Getting Stronger

Judi continues to prove what a fighter she is. In general, her attitude is very good and she is getting stronger every day. Her appetite is extremely good and she is starting to put a little weight back on. Cognitively, she does not appear to be losing any ground. When we had to remove her bone flap in 2009, she regressed rapidly. A month after that surgery she was essentially non-responsive and showed little cognitive function. Historically, people who show this response after one surgery show it in subsequent surgeries as well. Each recovery also traditionally restores less function than the previous one. We are not out of the woods yet, but so far we are heading in the right direction.

She has developed some new and challenging behaviors. I have started calling her "Sybil" because she acts like she has multiple personalities. She clearly understands the meaning and laughs when I call her that. She has one that we have named "evil Judi" and the name fits perfectly. Again, she fully understands when she is in this mode as well. If you are around her long, you will get the opportunity to see that behavior. It is very common for "bad" behaviors to surface with injuries like Judi's. I only pray that she doesn't get 16 personalities like Sybil had!! When I come home from work, she is usually sitting in her recliner where she can see me come up the side walk through the storm door. I always wave at her and blow her a kiss when we make eye contact. If she waves back and blows me a kiss as well, I know that "sweet Judi" is on the other side and it will likely be a good evening.

I did get her approved to restart her pool therapy. This will be very good for her physically and mentally. She really enjoys the pool and the girls that work with her treat her very special. They came over when I took her in for the evaluation and she was just beaming. As soon as I get her PIC line removed, she should be good to go. She is back to standing in her stander at home on a routine basis and is doing well. I am trying to get her some additional physical therapy, but that is a challenge with her head in its current condition. The rehab facilities won't let her in without a helmet (too many opportunities for an injury) and her neurosurgeon won't let her wear a helmet due to the possibility of rubbing the incision over existing bone. Hopefully I can get something set up for in home. We are starting her neuro feedback up again (if she will let me) as well. She had a short seizure out of no where last week and hopefully the NF will help get her stable

We are essentially ready to make the move to the condo. All we have left to move is Judi's bed and a few other essentials to be able to make the transition. I am going to let things settle down a bit before making the move. I have a lot of pokers in the fire as a result of this last surgery and as usual, Jess is a huge help. We are still searching for the right plastic surgeon, but so far no luck. We have a half dozen Dr's appointments over the next few weeks as well. We have another week of IV antibiotics and then we go to oral for 4 weeks.


I think that pretty much covers where we are. As things firm up, I'll keep you posted. Thanx to everyone for the prayers. I greatly appreciate the help that many of you have given me over the last few weeks. I don't know what I would have done without it. We are working out some bugs with the Facebook page, but hope to have it running soon.


Steve