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May 11, 2006
Opthomology Report
Yesterday I took Courtney to Charlottesville for an appointment with the opthomologist. The visit went well. To summarize, Courtney currently has 20/40 vision in her right eye. I think this means that it takes Courntey 40 feet to see what most people can see in 20, but I'm not certain. The important thing is that this isn't bad at all, and I don't think that this would legally prevent her from driving; even without glasses. Assuming no change, she'll be able to correct this to 20/20 with glasses.
The only thing that they were somewhat concerned about was the lower eyelid. Her lower eyelid is pulled down slightly and is preventing her eyelids from closing completely. The opthomologist felt that the surgical incision beneath her right eye is drawing the eyelid down. I would guess that it could also be imperfections resulting from having a rebuilt eye-socket. We're keeping the still healing incision moist with vaseline, and hopefully it will stretch out as time passes. In the meantime, we're keeping her eye from drying out with drops during the day, and ointment during the night. The doctor surmised that some of her decreased vision could be the result of dryness.
They also re-did the same double vision test that Courtney did the night before her 3rd surgery (first with Dr. Park), and she showed dramatic improvement. She still has some double vision when looking down and right, right and up and right. They didn't seem to be too worried about the double vision. I would guess that as the muscles around that eye strengthen things could improve. The good news is that she doesn't have double vision when looking straight ahead, like she did before the surgery.
The swelling in her face continues to slowly decrease. Her right upper eyelid is slightly better, but I would still estimate that it's only opening 60-70%. There is still some swelling in her face, so it's still to early to know with any degree of certainty what we'll need to fix. She's starting to take longer walks, and that exercise should expedite the reduction of remaining swelling. She's amended her numbness meter to pretty much her entire face from the middle of her nose down, with the small exception of an area to the left of her mouth. Either it's gotten worse, or she is just more aware.
It's been a couple days since we've heard any air through the trach hole. We thought it was closed two days ago, but during a bad coughing fit it definitely leaked some air, so Courtney has had to still remain diligent in applying pressure when talking and coughing. I think we're really close to being able to remove the dressing from her neck. The dressing is comprised of a 5"x6" thick foam sticker that covers a piece of petroleum gauze and normal gauze. It prevents her from full and comfortable movement of her neck, and it's really uncomfortable. She can't wait to take it off. When it's off, she'll be able to take a REAL shower.
The mouth area is still the primary area of discomfort. I estimate that she'll only have a wired jaw for 2 more weeks. The sooner it gets unwired, the sooner she can get a full diagnosis from a dentist. I'm sure there are some pretty basic things that a normal dentist can do to alleviate a lot of pain. I can even see Dr. Park moving the unwiring up a week since it's pretty clear that she's not going to be using her teeth even if she can open her mouth. That is most certainly wishful thinking. I'll update you tomorrow after the appointment.
Sorry for the delay in posting this report. Now that I'm back at work and ramping up some moonlight client work as well, life is certainly getting back to it's pre-accident busyness.
Posted by mark at May 11, 2006 10:23 AM Subscribe (FeedBurner)
Comments
Dude, thanks so much for posting all the information and the detail. You've been very clear in helping us understand the nature and extent of mobility that persists. We are so mindful of you and Courtney these days. We miss you tons and hate being so far away.
Take care of that girl! ;) See you soon.
Posted by: Nate at May 11, 2006 12:08 PM
Mark:
Thanks for the update. Hang in there, brother. I know this has been tough on all of you, especially Courtney, and that you have many miles to travel on this road.
Your notes ARE encouraging and do offer glimpses of how His healing hand is working, albeit perhaps more slowly than you'd like to see. Be patient. His timing IS perfect and, like so many others who stand by you during this time, I trust He will provide healing in all areas of concern.
Regards and blessings to you, friend.
Lou
PS: I bet the trach dressing is REALLY sexy - after the air hole's completely healed, you and Court may just decide to go forward with it...;)
Posted by: Lou at May 12, 2006 8:54 AM