April 14, 2013 - Day 8

April 14, 2013 - Day 8:

Bella and Mom snuggling

Hard to believe that a week ago at this time, we showed up at the ER to have some weakness in Bella's legs checked out. At that time, she could still walk, though slowly. I had secretly packed a change of clothes for Bella and me in case we had to stay one night. Could not have fathomed the possibility that we'd be looking at 9-10 days in the hospital and then 7+ days in a rehab facility.

 

Bella had a rough night again last night. She has to wear these SCDs (sequential compression devices- something like that) on her legs to improve circulation & help prevent blood clots. They are hooked up to a machine that makes a little wh...irring noise & the sleeves make Bella very uncomfortable. She promises she will handle it better tonight or at least try to. Her neurologist was very encouraged by her exam today. She feels confident that Bella has already hit bottom with the disease and will only continue to improve. Her upper body strength & coordination is nearly perfect and she is able to move her legs more easily. She can now raise her knees up in bed and earlier today, she sat on the couch to eat a snack. She was even able to lift and balance a bag on her lower legs while seated on the couch. We were all amazed when she did that.
No PT or OT today but we worked on some exercises anyway. Tomorrow should bring some clearer answers about the move to Baylor & some much-needed massage therapy for Bella.

 

I mentioned that Bella has been getting depressed more frequently & for longer lasting periods. A visit from her good friend Avery today really boosted her spirits for a long time. After Avery left, she FaceTimed with her friend Ella until ...I made her eat.
She's sad tonight but not as low as she has been.
Faith helped with Bella a little but I think Faith is experiencing quite a bit of her own depression. We're hoping the move to rehab will help everyone