Because We Love Her

Thursday, February 25, 2010

February 25th, 2010 Posted in Daily News Post

“Chloe smiled a lot today” was the quote from Dana. It’s also the first day she admitted she slept well. One more giant step. She has also decided the recliner is her new home. She’s in it during the day and the bed is now just for sleeping. Another giant step.

Her days are full but we are seeing less and less of her. We are stepping back and letting her take on OT/PT, Speech and School, all on her own. It’s one more way to get her more independent. We are trying to convince her that suction training for her would be a big plus. I think she feels that would mean we wouldn’t be around when she really needed help. We will have to find a way to convince her that’s not the case. We just want for Dana to be able to take a shower without worrying too much.

Sandy is healthy and rested again so she will be making the blog more now. It will be good to have our third spoke back in commission. She and Dana spent time with Chloe this afternoon for the first time in a while.

Chloe had another marathon bath today. Lots of splashing and bubbles for an hour. She sure does love those. And she loves getting everyone wet in the process.

Jenny, our speech therapist, handed Dana a two-page preview of what will need to happen in order for Chloe to get her swallow back. It is pretty intense, with electrodes and lots of therapy involved. It’s going to be hard work for Chloe and there may be times when she gets completely frustrated. To combat that there is a game plan being developed.

Our next trach change is coming up soon. We have the new trachs on the way. These are even better than the last ones. They will be better suited for her. Dr. Cuyler will do this change and he wants Dana to watch closely, because he wants her to do the next one. I’m probably after that I suspect. We all need to be able to do it if we are going to be one on one with her at any given time. We don’t expect emergencies, however, that’s probably why they are called emergencies.

March 10th is coming along quickly now so the discharge plans are flying into place. Training is set for Monday and Tuesday mornings with RT. I believe Jennifer will be doing the training. We will learn more emergency procedures and we will also learn more about the machines that will be going home with us. This may or may not happen this week, as the actual equipment will be a little different.

Dana and Chloe were watching Gray’s Anatomy earlier so I didn’t hear from them. They get in bed, hang a do not disturb unless it’s an emergency sign on the door and veg for an hour. Then, I’m sure figure skating was next. I’ll see them tomorrow.

Be well,
Ron

  1. 182 Responses to “Thursday, February 25, 2010”

  2. By dana watts on Feb 26, 2010

    I don’t know why we even bother watching Greys Anatomy…….after LIVING it and still LIVING it!(theres laughter here rather than screaming) Seemed unreal there was actually a trach done in the show tonight.

    Kathleen gave me great advice it took me weeks to begin. Stairs. Excersise. Me. Putting the 3 together today was fun…running the stairs basement to fifth floor 2x….listening to John Mayer on my cd player was a good thing. It was quiet, peaceful which is terrific considering the unit day was hopping with all sorts of ‘drama’…even the staff commented on the ‘day’ being one of those.

    Anything, anywhere is possible.

  3. By Rev. Barbara on Feb 26, 2010

    I can just see you getting your mojo back!!! Keep up the excellent work Dana – of course it is also an example to Chloe!!! Love you all, Barb

  4. By Superman on Feb 26, 2010

    I love that chloe has chose the recliner, and that she is regaining her independence…..What else would Chloe do….but, Make it happen! And thank you to the team that allows her this independence. You are all so prepared for her journey home.

    James

  5. By ronhorton on Feb 26, 2010

    We are???? Thanks for the vote of confidence James. Whew.

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