Today September 16 is exactly 3 months since the accident. So much to reflect on. It seems like so long ago and some of the early steps seem almost like a dream (a scary one). It is also a good time to look at Donna and realize that despite the slow pace of her improvement, she really has come a long way. I sometimes think, couldn't the medical professionals have told us the details about this journey to better prepare us but then I think we were probably better off not knowing the specifics. It may have been too much to swallow at the time. It does make me wonder about the future though.
This has been a very difficult week, more for me than Donna. Its the result of a combination of Donna's medicine inconsistencies and considerable uncertainty on where Donna will be going when we leave TIRR this week. Both factors culminated in a good bit of worry and stress.
Regarding Donna, changes to her medicine to avoid some undesirable side effects had us gyrating between a girl asleep until well into the afternoon and a very uncomfortable lady. Her sensitivity to medication has the doctors adjusting dosage and and medications. Donna got a lot of sleep, her therapists got a bit frustrated and I just got worried. Truth is I probably shouldn't have worried much as it is the kind of problem that gets worked out, but it seemed like such a bump in the road after such a positive stretch, that it was challenging to handle. After her liveliness of the last few weeks, seeing her too sleepy to do much has a way of generating concern. Some changes had her looking better on Saturday so we will hope and pray the road is steadying out. Today was still a little sleepy.
The decision regarding Donna's next move has had twists and turns. There were primarily 3 options on the table. After much inquiry and deliberation we settled on the best option which shortly after became unavailable at this time. After a good bit more anguish, we mulled over options 2 and 3. A few days of back and forth burned a lot of emotions. The resulting plan has Donna moving to another facility for further therapy. We had hoped for a Houston med center facility but that will have to wait (option 1). Right now the betting money is at a facility in Galveston. It has challenges for us but is the best option for Donna and that trumps all. The process (which by the way isn't complete) was incredibly humbling and hard to know the right answers, too many issues. We will pray much that we are making a good decision and that God's healing hands will rule the day.
Donna is doing fine when her medicine allows her to be awake. This week that was usually late afternoon/evening. It makes for some great visiting time and allowed us to talk with her about some of the next options that we are talking about. As always she asks good questions and gives clear thought through answers. Her feelings echo ours, in that she doesn't see clear cut answers. She trusts us so much and we work hard to deserve that trust. Donna looked pretty together on Saturday when she got her hands on some chocolate chip cookies provided by a friend and proceeded to devour several. I brought her come thickened coffee also which she drank to the bottom like it was the fountain of youth. She has so taught us how to enjoy the simply things in our lives. It really makes me think about how when we go home, we will savor every simple pleasure that we never even thought about before.
If Galveston is the outcome that results this week, much will change in our support of Donna. These facilities focus strongly on independence so while they value the family support, they encourage us to take a step back. The distance will compound the issue and could be a blessing in disguise. I suspect this will be as hard on me as her and that may be a healthy thing. It has been a long journey to here and her recovery will be much longer still. Conserving my energy and allowing others to challenge her more will be important I know. I know I'll be much more relieved when the uncertainty of the situation is resolved. Donna feels it too, so thankfully that will end soon.
Wish I had more to tell you on the funny side but sleepy doesn't generate many anecdotes. She continues to beat our pants at cards. I'll be sure to update you all as the next location solution unfolds. Thanks for all of your love and support.
Bob
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