March 18th-20th

Monday, the speech therapist had her capped for a short while. The focus was on swallowing. She did 8 half spoons of blue die and apple sauce. The respiratory therapist will monitor her secretions for blue die to determine the success. She got anxiety towards the end, but for the most part it was good. She did wear her pressure mask for about an hour. The occupational therapist gave her a chest massage and had her workout on the hand machine twice for a minute and half each time. The respiratory therapist removed the Ventilator this morning as her vitals are within acceptable range.This is the second day she went without the Ventilator. The physical therapist and Brenda made the trip to the rehab room to use the parallel bar while she worked on standing up. She did the stand up exercise three times and stayed at her peak position for minimum of ten seconds. She went back to the room and she moved herself, with help, to the stretch chair where she remained for two and half hours.

Tuesday, the speech therapist had her swallow dye. This tests her ability to swallow. The respiratory therapist will monitor the next Twenty-four hours and if this is successful she goes on to the next step. She will go and have X-rays done, so they can actually see how her swallowing is progressing. She was in the stretch chair for two and half hours and she wore the presseure mask for one hour. This mask causes her some anxiety. The physical therapist took her to the rehab room via the wheel chair to work on the Elliptical machine. The occupational therapist worked with her arms using a one pound arm weight on each arm. She did very well. Then she went back to her room for her bath and skin cream. Day 3 off the Ventilator.

Wednesday, Brenda had a rough night. Her heart rate very high so the rehab was delayed until the afternoon. The respiratory therapist changed her valve to a valve without the cup. This will allow her to breath more normally. The occupational therapist worked stretching her arms. The physical therapist worked her legs. Day 4 off the Ventilator. Her visitors were Terry Huysman and Larry Cordel.