Day 52 - Saturday February 4, 2012

Rebecca, occupational therapy, spent part of therapy yesterday showing us various low vision devices Bridgett could use.  So, there is a keyboard that is like neon and black for contrast. We found out that Bridgett doesn't remember how to type, at least at this point.  When Rebecca had Bridgett read something that was already in very big print, then magnified by a large magnifying screen, she could actually read it.  So, the problem is the vision for sure.  When the lady came from the Moran Eye Center yesterday, she said Bridgett does need glasses.  I really will need to clarify this, as they told me not to worry about it at this point. Perhaps on further review they changed their mind..... I asked the doctor this morning about the blood test that Moran Eye Clinic ordered and he said that it's very unusual for them to order blood tests.  Anyway, they were checking on her B-12 levels, which were normal.  I have lots of questions at this point.  Some of my questions can be answered once Dr. Speed gets back.  He will be here on Monday.  He is the neuro rehab doctor.  I actually have a long list of questions for him, so hopefully he won't be just swamped.  Since she will be discharged on Monday, he will probably take time to talk to me. 

• we need a follow-up on her zygomatic arch to make sure it is healed completely and correctly
• we need to address her broken nose, since it healed crocked
• we need to address the wounds on her face and the possible scarring
• we need to arrange for the teeth to be fixed, hopefully under anesthesia--we want a drs. note saying it is medically necessary at this point so that the insurance will cover it
• we need to find out about the facial palsy on the left side--will it resolve or what can be done
• we need to make sure the neck fractures are stable.  check if it's OK for Jenn do to massage on her neck (she's a massage therapist)
• we need more information about the parinauds syndrome, possibility of improvement etc. 
• we wonder what else may have been affected by damage to the dorsal midbrain
• we need more specific info about damage to the left optic nerve (note: she only cries out of the right eye)
• we need to continue to discuss rehab in light of the vision challenges
• make sure they made an appointment to have the peg tube removed sometime around the 14th
• we need more info about the post traumatic amnesia, since it is still a factor--what can we do to facilitate the return of her memory
• she often reaches out and thinks that she "picks up" things and moves them (even to her mouth when eating) and really doesn't have anything in her hand. what does this mean?  inattention or damage somewhere?
• she missed Ritalin in the afternoon for two days (while at the eye doctor, and while gone on an outing with recreational therapist)--one of the nurses asked if we thought it was really helping a lot.  perhaps it's not necessary?

This is my list so far.  I am still adding to it!!