Day 14 - Wednesday December 28

Last night was a crazy night.  It was the first day of the provigil, which is supposed to stimulate the brain.  And, boy was she stimulated.  At about 10:00 pm she got very aggitated and her heartrate was crazy as well as her blood pressure.  She was thrashing around a lot. Jenn and Stephany were in with Bridgett.  Jenn left to come and get me. The nurse asked Stephany if she would please hold her hand and she if it would help quiet her down.  It worked.  When I came back Bridgett was very calm and quiet.  I asked Stephany if she calmed right down when she held her hand and she said that she talked to her and then said family prayer with her and Bridgett calmed right down!  Steph--you're great!  Then about 2:50 she started up again.  For about 45 minutes she "rode her bike".  She was gripping her hands and had a very concerned and scared look on her face.  She was sweating profusely and her heart rate was 130.  I believe she was reliving the accident.  We finally got her calmed down and the rest of the night was quiet.  It's been a busy day!  This morning when Dr. Campbell came in the examine Bridgett, he asked her to give him a thumbs up and SHE DID!  After a few minutes he asked her do it again and she didn't.  But just then Trauma Tom (yes, that's what we call him!) came in and stood at the end of the bed.  He waved to Bridgett and asked her two hold up two fingers.  Slowly she raised up one finger.  That's only one he said.  Give me two fingers.  Then SHE HELD UP THE SECOND FINGER!!  I did talk to Dr. Campbell about how agitated she was last night.  He said that he was in a wreck two months ago and didn't get hurt, and he's had a nightmare about it every night since.  He said that we are trying to stimulate her brain, and giving her a sedative or whatever would defeat the good that can be gained.  He said it's part of the process.  Occupational therapy came in after a while and said that they needed a follow-up CT of the neck before they do any therapy.  So, down she went.  Usually, the nightly CT's are at midnight, when it's not busy down there.  Anyway, after the CT they decided that at night she could go without the collar, but during the day she needed to go back to wearing the Miami J collar (it has a hole for the trach tube).  It's uncomfortable, but safer for her.  They don't want to take any chances on having any paralysis (us either!).  Then we had a neuro specialist from rehab come in.  She met Bridgett before, when she played rugby at UVU.  We had a good talk.  She said that at first it is very normal to follow commands sometimes and not other times.  She said that Bridgett will be agitated, but that we need to have controlled agitation.  Only one or two people in the room at a time.  Only one person talking.  Some break times from stimulus, etc.  Occupational therapy came in a second time.  While she was working with Bridgett, Bridgett moved her hand up to the trach tube and got her fingers around it.  We don't want that getting pulled out!!  So, now we will watch her very carefully.  We don't want to have to have her restrained.  So, Bridgett's CT scan earlier was for her spine. Now she is back again for the brain CT.   She should be done any minute, so I'll head back.  It's been kind of hectic talking to the social worker and insurance people etc.  Also, getting my talk ready for my dad's funeral tomorrow.  Aunt Debbi (Mark's sister) is going to stay with Bridgett while we go up to Riverton.  She will be great with Bridgett!  Thanks Deb!