Day 20 - Tuesday January 3, 2012

Well it turns out that the Provo Rehab is NOT going to be in network, so we will be going to the University of Utah Rehab.  They came down today and evaluated Bridgett and they also said they will accept her straight from the ICU without going to LTAC.  We are so happy about that!  This way she can be progressing right away.  Today they put in the peg for feeding.  It is placed directly in the stomach and replaces the feeding tube in her nose.  That procedure went great with no problems.  Tomorrow they will remove the vena cava filter (for blood clots).  They said that now that she is on blood thinners and up and moving, she will be OK. They started the blood thinner and then did a CT 24 hours later to make sure that it wasn't causing any bleeding in the brain or the neck. The latest CT shows that the swelling in the brain is continuing to go down and the brain is continuing to heal.  Also, looking at Bridgett, she is continuing to heal.  Her bruising on her face is getting so much better and almost faded.  The scrapes are healing up.  The small mark from the surgery to repair the zygomatic arch is so very small that I think there won't be any scarring at all.  The bruises on her legs and arms are fading.  The staples have been removed from her head and her scalp is looking so much better. Once her pneumonia is better they will be able to wean her off the trach tube.  Getting the infection put her back about a week in the weaning process. The peg has to remain in place for at least six weeks.  It is very nice to see Bridgett without that feeding tube in her nose.  Also, they will be better able to manage her calories.  She has been losing some weight so hopefully now she will be able to maintain her weight.