Going home!!

It has been a very busy past few days with a continuous stream of doctors and therapists visiting Charlie in his hospital room. We've even had some family come visit, which makes the day less "boring" for Charlie. Although TX Children's Hospital provides many services and activities for the patients, there's only so much you can do to take your mind off being there! Charlie's newest favorite thing to do is converse and interact with the nurses, as he has now decided he wants to be a nurse some day. Since Charlie does not like to take some of his medications and does not like the blood pressure cuff tightening on his little arm, he has bargained with the nurses by telling them that if he "is good" and takes his medicine or gets his blood pressure taken, then, in exchange, the nurses will let Charlie take their blood pressure and temperature. Charlie even likes to put on the doctor gloves as he listens to their heartbeats or puts the blood pressure cuff on the nurses (he even knows all the right buttons to push on the machine!). He struts himself down the hall saying "hi man" to the male nurses and therapists, pretending he is one of them.

Over the past few days, Charlie has slowly been regaining his strength and mobility in his lower body. He is walking better and climbing better. He still has difficulty sitting for extended periods of time, lying on his back, or bending over. He still experiences pain in his lower legs, especially when moving in certain positions. However, the pain does not appear as severe or as frequent as it was initially. Overall, the doctors have seen great improvement and decided to finally send Charlie home today - YEA!!! Interestingly enough, the neurologist says he is able to return to school; however, I think we will keep him home for a day or two or three to let him recover and monitor his pain and mobility.

Charlie is a strong little guy - so brave for all that he has endured. We are proud of him and hope to send him off to kindergarten soon. We know that he will experience some physical difficulties at school, such as not being able to sit all day or run as fast as the other kids, but he has so many other strengths and talents.

We will be following up with Charlie's pediatrician in the next week and again with the neurologists in one month. Charlie will receive physical therapy for one to two times per week to help him regain his strength and re-build his posture. Hope all goes well.

Thanks again for everyone's prayers, visits / stays at the hospital, and willingness to offer help. We appreciate each and every one of you! Hopefully, Charlie will have a peaceful rest at home in his own bed tonight. Good night and sleep well.