A full week later

In writing this blog, it has been challenging to represent things objectively and accurately. The most important thing in my life is Bridget, and when we were faced with this crazy surgery plan, I shifted into a mode of being as supportive and positive about everything as I could. The surgery itself was such a big deal, so that when it was over, and Bridget was alive, awake, and with her full mental faculties, we were all SO hugely relieved. And even though Bridget had some significant symptoms post-op, we were told that these would all go away with time (unspecified amount).

So in my writing I have tended to be optimistic and positive in my reports about everything. Deep down, I still am 100% certain that Bridget will get better eventually, and she is too. But gradually, with more and more doctor visits, we're beginning to understand that this process could be much longer and more difficult than we had hoped for.

So, to recap, Bridget's symptoms right now include:

- double vision
- numbness in her right face, right arm and right leg
- ataxia (per
- inability to perceive her midline
- drifting her body to the left when she's sitting upright or standing
- slight trouble swallowing
- vertigo

That's a lot of symptoms. Combined with a pretty low energy level, these are very disabling symptoms which significantly limit Bridget's activity level right now. And, it's really not clear when these symptoms will get better. One of the neurosurgeons told us yesterday that she shouldn't expect leap and bounds in terms of improvement. Things are more likely to improve slowly, and be noticeable on the order of months or so. So, in short, it's hard not to be a little discouraged by everything. But Bridget has remained positive through the bulk of this - which is a truly remarkable feat.


The last few days have seen the doctors debate about whether Bridget is ready to move up to acute rehab or not. The rehab team wants to get her up and walking, but some of the neurosurgery team wants to keep a closer eye on her for a little bit longer. I think the neuro team is being a little extra cautious, which is good, but I think she'll probably be going up there tomorrow or Saturday.

Bridget continues to eat food, which continues to make her very happy. She says the mashed potatoes are her favorite so far :)

And last night we opened up all of the cards and gifts! The total count: 45 cards, 3 sets of flowers, 2 stuffed bears, 1 stuffed lemur, candies, books, movies, puzzles, and slippers! Bridget felt so touched by all of these, and was sort of floored to realize just how many people out there care about her. No surprise to me of course - she's Bridget after all! She wants me to let everyone now how special the cards made her feel, and how encouraged she was by all of your supportive and thoughtful words. You all rock!