9/14 Update

Good morning everyone,
Just a few words to let you know what’s going on with the Bernardo family. Anneke has had a couple of very long days down at UCLA without any opportunity to speak to a doctor about Joey’s progress. Mentally, his situation seems to be improving very slowly which was causing her concern as to what is causing all the problems. Physically, he is improving. He finally got to sit up in a chair for about an hour & was up on his feet for about 2 minutes or so on Wednesday (that’s the first time since August 30th). She was finally able to track down a doctor yesterday who was able to give her an update on his situation, so here goes. At this point the fluids that are being tested from his spinal column are not showing any further infection. There could still be infection in his brain that has not yet cleared up, but the antibiotics are working. Praise God!! There is still some seepage from his spine, which could indicate another small leak. He said it could heal itself, they have to wait & see (they aren’t ruling out another surgery just yet). So the question remains as to why his progress is so slow. Apparently with this type of infection it can take quite some time & some “acute rehabilitation therapy” for the brain to rewire itself & for things to get back to normal for Joey. Once Joey’s medical issues have passed he will most likely be moved to a facility where he will have that therapy available. Please pray that there is a facility available to him that would be located closer to home as it is important that Anneke be able to go back to work. She has used up all her available time off & the family could really benefit from some normalcy right about now.
Thanks again!!
Melody