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April 26, 2006
Out of the hospital and trachless
I was sitting with Courtney at 8:30 AM when Dr. Park walked in. I didn't realize that he was also planning to come by. Anyway, he was very happy with what he saw. At the time Courtney was sitting up in a chair drinking her breakfast and looking pretty good. He checked out some things and then I could see his wheels spinning for a second. He asked if we felt confident being out of the hospital, and a few other questions about our plans if we were out, and then said that if we could come by his office at 1:00 he would take out the trach. He felt that she was breathing really well through her mouth/nose and was obviously happy enough with the surgery results that he didn't see another surgery in the near future. So, given that, he gave the order to set us free. That was obviously a very exciting moment for Courtney.
We were discharged from the hospital, and went to Dr. Parks' at 1:00 PM. He removed the trach and bandaged up her throat with a tight dressing and said that in a few days it would close up on it's own and heal itself without any stitches. Pretty cool. The key is to keep your fingers pressed over the hole when coughing and talking to prevent as much air from escaping as possible. She is having some air containment issues, so I'm going to try to retighten the bandage in a few minutes.
We're settled into a local hotel and are comfortable. We're going to take our time here until she feels strong enough to go home. She's obviously desperate to see the kids, but we want to make sure that she's ready. At this point emotions are literally painful as they are usually accompanied by facial movement. ;-) Also, even though they discharged her from the hospital, she did have 6 hours of surgery yesterday and is still getting all of the anesthetics out of her system, and being close to the hospital and Dr. Parks' clinic for a couple days is reasurring to Courtney.
I want to thank you all again for being the best friends on the planet. We couldn't have made it this far without your prayers and support. Thanks!
Posted by mark at April 26, 2006 6:17 PM Subscribe (FeedBurner)
Comments
Many answers to prayer! Thanks for all the updates. We now will pray that you both get lots of rest and that Courtney's pain will quickly subside. Love you both!
Posted by: Darian at April 26, 2006 8:27 PM
Mark:
Great News! We continue to pray for Courtney, you, and the kids. We are praying for healing, peace, wisdom, and rest. We love you.
Phil
Posted by: Phil, Shelley, & kids at April 26, 2006 10:27 PM
Yay! So glad for the good news! This seems to have gone by so fast, I can't believe how much she has been through the past several days.
Posted by: Nate at April 26, 2006 10:46 PM
We rejoice in answered prayer! Praying for spiritual comfort and emotional healing and physical rest for the two of you as well. Love, Carl and Diane
Posted by: Carl Smith at April 26, 2006 11:11 PM
Great news! Give Courtney a hug for me! I'm amazed at her spirit and strength. Amy
Posted by: Amy at April 27, 2006 6:34 AM
Just a note to let you know our family is thinking of your family. Thanks for posting updates. Andi & Chris Arndt
Posted by: Andi A at April 27, 2006 7:14 AM
I want you to both know that I have been thinking and praying for you. I haven't called because I know you have been so busy, but please know that you have been in my continual prayers. All of the staff at Kid's Harbor asks about your family daily and continues to pray for both you as well. We are all so excited that things have gone so well lately and can't wait to get to spend time with you again. Love "Miss Tracy"
Posted by: Tracy McCray at April 27, 2006 8:20 AM
We have been praying for you along with our church. It is so great to see how God is there in a terrible time of need. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. I am so glad you are out of the hospital. Sharon Conrad(Nate's Mom)
Posted by: Sharon Conrad at April 27, 2006 9:45 AM
Absolutely amazing! The JMU contingency is in full force supporting you both. Lots of people ask about you on a regular basis and are praying for Courtney's progress. I'll pass along the good news about the surgery. Take care.
Posted by: Shannon at April 27, 2006 1:08 PM
Aunt Courtney - I am so happy that you are better from your surgery. I bet James and Emma are happy that you are coming back soon. I will keep praying for you. And I hope you are happy in the hotel. I hope you heal soon.
Love, Kylie
Posted by: Kylie Forstrom at April 27, 2006 3:25 PM
Courtney,
We're so grateful to God for the encouraging report. We pray that you'll continue to heal rapidly and get back to your active, fun, and energetic self. We were so moved and proud of you and Mark for your faith attitude and heart for God. We love you.
Aunt Gail and Uncle Dave
Posted by: Dave and Gail at April 27, 2006 6:43 PM
Hi Courtney and Mark, this is Darian's sister in Houston. We heard of your accident through Darian and wanted you to know that we are all thinking of you and praying for you down here. God bless!
Posted by: Lolly Rajabi at April 27, 2006 8:02 PM
I just want Courtney to know I'm praying for her. As a mommy I can't imagine being away from my children and dealing with such a difficult ordeal.
Rebecca Poma
Posted by: Rebecca Poma at April 27, 2006 8:28 PM
I love you, Courtney. I'm so thankful for God's miraculous work in your life. I look forward to hearing about your homecoming with the kids. Mother's Day will be very special for them and you this year!
Mark, you have been such a wonderful support to Courtney. I'm so proud of you.
Posted by: Kara at April 28, 2006 8:23 AM
Courtney & Mark,
We pray for you constantly and know God, as well as your own body, is healing as well and as fast as it can. Thank you for keeping us informed so that we can pray more specifically.
Paul
Posted by: paul veerman at April 28, 2006 6:35 PM