28Feb08 - Portimao Day 16

Lucy continues to do well but unfortunately she will not be discharged until tomorrow morning at the latest. The doctor also will not confirm Lucy's discharge to the insurance company until tomorrow morning. The chances of making the 19:00 flight out of Faro tomorrow are starting to look minimal. We have had some issues with the insurance company as they have failed to appreciate Lucy's needs with regard to flying. Having tried to find airlines that can accomodate Lucy with a suitable air chair on several occassions in the past we know that there are only two possible options, Thomas Cook and Monarch. The insurance company thought they could just borrow a five point harness from some other airline and use that, which would be completely insufficient. Dawn has had many dealings with Monarch in the past and has built up an excellent relationship with one of the ladies that works in the special needs department. Monarch offered to provide a sky chair at a days notice which they really don't have to do. The insurance company now have the contact details at Monarch and I really hope they use them. If the insurance company receives word from the hospital that Lucy is fit to fly tomorrow morning and they can book the Monarch flight before 1 pm then we will be able to come home tomorrow. Monarch have now arranged for a sky chair to be flown to Faro airport tomorrow just in case we make that flight. They have really gone out of there way to help us which is so unusual these days. I can't recommend Monarch highly enough. If we can't get the flight tomorrow then they will keep the sky chair in Faro ready for the Saturday flight. I have stressed to the Doctor how much we want to go home so hopefully he will come and see us nice and early in the morning. I am back on the night shift tonight as I want to make sure that everything possible is done to get Lucy and I home. I am certain that Lucy is ready to go now. She is eating really well and looks much brighter. She even managed a little smile today. We will have to sort out her messed up sleep pattern when we get home but that is the least of my worries. It worries me more how long it has taken Lucy to recover and what to expect in the future!