First Full Day of TBIR....

Is that Jack Benny or Cairo....

Okay first full day in the Acute TBIR (traumatic brain injury rehab) was quite interesting.  Melissa had blue lips and a blue tongue.  At first I thought she had put something in her mouth, NOT.  She was tested by the Speech Rehab person with a swallow test.  It is an ice cube in the mouth I was told with blue color to see where the water was going.  Attempt 1 was a fail, but they have to start to see what is needed to get her to a swallow.  They have a plan set forth in that area.  The Care Team already stepped her trach to two levels away from, no trach needed.  They will be aggressive with the step down.  It is time for that hardware/plastic to come out.

Physical Therapy was there twice and they were impressed with her ability to get to a seated position on the edge of the bed.  The balance issue is not good when standing up with some assist; foot/stance placement needs work.  She was able to get in a wheel chair to rest, plus adjust her position by herself.  The PT Team was encouraged by her somewhat strength and will begin 1 hour of therapy tomorrow, split into 2 sessions at first.  They asked me many questions about our living spaces and access, plus Melissa’s favorite recreation things to do; #1 travel & #2 her friends.

Occupational therapy was there before visiting hours so AWL I know is tomorrow she has a session with them for an hour. They work on dressing yourself, maneuvering around the house and cognitive abilities.  They work on any reading and writing deficiencies.

So put this woman to work and get her on her feet and mobile.  No time to waste Melissa, it is “throw down” time as we say in racing.  The moment you challenge your opponents to try and overtake you or you try to “break” them.

#smallsteps #focus #rest #repair #recover #REHAB

*pray for a clear mind and focus for Melissa when she is working with her Care Teams.

**pray that her Team is rested and ready to challenge our sister & friend 

***corny but true and words of inspiration from my Scout Master: “the last four letters of the word American are I C A N, I can!” Let this be Melissa’s inner voice

****pray that I can stay awake driving home on the bee-U-tee-Full Palisade Parkway—yikes,