As the New Year dawns (new decade, according to some), Lucia seems to continue on what seems to be a slow but still steady approach to recovery. She continues to attend therapy appointments five days each week, some times with multiple appointments each day. We look forward to her knee healing with rest—she can exercise up to but not exceeding the point of pain, but has to avoid her beloved long walks. During a recent visit, I observed two days of one hour workouts, during which she was able to use the elliptical trainer and the stationery bike, in addition to working on her rehab exercises at home.
Other issues include the double vision, which may eventually respond to surgery if it does not heal by itself, and the more subtle effects of the severe concussion which she experienced on October 11, including the loss of her sense of smell. She is highly disciplined (as always) in her approach to getting her life back, although impatience is a problem.
She did venture out rather tentatively during the holiday season to several social events. These were healing in nature, but extremely fatiguing.
As a father who almost lost two daughters within a ten month space (my oldest daughter died in December, 2008), I am overwhelmed with joy that Lucia is still very much with us. Along with family and friends who love and respect her, I look forward to her becoming healthy and strong again, and returning to an active life.
Cody giving Bella some room
The news about Lucia’s condition is mostly good. She had more dental surgery yesterday to repair her displaced front teeth, and was encouraged by the removal of the metal bar from her mouth which makes her feel more “normal”. More time is required for her teeth to fuse to the bone again, but she is delighted that she did not have to resort to pain-relieving medication. She will be on a soft food diet for a while.
Her home physical therapy/conditioning regimen is both challenging and rewarding. She has increased her time on the elliptical trainer. The second opinion received last week regarding her knee injury was encouraging : The ACL appears to be fine, and the PCL may not require surgery. However, a severe bone contusion was discovered, probably from the initial impact of the accident. This requires avoidance of all but very moderate impact activities , giving the bone 6 months to heal. The orthopedic surgeon will take another look next month.
The effects of the concussion remain the most challenging and perhaps least remediable and predictable results of the accident. She remains highly disciplined in her approach to various therapeutic sessions. Progress is slow, but steady.
She has asked me to tell all of you—new friends and old—how much she appreciates your messages of support. Her biggest disappointment about her current condition is that she is unable to respond. As her father, I am left with the pleasant duty to tell all of you who read this that she appreciates your continued interest and support more than any words of mine can convey.
Those close to her continue to be optimistic and supportive. Not the least of these are the various critters in her life. The attached recent photo of Lucia’s canine companion Cody could be captioned :”Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!” Submitted 12/17/09 by Alan Wade, Officer Lucia’s father.
Update on Lucia’s Recovery Progress
As of today, it’s eight weeks since Lucia’s accident. An update is in order, even though noticeable changes take place very slowly and are often hard to identify. Yesterday, I attended the annual meeting of a local charity which Lucia had served for more than a year as its first website technician. I responded to dozens of inquiries regarding her well-being and progress. I will try to summarize my comments to Lucia’s old friends and acquaintances in this update. Further, I spent two enjoyable days with her last week so noticed a few things at first hand.
She remains primarily upbeat and optimistic, but does become frustrated when she tires easily and is unable to accomplish as many tasks as she did before the accident. We are working with her to limit her expectations of herself and allow more time (and energy) for healing. Her daily routines include regular visits to various therapists and doctors (she has to be driven to the appointments by a care-taker), short, slow walks with her dog Cody, who must be handled on the leash by someone else. Lucia walks ahead, supported by her two European style hiking sticks. She remains grateful that she is able to walk at all, even though she misses her good, long runs through her neighborhood and elsewhere.
Several issues remain, in addition to those currently being dealt with. One is her double vision. She is able to read, but must wear an eye patch. She reads and answers email to the extent of her ability, but is severely limited. The eye doctor told her last week that six more months to a year are needed to determine if the vision heals itself before considering surgery. Two sets of corrective lenses, one for distance and one for reading, are also a possibility. She is concerned also about her loss of a sense of smell.
The double knee injury (anterior and posterior cruciate ligament injuries on the same leg) will be evaluated this coming week by an orthopedist who we hope will clarify current ambiguities about desired treatment.
Lucia at last has a temporary caretaker whose presence has made it possible for partner Monica to return only on a part time basis to her own demanding job in San Francisco. Lucia is extremely happy with her new caretaker’s temperament and professionalism.
Time, patience, and measured intervention seem to be the keys to recovery. Meanwhile, keep up the prayers and supportive energy. There is no doubt that they have helped Lucia along the path to full recovery.
Update on Lucia Wade’s recovery : It’s been several days since my last report, since there have been few changes to report. She recovered normally, with some pain, from her dental surgery re-setting her two front teeth.
The MRI image for her left knee showed two torn ligaments, both the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and the PCL (posterior cruciate). The latter is hidden in the back of the knee, is very strong, and injuries to it are relatively rare. It is unusual to have an injury resulting in both being impacted at the same time. If it turns out that knee surgery is needed, it might be an important next step, as restoration of mobility in a patient accustomed to an active athletic life is crucial. We are seeking further confirmation as to whether surgery is required, and if so, where and by whom.
Lucia has been able to take several evening walks with Monica or Sarah, accompanied by Cody. A pair of hiking sticks help with stability—slow-going, but great for morale.
Meanwhile, the double vision and dizziness continue to be the most serious concerns.
I think we are all realizing what a long, slow and intensely personal path this is to full recovery. She and the rest of us who love her wish to extend, once more, our deep gratitude to all—strangers, old friends, colleagues—for your continuing prayers, “white light”, and tangible acts of kindness. (submitted by dad, Alan Wade, 11/23/09)
Lucia Wade continues her rather arduous and quite exhausting road to recovery. Its been five weeks to date since her on-duty accident. She had an MRI on Friday on her left knee, which has been bothering her with pain and attendant instability, and is expecting a report tomorrow. In addition, feeling since the accident that her front teeth were “not quite right”, she asked for a dental examination. One of her front teeth is fractured, and both were moved to the extent that dental surgery is required. She is scheduled for that on Tuesday of this week. She is in good spirits, but still needs round the clock attention and care.
Most troubling are her continued double vision and vertigo. Her only recreational outlets are occasional trips to the dog park with Cody and Monica, but Cody is so strong that Lucia cannot take her for walks alone. Lucia says she has a long wish list of things she wants to do again, including being able to take her 7 month old and growing “puppy” for walks!
Lucia has busy days during this recovery period. Various doctors appointments, tests, and therapy make a full and exhausting day for both Monica and Lucia. No major changes to report, just hard work in progress. Thanks to all of you who came out for the fundraiser and who continue to drop cards with encouragement for Lucia. – Lisa B.
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Time: 6:00pm – 11:55pm
Location: Santa Rosa Veteran’s Memorial Building
See www.santarosapoa.com for more details. Please click on the link below to be connected to Eventbrite.
www.eventbrite.com/event/472824230
This is part of an email sent to Monica – Lucia’s family was so touched by it they wanted to share…the author is a Santa Rosa Police officer and friend of Lucia’s. Thank you to everyone who has shown their concern!
….Everyone expresses their well wishes to you, Lucia and her family…I mean EVERYONE! Of course the Deputies, Probation, Parole, Firefighters etc…all ask about her on a daily basis. The clerks at the Fulton Arco station never talked to me before…now they all ask for daily updates. The mechanics and other city employees all ask about her daily. Citizens run after me, frantically wave me down and ask about Lucia. I contacted three gang members at a park and they asked about her and said “that’s real F-d up…ya know?” — gang members wishing a cop well…if anyone could make that happen, it would have to be Lucia. After citing people for random things…cell phone violations, running stop signs and such, all have asked about Lucia and her recovery….citizens not disgruntled over a ticket and more concerned about a cop…once again, that’s Lucia’s doing.
Drunks at Finley Park…all asking about our girl Lucia–random?!
I can’t keep track of all the people that have been concerned and send their best wishes and love to you and Lucia…as I’m sure you know, the support has been overwhelming. I don’t want to sound like a Hallmark card but It’s really refreshing and a reminder that there really are good people in this world that care.
I’m so proud of Lucia and her fight for recovery. I’m also so very proud of you and your strength throughout this ordeal. I know it’s not easy, but know that you have a lot of friends and the cop family here to back you up 100% and help you along the way.
Please allow me to attempt to express my gratitude to everyone who has showered me with support. This rather horrendous experience has left me utterly grateful for the love and support that I have received from friends, co-workers, family members, former schoolmates, former co-workers, and utter strangers. I still have zero recollection of the approximately ten minutes prior to the accident through the first three days following the accident. Money is the last thing that I would have asked for or expected to receive, but it will indeed come in incredibly handy. Having never spent an over night at a hospital before, I was not prepared for all of the unexpected expenses, or for Monica Nascimento, my beloved partner of over 14 years, to have to take extended time off from work to care for me. The money that you have all donated will help to ease some of the financial stress, and it means so much that it comes from folks who are cheering me on and who hope to see me recover completely.
I am struggling to find the words that are appropriate to communicate my feelings of gratitude to each one of you. I hope that you will accept this note as a stand-in for my deep gratitude and overwhelm at all that you have done to help me and see me through this challenging time in my life.
Very sincerely yours
Lucia Wade.
WOW! The turnout at Mary’s Pizza was awesome to say the least. Brad Conners, representing the Santa Rosa Police Officers Association, reports huge attendance and great support from the community today for this fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who came out for great food and great company.
***
The most important part of this update is from Lucia’s Dad, Alan Wade:
Lucia reports that things are pretty much status quo on the recovery front. She seems to have made a big jump ahead on Monday, but now seems to have had a couple of more or less “flat” days. She reported to me by email, but has trouble composing because of double vision that still plagues her. Her main concern now is feeling “totally overwhelmed” by all the gifts, cards, and calls that she has received from so many of you. She is an extremely modest, unassuming person, who finds public attention of any kind abhorrent. She is not sure how she can thank everyone, but, true to herself, is working on it. We remain confident that progress will be slow but steady.