Judi had her follow-up appointment with her neurosurgeon today and received a clean bill of health. The CT scan showed no issues and her shunt is performing as designed. This is very good news and she will just have routine checks from here on out. I did ask him to give us a referral to a neurologist to ensure that we had all aspects of Judi's recovery covered. He agreed it was a good time to integrate this into her care to ensure we maximize her recovery.
We are hot and heavy into the out-patient rehab program now. Judi is doing great and they are all very high on their expectations for her. She is currently getting all three disciplines (speech, OT, and PT) three times a week. We will have to monitor her energy level to make sure she can keep up at this pace. We plan to have her take a shot at walking (with mechanical assistance) this week or early next week. As I have said before, I have a lot riding on the psychological impact of this for her. Once Judi knows that she will ultimately be free of the wheelchair, I suspect she will tap into that considerable inner strength that we all know she possesses.
Judi continues to work on her speech and we have come back to the physical limitations imposed by the weak neck muscles she has. The lack of strength makes it difficult for her to coordinate all the muscles necessary to accurately form the words. We will continue to work on developing the muscles and her words. I still love to hear the words and the wonderful laugh. She is eating well and becoming more and more aware of what goes on around her.
I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please enjoy time with family and friends, but don't forget the reason for the season. There are a lot of people around us that are struggling this year. The economy has hit many very hard and the continued deployments have had a huge impact on our military families. If you have the opportunity and the means, please reach out to those in need. A little kindness can go a very long way. I will never be able to repay the kindness we have received from so many, but I will do my best to try! I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers and hope that you will continue to do the same.
Merry Christmas
Steve
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Merry Christmas to you all!!! What a wonderful
ReplyDeletegift to know that Judi has a clean bill of health!! She has come so far and the journey continues. What a fabulous family. Praise the Lord! It will be a very fine 2010!
Mary Ellen
Steve, throughout these many months you have demonstrated the true meaning of love. The care and respect you have shown for your wife during this entire ordeal really tugs at your heart strings.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that Judi has come so far and we all know with her determination she will come full circle
I wish for your family that true Christmas miracle that we have all been praying for.
Just get ready, when she starts talking I am sure you will get an ear full! She's got lots of time to catch up on.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Gayle Crawford
Steve, indeed a very merry and wonderful holiday is being wished for all three of you. May many blessings continue to come your way. Jules
ReplyDeleteSteve, Judi and Jessica I just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God is really good. He has touch Judi and will continue to touch her and I whole heartly beleive will make a total recovery as if nothing has every happen. Yall will be in my prayers this holiday season as thru out the up coming year. God bless your Friend Deborah Turner
ReplyDeleteSteve, Jessica, and Judi,
ReplyDeleteWe are so thrilled to hear of Judi's continued progress and pray that she will shift in "high gear" soon toward a full recovery. Hearing of this progress gives us hope that perhaps Haley might in time experience a great recovery too. May your family enjoy a great Christmas together.
God Bless you,
Bill, Lexie, and Haley Van Pelt
Steve,
ReplyDeleteI pray that your holidays with your family were filled with God's peace and prosperity. My thoughts were with you and Judi. I miss her more than words can say. Just know the prayer warriors are still whispering your family's name and love you all dearly.
Stay Faithful and Be Grateful,
Judith (former paitent of the world's greatest nurse)
Happy New Year Judi and Family....
ReplyDeleteWishing for you nothing but health and happiness in this upcoming year.
You've come a long way baby!!
Happy 2010!!
Gayle Crawford