Day 54 - Monday Februay 6, 2012

So, in preparation for going home I have been learning how to care for the peg site.  I have been changing the dressing since Friday.  Yesterday I asked a nurse to come and help me learn how to flush the tube (which is done daily).  It's all much easier then I thought.  Initially when they placed the peg it was so tight it was actually sunk into her stomach. Everyday they would clean under it and it looked so much like it was really hurting her (she never complained).  Anyway, it is looser now (don't know if that's good or bad) but anyway easier to lift and clean under (without making me feel sick!).  She will have it removed next Wednesday, so I won't have to take care of it for many days.  That will be the last of many tubes coming out of Bridgett.  It will feel so nice to have everything gone--for Bridgett and for us!  So, today the occupational therapist, Rebecca and the recreational therapist took Bridgett for an outing to see how she did transferring to a vehicle, out in public, etc. before she is discharged.  She could pick any place to go that she wanted--to eat, whatever.  She chose to go to the art museum.  However, the museum is closed on Monday so they asked her if she wanted to go to the church history museum and she said yes.  So, off we went.  Apparently they do this to make sure there are no big problems that arise, like problems getting in or out of a vehicle, freaking out in public etc.  Bridgett did just great loading and unloading in the van.  Riding in the van went well also on the way to the museum and even better on the way home.  We took her in the wheelchair from the parking spot across the street and into the museum.  The bright sunlight bothered her, but Rebecca happened to have sunglasses for her to wear.  From there, she walked through the museum. She didn't get tired until the very end.  A bus of children came to visit the museum about 10 minutes after we arrived.  On the way home Rebecca asked what was the hardest thing--the people Bridgett said.  It was so noisy.  What was the best thing?  The people.  You mean it was great to see people but too noisy I said and she said yes.  Rebecca told me that for a while we may need to have her wear ear plugs to block the noise when we are in groups--or wear ear buds with calm music on the ipod.  Anyway, the trip was a success.  I took pictures of Rebecca and Ashley with Bridgett.  Speech went well.  Afterwards we took pictures with Jessica and Kristen.  Jessica is a student and close to Bridgett's age.  Physical therapy went well.  Libby gave Bridgett a test.  She had Bridgett walk by herself and from time to time asked her to stop to see if she kept her balance.  She did great.  Then from time to time she pushed on Bridgett's hips to see if she lost her balance.  She said I'm being mean and Bridgett said I don't like it.  Libby kept on.  After a bit, Bridgett took the end of her belt and every time Libby tried to make her fall, Bridgett flicked Libby with the belt.  Libby laughed and said I deserve that for being mean.  Then I explained it was like a test that Libby was doing.  After that Bridgett was OK with being pushed and pulled by Libby.  She did great, even later when balancing on things.  Libby had her walk on a thick mat, to simulate walking in snow.  All around Bridgett did awesome.  She is now working on standing on one foot for 10 seconds.  She can do five seconds OK.  I got a picture  of Bridgett with Libby and Trish.  Trish is a student and about 25.