March 19 2003 Update
Marla’s sinus infection seems to be a bit more stubborn than expected, as she is still quite congested, but she is now on antibiotics to help fight off the bug. Hopefully this will clear up the illness, because we think that her discomfort in chewing and eating might partially stem from sickness-related congestion.
Marla has started on a diet that includes some soft foods that require chewing, such as pancakes, orange slices, peaches, etc.. She needs to practice chewing to start exercising these neuro-muscular pathways again. And we are hoping that the more solid food will also be more appealing to her. Although her appetite is improving slowly, as she has become more aware, she has become less and less willing to eat the pureed foods that she is offered. As a result, she has lost some weight over the past couple of weeks, since she is no longer receiving any food through her stomach tube, only medicines.
On Thursday, March 13, Marla had the stitches removed from her left eye, and a tiny gold weight emplaced in the upper lid to help it close completely when she blinks or closes her eyes. This will help her cornea to heal from the irritation it suffered when she was constantly rubbing her eye, and will also help keep her eye more moist. She also had a single stitch placed in the outer corner of her eye to help address the same issue.
Marla seems to be vocalizing less often over the past few days than was characteristic over the previous week or two. Mary and her neuropsychologist are speculating that this is related to her continually increasing level of awareness–she has reached a level of awareness and cognitive functioning whereby she realizes that much of what she says does not make sense, and she may be embarrassed by that. This could be causing her to not speak as frequently, or outside of situations in which she has a clear need that must be addressed.
Marla is increasing her endurance and independence in walking. During the past week, she has walked up and down a half-flight of stairs on several occasions! We have posted updated photos of her therapies and progress, so be sure to drop by to view them and check on her continuing improvement!
Marla has graduated from her Craig bed, which is surrounded by padded partitions on all four sides, to a regular bed. This is a big step, as it signals a level of comfort by her therapists and doctors that she is calm and aware enough now to remain safe in the conventional bed, and no longer requires the Craig bed to maintain safety.
Marla, her doctor, neuropsychologist, nurses, and therapists had a conference with the family on Tuesday 3/18/2003. All of her team members expressed a positive assessment of her improved awareness, attention span, understanding, and progress. The current plan is for her to be discharged from the inpatient program at Craig on April 4, 2003. Upon discharge and for the foreseeable future, Marla will be returning to Craig 3-5 days per week for outpatient rehabilitation. The exact plan for living arrangements at the time of discharge is still somewhat up in the air and dependent on Marla’s near-term progress within the next few weeks. Wherever she lives, Mary and Leo are gearing up to handle the anticipated big increase in the workload associated with providing care for her, as she will still require someone to be with her 24/7 during this transition time, to ensure her safety and to guide her in accomplishing tasks in support of her daily basic needs.
Meanwhile, the major blizzard that has hit the Denver area is making it a challenge for Mary and Leo to travel between the home in which they are staying and Craig Hospital. The 2-3 feet of snow has made travel almost impossible. Craig is scrambling to keep the hospital staffed at minimum required levels, recruiting volunteers with 4 wheel drive vehicles and studded snow tires or chains to transport vital employees to the hospital for their shifts. As of Tuesday night, the snow was accumulating at the rate of 3 inches per hour, and expected to continue through Thursday morning. Mary and Leo are unsure whether they will be able to make it in to Craig on Wednesday morning! Colorado weather at its best! One week ago it was 70 degrees and sunny, and Marla was enjoying lots of time in the beautiful spring-like weather. A week later, and two days before the official start of spring, we’re getting hit with a blizzard. Wow!
We’re still working to compile an acknowledgement and thank-you page for the website, and hope to have it on-line soon. Thank you for continuing to check in and offer your encouragement and supportive caring for Marla. We are so thankful for her wonderful support group of caring individuals and families.