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April 23, 2006
More progress
Courtney continues to heal. Her right eye is now opening about 60%, but that is exposing the double vision which was to be expected, but it's pretty severe. Not only is she seeing double, but one of the images is lower than the other.
She's also started having anxiety issues at night. She remembers almost everything about the accident and much of the time in the helicopter on the way to the hospital and also while awaiting surgery. She's started to replay the accident in her mind. This happened to me for the first few nights, but I'm already sleeping well again. I'm expecting it will take a lot longer for her.
I was planning on taking her to UVA myself, but she's expressed a STRONG desire to be transported in an ambulance, so I'm going to look into our options today. She has occasional coughing fits that have her worried, especially since her jaw is wired shut. In the hospital bed she has suction available to help clear out what she coughs up. So, her concerns regarding transport are both psychological and practical. After researching the options, I'll talk with her about it more this afternoon.
One of the most encouraging things for me is to see the return of her personality. She's now talking and smiling (as best she can), and is showing amazing fortitude. She's still on a lot of pain medication, but is thinking clearly and is alert for most of the day. She's taking a walk with her parents at the moment. In an hour or so, they are heading up to Harrisonburg to spend the week watching the kids. Courtney's brother has been here the entire time and has been a huge help. It's been nice to have him to hang out with. He'll be heading home tomorrow morning.
I was in Harrisonburg for one night two nights ago. I went to see the kids, do some laundry, pay bills, and other micellaneous stuff. The kids are doing really well under the circumstances, but they are ready to see their mommy. Now that Courtney is talking better, we might try to call them for the first time this afternoon.
We've received good news about the doctor that the ENT surgeon here set us up with at UVA. It turns out he's one of the best ENT/facial reconstructive surgeons in the business. I think he literally may have even written the textbook. Of the six phone calls that we made to people in the medical community in UVA, all six came back with glowing endorsements for this physician. Once again, this underscores God's providence through this entire process. According to our doctor here, who filled him in on her condition, the UVA doc expressed confidence that he would be able to make the necessary adjustments. We'll know more tomorrow afternoon.
Sorry for the short delay in posting this update, the trip to Harrisonburg was quite a whirlwind.
Posted by mark at April 23, 2006 9:45 AM Subscribe (FeedBurner)
Comments
Thinking of and praying for you guys OFTEN. MUCH love to sweet Courtney.
Posted by: jen (morley) simmons at April 24, 2006 11:56 AM
Will be praying for you! Please give Courtney love for us! Amy
Posted by: Bashaws at April 24, 2006 12:53 PM
Hi Mark! Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and praying for Courtney daily. Keep me updated on her and give her our love.
Love you all,
Jennifer and Buddy,
Steve,Sheila,Loni,Tyler and Trey
Posted by: Jennifer Cushman Lindler at April 24, 2006 2:46 PM