As I've mentioned in previous blog Courtney's personality is very much intact. I've been wanting to write about this for sometime but Courtney's had me on the go and she's not resting much during the day.
Here are some moments that show her true personality through and through:
"I'm better. I'm going home on February 20" she said to Marie on the phone
Therapists ask "Courtney do you want to do one more..., you don't have to if you don't want to"
"Yes" Courtney will always say "I'll do it." or
"Do you want to try this new therapy? It's okay if you don't want to" Courtney always says "I'll do it."
"I WANT my cell phone"
One night Courtney's nurses aid was sitting in the chair next to Courtney's bed and she was holding her head in her hand. Courtney asked "Are you tired?" - The nurses aid told me about this the next day and said "I love her - she's a good girl."
We talked to Courtney about going to church when she comes home "Christ the King (on the URI campus)! Yes, I remember!"
Courtney is loving EVERYTHING. "I love this chicken" "I love this restaurant" "I love Emma, Jill, Carey" and other friends and family. "I love those flowers" "I love my glasses."
As though we weren't appreciative enough of this miracle Courtney has shown us how to be appreciative of every single thing we touch, smell, eat and experience.
"I'm so scared that something this bad will happen to someone I love."
We were going to Marshall's today and so I asked Courtney if she'd like to look at the pants.
"Yes she said, I'll get some for Katy." I said no not Katy. "Okay then Claudia." No not Claudia
"okay, Emma then?" No Courtney for you. It's so like Courtney to be thinking of other people.
Courtney getting "kicked out" (just a joke) of Reality Orientation Group because she was laughing hysterically at the older men who wouldn't stop talking.
An OT that hadn't worked with Courtney much said "I thought we might try to make things a little more difficult by having Courtney pick out her own clothes and get them out of the closet."
I said - oh she's already doing that! Courtney said "Moving on!"
Yes and moving on is what Courtney continues to do. Dr. Katz exclaimed last night "The fastest recovery I've ever seen, at least one of the fastest, but I think it's the fastest." (among patients with severe TBI)
12 weeks after the accident we did not expect to be preparing to bring Courtney home. When we arrived here we were told 3-6 months. That was 7 weeks ago!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Mom's Update
It's been an incredible week of rejoicing as we listen to Courtney remember so many many things, places, people and random facts! The best part about this week is the incredible number of times Courtney has looked at us and said "I love you Mommy" or "I love you Daddy." Then she'll ask "Does Daddy know how much I love him?" Oh yes, Courtney and you can't imagine how much we love you.
Our joy is immeasurable at seeing Courtney's recovery surpass levels that Doctors expected. Each area that they warned us would be problematic has turned out not to be so. Today we learned that Courtney's hearing is perfect! Perfect!!! after the ear bone was broken causing nerve damage. Memory, speech, concentration, walking, talking and most importantly personality are all recovering. At this point Courtney needs to still has lots of work on speech, memory, concentration, balance and coordination. Over the coming months Courtney will work on all of those things and relearning (in fast forward)everything she's learned over the 12+ years of school.
Courtney had her feeding tube removed today!!!! Yeah - the last tube. The only foreign object left now is the baclofin pump and that will remain in place for sometime. Tomorrow and Sunday both bring field trips for Courtney. We will (maybe) do some shopping and definitely lunch again. Saturday is TGI Fridays. Sunday is TBD.
Our joy is immeasurable at seeing Courtney's recovery surpass levels that Doctors expected. Each area that they warned us would be problematic has turned out not to be so. Today we learned that Courtney's hearing is perfect! Perfect!!! after the ear bone was broken causing nerve damage. Memory, speech, concentration, walking, talking and most importantly personality are all recovering. At this point Courtney needs to still has lots of work on speech, memory, concentration, balance and coordination. Over the coming months Courtney will work on all of those things and relearning (in fast forward)everything she's learned over the 12+ years of school.
Courtney had her feeding tube removed today!!!! Yeah - the last tube. The only foreign object left now is the baclofin pump and that will remain in place for sometime. Tomorrow and Sunday both bring field trips for Courtney. We will (maybe) do some shopping and definitely lunch again. Saturday is TGI Fridays. Sunday is TBD.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Courtney's Update
i am eat eating at bertuccis. i ate pizza and salad. i went with mommy inher midnight acura blue. we went with alissa and kathleen.
Mom's Update
Courtney had great days both yesterday and today. She has figured out the times that Craig and I come to stay with her. Courtney reminds me often throughout the day that she is expecting me by 8am! This morning Courtney told me that if I wasn't here by 8:04 she would "freak out." I assured that she would be fine if I didn't arrive at exactly 8am.
We've been talking alot about friends and family and when they would be visiting. Courtney did great on the treadmill both days walking more than 1000 feet at a good pace. She also did very well with OT and used the Robotic arm computer game. This piece of equipment allows Courtney to stretch her left wrist and elbow while playing video games.
Among many other amazing things Courtney has remembered in the past 24 hours was phone numbers of friends from high school! She also talked to friends and family on the phone alot in the past 2 days. One of the most memorable conversations were with Uncle Kevin, Kristen and Cory who were all brought to tears hearing Courtney's voice.
Courtney had a field trip out of the hospital today that she will tell everyone about. When she got into my car Courtney said "I love this car!" I asked Courtney "have a new found appreciation for life don't you?" and she answered seriously "yes."
Courtney made the largest score improvements on one of the coma recovery tests today. the GOAT is administered every few days. Three days ago Courtney scored 15/100 - today she scored 90/100! HUGE HUGE!!!! The largest score improvement anyone here has ever seen.
We've been talking alot about friends and family and when they would be visiting. Courtney did great on the treadmill both days walking more than 1000 feet at a good pace. She also did very well with OT and used the Robotic arm computer game. This piece of equipment allows Courtney to stretch her left wrist and elbow while playing video games.
Among many other amazing things Courtney has remembered in the past 24 hours was phone numbers of friends from high school! She also talked to friends and family on the phone alot in the past 2 days. One of the most memorable conversations were with Uncle Kevin, Kristen and Cory who were all brought to tears hearing Courtney's voice.
Courtney had a field trip out of the hospital today that she will tell everyone about. When she got into my car Courtney said "I love this car!" I asked Courtney "have a new found appreciation for life don't you?" and she answered seriously "yes."
Courtney made the largest score improvements on one of the coma recovery tests today. the GOAT is administered every few days. Three days ago Courtney scored 15/100 - today she scored 90/100! HUGE HUGE!!!! The largest score improvement anyone here has ever seen.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Mom's Update - Computer trouble delayed posting
Courtney had another outstanding and busy day today. She mixed, baked and frosted funfetti cupcakes and walked 837 feet on the Autoambulator treadmill. Courtney also called many of her friends and ate very very well. I made cinnamon buns for breakfast and brought fresh canteloupe and strawberries that Courtney ate throughout the day. She ate grill cheese and pnut butter crackers at lunch then fish and corn niblets at dinner. Courtney wasn't that impressed with the fish and corn (it really wasn't that bad) but a bit dry so we walked to the kitchen and added butter to make it more palitable. During both lunch and dinner Courtney showed that she is quickly catching on
Monday, February 2, 2009
Mom's Update
Courtney's awareness progressed further today as she became aware of time away from Mom and Dad. Last night as I was getting ready to leave she started saying 'please don't leave.' Because part of this recovery is a bit like growing up again but fast forward I anticipated separation anxiety. I assured Courtney I would be back in the morning. When I arrived in the morning Courtney was standing in the hallway and the entire nursing staff informed me that she had been sitting by the elevator eagerly waiting my arrival and insisting on calling me!
Throughout the day Courtney asked for cell phone #s of everyone from me and Craig to Aunties, friends, parents of friends. She would hold up her finger, tell me to wait 'just a sec' walk to the bureau, grab the dry erase board and marker, bring them to me and say, 'what about XXX's cell phone?' and I would write it down for her. She thought of so many people we ran out of room and had to write them all on 2 separate pieces of paper.
Courtney asked 'where's my phone?' I promised her I would find it in the pile of things I put in safe keeping and get it to her ASAP! She asked later in the day "how do I reach you tonight?" - just like that! unbelievable!!!
After weeks of Daddy receiving the brunt of her frustrations she finally did a 180 and asked me "where's Daddy- I want to call him." Then she grilled him about when he would be arriving to visit and insisted that he stay after I left this evening. She gave many hugs and kisses - and he deserves so many more - at least one for every pinch and slap he got during the agitated phase!
Also, and very very importantly Courtney ate well today. After a slow start she ate canteloupe, half of a Mc D's cheeseburger, 1/2 order of small fries for lunch. Later she drank 3/4 a small vanilla shake and when her stomach was full she looked at me and said "I really don't think I should eat any more right now." Just before 5pm Courtney said "I'm hungry. I need to eat again." (we have been telling Courtney 'you need to eat again today') She ate turkey, mashed potatos and gravy. It took 1 hour and 10 minutes and it must have been iced cold but she ate nearly the entire dinner. I asked Courtney if eating was exhausting. She answered "it's like when I wake up and just before I go to sleep" - long answer for absolutey!!!
Finally, we got the word that Courtney will indeed be going home Friday, February 20th as long as insurance approves 3 more weeks. We believe they will. Courtney will have 2-3 weeks transition with in-home therapy and then will begin a day program at Sargent Rehabilitation Center. Sadly there are 16 participants in the 18-25 year old group currently enrolled in their program. This program will take Courtney all the way through to a return to school.
Meanwhile friends and family are all pitching in to help us get the house ready for Courtney and like all the other support we've received we are so very humbled and grateful.
Throughout the day Courtney asked for cell phone #s of everyone from me and Craig to Aunties, friends, parents of friends. She would hold up her finger, tell me to wait 'just a sec' walk to the bureau, grab the dry erase board and marker, bring them to me and say, 'what about XXX's cell phone?' and I would write it down for her. She thought of so many people we ran out of room and had to write them all on 2 separate pieces of paper.
Courtney asked 'where's my phone?' I promised her I would find it in the pile of things I put in safe keeping and get it to her ASAP! She asked later in the day "how do I reach you tonight?" - just like that! unbelievable!!!
After weeks of Daddy receiving the brunt of her frustrations she finally did a 180 and asked me "where's Daddy- I want to call him." Then she grilled him about when he would be arriving to visit and insisted that he stay after I left this evening. She gave many hugs and kisses - and he deserves so many more - at least one for every pinch and slap he got during the agitated phase!
Also, and very very importantly Courtney ate well today. After a slow start she ate canteloupe, half of a Mc D's cheeseburger, 1/2 order of small fries for lunch. Later she drank 3/4 a small vanilla shake and when her stomach was full she looked at me and said "I really don't think I should eat any more right now." Just before 5pm Courtney said "I'm hungry. I need to eat again." (we have been telling Courtney 'you need to eat again today') She ate turkey, mashed potatos and gravy. It took 1 hour and 10 minutes and it must have been iced cold but she ate nearly the entire dinner. I asked Courtney if eating was exhausting. She answered "it's like when I wake up and just before I go to sleep" - long answer for absolutey!!!
Finally, we got the word that Courtney will indeed be going home Friday, February 20th as long as insurance approves 3 more weeks. We believe they will. Courtney will have 2-3 weeks transition with in-home therapy and then will begin a day program at Sargent Rehabilitation Center. Sadly there are 16 participants in the 18-25 year old group currently enrolled in their program. This program will take Courtney all the way through to a return to school.
Meanwhile friends and family are all pitching in to help us get the house ready for Courtney and like all the other support we've received we are so very humbled and grateful.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Waking Up Is Hard To Do
Courtney started the morning off asking to call Emma, her friend, on the phone. I dialed my cell phone and got Emma on the phone. They spoke for a few minutes, Emma letting Courtney know about her plans for the day while Courtney mainly listened. It was another amazing Courtney moment as her speech therapist Kathleen happened to be in the room durin the call and said most people can't talk on the phone for a long time after a head injury.
Later as Katy, Claudia and Courtney were doing valentine crafts Courtney read a card from a high school friend. She started crying saying "I wish I didn't have to read this card." We all knew what she meant. Then the questions started and for about an hour Courtney asked questions about the accident showing (true Courtney) more concern about others than herself.
Why did the accident happen?
What about the people in the other car?
What happened at the hospital in Rhode Island?
Why do you say I was really sick there?
How did you find out about the accident?
Then she asked Claudia and Katy how did they find out.
What about the Lawsons?
The Abergers?
Aunts, Uncles, friends, one after another she named the people in her life and wanted to know
"Who called who?"
We described that night to Courtney and who (so many many people) sat with us through that night and who came to the hospital to sit with us and pray for Courtney day after day after day. Craig told her "you are our miracle."
We told her about the "Please Pray for Courtney" signs and the Facebook Page. Katy and Claudia explained that hundreds of kids have logged onto Courtney's Get Well Page and written on her Facebook. Courtney asked "whose wall? yours?"~!!!!! Amazing question and terminology! No, the girls told her, "they wrote on your facebook page."
"Why wasn't I told about this before?" Courtney asked!
What were we thinking????
The girls logged onto Facebook to show Courtney. As she sat in front of the computer Courtney reached out and started navigating around the Facebook page!!! Then she attempted to log onto Facebook remembering an old password - unbelievable - we sat there amazed at her once again.
Of course there were lots of tears all around as we recalled that night and the questions Courtney asked were so thoughtful. She also asked lots of questions about her memory and the things she can't remember. Courtney wanted to know "why is Emma different now?"
WOW - what a revelation and how scary to think that you have a memory of someone from years before and then they walk in your hospital room looking 2, 3, 5 (?) years older than the image in your mind. It was the most astounding conversation.
After all that Courtney was emotionally and physically exhausted but she managed to drink an entire McDonald's vanilla milkshake and eat a half a piece of pizza. Hopefully she will eat more food tonight and tomorrow will be a bigger calorie day for Amazing Courtney!
Later as Katy, Claudia and Courtney were doing valentine crafts Courtney read a card from a high school friend. She started crying saying "I wish I didn't have to read this card." We all knew what she meant. Then the questions started and for about an hour Courtney asked questions about the accident showing (true Courtney) more concern about others than herself.
Why did the accident happen?
What about the people in the other car?
What happened at the hospital in Rhode Island?
Why do you say I was really sick there?
How did you find out about the accident?
Then she asked Claudia and Katy how did they find out.
What about the Lawsons?
The Abergers?
Aunts, Uncles, friends, one after another she named the people in her life and wanted to know
"Who called who?"
We described that night to Courtney and who (so many many people) sat with us through that night and who came to the hospital to sit with us and pray for Courtney day after day after day. Craig told her "you are our miracle."
We told her about the "Please Pray for Courtney" signs and the Facebook Page. Katy and Claudia explained that hundreds of kids have logged onto Courtney's Get Well Page and written on her Facebook. Courtney asked "whose wall? yours?"~!!!!! Amazing question and terminology! No, the girls told her, "they wrote on your facebook page."
"Why wasn't I told about this before?" Courtney asked!
What were we thinking????
The girls logged onto Facebook to show Courtney. As she sat in front of the computer Courtney reached out and started navigating around the Facebook page!!! Then she attempted to log onto Facebook remembering an old password - unbelievable - we sat there amazed at her once again.
Of course there were lots of tears all around as we recalled that night and the questions Courtney asked were so thoughtful. She also asked lots of questions about her memory and the things she can't remember. Courtney wanted to know "why is Emma different now?"
WOW - what a revelation and how scary to think that you have a memory of someone from years before and then they walk in your hospital room looking 2, 3, 5 (?) years older than the image in your mind. It was the most astounding conversation.
After all that Courtney was emotionally and physically exhausted but she managed to drink an entire McDonald's vanilla milkshake and eat a half a piece of pizza. Hopefully she will eat more food tonight and tomorrow will be a bigger calorie day for Amazing Courtney!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
