Quick Update

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for your well wishes and support and concern over Allie's powerchair issues. The good news is that Bob Ludlow has come through for Al once again and has loaned her a chair, until we can obtain one for her. Thank you Bob!! You have been awesome beyond words and we love you.

The not so good news is that our discharge date has been delayed once again. Several issues have yet to be resolved. CCS has not committed officially to take Allie's case and help with expenses such as her vent (3K per month), wheelchair, as well as the many other items required. The bed that was provided is ancient and unacceptable as it is semi-electric and does not have the feature that allows her head to drop quickly. When Allie's BP drops it is critical that we lower her head or quickly raise her feet within seconds. Without this feature, it is not safe to have Allie come home to that bed. We have purchased a bed with a special mattress with some of Al's fundraiser money but that will not arrive for several weeks.

Anyway, we were both pretty bummed yesterday as we were counting the nights left sleeping in the hospital. We both miss our home, family, friends, pets and the redwoods so much! It is difficult for Allie to get her head ready for the big transisition and then find out it isn't happening yet. On the positive side though this gives her more time to work with her Doc that is back from vacation. She's eating three meals a day now and is weaning off some meds, which is incredibly wonderful.

Now that she is eating the next milestone is for her to talk. She will be working with the doctor's over the next couple of days to find out what's up with her trach. She has been unable to sleep for several nights. We are both getting pretty cranky as a result. Still, we continue to enjoy some fresh air on the patio every day and visits from friends are a huge treat.

We look forward to hearing from her surgeon soon (hopefully) for an idea as to when the halo comes off.

Thank you so much for your support. We really appreciate the response to Allie's need for a chair. I was so surprised to get offers just from the mention on her blog. It continues to amaze me how wonderful our community is.

Allie's strength of character and ability to get through each day is beyond my comprehension. She is truly my beautiful hero as are all of you for your love and support.

Love, Peace & Happiness,
Deborah