November 19th

As I type Ashley is receiving her third plasmapheresis treatment this morning. Each of the two previous treatments have gone smoothly. They take less than one hour to complete. There will be four more treatments by Wednesday the 28th. Ashley will stay at least one more day at Northwestern Hospital for observation. It is then our hope to readmit Ashley to Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC).

Ashley’s room looks out on the Gaither building which is part of the hospital complex. But not to worry; just outside her room is a window that provides Ashley with a view of Michigan Ave at Erie St. She can watch the shoppers and see some of the lights put up during the festival of lights event last Friday.

We have been pleasantly surprised by the active physical therapy department here at the hospital. One of our biggest concerns was that for two weeks Ashley would not get physical therapy outside of what we could do in the room (basically range of motion). Not only did both physical and occupational therapists show up the first day, but they have an excellent therapy gym. Best of all Ashley has scheduled therapy times. In fact she was scheduled to go this morning, but the treatment was moved up and we had to cancel. I just received a call from the therapist saying they have her rescheduled for this afternoon. Fantastic!

One of the other differences between RIC and the hospital is wheelchairs. At RIC they measured Ashley and provided a custom set of wheels. It’s a bit different here. It’s kind of on a first come, first served basis. The model we got our hands on is interesting. It is wide enough to hold a pro football offensive lineman. The footrests on the other hand are more accommodating for a person under five feet in height. So we put pillows on Ashley’s sides to make her more comfortable. Another difference is no seatbelt, nor headrest. Mary rigged up both with sheets. The headrest is possible to put together because the chair has a high looping bar (like you see on an airport wheelchair, and makes me think of the sissy bars that were popular on bicycles when I was a kid). I don’t think we will be posting a picture of Ashley in the chair; not too flattering, but I think I have given you enough info to draw a mental picture.

While our hopes were for faster progress; this thanksgiving we will be thankful that we have Ashley, that we have been able to have her treated in some of the finest medical facilities in the country and for the comfort that has come from the prayers and support provided by all of you. Family, friends and faith. I can’t fathom anyone going through an ordeal like this without them. We are truly blessed in all three categories.

We wish you all a heartfelt and warm thanksgiving.