to travel to Juneau, Alaska we would cheerfully see her off knowing in our hearts that she'll be that much farther down her road to recovery when she returns. But I will miss knowing that Courtney is so close as I drive by RI Hospital every morning to work. (That's when I'm not yelling at some looney who thinks it's a good idea to stop in the middle of the highway because they're talking on their cell phone!) ((((((Courtney))))))
Ultimately, we all want Court to get the best possible care and if that means she needs to travel to Juneau, Alaska we would cheerfully see her off knowing in our hearts that she'll be that much farther down her road to recovery when she returns. But I will miss knowing that Courtney is so close as I drive by RI Hospital every morning to work. (That's when I'm not yelling at some looney who thinks it's a good idea to stop in the middle of the highway because they're talking on their cell phone!) ((((((Courtney))))))
Mom's Update
Courtney is sitting up in the chair this morning. She was looking out the window a while ago.
The physical and occupational therapist and nurse Missy sat Courtney up at the edge of the bed. She was picking up her feet again as though she were walking. Her neck and trunk muscles are weak but that is to be expected considering 3 weeks in bed and the trauma.
She is moving her hips up off the bed and wriggles quickly half way down the bed. This is very purposeful movement. The nurses kept telling Courtney to stay put but she would have none of it. I told them they were meeting the real Courtney. Missy asked "does she have a stubborn streak?" HA! They don't know what they're in for! That stubborn determination is what has brought her this far and will bring her to full health.
Missy said that the noises Courtney was making this morning were very deliberate. Later today respiratory therapist should be putting a smaller tube in her trachea that will allow air to enter and exit from her mouth. This should also allow her to make more noise and try to speak if her brain is ready to do that.
Today is the last day for Courtney on the antibiotics so doctors should be removing her mainline tomorrow. The chest pump is turned off - if the xray tomorrow morning looks good they may remove the chest tube as well.
Let's pray for Courtney's continued progress, strength and determination. We truly feel blessed for the strides she has made over these past few weeks, for all the support we have received and the amazing outpouring of love.
We have received everything we have asked for and even some things we have not asked for. Yesterday I told the nurse I was very concerned about Courtney's feet because they are so dry. Last night when I returned to Ronald McDonald's House (Ronnie's place as Courtney's Dad calls it) a friend had delivered cookies and foot cream. She couldn't have known my concern but the timing was perfect. Just one more example of how you have all supported Courtney and us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
The physical and occupational therapist and nurse Missy sat Courtney up at the edge of the bed. She was picking up her feet again as though she were walking. Her neck and trunk muscles are weak but that is to be expected considering 3 weeks in bed and the trauma.
She is moving her hips up off the bed and wriggles quickly half way down the bed. This is very purposeful movement. The nurses kept telling Courtney to stay put but she would have none of it. I told them they were meeting the real Courtney. Missy asked "does she have a stubborn streak?" HA! They don't know what they're in for! That stubborn determination is what has brought her this far and will bring her to full health.
Missy said that the noises Courtney was making this morning were very deliberate. Later today respiratory therapist should be putting a smaller tube in her trachea that will allow air to enter and exit from her mouth. This should also allow her to make more noise and try to speak if her brain is ready to do that.
Today is the last day for Courtney on the antibiotics so doctors should be removing her mainline tomorrow. The chest pump is turned off - if the xray tomorrow morning looks good they may remove the chest tube as well.
Let's pray for Courtney's continued progress, strength and determination. We truly feel blessed for the strides she has made over these past few weeks, for all the support we have received and the amazing outpouring of love.
We have received everything we have asked for and even some things we have not asked for. Yesterday I told the nurse I was very concerned about Courtney's feet because they are so dry. Last night when I returned to Ronald McDonald's House (Ronnie's place as Courtney's Dad calls it) a friend had delivered cookies and foot cream. She couldn't have known my concern but the timing was perfect. Just one more example of how you have all supported Courtney and us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Mom's Update
Today Courtney sat up in the chair again. I bought her snowman slippers that have buttons for eyes and a carrot nose. Claudia thinks they're stupid and that Courtney will hate them but the nurses and I think they're cute.
We put them on her feet. As she sat in the chair she lifted her feet - left right - left right over and over as though she were walking. It was a very deliberate move and wonderful to see.
She sat in the chair for 2 1/2 hours - great for her lungs and overall strength of bones, muscles and joints.
Courtney continues to breathe easily on the ventilator mask. We are hopeful that tomorrow, with the full staff on, Courtney's ventilator tube will be downsized allowing her to breathe through both her nose and mouth. With the current trachea size she only breathes on her own through her nose. This downsizing of the tube (canula) is another important step.
We are also hopeful that doctors will turn off the chest tube pump and soon be able to remove the chest tube.
She has just 2 more days on the antibiotic and then she will have the main line - an IV line going into her central artery removed. This is good news as another potential port of infection will no longer exist once it is removed.
Courtney has had a very very restful day today. She certainly has earned it after all the fevers, sweats, brain storms, heart rates and respiratory rates up and down, not to mention muscle spasms that must be very painful. These periods of restfulness help her brain to heal.
When she was awake today she was once again very alert - almost sentry like about the people entering her room.
We pray that this week will continue to bring important steady progress that will soon lead to her leaving the ICU and onto Rehab. Please pray for this steady progress with us.
Later this week we will be visiting Rehab centers in Massachusetts with friends who are in the health care industry and can help us make an intelligent evaluation. Mom and Dad will be doing the emotional evaluation! We will keep everyone informed of our decision and certainly when she is moved to Rehab.
Thank you again for another wonderful week of prayers and support.
We put them on her feet. As she sat in the chair she lifted her feet - left right - left right over and over as though she were walking. It was a very deliberate move and wonderful to see.
She sat in the chair for 2 1/2 hours - great for her lungs and overall strength of bones, muscles and joints.
Courtney continues to breathe easily on the ventilator mask. We are hopeful that tomorrow, with the full staff on, Courtney's ventilator tube will be downsized allowing her to breathe through both her nose and mouth. With the current trachea size she only breathes on her own through her nose. This downsizing of the tube (canula) is another important step.
We are also hopeful that doctors will turn off the chest tube pump and soon be able to remove the chest tube.
She has just 2 more days on the antibiotic and then she will have the main line - an IV line going into her central artery removed. This is good news as another potential port of infection will no longer exist once it is removed.
Courtney has had a very very restful day today. She certainly has earned it after all the fevers, sweats, brain storms, heart rates and respiratory rates up and down, not to mention muscle spasms that must be very painful. These periods of restfulness help her brain to heal.
When she was awake today she was once again very alert - almost sentry like about the people entering her room.
We pray that this week will continue to bring important steady progress that will soon lead to her leaving the ICU and onto Rehab. Please pray for this steady progress with us.
Later this week we will be visiting Rehab centers in Massachusetts with friends who are in the health care industry and can help us make an intelligent evaluation. Mom and Dad will be doing the emotional evaluation! We will keep everyone informed of our decision and certainly when she is moved to Rehab.
Thank you again for another wonderful week of prayers and support.
Mom's Update
Courtney had a restful night but has been rather 'excited' this morning. Her heart rate has been high and her respiratory rate has also been high at times. She has slept through the much of it leading the staff here to believe it's her brain.
Many people who treat head injuries believe there are 'brain storms' - not the kind that we are used to - but high levels of activity where the brain is coming awake and struggling to put things back together again. When Courtney is restless or her heart rate swings from high to normal and back again she is often times experiencing a 'brain storm'.
Yesterday Courtney watched and listened to The Grinch that Stole Christmas with Jim Carey.
She is a big Jim Carey fan and this is one of her favorite movies. I think she watched it 15 times last year. Someone also brought her Mr. Deeds - another favorite movie.
Today we will play Christmas music for Courtney to further orient her to the season.
In addition to the get well cards hanging on her curtain she also has a Christmas decoration that looks like a clothes line with Mrs. Claus' clothes hanging. She looks at that and followed with her eyes as I showed her each item on the clothes line.
She had a nice visit from two of her friends last night and she looked from one to the other over and over as they chatted to Courtney about funny things from the past.
All of this activity and interaction is good for Courtney in very short spurts. She tires easily but continues to make progress.
We hope that any day now they will remove the chest tube and the main line which is an IV feed going into the central artery.
Thanks to a friend who shared an Advent leaflet from their church. I'd like to share something from today's reference: 'We watch with expectant eyes, trusting that God is active, present and constantly at work, leading all of the creating toward the plan of redemption.'
We trust that God is active in Courtney's healing, that He is present with us through our trials, and that He is constantly at work guiding her caregivers efforts to bring Courtney back to full health.
Many people who treat head injuries believe there are 'brain storms' - not the kind that we are used to - but high levels of activity where the brain is coming awake and struggling to put things back together again. When Courtney is restless or her heart rate swings from high to normal and back again she is often times experiencing a 'brain storm'.
Yesterday Courtney watched and listened to The Grinch that Stole Christmas with Jim Carey.
She is a big Jim Carey fan and this is one of her favorite movies. I think she watched it 15 times last year. Someone also brought her Mr. Deeds - another favorite movie.
Today we will play Christmas music for Courtney to further orient her to the season.
In addition to the get well cards hanging on her curtain she also has a Christmas decoration that looks like a clothes line with Mrs. Claus' clothes hanging. She looks at that and followed with her eyes as I showed her each item on the clothes line.
She had a nice visit from two of her friends last night and she looked from one to the other over and over as they chatted to Courtney about funny things from the past.
All of this activity and interaction is good for Courtney in very short spurts. She tires easily but continues to make progress.
We hope that any day now they will remove the chest tube and the main line which is an IV feed going into the central artery.
Thanks to a friend who shared an Advent leaflet from their church. I'd like to share something from today's reference: 'We watch with expectant eyes, trusting that God is active, present and constantly at work, leading all of the creating toward the plan of redemption.'
We trust that God is active in Courtney's healing, that He is present with us through our trials, and that He is constantly at work guiding her caregivers efforts to bring Courtney back to full health.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Mom's Update
Courtney is now on a ventilator mask. There is oxygen flowing into the trachea into Courtney's lungs. You have all seen oxygen masks in use - this is the same thing only feeding into the trachea. The next step is oxygen mask and 'closing off the trachea' in baby steps so that Courtney begins to breathe completely naturally again.
Claudia came to visit today from Bentley. I was standing by Courtney's bed talking to her and she looked straight past me at Claudia. She stared and stared and stared at her face until she couldn't keep her eyes open any more. Her brain may have been injured but her heart is in tact!
She is sleeping comfortably now and rt is very happy with her vital signs. She has her favorite teddy bear in a choke hold!
Dr. Kosloff came in this morning to check on Courtney he yelled in her face to open her eyes. They remained closed. I said 'let me try'. I quietly said 'Courtney, it's Mommy open your eyes' and she did! The doctors told us that survivors say staff talking to them is just noise but family's voices make sense - they can tune in and understand.
Claudia came to visit today from Bentley. I was standing by Courtney's bed talking to her and she looked straight past me at Claudia. She stared and stared and stared at her face until she couldn't keep her eyes open any more. Her brain may have been injured but her heart is in tact!
She is sleeping comfortably now and rt is very happy with her vital signs. She has her favorite teddy bear in a choke hold!
Dr. Kosloff came in this morning to check on Courtney he yelled in her face to open her eyes. They remained closed. I said 'let me try'. I quietly said 'Courtney, it's Mommy open your eyes' and she did! The doctors told us that survivors say staff talking to them is just noise but family's voices make sense - they can tune in and understand.
Mom's Update Saturday am
It was 3 weeks ago this afternoon that a light in our lives was dimmed and a voice of love and compassion temporarily silenced. It is impossible to express the desolation in our hearts each day as we wake to this painful reality.
But we have hope. Three weeks ago nurses asked if Courtney would want to donate her organs. Today those same nurses speak to Courtney knowing she can hear what they say.
Three weeks ago doctors were fighting to save her life and stop the bleeding and swelling in her brain - today they move methodically, resolving one medical problem after another, all with the goal of getting Courtney to rehab where she will have the greatest chance for a full recovery.
Anyone who works with me can tell you that Courtney will call me several times throughout each day. They can also tell you that I will always answer the call even if it is to say "is everything okay? can I call you back?". She's never to happy about being put off. 'Okay' she'll say 'but don't forget'. As though I could forget. It is her voice that I miss the most.
As I dress to go out somewhere she'll often say 'oh Di - what are you thinking about?!- we need to go back upstairs and find you a new outfit!' My fashion consultant!
And her compassion - the time I lost not one but two cell phones and she was the voice of reason saying 'Di, I think this is God's way of telling you to slow down.'
I think of the times when the girls would all be home from school and that within minutes of them being together I could hear screams of laughter coming from their room. Courtney would say something outrageous that would send Katy and Claudia into fits of laughter. Today I am grateful for having appreciated every one of those moments and I pray for many, many more to come.
I share these thoughts with all of you so that you can know our Courtney a little better and know that the support and prayers we receive each day are sustaining us through this trial that no parent should ever know. Know that we feel your love and compassion.
"May your unfailing love be my comfort according to your promise." ps 119:76
But we have hope. Three weeks ago nurses asked if Courtney would want to donate her organs. Today those same nurses speak to Courtney knowing she can hear what they say.
Three weeks ago doctors were fighting to save her life and stop the bleeding and swelling in her brain - today they move methodically, resolving one medical problem after another, all with the goal of getting Courtney to rehab where she will have the greatest chance for a full recovery.
Anyone who works with me can tell you that Courtney will call me several times throughout each day. They can also tell you that I will always answer the call even if it is to say "is everything okay? can I call you back?". She's never to happy about being put off. 'Okay' she'll say 'but don't forget'. As though I could forget. It is her voice that I miss the most.
As I dress to go out somewhere she'll often say 'oh Di - what are you thinking about?!- we need to go back upstairs and find you a new outfit!' My fashion consultant!
And her compassion - the time I lost not one but two cell phones and she was the voice of reason saying 'Di, I think this is God's way of telling you to slow down.'
I think of the times when the girls would all be home from school and that within minutes of them being together I could hear screams of laughter coming from their room. Courtney would say something outrageous that would send Katy and Claudia into fits of laughter. Today I am grateful for having appreciated every one of those moments and I pray for many, many more to come.
I share these thoughts with all of you so that you can know our Courtney a little better and know that the support and prayers we receive each day are sustaining us through this trial that no parent should ever know. Know that we feel your love and compassion.
"May your unfailing love be my comfort according to your promise." ps 119:76
Mom's Update - did not post properly friday night
Somehow my update from last night did not save.
Courtney had an MRI the night before last which showed the 2 injuries to the brain we already knew about. There was no evidence of overall brain cell damage and that was good news.
She also had an EEG which shows brain wave activity. The neurologist told us that the brain is 'working slowly' - I immediately thought that Courtney's reaction would be 'dut da dah!' -
no kidding! - tell us something we don't know! Then she went on to say they wished the brain were working faster - once again 'dut da dah'!
We know that Courtney's body has been working very hard to heal her lungs and fight infection. Now that she has made good progress with that her body can turn its attention (and we can turn our prayer intentions) to healing her brain.
Courtney also had a 2nd CT scan of the lungs which showed improvement in the right lung - the pocket of air is going away and the result is that she is breathing deeper and easier on her own.
While these 'trips' of Courtney's are nerve racking for us and require a team of rt, nurse and doctor to travel with her, she seems to be tolerating them well.
Courtney had an MRI the night before last which showed the 2 injuries to the brain we already knew about. There was no evidence of overall brain cell damage and that was good news.
She also had an EEG which shows brain wave activity. The neurologist told us that the brain is 'working slowly' - I immediately thought that Courtney's reaction would be 'dut da dah!' -
no kidding! - tell us something we don't know! Then she went on to say they wished the brain were working faster - once again 'dut da dah'!
We know that Courtney's body has been working very hard to heal her lungs and fight infection. Now that she has made good progress with that her body can turn its attention (and we can turn our prayer intentions) to healing her brain.
Courtney also had a 2nd CT scan of the lungs which showed improvement in the right lung - the pocket of air is going away and the result is that she is breathing deeper and easier on her own.
While these 'trips' of Courtney's are nerve racking for us and require a team of rt, nurse and doctor to travel with her, she seems to be tolerating them well.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Mom's Update
Courtney is once again sitting in the chair. Her lungs have improved and the ventilator settings were turned down again. She has been breathing on her own with less and less support each day.
Since the 2nd chest tube was inserted the elasticity of her lungs has improved. Out of a possible rating of 50 Courtney was only at 17 5 days ago. She is now at 37 out of 50 -a big improvement as she continues to be weened from the ventilator.
Courtney received a new medication today for muscle spasms - although this makes her drowsy and we miss her alertness we know that she is much more comfortable.
Once again God continues to answer our prayers and we look forward to her coming off the ventilator soon. We pray that God will provide another miracle healing of her brain so that she may be restored to full health.
Since the 2nd chest tube was inserted the elasticity of her lungs has improved. Out of a possible rating of 50 Courtney was only at 17 5 days ago. She is now at 37 out of 50 -a big improvement as she continues to be weened from the ventilator.
Courtney received a new medication today for muscle spasms - although this makes her drowsy and we miss her alertness we know that she is much more comfortable.
Once again God continues to answer our prayers and we look forward to her coming off the ventilator soon. We pray that God will provide another miracle healing of her brain so that she may be restored to full health.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Mom's Update
Courtney rested comfortably this afternoon and continued breathing well on her own with less support from the ventilator.
Doctors turned off the suction on the chest tube indicating that they believe the air around the lung has decreased. They will do a chest xray in the am to see how the lung looks and then continue monitoring for the next 24 hours before taking action.
Doctors turned off the suction on the chest tube indicating that they believe the air around the lung has decreased. They will do a chest xray in the am to see how the lung looks and then continue monitoring for the next 24 hours before taking action.
Mom's Update
Courtney has been breathing on her own since 6pm last night. Respiratory therapist continue to turn down the amount of support that she is getting from the ventilator.
Doctors removed the first of 2 chest tubes in her right lung today.
The 2nd chest tube - inserted just 2 days ago continues to 'leak air' - meaning that there is still air leaking from Courtney's lung. The amount of air seems to have dissipated today. Doctors have decided to leave things as they are through the weekend then evaluate her situation on Monday. We pray that her lung will have healed significantly during that time so that she can avoid surgery.
Staff will continue to work on wheening Courtney off the ventilator.
Courtney sat up in a special chair today. She did very well with the transition - her blood pressure (which often drops when people sit up for the first time) remained stable and even increased. Her neck was stable and did not require any support which is good considering the fractures. Since she is very short her feet did not touch the floor but the chair has a platform that allowed her to have the sensation of her feet on the floor.
We set the chair facing out the window and she seemed to be taking it all in. Nurse Tracy brought in a great blow up unit that allows us to wash Courtney's hair with lots and lots of water without soaking the bed. I gave her a scalp massage and used her own shampoo and conditioner. She seemed to enjoy it.
Courtney's Auntie Bean came up with the great idea of hanging her cards on the curtain in front of her bed so that she's not just looking at a drab tan curtain. She looks at the cards when she is alert.
These small steps are important. We continue to pray for her right lung to heal itself and for Courtney's lungs to be strong enough so that she no longer requires the ventilator. This is the only thing holding her from transferring to a rehab hospital.
I read this morning that Advent is a time of waiting. Our waiting is excruciating. Your prayers bring us strength to carry on. Thank you.
Doctors removed the first of 2 chest tubes in her right lung today.
The 2nd chest tube - inserted just 2 days ago continues to 'leak air' - meaning that there is still air leaking from Courtney's lung. The amount of air seems to have dissipated today. Doctors have decided to leave things as they are through the weekend then evaluate her situation on Monday. We pray that her lung will have healed significantly during that time so that she can avoid surgery.
Staff will continue to work on wheening Courtney off the ventilator.
Courtney sat up in a special chair today. She did very well with the transition - her blood pressure (which often drops when people sit up for the first time) remained stable and even increased. Her neck was stable and did not require any support which is good considering the fractures. Since she is very short her feet did not touch the floor but the chair has a platform that allowed her to have the sensation of her feet on the floor.
We set the chair facing out the window and she seemed to be taking it all in. Nurse Tracy brought in a great blow up unit that allows us to wash Courtney's hair with lots and lots of water without soaking the bed. I gave her a scalp massage and used her own shampoo and conditioner. She seemed to enjoy it.
Courtney's Auntie Bean came up with the great idea of hanging her cards on the curtain in front of her bed so that she's not just looking at a drab tan curtain. She looks at the cards when she is alert.
These small steps are important. We continue to pray for her right lung to heal itself and for Courtney's lungs to be strong enough so that she no longer requires the ventilator. This is the only thing holding her from transferring to a rehab hospital.
I read this morning that Advent is a time of waiting. Our waiting is excruciating. Your prayers bring us strength to carry on. Thank you.
Mom's Update
Courtney has been breathing on her own through the night. She has been comfortable doing so with the aid of a small amount of pain medication that relaxes her enough to breathe easy.
As hard as all of this nightmare is on our family and friends we can not begin to imagine the horror that Courtney must be experiencing. For an active girl to know that she can not move the way she wants to must be incredibly frustrating. But for Courtney to not be able to express herself with words has to be the most difficult of all her burdens. The pain of lying in a bed for 17 days, tubes and needles in her body, the helplessness of strangers caring for her physically - all of this is the hell to which Courtney awakes multiple times throughout the day.
Each time she is alert we let her know that she was in an accident and that she hurt her head and chest. Because of that, a machine is helping her breathe. We let her know that all of her limbs are working, that she can see and hear. We tell Courtney that her brain is healing and that in time she will be able to speak and do the things she so longs to do.
As her mother I can not express the deep pain and anguish we feel over her suffering. When she becomes upset and sometimes cry we tell her that we know she is suffering but that she is brave and strong. We tell her that everyone here at the hospital loves her so much and is taking great care of her. We also tell her about all of you - your loving prayers and support - the endless cards and emails that lift our spirits.
While we pray for Courtney's healing we also pray that she will know the peace of God in her heart. That God will calm her fears and give her the strength of mind, body and spirit to carry on this fight - a fight that none of us can begin to imagine. As Courtney was growing up she would often be fiercely stubborn. I used to say to her Dad - I don't know when she's going to need that fight and determination but when she does it will serve her well.
We pray that she hears our words of encouragement to keep up the fight and come back into our lives - whole in body, mind and spirit - to once again make us laugh, say the things that need to be said in a blunt unapologetic way, and most of all to be the source of love and joy that she has always been for everyone in her life.
As hard as all of this nightmare is on our family and friends we can not begin to imagine the horror that Courtney must be experiencing. For an active girl to know that she can not move the way she wants to must be incredibly frustrating. But for Courtney to not be able to express herself with words has to be the most difficult of all her burdens. The pain of lying in a bed for 17 days, tubes and needles in her body, the helplessness of strangers caring for her physically - all of this is the hell to which Courtney awakes multiple times throughout the day.
Each time she is alert we let her know that she was in an accident and that she hurt her head and chest. Because of that, a machine is helping her breathe. We let her know that all of her limbs are working, that she can see and hear. We tell Courtney that her brain is healing and that in time she will be able to speak and do the things she so longs to do.
As her mother I can not express the deep pain and anguish we feel over her suffering. When she becomes upset and sometimes cry we tell her that we know she is suffering but that she is brave and strong. We tell her that everyone here at the hospital loves her so much and is taking great care of her. We also tell her about all of you - your loving prayers and support - the endless cards and emails that lift our spirits.
While we pray for Courtney's healing we also pray that she will know the peace of God in her heart. That God will calm her fears and give her the strength of mind, body and spirit to carry on this fight - a fight that none of us can begin to imagine. As Courtney was growing up she would often be fiercely stubborn. I used to say to her Dad - I don't know when she's going to need that fight and determination but when she does it will serve her well.
We pray that she hears our words of encouragement to keep up the fight and come back into our lives - whole in body, mind and spirit - to once again make us laugh, say the things that need to be said in a blunt unapologetic way, and most of all to be the source of love and joy that she has always been for everyone in her life.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Mom's Update
Courtney's lung is still leaking air. Doctors are concerned that the leak should be much less by now. There may be another CT in 1 day or 2. If there is still air around that lung drs will have to operate to repair the damaged lung.
Unless the lung is repaired Courtney will have a difficult time coming off the ventilator.
Although we've been praying for the healing of Courtney's lungs for sometime we believe that God will work his miracles at his pace. As much as we want to avoid surgery we will trust that surgeons will work skillfully to repair Courtney's lungs.
Otherwise Courtney has been breathing on her own all day today. Despite some ocassional pain and discomfort she did wel today but was not as alert because of pain medication.
We received many beautiful cards from CCD classes and other friends and family.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. Be on the lookout for information on donating Courtney Bears for children at Hasbro Children's Hospital at Christmas.
Unless the lung is repaired Courtney will have a difficult time coming off the ventilator.
Although we've been praying for the healing of Courtney's lungs for sometime we believe that God will work his miracles at his pace. As much as we want to avoid surgery we will trust that surgeons will work skillfully to repair Courtney's lungs.
Otherwise Courtney has been breathing on her own all day today. Despite some ocassional pain and discomfort she did wel today but was not as alert because of pain medication.
We received many beautiful cards from CCD classes and other friends and family.
Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. Be on the lookout for information on donating Courtney Bears for children at Hasbro Children's Hospital at Christmas.
from Uncle Brian
Well, I got a little silly in my last post and now Ed Aberger is threatening to sue me in federal court for calling him a Yankee criminal. All I can say is ignorance of the law is no defense and being a Yankee fan in Red Sox nation is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.00. (make the check out to Brian D Condon, please). (Craig has been pardoned by President Bush). (You're welcome, Craig. Now you know why I was travelling to Kennybunkport and Camp David every other weekend this summer)
Returning to the real world, I saw Courtney tonight and she looked absolutely angelic as she rested. It was reassuring to see her in such a relaxed state. Diane and Craig continue their "Iron Man and Lady" act as they care for Court. At the risk of upsetting Diane, (not something I would wish on Hillary Clinton) (ok, that's a lie) I'm worried for Diane's general health. Being a man of few (spoken) words, I offered the following to my younger sister before I left tonight, "Eat, rest". Short and sweet. It can't be misconstrued. (((((Diane & Craig)))))
(I'd rather stand between a Hell's Angels motorcycle gang and 20 kegs of beer than to stand between Diane and Courtney. The way I see it, with the Hell's Angels I'd at least have a chance.)
One last thought - just when you think you've crossed the t's and dotted the i's, this happens - Alexandra, my wonderful stepdaughter, made it known tonight that she thought that Craig was my brother and that Diane was my sister-in-law. As these things go, I already think of Craig as my brother so that's not a problem. On the other end, I can't imagine my life, nor would I want to, with Diane not being my younger sister. As such, Diane has always owned a special place in my heart and always will.
Returning to the real world, I saw Courtney tonight and she looked absolutely angelic as she rested. It was reassuring to see her in such a relaxed state. Diane and Craig continue their "Iron Man and Lady" act as they care for Court. At the risk of upsetting Diane, (not something I would wish on Hillary Clinton) (ok, that's a lie) I'm worried for Diane's general health. Being a man of few (spoken) words, I offered the following to my younger sister before I left tonight, "Eat, rest". Short and sweet. It can't be misconstrued. (((((Diane & Craig)))))
(I'd rather stand between a Hell's Angels motorcycle gang and 20 kegs of beer than to stand between Diane and Courtney. The way I see it, with the Hell's Angels I'd at least have a chance.)
One last thought - just when you think you've crossed the t's and dotted the i's, this happens - Alexandra, my wonderful stepdaughter, made it known tonight that she thought that Craig was my brother and that Diane was my sister-in-law. As these things go, I already think of Craig as my brother so that's not a problem. On the other end, I can't imagine my life, nor would I want to, with Diane not being my younger sister. As such, Diane has always owned a special place in my heart and always will.
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