Abby update - November 16

Today it seemed like Abby was really fighting to break out of her "shell."  I think she wants so much to try to communicate with us, but the parts just aren't fully cooperating yet.  During therapy she was mouthing some of numbers as the therapists were counting during stretches, and when the speech therapist asked her how old she is, you could clearly see her mouth "twelve."  Gordon and I keep working with her, too, to try to help her find a way to tell us things.  I had to smile tonight--I was trying to show her how she could close her eyes to say "yes."  Finally, in response to one request from me, she did.  Then she didn't open them again!  (well, until about 30 seconds later...)  It just goes to show the complexity of the brain--that simple requests aren't really so simple.  (It also goes to show that you can't be in a hurry with head-injury patients...)

 

One thing that will certainly help encourage speech is if we can get her tracheaostomy tube removed.  We are not certain if that is still a possibility next week (we haven't seen the pulmonologist this week).  There are several reasons, besides speech and our emotions, that we are eager to get the trach removed.  The doctors are ever-vigilant about respiratory infections, since the trach is such an easy portal for infection, and we are currently a little worried about a cough that Abby has developed.  It could just be seasonal allergies (Frank also has a cough right now), but we are glad that they want to quickly intercede if any infections are developing.  A white blood cell count will be done in the morning, which should help tell us something.

 

So--always something for you prayer warriors to keep in mind--communication and coughs tonight--we know your prayers help keep us and Abby strong...

 

God's blessings,

Lee Ann, Gordon, Abby & Frank

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