Mom's Update

Yesterday was a terribly long and not very good day. I know that you were all checking the blog to see about Courtney's transfer. It did not occur until 4pm. While Dr. Brown, his team, the OR team and many of the nurses and aids were great at BMC we did not have a good experience with some nurses and the medicine residents.

So many times over the years we've said that you absolutey need to advocate for yourself or have a good advocate in your family in the medical system today. It is not worth going into the multiple errors, lies and problems we had with some people. The most important thing is that Courtney was returned to Braintree last night and they immediately began taking wonderful care of her including treating skin wounds she got while at BMC.

Courtney managed the pain after surgery very well - she slept most of yesterday which allowed for good healing.

This morning she had a shower and as Mary her nurse said 'she was like a slippery fish'. Courtney was sliding up and down the stretcher that goes right into the shower - it was funny but exhausting. Mary and I took a shower also!

Today's plan is very busy for Courtney with lots of therapy. She'll eat again (yeah!!) and get out of bed. We'll go for a walk and get her back into a normal routine. Very soon Courtney will standing using a special table which will be the first step in her learning to walk again.

When Melane, her OT, told Courtney this Courtney stood right up on her feet! She is very very determined.

Other exciting things have happened over the past 2 days that are signs of progressive recovery. Courtney is becoming more aggressive - she pinched me hard in the face and reaches out to push people away and pinch them. She is pulling her arm through her sleeves while dressing and undressing. This morning when I handed Courtney the brush she brushed her hair a bit - that's a huge change from before when she would simply stare at the brush or try to put it in her mouth!

Last night Courtney was throwing one of her stuffed animals at Craig and I over and over. Then we put one teddy near her foot and she was kicking her leg out to kick it to us over and over. She had a smile on her face as we laughed and were very excited about this movement.

I will try and give another update today about Courtney's activities.