3.26.08 Shepherd update

We just met with the Shepherd Center liaison and are relieved to report that Steven has been accepted into the center. We are just now waiting for word that there is a bed available in their ICU, and for the insurance approval. With luck, we will know tomorrow about the insurance, and Steven will be transported on Friday or Monday morning. He will then be evaluated and a few days later, doctors will meet with MaryAnn and Joe and have more information about his rehabilitation. We are very eager to get Steve to the center, since they have much more experience with C2 injuries (2nd vertebrae). The woman from Shepherd stressed that there are no knowns at this point about Steve's ultimate capabilities. She added that it could take as long as a year for the swelling to fully go down.

I will be setting up a patient page through the Shepherd website for Steve shortly, and post the address here so that you can track his progress.

I saw him a few minutes ago, and he looks good. His swelling has gone down somewhat, and I was able to make him smile (and he was able to mouth "I love you"). The nurse said that his vitals are stable today, which is great news. I think he is ready to leave here and he's in good shape for the move.

MaryAnn and Joe are still waiting to see the eye doctor since Steve complained of blurriness yesterday. They are also expecting to meet with the speech therapist who will help them learn how to better communicate with him. Reading his lips can be challenging and so frustrating when we can't figure out what he is trying to say. That's a really hard part.

I will update you once we hear more.