February 18th-20th

The past two 2 days, Monday and Tuesday, Brenda worked very hard with the Therapist. One highlight was when she worked with the Speech therapist she was able to hold a spoon in her mouth as she tried to pull it out and she was able to swallow. Another success was the Respiratory therapists had her off the Ventilator each day for about 16 hours each day. The goal is Forty-eight hours straight without the ventilator. She is able to sit up at the side of bed longer each day and work on standing up. Coach John is happy with her progress, but we all know she has a long way to go and that this is the hardest phase of the healing process.

Wednesday Brenda went off the Ventilator first thing in the morning and later that day she became agitated saying her chest, stomach, and legs hurt. It was determined she needed to go back on the Ventilator to reduce her stress. I am happy to report that in the afternoon she went off the Ventilator with little or no problems. The Occupational Therapists came in with a device to assist Brenda in standing up. Brenda was able to lock her legs and raise her head as she stood up. She did this twice.The Speech Therapist arrived to work with her on swallowing and mouth and tongue exercises. She showed real improvement. Next report is Saturday night.