That was a very quick and intense trip. And cold. Really really cold. Lexi should be completely worthless today in school, btw :-/
The good:
1. It snowed.
2. Lexi’s scores on the IMPACT test rose from a month ago in most of the measures. They are not where they should or will be when she is fully recovered, but they are trending in the correct direction.
3. The UMPC team identified the migraine component as the #1 issue, followed closely by vestibular and ocular. So, they adjusted her rehab and recovery protocols a bit to address that (see, also, “the bad”) and so she has a new set of exertion exercises and a modified set of vestibular exercises and we will continue with the neck PT.
4. They were thrilled with all the flexibility and accommodations provided by Bolles, and encouraged Lexi to be more diligent in taking short rest breaks BEFORE her headache reaches skull splitting levels.
5. They believe that Lexi is caught in a migraine cycle, so they are starting her on Amantadine, which has been showing promise in treatment of PCS in adolescents, specifically headache, fogginess, fatigue, and concentration issues. It takes 5 days to get up to full dose and we should know pretty quickly if it is working.
The bad (well, depending on your perspective):
1. They admired and appreciated how hard Lexi was pushing it but strongly believe she is overdoing it, which is in turn miring her in the migraine cycle and slowing her improvement. They seemed happy with the school things, although they are not happy her grades are lower than normal (meaning the symptoms are still too prevalent and disruptive). As I mentioned, they REALLY want her to control the headache level better during the day. So, if she closes her eyes and fades out for a few mins during class, please don’t think she is being disrespectful or falling asleep (well, other than today. She may be falling asleep today lol).
2. They also shut her down from swimming for all except a few hundred yards that don’t involve head movement. They feel that swimming is the most challenging sport to return to after a vestibular system injury, and that by doing so she is over-taxing her system and preventing improvement. It took Dr. Collins talking to her several times and me translating in both directions for her to at least outwardly accept that this is not punishment or, in teen speak “stupid”.
The ugly:
1. We go back for appointments on March 10 and 11th, which means we fly out the night of the 9th, aka the day Christi and I drive back from a big meet in Nashville. Between 6a and 11pm I will zip from Nashville to Jacksonville to Baltimore to Pittsburgh. Then Christi has surgery on her feet the day after we get back (go ahead, laugh… it’s ok…).
2. My discover card balance. :’{
On we go.
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