Update on Jenny from her parents

Dear Friends,

It is now two months since Jennny was transferred to the Brain Injury Unit (BIU) at Westmead. During this time she has made steady but very slow progress, hampered no doubt by the intervention of operations to remove her external orthopaedic braces, a couple of drains to remove build up of fluid creating pressure on the brain and the odd bacterial infection. These procedures impacted on the removal of her tracheostomy but I’m pleased to tell you this device was removed today and she seems to be coping well.

After our regular monthly meeting with Doctors and Therapists and bearing in mind that her fractures have basically healed we are looking to 4-6 weeks of increased intensity in her rehabilitation. This will involve such things as Botox injections to relieve some spasticity in her muscles, medication to increase neuro transmitter activity in the brain and much more intense physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Her nutrition is being modified to offset loss of weight, muscle mass etc.and the naso-gastric tube will give way to a direct line into her tummy. At some time she will be trialled with some nutrients by mouth.

All of this activity is of course dependent on the brain’s response and although we can see that Jenny is infinitely more alert than at any other time, the therapists have referred to this period as a sort of ‘crunch time’ for her. We feel that Jenny is trying to ‘take in’ our efforts at communication but can’t respond (incidentally her right eye is almost fully open) and we are encouraged by that. During this challenging period in Jenny’s recovery we know through her determination she will do her part but we ask for all your positive thoughts and prayers as she rides the road to recovery.

Several people have kindly offered financial support but don’t know how. A trust has been established and further details, including fund raising on Jenny’s behalf will be forthcoming. Our sincere thanks for your support thus far.

Judith and John McKenna