Goodbye Cast, Hello Net-Bed!

Well, our Jamie-girl has had some eventful few days here since the beginning of her birthday week! Yesterday she got her cast off, and received a net-bed. (More on the net-bed in a moment).  The cast came off Monday, and the orthopedic surgeon signed off on Jamie's case today, saying that Jamie will not need any surgery for her hand. Woohoo! There were actually three fractures - one in her wrist and two in her hand.  The one in her wrist and one of the one's in her hand were perfectly clean, and the bones were aligned.  The last one in her hand was slightly displaced, but because it is in a spot on her hand where she won't really use it, there is no need for surgery.  She is also allowed to put weight on it, which was a no-no while the cast was on.  What a blessing and answered prayer.  Now, all Jamie's body has to do is heal her brain - it won't have to worry about her hand.  She has been cleared to put weight on it, so her physical therapy sessions will probably be much easier once she has full use of that hand.  It is still weak because it hasn't been used in a month and a half, but it is well on its way to recovery.  Even tonight, she was already trying to use it to do sneaky things like pull off bandaids and untie her wheelchair belt.

Now, onto the Net-Bed.  What is a Net-Bed, you ask? Well, it is a nifty contraption that is basically a mesh tent that zips up around a frame and a hospital bed to keep patients from being able to roll out or get out of bed.  It zips from the outside so (theoretically) Jamie won't be able to unzip it.  Imagine a four poster canopy bed (remember those girls?). Now instead of a canopy, imagine mesh that zips around the four posts and the top to create a square around Jamie + the hospital bed.  I was a little nervous that she would be scared or wouldn't like it, but when she got in, we told her it was like she was camping and she was totally cool with it!!  Basically, Jamie is a bit of a flight risk, so they have to make sure she is safe :)

Today, Jamie had another step towards progress.  Remember that IVF filter she got back in DC to help safeguard against blood clots? Yeah, I kind of forgot about it, too.  Well, that's gone now, too! The doctors took Jamie in for the procedure this afternoon, and there were no complications, and Jamie did great! The procedure was at 2, she was back in bed by 3:30, and up "eating" dinner at 5.  Although I haven't talked to her doctor, we are obviously taking this as a good sign - its one more step towards independence.   

Jamie is still getting more and more alert each day.  When people come in the room, Jamie notices now; whereas before, you had to really talk to her to get her attention.  She is starting to respond more consistently, especially when you say her name and ask her simple questions.  She is able to maintain eye contact a bit more, and to focus for longer periods of time.

During speech therapy yesterday she got some birthday treats - mashed potatoes, some pudding, and some water.  She actually drank the water out of a regular cup, and spooned the potatoes into her own mouth.  We have been told all along that the basic things that we all do out of habit will come back first, and we can completely see that!

One thing Jamie is getting really good at is giving hugs and kisses.  Sometimes if I tell her I am leaving, she will grab for me and pull me too her and give me a great big hug.  She will give kisses, but sometimes she won't be as freely giving with those. Unless you're Ron. Or the PT guy.  She is also getting really strong in her legs, now when she is in her chair, she can "walk" her feet and pull herself along without any help.  Sometimes she needs to be guided as far as direction, but she can propel herself on her own.  She was also able to walk with a walker today in PT, which must be really hard! We are just so proud of our girl.  When we tell her that everyone is praying for her to get better, she has said on more than one occasion that she is trying.  We know you are sweet girl, and you are doing such a great job!

Please continue to pray for Jamie's FULL recovery.  Also be praying for all of her friends and family that are taking care of her - we are all learning that this is a marathon, not a sprint, but it is hard to stay away and take care of ourselves.  We just want to take care of her! :) love you all!

PS - THANK YOU so much for all the birthday wishes for Jamie!! Between the blog comments and Facebook posts, I will be reading them to her for approximately 2 weeks. Okay, not really, but, you know, it was a lot! :)