An update from Mom:
Hello Friends,
The last couple days have been very busy and also very up and down for Laura.
She has been missing her school family and was very sorry to miss out on the 5th grade Valentines Day Party. Since she has done so well on reaching her progress milestones we decided 10 minutes in class with a "don't touch Laura policy" would be a safe first outing on Feb 14, 2013. She enjoyed the quick visit. Her friends had been coached and offered a joyous greeting with lots of "air hugs". She was inundated with greetings, valentines and friendly comments. Charlie did a great job acting as her escort and making sure she was able to see everyone she wanted to see, bringing her food and generally staying close. Grandy (Dianne) and I acted as buffers to prevent jostling and we all enjoyed seeing Laura's smiling face. She walked tall and proud through the halls and can't wait to get back and see everyone she missed.
She has decided we will have to cut the back of her hair. There is just no way to untangle it all. We tried to get it cut after the Valentines appearance but she was just to worn out and began having muscle cramps in both legs so we headed home. We will try again next week.
Today we left home at 6am heading to Greenville again to show off her great progress to Dr. Mendelow and the Shriner's Hospital. We made fair time only adding an extra hour to the normal 3 hour trip. It was not a happy trip for any of us. Grandy went with us to help out. The majority of the time Laura was very uncomfortable. She again had pain in her legs and nausea was a problem.
We passed Dr. Mendelow in the hall as they walked us to the exam room. She was obviously in distress. He came in a few minutes later even without a nurse stopping in for height and weight and the standard opening questions. After a long discussion and a number of questions and some poking and prodding he let us know that what we had thought were muscle cramps are actually nerve pain due to her positioning during surgery. He has prescribed a course of action, an additional medication and assures us we can resolve this issue. It will not be an instant fix but we have a plan and she is relieved to know how we are going to proceed. We are all happy to be home tonight.
Laura has some pictures she will post tomorrow.
They never did get to measure her today. So we don't have an official growth measurement but we are pretty sure it is just over 2".
Many of you called or emailed to check in on how her visit went. There was just no time to talk today. I hope you all know how much we appreciate everyone's prayers and concern. Thank you for all your help.
Melissa
It's reassuring to read that they may have found a way to address your nerve pain!!
ReplyDeleteI have a beautiful kitty who had such tangled hair that we had to have him shaved. It grew back just fine, and he's so handsome again. I bet you'll be back to your long locks before you know it, if you want. Who knows...maybe you'll prefer the shorter hair!
I know your friends at school were thrilled to get to see you! You are much loved, dear Laura.
Miz Liz
I am just fine with short hair. I have been short of hair for a long time. Please don't quite go to my level! Get your mother to show you some pictures of her when she was young. She had short hair and was, and is, beautiful. We are so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteYour courage and patience is far greater than ever could be expected. I can't wait to see youo this evening!
Daddy B
Well Laura, you are certainly one of the strongest young ladies I know. I will probably see you tomorrow afternoon/evening before my vestry meeting. I am bringing dinner, something you like I am told. Love you. Lorraine
ReplyDeleteLaura, So glad your trip yesterday is over! It's hard to drive 3 or 4 hours each way all in the same day!! I still have issues with that kind of travel when I can't stretch my hip. Zoe and Maya have been helping me pack away the last of the Christmas decorations and groceries. You know how it goes, I run them out of the way and they sneak back in to help. I know Charlie is a better helper than they are and that you appreciate his help. You're so lucky to have him there to help.
ReplyDeleteLove
Debra, Zoe and Maya
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHey Laura,
ReplyDeleteYou are one tough woman. I hope the pain meds give you some relief until those nerves chill out (or whatever it is nerves do!) I will say extra prayers for you this week.
Jenny
Glad you found out the cause of your pain - hopefully it won't be too long before it is gone. Maggie had do cut a huge section of hair out once - she got a round brush tangled in it and we could not get it out, so we cut it. You couldn't tell at all.
ReplyDeleteKandy
I'm glad to hear that they have a plan to help your pain and that you're back at home resting. :)
ReplyDeleteJenn R