(sitting next to Stella while PT/OT evaluates today) I'm trying really hard not to laugh out loud here...so is Erin. We each give the other a very "knowing" glance as the Physical/Occupational Therapist flips through a picture book with four options on each page and asks Stella "Which one is the hand, which one is the ear, which one is the carrot, etc...." Stella easy goes through several pages...then impatiantly starts flipping the pages herself because she is just that way...very independant...and "how dare they challenge me!" attitude. Not to mention, you just don't get out play food to cut open and then dare ask for them back...really...what are they thinking...
I missed spending time with Stella and Erin yesterday. Jay left for home around 3pm. My home, husband and kids were in desparate need of attention, so therefore; I took a "Stella Hiatus".
Erin reports Stella had a difficult night last night in terms of restlessness and pain control. Pour Erin managing alone looked a bit exhuasted this morning when I arrived around 9:20 (thanks to the rush 2-hour traffic in Metro Detroit)...I was told that Stella has started Physical and Occupational Therapy everyday.
The surgeons/med students/nurse practitioners, therapists, neurologists all agree she is doing very well. Her Scalp bandages were removed yesterday to check the sutures and staples. Dr. Sood, the surgeon, likened the devise used to shave her head to a "miniature lawn mower", Erin wasn't sure he was trying to make her laugh or not....but the reaction wasn't one of humor. The Jackson Pratt subdural drain was removed, her incision is healing as expected, no signs of infection and the one ventrical shunt remains in hopes her brian relearns to balance and recycle the cerebral spinal fluid that continues to build up in the cavity. The surgeons hope to remove this shunt tomorrow. Cross your fingers!
Word on the street is that she may not need in-patient physical therapy, but that decision has not been finalized. If this is needed, arrangements have already been made to Ambu-cab her to Grand Rapid's Mary Free Rehab Hospital closer to home. Otherwise, therapy will continue on an out-patient basis.
This morning Stella looked exhausted as well, I brought her a new stuffed puppy dog "Puppy" and Nemo to watch. She cracked a slight smile and seemed to perk up a bit...
After she fell asleep during the movie, Erin and I got lunch and had some quiet time. Currently, Stella is working with the PT sitting up bedside and enjoying placing her stuffed doll and new puppy on top of the PT's head. She lasted all of 10 minutes upright, which is amazing considering how she must feel right now....
It's a great sight seeing her playing, sitting and smiling. Life if Good!
M
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