Natalie was more awake today than yesterday, but clearly dealing with pain from the surgery and more nausea. Swelling has increased around her right temple, eye and ear. We’re using cold packs for her face and head, Dexamethasone to help control swelling, Zofran and Reglan for nausea, and Morphine and Tylenol for pain. If we… Continue reading Day 2 NTU Evening Update
Natalie is out of bed!
Amanda is one of the techs working with us, and the first person to have two shifts with Natalie. Amanda worked with Chris and saw Natalie on Wednesday, then came back today to work with us again today. She’s been awesome, and was the one who found the pink wheelchair for us.
Day 3: a Morning Update from the NTU
The morning started out bad, but has improved significantly. Nat got sick at about 4AM when no-one was there to catch it. The nursing station has a laundry so we were able to get her blankets washed and back on the bed. Her headache continued in the morning, but right around noon it seemed to… Continue reading Day 3: a Morning Update from the NTU
I can’t ask for better kids….
I’m so thankful for my patient and understanding kids. Marisa – thanks for your beautiful picture of Natalie!
Day 2: NTU Evening Update
It was a good afternoon but I think we pushed it too much. The Leal’s came to visit, which was just awesome. Natalie is resting again after getting her “dinner” of Sprite, Oxcarbazepine, Dexamethasone, Zofran, Zantec, an un-named laxative, and Motrin for the 101 degree fever. The… Continue reading Day 2: NTU Evening Update
A Visit from Elliot the Therapy Dog
Elliot the therapy dog came to visit Natalie this morning. Elliot is a Labradoodle who works with Intermountain Therapy Animals at http://www.therapyanimals.org/, he even has his own Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/elliot.therapydog. Joe is Elliot’s handler, and is a down-right good guy. Natalie was motivated to get up and sit on the side of the bed, then walk… Continue reading A Visit from Elliot the Therapy Dog
Natalie and the Wonderful, Improving, Very Good Day
Natalie’s day 4 NTU evening update – we had a really good day today. We have switched off of the narcotics to a blend of Tylenol and Motrin, and are tapering off of the steroids. Natalie was able to get out of bed several times throughout the day, mostly assisted, but walked on her own… Continue reading Natalie and the Wonderful, Improving, Very Good Day
We Got the Okay to Go Home!
Natalie’s Day 5 NTU Update – Dr Walker and resident Dr Bowers from Pediatric Neurosurgery came in this morning to look at Natalie. Dr Bowers just came back with 3 prescriptions in hand and told me we could leave anytime today as long as we coordinate with the nurses. I’m sending a few text messages… Continue reading We Got the Okay to Go Home!
An Afternoon at Home
We’re home! Natalie has been set up on the couch, has had lunch, and is drawing on a little whiteboard while she controls TV with the remote. This kid is so happy to be home. It’s hard to believe that she’s back so quickly, but we are soooo relieved! Medicine schedule is up on the… Continue reading An Afternoon at Home
First Day at Home is a Challenge
Natalie’s Day 6 At Home update: Our first full day at home from the hospital was tough due to nausea. Natalie got sick shortly after the 8AM dose of Oxcarbazepine, Dexamethasone and Motrin; and everything sort of went downhill from there. Anything that went into her came back up within 20 minutes so we couldn’t… Continue reading First Day at Home is a Challenge