Kate's trach was plugged for about 6 hours today...twice as long as the last two days. When she struggled with a cough, nurses decided to unplug it to make her more comfortable. She will have to be plugged for 48 continuous hours (including nighttime) before they will consider pulling the trach permanently.
The day started with a particularly difficult p-t session during which John and Adam sat her on the mat and really tested her ability to hold up her head, sit straight (obviously with help), etc. Then they put her on her back and brought her knees up and put her arm up over her head. For a while, she held her leg and arm up by herself. She slept for two hours in her wheelchair right after the session.
The afternoon included a visit from the speech therapist, but Kate was still so tired she didn't participate much. But as soon as the therapist left, the o-t came in to do range of motion exercises. Kate was still plugged and making lots of noises...some that sounded really close to an attempt to talk. She was verbal for about 30 minutes.
At the assesment this morning, doctors and nurses said the plan is for Kate to move to the second stage of treatment on Sept. 1. They will start giving her Ritalin tomorrow, twice a day, to wake up the front of her brain.
Say some extra prayers.
Mom Angie
I'll be visiting in Milwaukee for the weekend. For updates pleases visit http://www.kampkatie.com
