Day Seven - Wednesday December 21, 2011 a.m.

First of all I wanted to make kind of a disclaimer.  For all of you with medical background or who have been through similar issues, I am trying to do my best to explain the situation as we see it.  Probably some of the comments are not phrased quite right, but I am trying! We keep telling the doctors that we are learning so much but we hope there isn't a test at the end! Everyone is very patient with us asking question after question.  The nurses here have been amazing. They work 12 hour shifts and we are getting well acquainted with some of them.  I was always a little skeptical of the 12 hour shifts as they seem so long.  However, I now see the real benefits there can be.  Only two nurses deal with Bridgett a day. They become very familiar with her and know what to expect or look for.  Someone new has a learning curve to get up to speed.  Also we have appreciated the many nurses and doctors that treat us as real people and treat Bridgett as a real person, with respect and tender care.  We have pictures of her on the door and the cabinet in her room.  Those working here come in and look and ask questions about her.  We really appreciate it!!  By the way, for those of you who have heard about Bridgett's accident and wondered what you should say to us....just tell us you love us (hopefully) and that you are praying for Bridgett and our family.  For those of you who wonder what you can do.....pray, pray, pray.  A special thanks to my brothers who have been especially good at telling lots of funny stories and helping lighten up our moods.  Update on those shaving their heads---Jackson (Bridgett's 17 year old cousin) joined the ranks of  those with shaven heads yesterday.  Several more have promised to join by the weekend.  Uncle Dave is arranging a picture of everyone on Christmas Day.  And, no, my daughters--I still don't think you should follow suit!! We don't want to completely freak Bridgett out when she wakes up!! Now, moving on to some updates.  When a person is in bed getting up to do some walking there is a danger of forming blood clots in the legs.  If clots form there is a danger of a clot breaking loose and going to the heart.  Usually they would give patients a blood thinner but with brain trauma victims that is not appropriate.  So, instead today they inserted a filter (vena cava filter) to catch any clot that might form and cause a problem.  This was done by inserting the filter from the groin area and going up to the heart. The filter is like an umbrella and is opened up.  Later it is collapsed and removed through the chest area. The surgery for Bridgett's cheekbone will be tomorrow or Friday.  They estimate about an hour in surgery.  Today they are establishing a picc line for her and they will remove the central line.  Looking on the bright side, every day that passes Bridgett is healing more and her bruises are looking better. Initially they said that when she wakes up her face will really hurt.  Now maybe she will wake up and not even know about the whole surgery thing and her face won't be in pain.