On the Road to Recovery

Day 19 : Mon, Feb 27, 2012

We are now into Day 5 at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Last Wed, 22 Feb, Shayman was transferred from Lucile Packard to SCVMC to continue with his next stage of recovery - therapy.

We had spent 14 days at LPCH. It was a roller-coaster of emotions at the beginning. But we have been blessed and he's been progressing great.

We were naturally anxious about his transfer...adjusting to a new environment, to a new team of doctors, new regimen.

On Wed 22 Feb afternoon, I followed in the ambulance transporting Shayman from LPCH to SCVMC. Thankfully, it was uneventful. We settled in pretty well in a single room.

In the 5 days, he's made fantastic improvement. The image of the frail him seemed so far away, but will somehow always be at the back of our minds.

His determination to get up on his feet and regain his independence is by far the greatest motivating factor. His desire to try, never give up. We can see how hard he is trying...to walk, to stand, to maintain control of his muscles, and to talk.

The therapists had done a splint for his right foot as it was leaning inwards and they had to correct the muscles before they stiffen in that manner. But just a day after having it on, the therapist saw a significant improvement on his right big toe, and decided he didn't need the top half of his splint. The splint was to be a temporary one before a custom-made brace was done for him. But just this morning, another piece of good news. His right foot was doing so well, the therapist felt he could do without the leg brace now! Of course, they always cautioned that it was a 'let's see how he does in a day or two'.

Shayman is really vocalizing this morning. Saying his colors while doing his legos, thank you, good, enough. This boy is really trying. And we are so proud of him. We are constantly encouraging him, motivating him.

He's going to be a really happy boy tomorrow when Uncle Dhini comes.