Lucygoo updates/Lucygoo has passed

Hi Gina,

It's so great to hear about her progress:D!
About the staring - is she still on any post-op pain meds?

-Susy

Hi Susy...
No, she's not on any pain meds. They took her off those pretty quickly after the surgery. Now we're having another issue, however. She's showing neurological signs, so Dr. Bruyette increased her cortisone, put her on antibiotics today, and I'm bringing her in tomorrow.
I was just marveling at how great she was doing Friday and Saturday, and then yesterday afternoon she started this weird, confused behavior. I'm hoping it's too low cortisone levels, but we'll see. And just when I thought it was safe............
Other than that she's doing good...getting up on her own, walking, etc. I'm just worried about her head.

Take care,
Gina

Just curious... is she showing any other neurological signs besides the staring and being non-reactive?

-Susy

Yeah...yesterday she started walking around the house in the same circular pattern (not in a circle, but through the dining room, living room, hallway in a circle), and was confused when walking...then collapsed at one point outside, but she got up with a little prompting. This morning she was walking oddly again, and ended up at one point with her head in the open door of a closet. Outside she wanted to just walk, and she didn't respond when i called her...I would have to go get her and steer her in the right direction. She's also having trouble navigating doors and corners, and going down steps especially. She's also shaking her head more, like her ears are bothering her.
She seems a little better today, more alert, even played a little "get that fly" (don't ask). She's still not herself at all though. I'm just hoping for the best at this point.

Gina

I don't know what these signs mean... did Dr. B ever discuss symptoms he had found in other patients that have had this procedure done?

I hope these signs go away.

-Susy

Susy...That's just it. No other patients have had this procedure done. Just Lucy. I hope they go away too, believe me.

Thanks,
Gina

I remember the procedure was new, but I didn't recall that she was the first.

Sending good thoughts your way!!!!

-Susy

Hi Gina,

Hope this is just the cortisol levels or continuing adjustment to the surgery.

Let us know what the docs say. As you know, we all wait anxiously for word on your sweet Goo.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls

Gina,

I think Lucy is going to be in the healing process for a long, long time. That's just the way it is after a major surgery and Lucy went through a big time major surgery.

I think I already mentioned this but Shiloh continued to get better and better for at least a year after her adrenalectomy. She was clearly more healthy a year after her surgery than she was after six months. I had a pretty serious surgery on my right wrist 18 months ago. I saw my surgeon after 4-5 months and was frustrated it was not better than it was. He explained to me that it would still be healing for at least a year post-surgery. He was right and it is still getting better.

You are most likely going to have some bumps in the road with Lucy's recovery. Just keep in mind the type of surgery she had. Overall, she is just going to continue to get better and better for a long time. I think you should just kick back and enjoy the ride.

Ken

Hey Gina,

I agree with Ken 1000%! I used to work with people who suffered from traumatic brain injuries...some had surgeries, some had other traumas, some were post-surgical...and yes, they had an actual "injury" which is not the case here with Lucy....BUT...

the brain can take a long time to heal...it is amazing at its ability to heal actually...and it does quite well....but the one thing it takes is time...lots and lots and lots of time...

so, while I would investigate all possibilities, I think you are going to see a two steps forward, one back kind of thing for quite a bit of time....including some odd behavior that may come and go...

she will heal...she's a very tough little girl...and so is her mom. Hang in there...and keep us posted!!:)

Lots of hugs, Beth, Bailey and always Scoobie