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April 21, 2006
Update and CT scan results
Courtney is doing awesome. She is completely alert, the swelling has continued to go down. I would guess that her right eye is now opening about 20-30%. She had the NG (nasal/gastric) feeding tube removed a few minutes ago and her mood improved immediately. That was a HUGE source of discomfort for her. With the tube out the extreme discomfort when swallowing was relieved almost instantly.
We did see the ENT doctor a few minutes ago as well and that visit wasn't quite as positive as we could have hoped, but it's good to have more information. I'm not exactly sure where there are bones and where there are plates, but here's the scoop. The bone/plate underneath and to the left of the right eye has basically floated out and to the right. This has resulted in the protrusion that I mentioned yesterday as well as a lowering of the right eye in the socket. If I had to guess, that eye is sitting a 16th of an inch lower than the left eye. The ENT surgeon here in Roanoke feels that she's done everything that her skills would allow and has recommended a transfer to UVA for some additional surgery by a specialist. The most important job in this sugery will be to raise the level of the right eye so that it's the same height. This should prevent double vision.
Thankfully, she has a collegue in UVA that is planning to see Courtney in his office on Monday afternoon. He does surgery on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We're going to check out of here on Monday morning and drive ourselves to Charlottesville on Monday morning. He'll admit Courtney on Monday night after seeing her and hopefully be able to perform the surgery on Tuesday. We're in the process of performing our due dilligence in confirming this doctor's credentials, but feel confident that this is the best course of action. He's also and ENT doctor, but is also a facial plastics surgeon, and feels confident that he can perform the necessary adjustments without the need for an octal plactics (eye socket) surgeon.
Courtney is charged with the tasks of excercise and eating (through a straw of course). Her spirits have improved dramatically since the feeding tube was removed. It was a little discouraging for her to know that more surgery looms, but I've tried to focus on the many positive things that have transpired up to this point.
Courtney's parents came back today and are planning to spend the next day or so with Courtney, but are then going to go back to Harrisonburg to be with the kids. My dad and Lynne are leaving doay; they've been watching the kids all week. I'm planning to go home tonight to do some laundry and see the kids. I'll come back tomorrow sometime. While I was praying that we wouldn't have additional surgeries, the head trauma surgeon here reminded me that this isn't a setback, but merely the next step in Courtney's recovery. Rarely is facial trauma of this magnitude repaired in one step.
Once again I want to thank you all of your prayers and support. Our whole family has been overwhelmed with the show of kindness. We love you all.
PS - If you've left me a message at home or on my/Courtney's cell phone and I haven't returned your call, please know that I've been on the phone about 3 hours a day and am not intentionally ignoring you. ;-)
Posted by mark at April 21, 2006 2:01 PM Subscribe (FeedBurner)
Comments
That is so great! Thanks for faithfully updating the site, Nate and I are reading this on a regular basis. It is so good to hear the good news! We have forwarded it to his family as well, there are lots of people in IA praying for Courtney as well! :)
Posted by: Kara at April 21, 2006 7:59 PM
Mark and Courtney - I'm so glad to hear that things are getting better. You've been in our thoughts and prayers during this past week. I only wish we were closer so we could help. Thank you for keeping things updated on your site. Amy
Posted by: The Bashaws at April 22, 2006 9:44 AM
hey bro: thanx for the updates. really helps us to pray "smarter."
so help me understand (if you get a chance) where you are in relation to home.
thanks...and love
mikey
Posted by: mikey at April 22, 2006 1:44 PM
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
May God continue to sustain you and your family during this difficult time. We love you and are praying for you!
Hugs to all,
The Loves
Posted by: Donna Love at April 22, 2006 4:16 PM
Mark -
You and Courtney are constantly in our prayers and that of our body here at Orangewood. We pray that both of you and your children and families will continually experience His all-sufficient grace to uphold you day by day. Thanks for the encouraging update on Courtney's progress. We will be praying for the transition to UVA and for wisdom and skill for the surgeon and continually improvement of her vision.
We love you guys!
Carl and Diane Smith
Posted by: Carl Smith at April 22, 2006 10:52 PM
I am so thrilled to be reading all this great stuff about Courtney! It truly is amazing what the medical field is capable of these days! I just wanted you both to know that you are in my daily prayers and those of my friends and family here in NJ! I get muliple emails from people requesting information about how Courtney is doing and have finally directed them to your website (I hope you don't mind!). Needless to say you both have alot "friends" and "family" in NJ who are pulling for you both!
I would love to stop by Harrisonburg to visit one of these days (obviously not anytime soon) on my way to visiting my brother, so I'll keep tabs on you both and sometime we'll arrange such a visit.
Much love, prayer and hugs to all of you!!
Love,
Laurie
Posted by: Laurie DeSimone at April 27, 2006 10:33 AM