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April 24, 2006
update after a VERY LONG DAY
Okay, where do I start.
After talking with the docs in Roanoke, and some nurse friends, it was determined that ambulatory transfer to UVA was a long shot. So, after a few conversations with Courtney she agreed to make the trip in "the van" with our neighbor Carolyn, also a doctor, along for the ride. Early this morning, I dropped off Courtney's brother at the hospital to see Courtney before flying home, and then I drove to meet Carolyn at the halfway point to Harrisonburg since Courtney's dad was able to drive her halfway.
We went straight to Roanoke Memorial Hospital and Courtney was unplugged from the IV (for morphine), and she was given an oral pain medication, her discharge papers, her films/xrays, etc. on CDROM, and prescriptions. There wasn't a pharmacy in the hospital so we decided to just fill it in Charlottesville. Carolyn read to Courtney throughout the trip to keep her occupied, and the trip went very well. Courtney even remembered to ask about the accident location as we got near it. I wasn't going to say anything.
After filling her prescription, and getting directions to Dr. Stephen Park's office (the ENT/facial surgeon), we made it with 15 minutes to spare. We were admitted quickly, and met with Dr. Park's chief resident for a few minutes where he just checked out Courtney. A few minutes after that, about 5 doctors walked in, including Dr. Park. He did a bit more poking and prodding, and then sat down to give us the scoop. He said that he was going to make a number of "adjustments" to the initial surgeries. I'm too tired to go into too much detail, but basically he said where they would go in to make the fixes. Over the eyebrow (from the accident), through the jaw, under the right eye -- there was actually an incision here from the first round of surgeries that I didn't notice previously because of the swelling. He also said that they would have to add an incision on the bridge of her nose, and then the kicker was when he said that given the protrusion of her right cheekbone they would most likely have to do a Corona cut which is basically temple to temple over the high forehead (above the hairline) in order to make the necessary fixes without interfering with a rather important optical nerve above the eyebrow. This of course, really upset Courtney, she wasn't prepared for a shaved head. However, in less than 30 seconds she had already regained her composure and told him to do whatever he needed to do in order to fix the problems. I can't tell you how proud I am of the strength that she has shown through all of this. He also mentioned that he was planning to make adjustments to her jaw as well. All of this was more than we expected, but it was encouraging to know that he felt that he could make improvements. He of course gave me the, "We might not get her back to exactly the way she was before the accident..." line, but it was still encouraging.
I've downplayed the appearance up to this point because I wanted to wait until the swelling had gone down enough to make a fair estimate. The right eye is noticibly lower and slightly sunken. While I would be perfectly happy to have Courtney live the rest of her life the way she is now, it was still hard to see her that way, knowing that if that WAS the final result how hard that would be for HER.
The first hurdle of the day was when Dr. Park said that Courtney had to report tomorrow at 11:00 AM for surgery at 12:00 PM. He had no intention of admitting her to the hospital today. So, I thought Courtney could just stay at the hotel that I had arranged for myself, so I didn't think there would any problem. In the meantime, Carolyn caught a ride home with a nurse friend of ours who also works at UVA.
Dr. Park's team was also concerned with the functionality of her right eye, since it's slightly dilated more than the left eye, so they decided to get a full workup from an opthomologist. After leaving Dr. Park's, I drove Courtney by myself to the eye doc. About 20 minutes into this visit, Courtney started to feel some pain, and started to get upset; she was exhausted, and was really starting to hurt. At this point, given Courtney's anxiety/pain and all of the coordination that was still necessary, I started to mildly panic. I made a few phone calls, and eventually got my sister to come over from Harrisonburg (1 hour away) to help me out. We eventually left the eye doc after about 2 hours. The prognosis was generally optimistic, but guarded. I was pretty distracted, but I think most of the issues they noticed are swelling/trauma related and should improve/heal over time. Dr. Park should be informed of their findings and the surgery should continue as planned. Part of this is CYA on the part of Dr. Park. They wanted to make sure that her current eye condition was documented so that we can't say that they caused new problems. Regardless, I feel comforted by the thoroughness of the exam.
Anyway, because of the pain she was having, I called the ENT doc on call and got him to up Courtney's pain dosage and that seems to have done enough to keep her from getting acute pain.
Now for the second hurdle. We got to the "RED ROOF INN" one block away from the hospital which I had booked earlier for $70 per night. I figured, it's next to the hospital in the middle of UVA, and couldn't be THAT bad for $70 bucks. Anyway, I couldn't have been more wrong. They were doing construction EVERYWHERE. I thought it would be constrained to the lobby, so after registering, I walked Courtney through the construction and drywall dust to the one working elevator (the other was being used by construction workers). We went to the room, and I knew almost immediately that it wasn't going to work. It smelled like paint, and was really lousy. I've stayed in some really bad drive-up motor lodges and this was worse. When I went to take Courtney back to the car, the elevator was broken. After trying to call the lobby to figure out what was wrong (they never answered), I went to see what was going on. I found some workers who didn't speak English who helpfully pointed out the stairs. Anyway, to make a long story short, I had to help Courtney walk down 5 flights of stairs in order to escape that RED ROOF INN. Given the extent of the work they were doing, they should never have opened for business. Even if it was just me staying there, I wouldn't have stayed. Trust me, I'm not being picky, it really was terrible. Tell all of your friends to never stay at a RED ROOF INN. There, I feel better now. ;-)
We found a Hampton Inn down the street which is fabulous. Only $20 more a night, but 1000% better. I gave her the slightly overdue pain meds in the parking lot, my sister showed up, and the day got a lot easier. Courtney immediatly took a bath (something she's been dreaming about for days), and seems to be doing really well. It was a long day, but I think she is really enjoying being out of the hospital.
Thanks for the continued prayers, tomorrow is going to be a big step in the right direction. They think the surgery will last about 5 hours. Please pray that everything goes smoothly and that Courtney will get some rest tonight.
Excuse the length and type-os, I'm pretty tired.
Posted by mark at April 24, 2006 8:53 PM Subscribe (FeedBurner)
Comments
Mark...Wow, tough read - sorry you and Court - especially her - are dealing with so many distractions right now. I've got you both lifted up and your details help focus the prayers.
Also, hadn't wanted to bring this up, but I will in light of some of the stuff you're dealing with. You remember I went to UVA, right? Even though I'm many years removed, I've still got contacts (some with high level influence with the U that would extend to the Hospital) in C'ville who might be of assistance if you need it. Say the word, let me know the need, and I'm on it.
RZIM's keeping each of you lifted up too. How're the kiddos?
Regards,
Lou
Posted by: Lou at April 24, 2006 10:18 PM
Wow, what a long and difficult day you all had! We've been praying for Courtney and all of you since we first heard about the accident from Meg. We'll certainly be praying for the surgery tomorrow and trust that the Lord will continue to preserve and keep you as he has been doing.
love, Linnea and Joe
Posted by: Linnea Leonard Kickasola at April 24, 2006 10:22 PM
hi mark,
I first met Courtney at Purcell Park and was struck by her beautiful smile and overall positive and happy disposition. She has such good "energy" if you could call it that. I was fortunate enough to meet her a second time through a mutual friend,my neighbor, Meg Keener. Also, Virginia Cabinet Works has been doing some work for my husband and I, Dan first told (my),Mark about the accident when we went by the job on the 15th. I just wanted you to know that although we haven't met, my family is also praying for your family and would love to help in any way we can. I do have a connection to UVA, a girl I used to work with is good friends with Stephen Park's surgery coordinator. I mentioned Courtney to her today and asked that she be looked over. My thoughts will be with you all tommorrow.
Michelle Scafidi
Posted by: michelle scafidi at April 24, 2006 10:48 PM
Yikes Mark. What a disaster. Courtney has such an amazing spirit of strength as do you! It can be just as hard to be the caregiver! You're doing great. Thank you again for these great updates. It's hard being so far away! :( Tell Courtney we are moving to Knoxville and plan to be in H'burg sometimes in June. I hope to visit if she is up for company. Blessings. Amy
Posted by: Amy Bashaw at April 25, 2006 7:16 AM
yes, courtney's strength through this is amazing. but, dood(!), you're a friggin' superman! i know i know. it's supernatural.
someday you'll look back and wonder how the heck you ever did this.
you're a good man, mark veerman...
Posted by: mikey at April 25, 2006 12:31 PM
Mark and Courtney, we are continuing to pray for you both, your family, and the dr's caring for Courtney. We are praising the Lord for His loving care for you both...what a testimony you are presenting to others! Courtney and I were at Covenant together. Please give her my love!
Kelly (Love) Perkins
Posted by: Kelly Love Perkins at April 25, 2006 1:05 PM