Day 107 - Friday March 30, 2012

I started the day off by calling to talk to Brian Miller in Kalispell.  He is the physical therapist that Arrianne used last year and he is awesome!  Unfortunately he is on vacation right now, but I left him a long detailed message asking about therapists in Kalispell.  He is very knowledgeable and he will be able to help us find a good speech therapist and occupational therapist, experienced in TBI--if there are any in the Flathead Valley.  Perhaps we will have to stay here longer in order to get Bridgett the therapy she needs.  These few months after the accident are the most critical ones for healing, particularly the first three to six months.  I would hate to come home just because we are anxious to get home and have Bridgett suffer therapy wise.  I know there are good therapists in Kalispell, but we need therapists really experienced in TBI and apparently that is hard to find--even here in Utah.   Of course, I don't anticipate being able to find a low vision therapist and optometrist.  Apparently there are only two in the whole state of Utah, so it's unlikely that there is one in Kalispell. Today was kind of a quiet day.  Bridgett was really tired out and napped quite a bit.  I got info about the Brain Injury Support Group here in Provo.  Their meeting is the first Thursday of every month, so I will plan to go next Thursday.     

Day 106 - Thursday March 29, 2012

Overall it was a good day today.  We did have a little discussion about the whole shower situation, but in the end, got the shower done.  It is hard to be an adult and have someone in the room with you for private personal things; but it's a necessary thing at this point. We had speech therapy and physical therapy today and both things went great!  First at speech therapy...Bridgett showed up feeling tired and worn out.  She feels that way a lot it seems.  Anyway, she participated great in therapy and did a really good job.  LeAnn wanted her to read something, but the font was too small.  She said I guess she needs 18 pt. font and I said yes.  So, she switched gears and did some questions for Bridgett to name--five desserts, ten animals, five sports, etc.  Bridgett did a good job at that.  She did sequence cards and did good at that.  She did the buzzer game and that was interesting.  When LeAnn said what they were going to do, she explained the game again.  Bridgett said, oh, I buzz whenever I hear "s" words...which is the letter that she was supposed to listen for on Tuesday!  Cool--she remembered!  LeAnn told her that this time we were doing "b" words.  The tape lasts for two minutes, the guy talks very slow, and there was an echo or some kind of interference.  Bridgett did "b" for a while and then missed a couple so LeAnn stopped the tape and asked what letter she was supposed to listen for.  Bridgett said "m".  LeAnn told her not "m" but "b".  Then Bridgett did good for a while and then missed a couple and so LeAnn stopped her again and asked what letter she was supposed to listen for and Bridgett said "h".  LeAnn redirected her again and she finished the tape.  LeAnn commented that it was funny that when she changed letters she didn't change back to "s".  Anyway, she recognizes the letters, but LeAnn said we won't do this again--the tape is too distracting for someone with a TBI.  LeAnn gave Bridgett some memory questions to answer about the family and she did good on that.  All in all a good session.  LeAnn reminded Bridgett to work on the computer game she gave us..some time this weekend.  We went to physical therapy and again Bridgett just lit up when she saw Shane.  He smiles big and has great energy and so Bridgett interacts well with him.  He's probably about my age or a little younger.  Anyway, he really worked Bridgett out!  I was remembering when Arrianne had to do rehab after her broken sesamoid bone incident, and she started out about where Bridgett is now as far as how long she rode the bike, etc.  It didn't take long at all to have her really working out hard--so hopefully things will go fast with Bridgett as well.  So, this is what Bridgett did today....first the recumbent bike, then the elliptical.  Next he had her play a wii game that works on balance. You stand on a platform and shift your weight so that the platform on the tv moves and the marble drops into a hole.  Each level has more marbles, or more holes, or a different shaped platform.  It was challenging to do--first because of her balance and second because with a brain injury you might forget by the next level what you are supposed to be doing.  Anyway, she played that twice and we will do it again I think.  Shane spent some time talking to Bridgett about her injury.  He asked her what happened and she said she was in a wreck and talked a little about it.  I could tell that she was talking about another wreck she had--about 2-1/2 years ago.  She totalled the car, but overall she was OK, although they life flighted her to Missoula to the hospital because she was down by Seeley Lake and there was no close hospital.  Anyway, Shane said that makes sense, because she shouldn't be able to remember things really.  He said that you can tell how badly a brain has been injured just by how long and how bad the amnesia is.  The worse the injury--the worse the amnesia.  We talked about Bridgett finding some fun things she wants to do and trying not to sleep so much so that it doesn't become a pattern,  I said, oh she thinks of things she wants to do....play rugby, play soccer, play football, play basketball, go running, play outside with the dog, go out with the horses, drive her car, etc.  Amazingly enough she hasn't asked to ride the bike yet; maybe deep down she has a fear of that.  Anyway, of course she can't do any of these things right now.  Many of the quiet indoors things are limited by her vision, so that doesn't help much.  She was supposed to be getting book on tape.  I need to call up to the Moran Eye Center and tell them that those didn't start coming yet.  We are going to go to the library and see if the large print books are large enough font for reading.  I know people can use magnifiers, but with the brain injury that's just one more thing to deal with.  Bridgett finished PT by doing the stair stepper--for the equivalent of seven flights of stairs up and down.  So, she did work out!   Shane said to talk to Dr. Speed about the fatigue and see if there is anything with her meds causing the fatigue, or maybe her body detoxing from the meds that she was already on (more likely since the only medication she is currently on is Aricept for memory).  We headed home and had some dinner and then Bridgett rested for a bit. Aunt Debbi stopped over and visited. Bridgett wanted to go to bed, but I was trying to keep her up until 8:00, so visiting with Deb helped out.

Day 105 - Wednesday March 28, 2012

Today Bridgett had a rough time wanting to get ready for our drive to Salt Lake to see Kasey.  Maybe it was a protest at going on that drive, who knows.  At any rate, she didn't want to eat breakfast, but finally had 1/2 of a Boost.  Then she didn't want to shower, but finally let me attempt to fix her hair.  It is getting pretty long, but since it is so thick it is still standing straight up on top.  The sides were all crazy from sleep.  She got dressed reluctantly and we headed off.   Tyler came with us to Salt Lake.  Stephany went to Jenn's house to spend some time there.  The ride to Salt Lake was fairly uneventful but I had given her zofran before we went.  By the time we got off the freeway at Foothill Drive Bridgett was feeling sick but didn't think that she would vomit.  We got to the low vision clinic a little early so she had time to decompress a little.  Our appointment with Kasey went well.  He did some testing of her near vision and she did indeed do better then before without reading glasses.  However, with the reading glasses she did even better.  Kasey talked to Bridgett about wearing her glasses and she said that she really hates glasses.  They decided together that she would wear the reading glasses during therapy or whenever she needed to read.  Then she can take breaks as needed until her eyes get used to them.  Bridgett agreed to this. They did scanning exercises and with a guide under the line she was on, she could do really well.  She did reading of a card that is set up so that you can't auto fill in with the brain.  There aren't any sentences, just words next to each other.  She did well on that and only occasionally missed when they had a single letter on the line.  Next she traced circles, from left to right.  He is trying to reinforce left to right scanning, like reading, remembering to go all the way to the left.  Next he gave her a sheet of boxes in lines and asked her to put a single letter of the alphabet in each square.  She went quickly and did it completely correctly!  Wow he said you set a new speed record on that one!  After all of these exercises Kasey gave us some homework and then we worked on the Dynavision.  Bridgett did one time through and then did not want to do a second.  By this time she was tired out from all the concentrating.  So, Kasey asked her to stand behind him and help him, which she did (clever!).  She got almost as much benefit.  Afterwards, they did scanning on the walls back to the entrance and he had her read signs that were large enough.  It was a good appointment and I feel that she is really improving.  After the appointment she was hungry and ate a hamburger, fries, and a Boost.  She drank 1/2 of a ginger ale as well, and she asked for a drink saying she was thirsty!  We headed home while she rested.  When we got home she took a long nap and then wanted to go for a drive.  Afterwards, she ate dinner and said she was ready for bed even though it was only 6:30.  I talked her into staying up until about 7:15 even though I was holding out for 8:00.  Actually she got up to the bathroom a couple of times and didn't actually fall asleep until 8:00.  I got a digital monitor to put in her room so that she can sleep without us worrying that she'll get up and fall.  It is charging and I'm excited to try it out tomorrow!

Day 104 - Tuesday March 27, 2012

Today was a great day!  We got to go to some regular rehab sessions in Provo.  It's just great having to drive a short way.  Bridgett got ready and was anxious to leave so we mailed a letter on the way.  When we got there we went to speech therapy first.  Bridgett did awesome and really amazed the therapist!  She did much better than on the evaluation apparently.  Of course, my opinion is that she was working with a graduate student during the evaluation and now she was working with the therapist.  The therapists say things differently.  For example, the graduate student reads the question just at a normal pace.  The therapists talk in a slower voice, just barely, but it's easier for a TBI patient to respond if it's a little slower.  If Bridgett doesn't understand, she says it again.  Anyway, Bridgett was also just doing better so that's good.  She remembered the year and that it was Tuesday, so little by little things are improving.  Last week (and for several weeks) she only remembered the year.  This is the first time she's remembered the day of the week, unless it was Sunday.  She seems to remember when it is Sunday on most weeks, even before she gets out of bed (so there's no cueing about it).  Bridgett's sight is improving.  Without her glasses she answered a list of questions about herself, her name, address, family members, etc where she had to write down the answers.  She couldn't remember her address, but she remembered the name of the apartment building, so that was OK to the therapist, LeAnn.  Afterwards, she wrote down five fruits, five veggies, five states, etc.  Next she did sequence cards.  Everyone else has these old cards, but this therapist has nice new ones.  They talked over the sequences, and Bridgett decided to readjust a few, but in the end got them all correct.  The sequence she had a problem with was smaller and it was more difficult to see the details.  Next they did an attention improving game on the computer.  She did better with each game--first 75 pts, then 350 pts, then 390 pts.  LeAnn gave us a card to that we can install it on our computer and use it for 30 days.  Cool!  She said to play it for about five minutes, once or twice a day.  Next LeAnn had a program that was not working so she did this vocally herself--call out words. Every time she said a word that started with an "s" Bridgett was to push a button.  She got all but three words, but pushed the buzzer when LeAnn said these words a second time.  Next we headed to physical therapy with Shane.  On the way there walking, LeAnn said I think I am starting to see your humor Bridgett.  I assured her that Bridgett is indeed fun to be around! So when we got to the therapy gym we found Shane.  He is always smiling and Bridgett really got energized when she saw him--her kind of person!  First he stretched out her neck carefully.  He showed her (or me I should say as she will probably forget) some stretches to do daily in bed.  He said to do this for a week or so and her neck will be much better.  Then he checked her stomach and abdominal strength.  Next he had her do the exercise bike with resistance for a little over three minutes followed by a short break to talk.  Next the treadmill for ten minutes.  This treadmill tests the length of stride, the bearing weight of the feet etc.  She has a nice evenly balanced stride weight wise--exactly 50% each, but her stride is a bit longer on the right foot.  I asked if this was because of the brain injury and he said that can be normal for some people.  She had another short rest, along with a drink of water.  Next she did three minutes on the elliptical.  After that they did balance and coordination activities with exercise balls.  Bridgett is so funny!  She made little eh noises when things were hard or stretches were hard.  One of the times she said I am going to try to hold those ehs inside, but she still did it and he laughed.  After therapy we passed another therapist entering the gym. She said I hope you have a good day.  He had passed us and yelled back you have a good day too.  Bridgett said softly to me--I will, because I get to leave now!  Then she pretended to cover her mouth and snickered.  It was so Bridgett and very cute!  It was a good and productive session and I left feeling so happy about switching to this rehab! When we went out to the car I said to Bridgett--now we only have to go three blocks to get home and she said then why are we driving!  Bridgett's normal comment for sure! The rest of the day was good.  Bridgett came home and took a little rest and then stayed awake until bed.  She had three Boosts (these are all the high protein Boost) and also ate quite a bit for dinner as well. I am glad to see her actually getting her appetite back! All of the time there are little things that happen that help us realize that Bridgett is "in there" and coming back to us.  It is exciting!   

Day 103 - Monday March 26, 2012

We were supposed to go to the low vision clinic today but we woke up to strong winds and rain.  I thought about the drive to Salt Lake, and the fact that the wind would make the drive even worse as far as carsickness and so I called Kasey and rescheduled for Wednesday.  Bridgett slept in late.  When she woke up she said my name was mom but that I was somebody else's mom, not hers.  This upset Stephany and she kept trying to explain that since they were sisters and I was Steph's mom that I was her mom, but Bridgett wouldn't believe it.  Steph even showed her pictures of Bridgett and I together and she didn't believe it.  We went to Jenn's and Jenn verified that I was indeed the mother of all of the kids and Bridgett finally agreed.  We had some lunch with Jenn and the boys.  Bridgett declined salmon, although she usually likes it.  She had some rice and then took a short nap.  Steph stayed and spent some time with Jenn and I brought Bridgett home.  Shortly Tyler returned from drill in Billings.  He was exhausted and after a short visit with Bridgett he took a nap.  Arrianne picked up Steph after class and they both came home.  Arrianne stayed with Bridgett and they rested while I went to the store and the bank with Stephany. Later on things were much more mellow and we all sat around and listened to stories from drill, which are always interesting!  Bridgett had already eaten about what she usually does in a day when suddenly she said that she wanted to go and get a fire thing.  We tried to guess what that was and finally she said a hamburger.  She wanted to get a hamburger from Sonic so we drove out and she ate about 3/4 of it.  Everyone is anxious to get back to Montana and actually tonight Bridgett asked me when we are going home to Montana.  She said that it sounds fun.  We have doctors appointments through the first week in May as well as therapy appointments until the middle of May.  We were hoping to leave here by that first week of May but as the time gets closer we will have to decide what to do in light of the therapy situation.  Of course, we never imaged that she would miss almost four weeks of therapy before we even got home.  Once we get home then things are all messed up regarding the insurance and in network providers.  We were hoping that she would be doing good and just need a few therapy sessions once we got home.  It's hard to make any definite decisions any farther out than about two weeks or so because we don't know what will be happening by then.  But, at least things are headed in the right direction and that's the important thing!  Bridgett headed to bed about 9:30.  Tomorrow we have therapy in Provo, our first actual therapy sessions.  I am excited for Bridgett to get started back to therapy!  

Day 102 - Sunday March 25, 2012

Maybe there is a better way to label these posts now, but I guess I can't think of one--so I guess daily is how I will post for now.  When we get to the point where a weekly post will suffice, then I will do that.  Today was a good day.  Bridgett continues to be in a happy mood.  Lately everything is a why question--why did you do that, why did that happen, why, why, why!  I remember going through that stage with the kids and after about a million whys you just want to say BECAUSE!  Of course, no one is trying to be annoying by asking questions, they just really wonder, so you feel bad just saying that.  So, we patiently answer a million why questions a day.  Bridgett has gotten much better (again!) about taking her pills.  It never was an issue about how many she had to take.  At the hospital she took a lot every day.  But, after the fall she didn't want to take ANY pills, although we could coax the most important ones down eventually. Tonight she got done taking pills and asked if that was all of them, she thought there were more.  So, I gave her some vitamins that we have been skipping lately!  It was a good day.  Bridgett slept in late and then got up and had some Boost.  Later on she wanted mac-n-cheese again (she's never tired of that although it's not that healthy of a meal I feel!).  She drank more Boost again later and had more mac-n-cheese.  She says nothing else sounds good.  Her teeth were hurting and I asked her about the pain.  She said it's always at least a 5 on a scale of 1-10.  It will be good when those are finally fixed!  Jenn came over in the evening and we played dominoes--Mexican train.  We used to play that a lot when the kids were younger.  We had fun playing and did three hands and then Bridgett was tired and ready for bed.  She visited on the couch for a bit and then headed off to bed. It's only about two weeks until Bridgett's birthday.  It is hard for her to remember the correct month (she usually thinks it's December which it was when she wrecked) or year (because the year changed while she was in a coma) and it's already hard to remember her correct age, although now she's always consistently at least 19, 20 or 21--so at least she's an adult all the time!  So we'll see what happens when she has her birthday.

Day 101 - Saturday March 24, 2012

Today was a good day.  Bridgett's appetite is continuing to improve.  She slept a lot in the morning but then got up and got dressed and was awake for the balance of the day and didn't go to bed until like 10:30 or so.  This is more like Bridgett!  She usually doesn't like early morning and loves late nights--although much later that 10:30!  And she was staying up this late before she passed out on February 24th and hit her head.  So, I see at as part of the proof that things are getting back to "normal" for her after her TBI.  Jamie came over to visit and after a bit Bridgett wanted to go walking.  Stephany and I went with them.  We walked two times around the complex and then Bridgett started to get a little wobbly.  We went back to the apartment and after about 10 minutes she was ready to walk again, although we did a short walk that time.  Jamie asked her what she was planning for the summer and she said she wanted to do races--running and biking.  Bridgett was happy to be seeing someone else besides us I think--and it helped that it was Jamie!  She was happy and smiling all the rest of the day.  She ate well and drank quite a bit today as well.  She is getting bigger sips and swallows of liquid now.  Her weight seems to have stabilized the past few days.  Hopefully she won't lose more weight.  Now she needs to be working out enough to gain some muscle back.  The girls and I went for a drive to Target about 8:30 p.m. as Arri needed something.  Bridgett did not want to go into the store when we got there, which was shocking as she loves Target.  However, she was getting tired by that time of night.  Bridgett wanted a chalupa, so we stopped across the street and got her one.  After I bought it she didn't want to eat it and I was wondering why.  Arrianne asked her why she wasn't eating it and she said well I'm not going to eat it now.  When are you going to eat it.  When we get home or stop somewhere.  I said I can stop now and you can eat it and she said I mean a real place to eat things.  I then remembered that she hates eating in the car normally--so that is another evidence that she is still the Bridgett we all love!  It was funny.  As soon as we got home and she sat up to the table she ate almost the whole thing.  I say she sat up to the table because the apartment is furnished and the table is like a bistro table with high stools.  They are a good height for Bridgett, Tyler and Mark but a little on the tall side for Steph, Arri and me.  Oh, we like them just fine, I just mean we have to try a little harder to get up on the stools! I always forgot to post things and here is another thing.  We had been told that Bridgett would have trouble with swallowing and we thought it was because of the brain injury.  We were surprised to learn that Courtney went off the peg feeding tube and immediately to a normal diet whereas Bridgett had to start with the soft foods first and move up.  I just found out on Friday at rehab that the swallowing problems are due to the fractures in the neck.  The occupational therapist asked about her eating and swallowing and I was telling him that she was on a regular diet but that she did baby swallows that were getting better all the time.  He said yes, that's because of the neck fractures.  We learn so much later on after the fact.  I told Mark, it's like I wish that someone had a great big paper saying all the injuries and the problems we could expect and what was normal etc.  Instead we find out piece by piece.  Many of you probably realized this long ago, but we didn't.  Some things I might realize if I had time to think and ponder about it.  But anyway, we will still probably be learning lots all of the time and each thing piece by piece.  Later on after we got home Arri needed to go out again.  I couldn't leave Bridgett alone with Stephany so Steph called Jenn and asked her to come over.  It was good for Steph to spend some time with Jenn.  When Arri and I got home, Jenn was brushing Steph's hair; that's always good for some relaxation!  Bridgett was still awake but resting.  Steph said that Bridgett asked Jenn a question and then drew a question mark in the air.  Jenn asked her why she did that and she said because she wanted to be sure that Jenn knew it was a question and that she wanted an answer!  Funny!  It's so great to have Jenn so close and able to help out so much. 

Day 100 - Friday March 23, 2012

We went to occupational therapy today for an evaluation.  The guy was nice--his name is Jory.  He had a good rapport with Bridgett and seemed good at what he does.  He recommended twice a week therapy on the same days as we have physical therapy.  Up in Salt Lake at the low vision clinic we are doing vision therapy along with occupational therapy for low vision issues.  Kasey said we would continue seeing him until we are able to do regular occupational therapy.  I'm not sure how long we will continue going to Kasey but he offers something that no one else does--the low vision approach--and that's what Bridgett needs right now.  So, at least for a few weeks we need to continue there.  Mark called and talked to Bree's dad last night about the whole insurance issue.  Our case manager said they are trying to get the rehab to negotiate a lower price.  Bree's dad said that the insurance company just needs to pay the difference.  Mark had a good visit with him.  Hopefully we will be able to work it all out without having to involve a lawyer but I guess time will tell.  Bridgett did really well on her occupational therapy evaluation I thought, especially compared to a few weeks ago.  Back in the inpatient rehab they were having her place large colored pegs into a mat with large holes and she was struggling to do it--mostly because of her vision.  Today she did a small peg board with small, metal pins.  You take all the pins out as fast as you can and then replace them.  The trick is that the pegs have a shape and you have to turn them to fit correctly in each hole.  She actually did really well with the right hand and of course slower with the left.  The hardest part was fumbling around to get the peg in right because she couldn't see how to fit it in.  They gave her a six card sequence to put together and she got five cards in order and one out of order. The cards had pictures from the 70's and actually it was hard to tell what one of the pictures was representing--a man taking a number to wait in line at the ice cream store.  You don't do that anywhere we go to get ice cream!  The next sequence had five cards and she got them in order.  She did some pattern blocks and got them right with only a few remarks from Jory--look around, all of the blocks are there in the box, etc.  She does really well with repeating strings of words or numbers.  She had a hard time identifying some animals, probably due to vision as well.  The lion she identified as a dog, as well as the rhino. The camel she called a horse.  All in all she did much better than the last time she did an evaluation.  So, things are improving all the time.  Of course, there is a lot of work ahead, but she'll do it!  She's a fighter! Oh, when asked about her pain today she said her neck and shoulders hurt.  She said they always hurt.  Hopefully they will be addressing this in physical therapy next week.  After therapy she was really worn out and slept for quite a while. 

Day 99 - Thursday March 22, 2012

Today was a good day.  Bridgett rested up from therapy.  She is finally getting her appetite back--this evening she wanted macaroni and cheese and had three helpings plus 1/2 of a boost.  Hopefully this trend will continue.  It seems that she feels better in the afternoons and evenings so hopefully after her occupational therapy evaluation in Provo tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. she will have afternoon therapy sessions.  Bridgett wanted to go to bed early again but we talked her into staying up until about 7:30 or 7:45.  We are still struggling with the insurance company about covering out of network rehab here in Provo.  I reminded Mark that everyone told us to just do what is best for Bridgett and then perhaps lawyers will have to work it out later on.  It is just an impossible situation to take her to Salt Lake twice a week or more and stay for over three hours of therapy.  Right now we will continue to go once a week and see Kasey but we can rest before and after the appointment and still miss rush hour traffic.  I'm sure our appointments with Kasey will have to end before we really would like them to just because it is still hard to travel. 

Day 98 - Wednesday March 21, 2012

We got up and went to the new rehab and we love it--and it's only three blocks away to the parking lot, one block to the hospital complex.  Of course, Mark and I had looked at it before we even left the ICU and we liked the set-up set.  The rehab room is large and not all crowded like it is at Sugarhouse.  In addition, they are part of the hospital, so there are endless hallways to walk around in--well not as many as at the U of U hospital but there is no where to walk at Sugarhouse except the treadmill or outside.  First we met with the speech therapist.  She had a graduate student helping.  Bridgett was agitated for some reason, probably because everything was new and she hasn't been in therapy for a while.  Anyway, we visited all together and then the main therapist took me to another nearby room to ask for specifics about Bridgett.  She was very concerned and attentive and also very good with Bridgett.  There is a standard evaluation test that the student did verbally with Bridgett.  I only got in for a few of the questions and they were things that obviously Bridgett didn't remember--who was the first president of the United States, which president freed the slaves, etc.  Of course she didn't get these right and I would have been dumbfounded if she had--although of note, history was her favorite subject in high school and she knows tons of history facts--somewhere in that brain!  Afterwards we went to physical therapy and Shane was great!  He has lots of experience with TBI and he just worked so well with her!  We discussed the whole situation with the other rehab and he said that it was premature to do what they did.  He said as time goes by a patient gets less sensitive to stimulus and we do see that.  The past few days she has gone out without sunglasses and not wanted to wear them.  The bright light is no longer bothering her!  We talked about her passing out and hitting her head.  He discussed secondary concussion with me.  I then asked him point blank if he thought she had a secondary concussion and he said based on her three weeks following the incident he believes so.  He said she had all of the symptoms--regression in memory and processing, tiredness etc.  He told us to be sure that she does not take any blow to the head, even with a soccer ball for the next three months. In effect what happens is the brain is jumbled up and connections are broken from the TBI.  Then the brain starts healing and making new connections.  The blow that she got severed some on the new connections, even though it was a small blow, because everything is very fragile at this point.  Now she is making connections again.  He said of course if it happened to you or me--no big deal.  Even in a while if it happened to her--no bid deal.  Just right now it's critical.  So we will keep on watching her carfully and being with her everywhere at this point.  He did his evaluation and then asked her what things she wanted to work on being able to do again.  She held up her fingers--1. bike 2. run and 3. swim.  Exactly what she wanted to do before the accident!  He said you did very well on the evaluation and if you come twice a week for two months you will be doing all of those things again!  Cool!  He also said I'm sure you want to drive again and she said yes.  I mentioned that she just talked about it the day before.  He said we will help you get recertified to do that again.  The issue with your vision might slow you down a bit but we'll see.  Oh, while we were walking in the hallway, we ran into trauma Adam.  He was surprised to see us and immediately recognized me and then Bridgett.  He came and talked to us and touched her hair and said I can see how long it has been since you were here.  Of course, her hair grows fast but I didn't mention that.  Anyway, he said you are doing great and seemed impressed.  It's hard to tell what's on his mind ever but I was glad that we saw him.  I tried to explain to Bridgett who he was while we were talking and she said oh you knew me when my hair was long (good thought process!).  He didn't understand at first but then he said well by the time I got involved your hair was already shaved off.  He was there in the emergency room and then up in the ICU.  Bridgett came home happy and tired and drank a Boost and took a long nap.  Afterwards she was awake for the whole day.  She asked if we could get dressed and go shopping.  I said at the mall and she said sure.  So, she got out of sweats and into jeans (at Tyler and Arrianne's suggestion) and we headed to the Provo mall.  We went to Penneys although we didn't stay too long.  Bridgett and I walked and Arrianne tried on shorts.  We bought some socks and shorts and then went to Pearle Vision to get her glasses. Later on she wanted to go out and play something--a game she said.  She probably wanted to play rugby, basketball or whatever.  We didn't even discuss that we just diverted her to doing some flashcards with me and then we played a short card game.  Afterwards she was ready for bed and so we headed to bed around 9:00 ish.  Oh yeah, she had three Boost drinks plus this morning at breakfast she wanted some cereal and ate some.  Then at dinner she wanted noodles with alfredo sauce and even asked for seconds.  Her appetite is returning!  Yeah!

Day 97 - Tuesday March 20, 2012

Today we headed to Salt Lake to the low vision clinic.  I did give Bridgett Zofran, however I remembered that the hospital in Salt Lake had given us 4 mg instead of the 8 mg that the emergency room here in Provo prescribed so I gave her that; she did just fine with the 4 mg.  We were at the appointment for an hour and by the time we were finished she asked if she could lay down somewhere.  Kasey got her a pillow and we let her rest for a bit while I made her next appointment and got her new prescription.  Of course, previously we spent two hours there and she did fine, but this is her first rehab appointment in over three weeks and I think she had to adjust a little. So the news about her eyes.  They have changed some but I think (and so did the doctor) that the striking change was the ability of her brain to process and explain what she was seeing.  Previously the doctor would show her a row of five letters and she would be unable to tell him any of them. Then Kasey would point to each one and she could then name the letter. Finally they just showed her one letter at a time.  This time he put up a row of letters and she read them off, then the next row and the next row.  She finally couldn't do the smallest row and then Kasey pointed and she got it.  The doctor tried to check for which prism coating to add to her lenses but she did not like the way things looked with the prism.  He decided to do something different--only correct vision in the right eye.  The left eye will have a lens with no correction.  This way when she sees double the second image will be blurry and so her brain will be able to just focus on the clear image.  We'll see how that goes.   Also, this pair of glasses will not be bifocals.  Instead she will use a separate pair of glasses for reading.  So, we will see how that all works out.  I called back and talked to Kasey and asked him to talk to Dr. Freestone and get his opinion on whether or not the double vision is getting better or will get better.   Kasey said that he would talk to him and call me.  Kasey said that the Moran eye clinic said that the esotropia (left eye going in towards the nose) was so great that they thought surgery would be needed. Of course, no surgery until after a year.  So, we'll see.  For now, the glasses will be ready tomorrow afternoon and we'll see how she tolerates them without the bifocal.  I am hoping that things will be better.  Funniest thing today--Bridgett suddenly sat up and said she was going to go race her car (note to self--hide all the car keys).  Arrianne said dad has your car in Montana.  So then she said I'll go race my motorcycle.  You don't have a motorcycle Arrianne told her. Well then I'm going to go race my car.  What kind of car do you have Tyler asked her.  My Mustang she said.  (Arrianne said that she and Bridgett used to go drive around in Bridget's car for fun--not racing I hope!) Hmmmm....why does dad have my car?  Luckily this time before Mark left he asked Bridgett if he could take her car--I wondered why because she hasn't even paid attention to the fact that she has a car really yet.  But apparently he was inspired to ask.  Arrianne brought Bridgett back to the bedroom to have me tell her that her car was in Montana because she didn't believe it when Arrianne told her.  I explained that dad did have her car so then she said that she would go and drive dad's car instead.  Dad's car is in Montana, that's why he drove your car.  Hmmmm....I'll drive Stephany's car then.  Stephany doesn't have a car--she doesn't even drive yet. Bridgett looked around at all of us and then she said how does this whole situation work then and she pointed to all of us.  How does this whole situation work with all of you?  I'm sure she was saying how do we all get around with only one car.  Arrianne said I have a car.  OK then let's go and I'll drive your car.  I said Bridgett you can't drive right now because you had a brain injury.  Not recently she said.  I said you're right--it was three months ago.  But the doctor has to write a note saying that you have permission to drive.  I saw the doctor she said.  I know but he didn't give you permission to drive yet.  Then Stephany said Bridgett when you had your accident your eyes got hurt and you can't drive.  I got them checked today she said.  Yes I said and you can't see good and you can't drive. Remember that you are supposed to be wearing glasses and they are getting the new prescription right now.  Hmmmmm.  Arrianne said well I can drive and Bridgett said let's go.  I told Arrianne I think that I need to be driving (since Arrianne is younger Bridgett might even try to grab the wheel, who knows).  So, Bridgett said let's go.  I took Tyler with me because Arrianne needed to study and we went driving.  Bridgett also said she wanted to stop and get something to eat although she couldn't figure out what that would be.  We drove for about 20 minutes and then Tyler suggested we go home and have some mashed potatoes.  We went home but she didn't want to eat anything and drank a Boost instead.  Later on she sat up and said she wanted to go running.  The girls tried to explain that since her accident she hasn't been running yet but she could go walking--and so we did go out walking then.  A funny day, but a day of progress for sure.  Bridgett wanted to go to bed early like at six o'clock.   I talked her into waiting until 7:00 and then since we have early rehab appointments tomorrow I finally agreed to let her go to bed.  About 15 minutes later Aunt Debbi showed up to visit and she brought Bridgett a crepe from the commercial place downstairs.  Bridgett was still awake in bed so she said hi to Aunt Debbi and she declined the crepe.  Deb ate the crepe after offering it to us and we sat and visited for a bit.  A little later Bridgett sent Stephany out to tell us in the living room that people are trying to sleep.  We had the door shut between the living room and the bedrooms but I guess we were still too noisey.  Funny!  During the night Bridgett woke up twice.  The first time she got out of bed and I walked her to the bathroom.  She told me that she didn't need to go, she just wanted to sleep in another bed.  She pointed to the other bedroom and I showed her that Tyler's bed was covered with marine things (drill this weekend) and the other bed was blocked by Arri's piano right now.  The only available bed is where you always sleep I said.  So, we went back to bed.  Later she woke up and asked me what time we would be finished (I guess sleeping).  I said that we would get up at 7:30 or 8:30 and she went back to sleep.  Funny day! 

Day 96 - Monday March 19, 2012

So things are starting to really improve; I mean we had a really good day!  Mark gave Bridgett a blessing before he left that said that she would start healing even quicker--and we see it!  Bridgett woke up and again said she needed to shower and get ready to "go somewhere" although she was unsure where that might be.  It was cute because when Arrianne was in the bathroom with Bridgett, Arri accidentally bumped the scale and it made a noise and startled Bridgett.  She said I told you a couple of days ago to be careful and not to do that because it scares me--and she HAD told Arrianne that a couple of days ago!  It's kind of weird because she remembers random things and then forgets some obvious things.  She might be remembering lots and then go to the bathroom and ask where it is, even though she was just in there 20 minutes ago.  The brain is an amazing thing--I'll say it again.  Anyway, all day long she did great.  She drank Boost for breakfast and lunch.  Then at dinner she said she'd eat a taco and she did!  Later on she said that she wanted a fast Provo and we couldn't figure out what that was.  However, she did say that frozen yogurt sounded good (although I knew it would hurt her teeth).  A new yogurt place has opened up in the commercial area of this apartment building, so we helped her put on her cute over the knee boots, a cute scarf, her cute doggie mittens and her coat and off we went, freezing every step of the way.  It snowed her Sunday night and although the snow has melted it is very cold.  Anyway, she picked out the yogurt she wanted (chocolate) and the topping (heath bar) and we went back to the apartment.  She tried a bite and made a very painful face but said it was good.  It reminded me of when were at the rehab and went to the cafeteria with Ashley.  She did the same thing--wanted yogurt but couldn't eat it.  She ate a couple of little bites, in pain the whole time and then asked us to put it away in the freezer for later.  She called Jenn (with Arri's help I think) and asked her come to and visit.  It happened that Jenn was heading to a birthday party and stopped here on her way, for about 25 minutes.  Bridgett visited for a bit and then decided that she wanted to go walking again so off we went in the covered hallways, which was much warmer.  We played Yahtzee after that although apparently she really wanted to play farkle and used those rules.  That doesn't really work out really well since Yahtzee has five dice and farkle has six but anyway we tried it for a bit.  About 8:00 she wanted to get ready for bed.  I let her go to bed early as we have an appointment in Salt Lake tomorrow at the low vision clinic.  We haven't been there for four weeks, since before the passing out spells.  I think she's finally strong enough although the ride will be tough.  We have to be there at 11:00 so we will leave about 9:30 in order to have an hour to drive and a half an hour to be still and feel a little better.  I never had to give her the Zofran before and when we went just for one appointment she made it fine, so I am thinking about trying that.  We'll see how things look in the morning. 

Day 95 - Sunday March 18, 2012

Arrianne said people at church ask her if Bridgett is getting better.  Since she's been sick it's been harder to tell for sure.  However, I pointed out to Arrianne something I guess I had just pointed out to Mark over a week ago; I'm pretty sure I blogged about it as well.  Bridgett's language is doing awesome.  She never uses those fake words any more.  The kids even tried using some of the words and she looked at them like they were crazy!  So, that's one big improvement!  Also, she is acting more like herself all the time.  She wanting to do things that she liked before, like walking.  Anyway, bit by bit we are seeing her get better, it just seems slower sometimes because we are living it day by day.  We sometimes have to remind ourselves that this is an injury that heals slowly--it's not like a broken bone that will heal in 8-12 weeks (usually- huh Arrianne!).    Also today she did something that was kind of scary but an improvement.   I had to run to Walgreen's (basically three blocks away) to get some Boost early while everyone was asleep because the only flavor we had left was vanilla and late last night we found out that she doesn't like it.  Bridgett woke up and smiled at Arrianne.  Then she said she was getting up and Arri asked why.  I'm going to the bathroom to shower she said in a kind of duh tone of voice.  This is actually the first time she's asked to shower; usually I just tell her it's time to shower.  Anyway, they headed to the bathroom--we still don't let her walk alone anywhere because of passing out and also she's weak still.  When they got to the bathroom, Bridgett told Arrianne to not to come in--she showers alone.  Arri tried to explain to Bridgett but she didn't believe her that people come into the bathroom with her and finally Arri called to Tyler and Stephany and they convinced Bridgett that I was headed home to help her shower and that Stephany could come in with her to go to the bathroom.  I was luckily headed home so got here fast and right up to help her in the shower.  It was actually kind of funny!  Anyway, that's a big step forward. Today she chose Boost for breakfast and lunch, but when we had dinner we had mashed potatoes and she wanted some!  That was exciting.  She sat and ate them herself and we all tried to act casual even though we were cheering inside.  The last time she had anything besides Boost she was so weak I had to spoon it in her mouth. Anyway, when she had eaten some of the potatoes she said she was done, but she drank a Boost afterwards.  So this is how meals usually go--I offer her two different things for each meal--like you can have yogurt and toast or eggs and toast for breakfast.  Or maybe I just say how do you want your eggs--scrambled or fried?  Then when she says no to those things I try maybe oatmeal or malt-o-meal.  Then I finally resort to a choice between one of those things or Boost.  I try to make things that Bridgett already loved before--like french toast or cinnamon bread toasted, but these things are a no go right now. Giving her choices is kind of like reverting back to when she was small.  You never say do you want to do this--but rather now we are going to do this (like leave to an appointment).  Or give her two choices to choose from is what I usually do.  Even when the kids were little I always gave them choices so that they could learn how to make choices.  Anyway, most of the time all these things work--it's just been a little crazy since the passing out episodes and her getting sick--she has not acted like she usually does. But like I say, things are getting better every day and I am feeling better about things all the way around. My mom came over to visit this afternoon while Bridgett was napping. Actually it worked out well because this way we were able to spend quite a bit of time visiting. Before she left I went in and woke up Bridgett because she had been napping for three hours and needed to wake up anyway. She also got to say hi to Uncle Mike and Christian.  Jenn came over to visit in the evening and we all had lots of fun laughing and talking.  The girls showed Jenn some of their silly camp songs and Bridgett was right in the middle of it all doing the motions with her hands although she didn't want to sing.  Her throat is still hurting so I'm sure that's why.  About 8:00 she wanted to go to bed, although the kids coaxed her to stay up later.

Day 94 - Saturday March 17, 2012

So apparently mornings are going to be the hardest right now until Bridgett gets feeling better.  I let her sleep in as long as possible.  When she got up she felt confused and didn't want to do anything.  I think that being sick, being somewhat dehydrated and not eating much are all contributing to her confusion. She raced Tyler and drank a Boost around noon.  She drank a little water during the afternoon.  About dinner time we headed to Jenn's house, planning on doing some walking.  It started to sprinkle on the way there.  We visited for a little bit then Bridgett asked Tyler to take her walking.  It was not sprinkling at the moment and she did need to walk so we put on her warm coat over her hoodie and put on a hat and took her out and walked around the block.  We went back into the house and Bridgett drank some more water (yes!) and then about 10 minutes later she wanted to walk again.  This time Jenn and Arri went with us and we just walked to the end of the block and back because the wind was really blowing and Bridgett was uncomfortable.  We also walked into the backyard to see Jenn's patio furniture (great buy!).  Then Bridgett wanted to just get into the car and leave but we talked her into going back into the house to say goodbye to everybody first.  We headed home and Bridgett finally agreed to drink another Boost.  She does not want to eat anything still and says her throat and teeth hurt.  We played a card game with her and visited a little and then she wanted to head to bed at 8:00 and I said fine; she does need the sleep.  I coaxed her pills into her by saying there were two daddy pills (the big ones), two mommy pills (the medium ones) and a baby pill (the little one).  She agreed to take the mommy pill first but after the first one didn't want the second one.  I talked and talked and finally got the second one in and threw the baby pill in with it.  Then I finally talked her into the two daddy pills.  We brushed our teeth and headed to bed.  I go to bed when she does because I get up early in the mornings.  Hoping that she feels better soon!

Day 93 - Friday March 16, 2012

Well we finally got the call that they have (almost) worked out things so that Bridgett can start therapy in Provo.  The rehab called and scheduled appointments for evaluations for speech and physical therapy on Wednesday and then occupational therapy on Friday.  We also have an appointment in Salt Lake on Tuesday at the Low Vision Clinic to see about Bridgett's glasses.  Kasey was excited to hear that her glasses need changing--that means that her eyes are getting better! It has been three weeks today since that awful experience on the way home from therapy that ended with passing out and hitting her head.  It has seemed like such a long time, even though three weeks isn't that long really.  Now hopefully we will be able to get back to progressing like we should be.  We really can't explain the passing out any other way except to attribute it to her physical therapy experience that day.  Even though this past few days she has been sick and barely eating her blood sugar has been fine and her blood pressure has been fine.  The only explanation at this point is the over stimulation from the physical therapy on top of the drive to and from Salt Lake.  Anyway, twice passing out was enough and hopeful it won't be repeated!  Today started out rough again.  The whole morning was a hard time but Bridgett did agree to drink a Boost for breakfast.  She says her teeth and throat are hurting.  We went to Jenn's to do some walking and to visit.  Bridgett pretty much walked around a Provo city block, although we walked one way and then back tracked past her house and then the other way and back.  Afterwards she wanted to come home.  We had something good for lunch but she didn't want it and she again drank a Boost and then had a nap.  When dinner came she chose Boost over food a third time. Each time I ask what hurts she says that her throat and teeth hurt. She again rested for a bit.  Then, in the early evening she all of the sudden sat up and said she wanted to put on her shoes.  I asked where she wanted to go and she said out walking.  So we took her out walking up and down the outside hallway of the apartment building.  We came back in and she laid down on the couch.  About 10 minutes later she sat up and said she wanted to put on her shoes.  I again asked where she wanted to go and she said out walking and so we went outside again.  This happened five times in a row.  We walked the hallways and did the stairs several times.  Each time she rested about 10 minutes and then wanted to go again.  We talked while we walked about how she is an athlete and the walking is good to help her get her muscle back.  The last time we walked I told her that athletes like to have a protein drink or something to eat after they work out and that she needed to do that too.  Since she has not eaten much for several days I knew she needed something else to eat.  I offered her choices for protein and she again chose Boost.  I hope that her teeth calm down soon.  Anyway, she rested a bit and then announced that she was ready for bed.  It was good for the girls to have her want to go walking.  That's the Bridgett we all know--she loves to walk or do something, not just lay around.  Later on in the evening while we were in her room visiting while she was in bed I got a call from Mark and left the room to talk.  In a minute Stephany called me back into the room to tell me something that Bridgett said--something so Bridgett!  It's always nice when these moments happen and then the girls say--she really is in there!  It's a somewhat weird experience having her be such a different person but reassuring having her act and talk like herself at times--and we plan on that happening more and more all the time!  Hoping for more good days ahead!  Oh, I started the post saying that things were almost under control for therapy in Provo. Already I have to amend that. Mark got a message this afternoon that there is a problem with the negotiations and that they are not sure they will be able to work it out.  If we choose to go here for rehab we will have to pay extra.  I guess we will just wait and see what happens.  We don't really have a choice; she can't continue going to Salt Lake so many times a week and for such a long time each trip.  So we will keep the appointments and hope that it all works out.  We have to have faith that things will be OK.  Hope and faith--those are our words we live by! 

Day 92 - Thursday March 15, 2012

Well the day started off kind of rough and I was worried about it for sure--but the day ended up very well.  Bridgett woke up twice during the night to go to the bathroom (actually the second time it was 5:30 a.m. but she never gets up that early).  She never wakes up to go to the bathroom.  Then the second time when I helped her back to bed I asked do you want some water-no.  Do you want to go to bed-no.  Do you want to stay up-no.  Do you want to sit down-no.  Do you want to stand up- no. No matter what I asked her the answer was no.  She was not mad or mean or anything, she just would only say no.  Finally she let me help her sit down on the edge of the bed.  I woke up Mark because he wanted to leave early anyway and I went to the bathroom.  When I came back she was in bed, covered up.  I asked what did you say to get her to lay down and he said he just picked her up and put her in bed and she was OK.  Mark prepared to leave and I was dreading the thought as I assumed it would be a bad day.  Mark left and I let Bridgett sleep as long as possible.  When she finally woke up she was not in that same mood--thank goodness. She didn't want to eat anything, but she did agree to drink a Boost for breakfast after Tyler said that he'd race her (he drank chocolate milk).  She napped and then we went to Jenn's for a massage.  She had a very nice massage and did really well. We tried to get her to race Connor again and she started to but he drank his whole cupful and she had only finished about 1/5 of hers and she was done.  Afterwards she napped at Jenn's house and then woke up and asked to go to Tyler's house (ours!) and sleep there.  I took her home and she slept again.  When she woke up she had some chicken broth.  I had gone to the store and got some "magic straws" for us too.  She didn't want to eat the soup, but did drink it from a straw.  Then she sat around and visited with us.  There was a band playing outside in the courtyard and she wanted to walk out to the landing and see them with Arrianne and Stephany.  When they got out there she wanted to walk for a bit and so they did.  Afterwards they came in and sang camp songs and did hand games.  Bridgett told me her stomach hurt and I once again explained that her stomach was complaining because she isn't eating enough to keep it happy.  She agreed to have some toast.  I cut off the crusts and cut the toast into little pieces for her.  She ate them with a fork and finished all of one half.  She can't bite into the toast (or anything) easily because of her teeth, so she eats toast with a fork.  She was very smiley and happy all evening and took her pills willingly.  When she went to bed the kids came in and visited with her (like they usually do at night).  Everyone was laughing, teasing and having a good time.  Finally I kicked them all out--like 45 minutes later--and said that Bridgett needed to sleep.  It was such a nice evening and a much happier ending than the start of the day.  We needed a good day! 

Day 91 - Wednesday March 14, 2012

Another very hard day.  Bridgett still is feeling sick and just wants to sleep.  She is not hungry or thirsty and we are doing everything we can think of to get her to eat or drink.  In the morning she had one six ounce cup of water (spaced through the time--five sips here and there) and five sips of a special protein drink.  She wouldn't eat anything else. Finally in desperation I got her dressed and took her to Jenn's house at about 1:00; we all went actually.  After we got in the house and Bridgett got hugs from everyone and sat on the couch I said Bridgett should we let Connor decide what you should have and she said sure.  I said Connor, what should Bridgett have--an applesauce (we give her the individual ones because they can't be cold and so I can't put the container in the fridge) or a protein drink (Boost).  He pointed to the drink.  Then Jenn said wait I have a magic straw.  She went and got one of those cute, curvy straws for Bridgett and then she got one for Connor and a drink of water for Connor.  Jenn said Bridgett, here is a magic straw for you--now you and Connor are going to have a race and see who wins!  (appeal to her competitive spirit!!)  So, I put the magic straw in the Boost and Jenn said ready, set, go and Bridget started drinking and pretty much didn't stop! We were all cheering her on! She took a few breaths now and then, but mostly she was just racing!  Connor drank all of his and we were still cheering Bridgett on.  Jenn refilled Connor's I think three times (luckily for him not all the way full!)  He was a good sport although when Bridgett finished and everyone told her she won he started to protest.  Jenn smoothed it over with him and anyway we were all just so relived that she drank it!  Then Bridgett rested on the couch for a while and after that we got her up and had her walk down two blocks and back again.  She really didn't want to but maybe the walking will help stimulate her appetite.  It was like 65 degrees outside and so nice--so at least that helps some.  Plus she needs to be walking every day anyway.  After that we took her home.  We did get her to eat 1/2 a yogurt and about 1/3 cup of homemade chicken broth later in the day.  She came out and rested on the couch in the evening.  We all hope for a better day tomorrow!

Day 90 - Tuesday March 14, 2012

Bridgett had a rough night.  I decided to let her sleep in and cancel her appointment with Kasey at the low vision clinic.  We will see him next Tuesday instead.  I also cancelled her therapy appointments for the rest of the week.  For the past 2-1/2 weeks I have been waiting for 24 hours before the appointment, hoping that she could go and then cancelling.  She has not been able to go to therapy since the dreaded Friday the 24th episode.  Now she has the virus that the kids have and she is feeling even worse than usual.  So, we will just rest up for the rest of the week and try to get better.  Several times in the past it has happened that I have met someone through providential means.  I feel that the Lord is truly blessing our family to have interactions with others who have experienced brain injuries, because we have met so many people since this has happened that had a brain injury in their past.  These encounters give us hope and strength.  I wanted to tell you about one such encounter.  Mark has been meeting with various car dealers trying to find a van for work back home.  He has had pretty extensive conversations with a man whose son had a TBI several years ago (maybe five?).  Anyway, they have discussed the situations several times but yesterday I was so frustrated about trying to get Bridgett to eat something and I called Mark and interrupted him while with this man.  It happened that the man told Mark that his wife did homeopathic testing and advising.  He said she is very busy and they were getting ready to leave out of town but he would call her and see if she would talk to me.  She agreed and we had quite a conversation.  Because of her work with homeopathics she was able to help her son and he has had quite a wonderful recovery.  She agreed to meet with us today and give us some suggestions.  We took Bridgett with us (luckily not all the way to Salt Lake) and she did OK.  I did NOT give her Zofran and she did not throw up which was good.  The woman said that Bridgett did indeed have a virus (she brought it up, not me).  She gave her four things for Bridgett to take.  She had explained to me over the phone about the level of radiation in Bridgett's  body from all of the imaging she's had.  She had 30 CT scans and an MRI plus probably about 30 x-rays.  They x-ray her chest every day that they did CT scans and I guess she's had more because they have x-ray her neck probably at least five times with they did not do CT scans.  I already know that this radiation is such a problem but I guess I hadn't thought about how it is affecting her digestions.  So she said Bridgett's body is frail and needs nourishment but she can't really digest.  She told us to make organic chicken soup and have her drink the broth.  I called Jenn last night and asked her to do that for me and the chicken was apparently wonderful so I know the broth was great as well.  Anyway, we got home about 4:30 and Bridgett napped.  When she woke up she has about 3-4 ounces of broth, which was a lot of liquid at one time for her.  She slept again and then woke up feeling better.  She asked to come to the living room to rest on the couch.  I had to run to the grocery store and while I was gone Deb stopped by and I guess did flash cards with Bridgett and she did awesome.  She's been great with the flashcards lately; her language is really getting good.  Anyway, when I got home she had some of the special protein drink that was recommended.  Later on Mark gave her a beautiful blessing.  Stephany also wanted a blessing to help get better so Mark gave her one as well.  This whole situation is very hard on Stephany partly because of her age and partly because she is such a loving, connected person and feels that pain of the family so acutely.  Of course it's hard on all of us.  I sometimes joke that we probably all need therapy and it's probably true!  But, we love and support each other.  We are a very close family and we all love each other so much.  We are there for each other.  I really appreciate all the help each of my family is able to give!  It's hard for Scott because his help to the family includes being in Kalispell taking care of our business so that we can be here.  Jenn is great to help with massages, cooking and just good old loving! She and Bridgett have a great relationship. Tyler is great with Bridgett and they are very close.  He is always able to cheer her up and relates to her in a way no one else can.  Arrianne and Bridgett are very close and Arrianne is the one that is able to fill in for me when needed, especially with personal care, fashion and social issues.  Stephany is Bridgett's "little me" in Bridgett's words (pre-accident of course) and they are very close.   It's cute because she can get firm with Bridgett and Bridgett will listen to her.  Mark is always the steady one and that's a big help when I get to the break down and cry point.  I really can't imagine being able to do this alone without the help of the entire family.  I did see people at the rehab that seemed to only have one support person and I wonder how they manage.  Of course, through it all our extened family has been great and we feel so much love and support from each of them.  Then it helps so much to know that so many people are praying with us and for us each day! We feel that support and really need it!  It helps me to see how many people read the blog and I often try to help Bridgett understand how important she is to each of us and each of you.  And for each of us, our faith in Heavenly Fathers love and help is what sustains us and enables us to face each day with a happy heart and hope for the future.  Wow this sounds so serious!  And it is!  But each day we do find humor where we can and try to laugh at ourselves.  Sometimes Bridgett is so danged funny!  In the evening when I get tired I tend to laugh easily and then watch out!  But I figure it's better to laugh than to cry.  I was also able to talk to a woman on the phone about essential oils. She herself had a brain injury 15 years ago and can relate to what Bridgett is feeling. She had a mild brain injury and said that she felt like she'd been run over by a truck for the first year.  She finally felt better after about 18 months.  She remembers that foggy feeling, that feeling that you aren't really in your own brain, etc.  It's been 15 years since her accident. She told me that she uses frankincense every day still.  I had ordered bergamot, elevation and citrus bliss for depression and she said those are the best and exactly what she would have suggested, especially for deep depression.  Those will be here tomorrow.  She told me that there are several essential oils that could help improve Bridgett's appetite but she said that Bridgett tested for myrrh.  I looked up myrrh later on and it's also used for amnesia and memory loss!  Cool!  So, I will get some tomorrow.  Of course the kids joked that she's got frankincense and myrrh--whose going to get the gold!  Also, Dorothy sent me a text that Rosemary will help heal the shearing; so now we have a nice little bunch of oils to use.  I feel so much better this evening about everything.  I was really getting worried because Bridgett has lost so much weight and then her appetite has been so poor.  Not a good combination!  But, I am very optimistic about everything and although everyone has assured me that this is a VERY long process, I know that we can make it!  Bridgett is strong and she can make it--and we can make it right along with her!

Day 89 - Monday March 13, 2012

Today we went to the dentist.  They were particularly nice to us and got us right in to see the doctor.  The gal that was very sweet.  This time they x-rayed all of her teeth to make sure that there wasn't anything else going on.  The dentist was very nice as well.  He looked things over and proposed doing the three root canals/crowns and then just doing a build-up on the fourth tooth.  This would be less work so probably better.  The bad thing is that the anesthesiologist will not be in until April 10th, so that's the soonest they can do the work.  Actually, they are booked up for that day but will call and see if he could do her early before anyone else.  They will let us know what can be done.  The dentist did find that one of the nerves was exposed again so he put bonding material on it.  This is slightly different than the composite that has already been put on it so hopefully it will work as well or better.  Bridgett was very cooperative at the dentist, which was good considering that having her mouth open to air hurts so much right now.  Just the past few days we can see that the pain is back.  I did give her Tylenol today about an hour before we went.  By evening she said that the teeth were feeling better.  Bridgett slept a lot today.  In the evening she laid on the couch and visited with all of us.  She three girls did some singing and giggling and talking.  We got to bed early as we are supposed to see Kasey at the Low Vision Clinic tomorrow assuming that Bridgett is up to the trip. 

Day 88 - Sunday March 12, 2012

So tomorrow we have an appointment at the new dentists office.  They will x-ray and examine Bridgett's teeth and then schedule to do the work.  We have the note that she can be sedated, although some of the family are concerned about sedating her.  Arrianne suggested that we see the dentist and then have a prayer and fast if necessary before doing the procedure.  I agree.  Perhaps tonight for family night she will have a special blessing regarding that.  It is scary to think of sedating her after she was in a coma.  But if it is safe, it will be so much better for her than enduring the long procedure of having three root canals and then prepping four teeth for crowns.  Her teeth are hurting more again.  Perhaps that is part of her not wanting to eat, since most things hurt as they touch her teeth. Sometimes she prefers just drinking Boost, of course at room temperature.  When we see the dentist, maybe they will need to put on a little more composite until we get the actual work done on her teeth.  Also on the schedule for today is to talk to Dr. Speed or his office about the Aricept.  I looked over the side effects and they include these symptoms that Bridgett has: nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, weight loss, and tiredness.  Additionally it says to contact your doctor if you have chest pain, fainting, flu-like symptoms, severe headache, or severe or persistent stomach pain.  We talked to Dr. Speed about all of these issues that Bridgett is having and he thought that they related to depression or to the problems with the pituitary gland. He definitely wants her to see the endocrinologist right away and see what is related to possible pituitary gland problems.  He said the fainting could be because of this.  Additionally  he wanted her to start on Celexa for depression but I did not like the possible side effects which include  drowsiness, dizziness, feeling tired, nausea, upset stomach, weight changes, and cold symptoms. Also, the more serious side effects include fainting, severe dizziness, severe nausea, loss of appetite, memory problems, headache, trouble concentrating, etc. We've already got enough of these things going on already!   I contacted our naturopath back in Montana for a recommendation and she said 5-HTP would work just the same with no side effects so that is definitely a better choice in my book. I found a product at the health food store called Beyond L-5-HTP and discussed it with the very knowledgeable woman there that I trust and she highly recommended it. This natural product has the 5-HTP plus St. John's Wort (for depression), Ginkgo Biloba (for memory), Chamomile (to relax the nervous system), Rosemary (calms the digestion and is good for de-stressing) plus L-Tyrosine, kelp, lecithin, Vitamins C, B-6, folate and magnesium.  So, you can see it is a good and very comprehensive product.  Bridgett has been reacting favorably to this supplement--sleeping better and feeling calmer although this has not helped her appetite like Dr. Speed thought an anti-depressant would.  The  Celexa would have taken about a month to have any effect.  This product works immediately so that tells me that it's not depression causing the problem of no appetite (in particular).  Also in regards to nutrition, I researched and apparently one of the best supplements is Fish Oils for brain function/brain injury problems so I am giving her that daily.  I am  also giving her a raw B vitamin complex, D-3 and vitamin C and a good multi-vitamin. Additionally, I am adding coconut oil and flax oil to her food as I can.  This has been harder lately because of her low appetite and sometimes she just wants Boost or something that I can't add oils to.  I do believe that good nutrition will definitely speed up the healing process! 

Day 87 - Saturday March 10, 2012

Bridgett ate better today.  We went out walking and did stairs as well.  She got tired easier than usual, but that's to be expected because she's been eating so little and not walking very much.  I let her nap quite a bit and by evening she wanted to play games with us, which she hasn't wanted to do for quite a few days.  She did really well, without wearing her glasses.  She says that she can't see as well with the glasses (close up) as she can without them whereas before she could see better.  So, obviously the prescription needs to be changed.  We have an appointment at the low vision clinic on Tuesday.  By the way, we still haven't got anything under control to have rehab in Provo.  The insurance company says they are "rushing" negotiations, whatever that means. They were apparently working on getting this rehab and hospital in network already (which someone told us was going to happen by 1.1.12) but just haven't worked it completely out yet.  They say that they are not waiting on that--thank goodness--but rushing her case personally.  We'll see.  It's not been too critical yet because she hasn't felt well, but she needs to be back in rehab this week.  I will have to decide what to do about her appointments in Salt Lake this week.  Of course, we will go there Tuesday to the low vision clinic and we will continue there once a week until her vision is under control.  But, regarding the other appointments--I don't know.  It really does tire her out to travel so much and to take the Zofran etc.  I have a diffuser at home and like to do essential oils, but I bought another one here and started doing oils for Bridgett (thanks Lynn!).  I have a call into someone who had a TBI herself when she was 18.  She now coaches people on how to use oils and what to use.  Hopefully she will call me back soon so that she can give me some specifics.  For now we are doing Frankincense and On Guard (to kill germs because Arrianne is sick and the other kids are getting sick).  I was so sad to read the comment from yesterday about Emily Berner, one of the cute gals that did Irish dance with Arrianne.  We know what her family must be going through.  It made me cry thinking about it--and also it humbled me to think that Bridgett could also be in a nursing home now, instead of at home with us.  We are SO thankful for that!  We really do count our blessings every day.  We realize that she has made such great progress!  Since we are with her every day it is sometimes harder to see the progress that others see when they see her infrequently.  We just try to be patient and we feel that we are indeed learning patience and learning that things happen in the Lord's time.  In the eternal realm of things this is but a second.

Day 86 - Friday March 9, 2012

Our big goal for today was to get Bridgett over to Jenn's so that she can start massaging her.  We got up and got Bridgett dressed.  She was very tired and wanted to go back to bed, but I talked her into coming out to the couch.  She didn't want any breakfast, but managed to get some Boost down her.  I had to run to the store and then I got home and talked Bridgett into some applesauce and organic brown rice cereal.  Then we headed to Jenn's house.  Jenn did a very light massage on Bridgett.  Jenn said that it's lighter than she touches Caden.  She did it on me to feel and it's very light.  She said we need to get Bridgett used to touch again so we must go slowly, especially after this episode of hypersensitivity to touch.  In fact, on the way over Bridgett said she was afraid that Jenn would hurt her.  I told Jenn this and she told Bridgett I will go very slow and if you hurt at all tell me and I will stop.  Anyway, we made it through the massage.  Actually Dr. Speed told us that accupressure could help some of her symptoms.  Jenn will add accupressure soon to the massage.  After the massage Bridgett moved to the couch and had a short nap before we went home.  When we got home Bridgett was still tired and took another nap while I made stew.  A couple of days ago Bridgett told me that she'd eat my stew.  When she was remembering back to when Bridgett was so sick as a teenager.  She slept like all the time for several months.  I said she probably slept for 20 hours a day.  She'd wake up and go to the bathroom and eat a little and then sleep.  I know that the body heals while sleeping so I have been wondering about this.  Some people tell us to make sure that she's up and doing things all the time.  Mostly she has been.  However, I am wondering if I should let her sleep more.  I finally got around to calling Bree's mother this afternoon to ask her about her experiences and advice about the sleeping and the not wanting to eat or drink.  Actually it was a very good conversation.  She said that they let Bree sleep a lot so that she could heal.  They let her sleep as much as she wanted to as long as she was getting to rehab appointments.  Also, she said that Bree did not have these issues with drinking and eating.  She tried to remember what part of the brain regulates thirst and told me to google it.  I did that when we got off the phone and found that the hypothalamus regulates thirst and hunger.  The hypothalamus sits above the optic chiasm which is where the optic nerves cross.  We know there was shearing in the corpus callosum and there was damage to the optic nerves, so that is not a stretch to wonder if there is damage to the hypothalamus as well.  In addition, the pituitary gland dangles from the hypothalamus.  It's really hard to totally picture the whole thing without having a hands on model to look at.  Maybe next time we are at the doctor they will have a model so we can see.  Hopefully we will get into the endocrinologist soon. I have that appointment for March 27th with the PA, but several people have told me to go to the U of U system of doctors because this endocrinologist is good here for routine things, but for anything big we need to go to Salt Lake.  So, that's why we got a referral to Salt Lake.  Anyway, there is a lot to discuss with the doctors about this. We are talking about a lot of interrelated issues it seems to me.  I told Mark perhaps all of the doctors realize exactly what I am talking about, they just aren't explaining it to us.  I am used to studying and knowing what is going on, so I want to know these details.  Maybe they think that if they speculate it will cause us more anxiety.  On the contrary, I think it makes me feel a little better realizing that there may be a reason for all of this.  Of course, I know there is a reason, I am just trying to find out what it is. 

Day 85 - Thursday March 8, 2012

Today we got up and gave Bridgett Zofran in order to travel to Salt Lake to see the neurosurgeon.  When we got there they lined us up for x-ray of the neck (we were expecting this). We did not have to do the CT of the head, as we had the copy of the one done Feb. 24th.  I had talked to the nurse about this last week and she asked us to bring it up on Tuesday when we saw Dr. Speed and have it scanned in, which I did.  I called before we left to make sure it was scanned in.  Anyway, when we got there the girl up front told me that they would see her about her neck but not about the brain injury.  I had already talked extensively with the nurse so couldn't figure it out.  For a bit I was very frustrated, then the gal finally went back and talked to the nurse and it all got straightened out. After the x-ray Bridgett had to wait to see the PA.  She wasn't feeling well and Mark had gone downstairs to talk to Dr. Speed, so I found a very wide chair and helped Bridgett lay down with our coats for a pillow.  We had not been there long when the gal that checked us in came and said that she had found an empty room so that Bridgett could be comfortable.  That was so nice--I didn't even have to ask.  I really appreciate the people that are so helpful!   Anyway, the person we saw was the PA, Jean Hagerdorn.  She was very nice and thorough.  She said the x-rays of the neck looked great and that the fracture has healed very well.  I said but her neck hurts almost all the time.  I realized that lately she never wants to sit straight up--she always leans forward and rests her arms on her knees or reclines back.  I told the PA this and she said that the neck muscles are still VERY weak and that it is hurting for Bridgett to hold up her head all the time.  She wrote a prescription for the physical therapist to start working on her neck and to give her exercises to strengthen the neck.  We asked about massage and she said that we could let Jenn work on the trapezoid muscles just not right on the spine still.  We then asked her if she could recommend an endocrinologist up at the U of U and she said yes.  She said we definitely need to find out why she is passing out!   We also asked about the CT scan of the brain and she brought it up on the computer and looked at it with us.  It was SO GREAT to see it!  The ventricles have opened up so much and they look wonderful!  She couldn't even see at first where the hematoma was, but I knew and pointed it out.  Anyway, the brain has healed up so well.  Of course, we can't see what's happened with the shearing unless they do an MRI, which no one has mentioned doing but we have to assume that the rest of the brain has healed pretty much the same.  I asked if they could see the pituitary gland on the MRI already done, but she said it is old and wouldn't be accurate.  So, I think the endocrinologist will want to do a MRI and perhaps we will see that the shearing is healed as well.   I don't think I have mentioned again about the twitching that Bridgett has been having.  The first time I saw it was when they removed the IV for the contrast after the CT of the pelvis.  Then a couple of days ago her right foot twitched for a bit.  While we were at the doctor today her right foot again twitched.  I asked what she thought about that and she said it is just part of the healing process of the brain.  Mark asked how things are coming and if she could give us a more definite idea of how long for healing and she said nobody can.  Everybody's brain heals at its own speed.  After that she sat down by Bridgett and put her hand on her forehead and stroked it and told Bridgett that she had sustained a very serious brain injury but that she was doing very well already and that she is going to continue to do better and better and get well. She said you are just that kind of a person, I can tell. She told her to be patient but to know that things are going well.  It was very sweet and tender.  From time to time I have seen people care for Bridgett that seemed to really care and this was one of those times.  After that she said that she would see us in two months and she told Bridgett that she could get up when she wanted to.  Bridgett stood up and Jean said wow you are tall.  Jean is shorter than Arrianne by about 2-3 inches, so about 5 five tall.  Anyway, Bridgett said yes I feel very tall and Jean laughed and said yes compared to me especially.  We had told her about how Bridgett was in training when she had her accident and about how she had done a half marathon.  She told Bridgett that when she was ready for another half marathon to call her and she would do it with her!  She is about our age if you are wondering about that.  We stopped at Chuck-a Rama hoping to get Bridgett something to eat before returning home.  We thought that there would be all kinds of choices and that she would find something to eat.  Mark got her mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese (which she normally will eat) but she didn't want that.  He also tried a chicken breast but she said no so he ate it.  She said she'd eat a donut!  They didn't have that but they did have scones with honey butter and she ate two.  Then I got her a little apple crisp, mostly apples with a little of the crisp and she ate the apple part.  I tried some pumpkin bread because she normally likes that but she said no.  She drank some water and put her head on the table to rest.  Not a particularly nutritious meal, but something in her stomach.  When we got home she ate some yogurt so she got some protein.  She actually did really well the whole day and I can see she is getting much stronger.  We will start back to rehab next week and I think she will be fine.  We are hoping that by then she will be cleared for rehab in Provo, but we have an appointment with the low vision clinic on Tuesday and we will continue going up there for that.  Once a week for one appointment is about our speed right now!  Oh, when Mark ran down to Dr. Speed's office he got a written note clearing her for the dental work!!  Yeah!  He said quote "Bridgett has had a TBI and should be able to tolerate standard anesthesia for dental work; I would avoid Ketamine however".  So I called the dentists office and got an appointment for Monday for the exam and now we can get the dental work scheduled.  I told the office manager what the note said about the anesthesia so that they would be aware now.  Afterwards I told Bridgett yeah we are going to get your teeth fixed soon!  Woohoo she said!  They won't hurt anymore!  And you can eat cold stuff like ice cream.  I don't want ice cream she said.  Maybe you will want frozen yogurt I said and she said yes that does sound good.  She will then be able to bite into things without pain and that's very good!  Lately she has been complaining more often about her teeth, so it's definitely time!  All in all a very good day!  We did some flash cards and Bridgett is amazing at her language these days.  She almost always knows the names of things and actions and usually remembers the words right away!  Some things must just get better with time--because we haven't had speech therapy for two weeks.  Of course, we are working with her here at home. The brain is an amazing thing--I must say it again even though I have many times!

Day 84 - Wednesday March 7, 2012

From time to time Bridgett remembers something from the past that really surprises us.  Jenn was over visiting tonight and asked Bridgett about how her day was going.  Bridgett said things were good.  Jenn said you should text me and Bridgett said I'm pretty busy. Jenn said what are you busy doing and Bridgett said working at the Spoon--the Golden Spoon.  And that's where she was working before the accident.  Cool! I was thinking--it seems like everyone we have talked to had a moment when they all of the sudden started remembering things from that point on.  Bridgett hasn't had that moment yet.  So, to her the past few months haven't really happened at all.  She sometimes still says it's December 2011--and it was the day of her wreck.  Hopefully soon her memory will kick in!  I know it will, but waiting is sometimes hard and sometimes discouraging.  Earlier in the day we spent quite a bit of time looking at pictures from Bridgett's childhood.  She was such a cute kid--and still is!  We all had fun doing that!  We continue to play "the game" to help Bridgett eat and drink more---we all takes turns--Bridgett takes a bit or a swallow and then one of us tells her something that we love about her.  She can finish a whole cup of water that way or eat a yogurt or whatever.  It's the new thing we've been doing lately.  It sure brings smiles to Bridgett, which in turn brings smiles to all of us!  We got out for a walk today--just around the apartment and then down to Arrianne's apartment.  I now call it Arrianne's large closet, because she's sleeping up here with us too so, we are all together most of the time. I think that's really important for all of us right now--we need the emotional support and Bridgett needs that continuity. It's been lots of fun, but I do think we distract Arrianne a little too much.  She could probably get a little more studying done if we weren't here all the time! 

Day 83 - Tuesday March 6, 2012

Today we took Bridgett to see the rehab doctor.  I gave her the Zofran an hour before we left.  Although she was nauseated, she did not throw up!  (One step at a time!)  She did much better then last time we drove to Salt Lake about trying to unbuckle her seat belt.  Every time I have taken her, she has unbuckled about four times.  Each time I get her to rebuckle and explain why.  We made it all the way to Foothill Blvd. in Salt Lake before she unbuckled this time.  She only did twice.  She didn't eat well for breakfast, but told us she'd eat a hamburger when we got to Salt Lake (early before the appointment).  However, by the time we got there, she did not want to eat and only ate about six french fries.  All the way up there I quizzed her about Dr. Speed's name.  Often she would forget.  However, when we got to the appointment, we discussed the passing out situation with Dr. Speed for about a half an hour before he actually asked her questions.  Then when he asked if she knew his name she rattled it right off!  She also remembered the year but forgot the month.  He asked her to spell table forwards which she did and then backwards--which she also easily did.  He asked her if she'd been practicing that.  Funny, cause she wouldn't have remembered even if she had--but she hadn't!  Anyway, he told her three objects and said to remember them.  Then he talked about something else and after a bit asked for the three objects again.  I could only remember two of them myself.  He tried to prompt her, one of them is a building (house), but she couldn't remember.  We all had a good visit.  We had so much to talk about and only an hour to do it.  He is thinking that there is a real possibility that the pituitary gland was jolted and there might be a problem and that might explain the passing out.  He said to see the endocrinologist for sure.  He said taking the Zofran while driving to Salt Lake is a good temporary measure but obviously not good for the long term.  I had written a note about the dentist on the sheet I gave to him but we did not discuss it because we ran out of time.  I left him a note with the secretary when we got out of his office.  She will give it to him and if I don't hear back by tomorrow I will call.  Also, I will bring it up to the neurosurgeon on Thursday when we see him.  All in all it was a good appointment.  We still don't really know about the passing out thing but hope to find out soon.  I called the endocrinologist and they said that there first available appointment was in June--brother!  They offered to set up an appointment with the PA for April.  I said we really need to get in soon--she's had a TBI and is passing out.  They made an appointment for March 27, so three weeks.  Not too bad.  Aunt Debbi came over for a quick visit.  She brought cards from Bridgett's cousin Tosha and her kids.  Tosha typed her note on the computer in large font and Bridgett read it!  Of course, she has to slow down some because she sometimes races ahead and supplies an appropriate word in the sentence without really reading it.  But, when I pointed at the words and stopped her if she skipped one she did really well.  It was one page front and back.  I will show the speech therapists and they will be happy.  I think that Bridgett's vision is really changing.  We need to see Kasey at the Low Vision Clinic and Dr. Freestone the optometrist there as well, however Bridgett has not been up to the trip yet.  Dr. Freestone is only in on Mon-Wed.  I will set it up for next week.

Day 82 - Monday March 5, 2012

Tomorrow we will see the neuro rehab doctor at 1:00.  We are hopeful that he will be able to help figure out what is happening with our little Bridgett!  Although she is improving, she is still not back to where she was before she passed out the first time.  I can't think that she could make it to Salt Lake for rehab, although we will drive there today and Thursday as well to see the neurosurgeon.  I will give her Zofran in order to make the trip without nausea.  At least for these appointments, she is just being seen and not having to do rehab and actually perform.  We are still waiting to find out from the insurance company about doing rehab here in Provo.  I need to see if Dr. Speed will give us a letter recommending that she not travel.  I am still flabbergasted that Dr. Hafen said just give her Zofran!  It shouldn't be such a big deal to see how very badly this has all affected her!  Bridgett continues to improve in remembering a few things from her childhood, although you have to wonder if she is truly remembering from the past, or just remembering the things that we have told her over and over.  I still have to remind myself that the rehab doctor, Dr. Speed, said that this is an eighteen month to two year process.  He said as long as we are still in the first twelve months after the accident, he is not worried.