Return to Primary's (just for an appointment!!) 9/26/23

Sorry to take a while to post, but here we go.

Last week was Justin's MRI. It has shown progress and change. Infection is still there but shrinking, blood clot in the brain is gone! Blood clot in neck is shrinking and "rerouting" itself, but not gone. They did see something new in the left frontal lobe that they aren't sure what it is. That's a bummer, but it's just something they are going to watch.

We saw and talked to the Infectious Disease & Physical Medicine doctors last week. Oh and also Neurology doc. Shout out to Primary's hospital! Everyone still continues to be amazing! 

They are planning for now to stop IV antibiotics (maybe all antibiotics) and take out the PICC line on Monday. The fluid pocket in the brain could be related to the antibiotics. This will require another MRI 2 weeks after they stop the antibiotics to see what the brain looks like then. No one has said anything based on his twice a week blood work, so that's good.

It has been difficult with all the various concerns and doctors Justin has, getting them all on the same page because each department has their own plan for post-hospital care. But basically he can continue to work out, no playing soccer, just training. He can't drive until he passes the no-seizure-mark, maybe 3 months? Bones take 8 weeks to heal, and soft tissue aka brain takes 12. The Neuro Doc can clear him to drive, so no driver's assessment appointment. He'll have an ultrasound on his neck, in addition to the MRI. Things are moving in the right direction. 

Some of this information would have been good to clearly know and understand at discharge, to avoid some disappointments, and they may have told us, but "it is what it is". It's temporary and Justin continues to surprise everyone with his recovery, and is enjoying settling back into his life.

Today was visit to Neurosurgeon and Speech Therapist. He is looking good and was signed off by both of these departments. It was cool for him to meet his surgeon, and look at his MRI's and the improvements in the past month. He asked the doctor if he's the one that operated, then told him "thank you!" Speech therapist said he's improving well, and school is going well for him, with no issues or concerns. She had him use the driving simulator, and an OT was there that did some dexterity testing. 

The best part of the day, in addition to being able to leave the hospital, was seeing some RSL players who were there to cheer kids up! Justin is still the biggest "kid" there but it was fun to meet Zach McMath, then one of they guys there tracked down Justen Glad for us. It sure was fun to see him!

2 of 3 homecomings in the books...