And for the SECOND UPDATE of the day, here's the news on Tracy's progress . . .
Today is December 26th, 2007 (which, by the way, is Rick and my "3-dozenth" wedding anniversary) and marks 8 weeks since Tracy was extubated for the final time - on Halloween. (Her initial ketamine coma treatment began October 17, 2007 and was to last five days, being slowly brought out on the six & seventh days.) If you'll remember, it was extended to treat the very serious staph pneumonia which was noted on what should have been her fifth and final day of full treatment.
But how far we've come . . . As I began today's updates (see previous update also), Tracy was on her way home from an excellent water therapy session at the Wellness Center, where she walks and exercises in a therapeutic pool. She went with her dad today, and just called to say she's done, it went well, and she's "exhausted". Tiredness seems to be her biggest problem at this point. She has occasional aches and pains, stomach issues, but they're related to her ongoing ketamine boosters (last week again) and her recovery from the coma/intubation - but NOT to RSD, THANK GOODNESS!!
So here's what we're seeing. Tracy looks great- more like herself all the time (except during booster days and directly after). She has not gained much weight, but is beginning to get more muscle return in her arms and legs. She's very thin, but not emaciated - and really does not want to gain more than a few pounds, if that. She enjoys looking like she did did years ago when she began college, before the effects of all the meds she was placed on. She just, however, cannot lose any more weight, and she knows this. She still has a small appetite and fills up quickly, so we encourage her to eat more often during the day.
Yesterday, Christmas Day, we drove to and from Manhattan with Tracy. It was the first family day we've planned in YEARS where Tracy was able to fully partake, with no activities cancelled/omitted due to pain. Our friends Judy and Mark joined us at Carly's home in NYC for a marvelous brunch prepared by Carly. Rick and I looked at each other with full hearts when Tracy got up at Carly's and asked "what can I do to help?" and followed through. We then went to see Juno (an excellent new movie - don't miss it!). Another milestone - Tracy's first time able to sit in a movie theatre in ages! We then went back to Carly's. Normally, this is more than Tracy's been able to do, but after a short rest, we WALKED a few blocks to a Chinese restaurant, and Tracy did great!! Not to mention, we still had a two-hour ride home to Bucks County!! True, she's tired today, but WOW! Each day gets better.
Last Friday, Tracy got tested by an occupational therapist at Doylestown Hospital relative to her ability to return to driving a car. Her judgment, vision, and very importantly, her reflexes were tested and she passed with flying colors. YAHOO - she can drive again!! Not that we're sending her back to Bethesda by car tomorrow, but she will have more independence getting around locally. It's another step forward toward regaining her full life.
Tracy is scheduled for another two days of ketamine booster infusions in January (as part of the protocol) She also is planning a trip to Bethesda to see friends and pick up clothes for a short vacation with her cousin, Marrisa, in Florida. By late February/early March, Tracy's hope (from what Drs. Rohr and Schwartzman have predicted) is to be back teaching in Maryland's Montgomery County Public Schools. Today, this remains a prayer, but with each day's improvements, it looks more like reality.
Tracy's voice was affected by the prolonged intubations. It is also improving, but she is still not fully projecting volume. With my own hearing deficit, I often have to ask her to repeat, but most others seem to be able to hear her on first try. Dr. Schwartzman feels this will continue to improve without treatment, and will hopefully be back to normal by the time she's ready to return to teaching.
Hope you've all had Wonderful Holiday Celebrations! We are so grateful for our!! We look forward to hearing from you on line and with your contributions to RSD research and treatment.
A Happy and Healthy 2008 to all! Please keep Tracy and Judy in your thoughts and prayers. We're not done yet!
With love, gratitude, and thanks from,
Gayle, Rick, Carly, and Tracy
But how far we've come . . . As I began today's updates (see previous update also), Tracy was on her way home from an excellent water therapy session at the Wellness Center, where she walks and exercises in a therapeutic pool. She went with her dad today, and just called to say she's done, it went well, and she's "exhausted". Tiredness seems to be her biggest problem at this point. She has occasional aches and pains, stomach issues, but they're related to her ongoing ketamine boosters (last week again) and her recovery from the coma/intubation - but NOT to RSD, THANK GOODNESS!!
So here's what we're seeing. Tracy looks great- more like herself all the time (except during booster days and directly after). She has not gained much weight, but is beginning to get more muscle return in her arms and legs. She's very thin, but not emaciated - and really does not want to gain more than a few pounds, if that. She enjoys looking like she did did years ago when she began college, before the effects of all the meds she was placed on. She just, however, cannot lose any more weight, and she knows this. She still has a small appetite and fills up quickly, so we encourage her to eat more often during the day.
Yesterday, Christmas Day, we drove to and from Manhattan with Tracy. It was the first family day we've planned in YEARS where Tracy was able to fully partake, with no activities cancelled/omitted due to pain. Our friends Judy and Mark joined us at Carly's home in NYC for a marvelous brunch prepared by Carly. Rick and I looked at each other with full hearts when Tracy got up at Carly's and asked "what can I do to help?" and followed through. We then went to see Juno (an excellent new movie - don't miss it!). Another milestone - Tracy's first time able to sit in a movie theatre in ages! We then went back to Carly's. Normally, this is more than Tracy's been able to do, but after a short rest, we WALKED a few blocks to a Chinese restaurant, and Tracy did great!! Not to mention, we still had a two-hour ride home to Bucks County!! True, she's tired today, but WOW! Each day gets better.
Last Friday, Tracy got tested by an occupational therapist at Doylestown Hospital relative to her ability to return to driving a car. Her judgment, vision, and very importantly, her reflexes were tested and she passed with flying colors. YAHOO - she can drive again!! Not that we're sending her back to Bethesda by car tomorrow, but she will have more independence getting around locally. It's another step forward toward regaining her full life.
Tracy is scheduled for another two days of ketamine booster infusions in January (as part of the protocol) She also is planning a trip to Bethesda to see friends and pick up clothes for a short vacation with her cousin, Marrisa, in Florida. By late February/early March, Tracy's hope (from what Drs. Rohr and Schwartzman have predicted) is to be back teaching in Maryland's Montgomery County Public Schools. Today, this remains a prayer, but with each day's improvements, it looks more like reality.
Tracy's voice was affected by the prolonged intubations. It is also improving, but she is still not fully projecting volume. With my own hearing deficit, I often have to ask her to repeat, but most others seem to be able to hear her on first try. Dr. Schwartzman feels this will continue to improve without treatment, and will hopefully be back to normal by the time she's ready to return to teaching.
Hope you've all had Wonderful Holiday Celebrations! We are so grateful for our!! We look forward to hearing from you on line and with your contributions to RSD research and treatment.
A Happy and Healthy 2008 to all! Please keep Tracy and Judy in your thoughts and prayers. We're not done yet!
With love, gratitude, and thanks from,
Gayle, Rick, Carly, and Tracy
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