" Latest News In Dar's Recovery"

04-19-2009
1556 Hours


Here is the latest communication between myself and DR. D


--Dr. D

If there was an attachment you wanted me to open, I was unable to do so.
If not disregard this message. With Dar, happy, comfortable and "tone" both
legs, hands, arms seems much better. Talking like a J bird, very tired today,
busy week I am sure
Look forward to hear your plan for "button

Danny Mardilla
cntrydjpro@sbcglobal.net

-Subject: update

my plan is to place the button this coming week. either wed or thursday.
dar is doing great and really communicating!
i am changing her tone meds around a bit. we will reassess next week, which will give the medication time to work and build up to a reasonable level. the spasticity was not ideally controlled with our combination of dantrium and baclofen, especially at the hips and knees. therefore, i have changed out one of her drugs for tone for a different one. we will need to see how well the new one works and whether or not it makes her sleepy. we are following her hip and knee tightness very carefully. debbie b. is checking to see if the insurance will pay for some fancier splints called dynasplints for the legs.
sorry i missed you. thursdays i work very late since dr. waters is off on thursdays. i know that you are burning the candle at both ends, between work and having darlene in the hospital.
hope you are taking care of yourself too!


dr. d


-Subject: RE: update


If today was an indication of reaction regarding Dar's new meds, she was very definatley sleepy all day. Never opened her eyes all day. Was a great sport all day but seemed very very tired. Was up in her chair from 10 til 2:30. Outside, took walks, was very happy, pain free, communicative, aware of her surroundings a total trooper but just seemed very tired. virtually no pain when it came to splinting hands, allowed me to work range of motion with legs, only whimpered about range of motion to arms and shoulders. Very understanding about what therapists are doing and thanks them when they are done. Understands that no one is trying to hurt her and will tell them she knows that it must be done.
I just can't believe the progress she has made in the last 10-14 days. I was trained in feeding her puree foods, she enjoyed ice cream and V8 juice this afternoon. She continues to astound me with her progress. I am so proud of her and thankfull to you and Dr. Waters.
I will be onsite Wednesday if that sways your decision to place the "button". In the event you would like me to stay with her overnight (bipap) let me know and I can make arrangements. My workplace is aware of Dar's progress and knows the next step we are about to take. You make the call.


Thank you again Dr. D


Danny
Ps, I have noticed that since you changed the order about the Vicodin to every 4 hours and the morphine at 2:20, and if needed other times Dar seems much less to be in pain. It seems to me that since Wednesday, and especially today her tone has decreased significantly and she seems much more comfortable. As I said she is without pain all day, only the morphine at 2:20, and the vicodin, she wants to be outside in her chair and does not want to return to bed. Even after a tough therapy session. I weighed her today and she is at 105, just about her fighting weight. She sleeps well and just look downright happy. Quite the fighter.


Thanks Dr. D