update on Courtney

Treatments, Rehabilitation, and Recovery
njbirk
Posts: 1806
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2001 10:09 pm

update on Courtney

Post by njbirk »

Courtney and I have been playing phone tag, but I finally reached her mom, Shelley, this morning for an update. She asked that I post an update to you all.

As you all know, Courtney returned to the Mayo last week with an infection. They have gone in 5 times now to flush things out and last Thursday had to remove the gracilis muscle that they had implanted because the artery was infected and no longer 'feeding' the muscle.

The docs are taking very good care of her, and hope to release her this Weds.

She is headed into surgery today for the last time hopefully, and they will sew her up.

Keep her in your thoughts and prayers please.

Nancy Birk
UBPN President
User avatar
marieke
Posts: 1627
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:00 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI
no external rotation against gravity, can only go to 90 degree fwd flexion, no hand-to-mouth
1 surgery at age 14 (latissimus dorsi transfer). In 2004, at age 28 I was struck with Transverse Myelitis which paralyzed me from the chest down. I recovered movement to my right leg, but need a KAFO to walk on my left leg. I became an RN in 2008.
Location: Montreal, Qc, Canada
Contact:

Re: update on Courtney

Post by marieke »

Thanks Nancy,
I was worried about her! I am sad to hear that they had to remove the muscle they just transfered, but her overall health is much more important after all.
Can't wait to hear from her.
Marieke
Marieke Dufresne RN
34, LOBPI
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com
Carolyn J
Posts: 3424
Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 1:22 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI. I am 77 yrs old and never had a name for my injuries until 2004 when I found UBPN at age 66.

My injuries are: LOBPI on upper body and Cerebrael Palsy on the lower left extremities. The only intervention I've had is a tendon transplant from my left leg to my left foot to enable flexing t age 24 in 1962. Before that, my foot would freeze without notice on the side when wearing heels AND I always did wear them at work "to fit in" I also stuttered until around age 18-19...just outgrew it...no therapy for it. Also suffered from very very low self esteem; severe Depression and Anxiety attacks started at menopause. I stuffed emotions and over-compensated in every thing I did to "fit in" and be "invisible". My injuries were Never addressed or talked about until age 66. I am a late bloomer!!!!!

I welcome any and all questions about "My Journey".
There is NO SUCH THING AS A DUMB QUESTION.
Sharing helps to Heal. HUGS do too.
Location: Tacoma WA
Contact:

Re: update on Courtney

Post by Carolyn J »

Courtney,
You are in my thoughts and Prayers "Until...."

Nancy, thanks for the update.

HUGS all around our UBPN Family,
Carolyn J
LOBPI,68 & Proud of it!
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI
Karen McClune
Posts: 746
Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 4:58 pm

Re: update on Courtney

Post by Karen McClune »

Nancy,

Thanks for the update. I am so sad about this.

Courtney, I know you are stronge, get well soon

Love and hugs,

Karen
shelley bsw
Posts: 18
Joined: Tue Sep 20, 2005 9:50 pm

Re: update on Courtney

Post by shelley bsw »

Hi guys.....Court's dad called...she's back in her room with a wound vac on her arm...no drs in yet....must still be the infection....for every/anyone and all, PLEASE pray, think, meditate, communicate or whatever it takes to help keep Courtney strong so she is able to cope with this. Her heart is so sad and heavy and mine just aches and aches...the tears just flow and flow...she misses all of you..........will keep an update coming when I get a minute or will go through Nancy..thx.........Shelley
User avatar
marieke
Posts: 1627
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:00 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI
no external rotation against gravity, can only go to 90 degree fwd flexion, no hand-to-mouth
1 surgery at age 14 (latissimus dorsi transfer). In 2004, at age 28 I was struck with Transverse Myelitis which paralyzed me from the chest down. I recovered movement to my right leg, but need a KAFO to walk on my left leg. I became an RN in 2008.
Location: Montreal, Qc, Canada
Contact:

Re: update on Courtney

Post by marieke »

It must be so hard for all of you, try to stay positive, as much as you can, for her.
The vac does wonders, I know, i have seen it work first hand and at least that infection will get under control.
Again, so sorry that she has to go through this.
She is in my thoughts.
Marieke
Marieke Dufresne RN
34, LOBPI
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com
EllenB
Posts: 604
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 1:22 pm

Re: update on Courtney

Post by EllenB »

Thank you all for keeping us up to date on Courtney. Rest assured that many many people are holding her close in thoughts and prayers. We just wish we could do something more tangible for her. I hate that she's having to go through all this.

Ellen
srhykerd
Posts: 130
Joined: Sun Aug 27, 2006 6:26 pm

Re: update on Courtney

Post by srhykerd »

We still can't believe that this happened. Mel just visited Courtney on Wednesday and she seemed to be doing so well. We certainly are thinking of her and praying for the very best outcome. Sue
Kath
Posts: 3242
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 4:11 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I am ROBPI, global injury, Horner's Syndrome. No surgery but PT started at 2 weeks old under the direction of New York Hospital. I wore a brace 24/7 for the first 11 months of my life. I've never let my injury be used as an excuse not to do something. I've approach all things, in life, as a challenge. I approach anything new wondering if I can do it. I tried so many things I might never have tried, if I were not obpi. Being OBPI has made me strong, creative, more determined and persistent. I believe that being obpi has given me a very strong sense of humor and compassion for others.
Location: New York

Re: update on Courtney

Post by Kath »

I feel so bad for Courtney.
She is such a trooper and such a positive person.
I hope this awful experience does not damage her spirit.
I will keep her in constant pray for healing and strength.
Kath (adult/obpi)
Kath robpi/adult

Kathleen Mallozzi
fortitudine
Posts: 44
Joined: Mon Oct 23, 2006 1:41 pm

Re: update on Courtney

Post by fortitudine »

I have been wondering how Courtney was doing and worrying because there were no posts. I'm so sorry for what has happened and will pray that eveything calms down ASAP.
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