Day 35 - Wednesday January 18, 2012

Yesterday we were given Bridgett's expected release date--February 7.  We are very happy and excited to hear that date.  The date is only a projection and not set in stone.  In any case, that would put her here since Jan. 5th, just a little over a month.  Originally they were telling us that our insurance would pay for 90 days inpatient rehab and that in order to maximize our benefits, we should consider going to the LTAC for four weeks first.  That would have been a total of about four months!  The Provo rehab said that the average stay for people with a brain injury is two weeks, but they pointed out that Bridgett's brain injury wasn't average.  She was given a blessing that said that the doctors would see a miracle--and they are.  Today was a good day.  This morning they downsized Bridgett's trach to a size four and they will put a button on it tomorrow I believe so that she can talk.  At speech therapy today she had a different therapist and she tried to get her to talk and Bridgett could whisper. So, when Kristen is back tomorrow hopefully they will get a button on it.  During physical therapy today she walked on the treadmill.  They put her in a harness that held her up while she walked.  It was neat and she was definitely smiling to be on the treadmill.  She also did walking around the hall and down the parallel bars.  Occupational therapy worked on eating herself and she did better today.  Also, dressing herself, which is going good as well.  Marks' sister Debbi came up this afternoon and stayed with Bridgett while I went and got some laundry some--which I desperately needed to do!  I was also able to get a one hour nap which I also really needed.  Thanks Debbi for being a life saver!  Debbi went to physical therapy (#2 for the day) and recreational therapy with Bridgett.  During physical therapy they did all new stuff, including balancing on a ball.  During recreational therapy she got to hold the therapy dog--the small one which I believe is a cocker spaniel.  They also had music therapy and went to a room where there were other patients as well and listened to someone play the Irish harp and sing.  Bridgett said it was beautiful!  All in all it was a good day!  Oh, I think I forgot to say this--the other night, I think Monday, a man came around to patients rooms and played the guitar and sing. He asked me what kind of music Bridgett likes and I said she likes lots of different music, but since he was playing the guitar maybe she'd like some country music.  He said he'd sing Honey Bee.  He sang the first verse and chorus.  When he sang the chorus the next three times she sang along with him (of course, mouthing only). It was cute.  I don't know if she knows the song or just listened to the chorus and sang along.  She didn't know the verses, so I think she just sang along on the chorus.