Tuesday, September 30th, 2003 ~
I stayed with Tracy last night in her new
room! Definitely an adjustment, but it's nice! During OT, Kate helped Tracy
brush her teeth, put lip gloss on and brush her hair! It took her awhile and
she needed a lot of help, but Tracy had active movement in her left arm! Our
dear friend Faith came to stay with Tracy again so that Mom and I could
continue to unpack and organize our new home. Tracy was stretched and ranged by
Jana this afternoon and Adrienne massaged Tracy's hands while she was sitting
in her chair. Faith fed Tracy some split pea soup during lunch and during
speech, Tracy also had
some pureed mashed potatoes and roast
beef. Uncle Johnny arrived this afternoon and is staying with Tracy for the
next couple of days. Our friend Brendan Gray also stopped by to see Tracy this
evening. Spoto comes Friday! Woohoo!
Monday, September 29th, 2003 ~
Mom stayed with Tracy last night and she
slept all night. It is beginning to feel like Fall here in DC with temperatures
predicted in the 40's tomorrow morning. We moved Tracy to Room 306 (next door)
today. Her new direct phone number in 306 is 202-877-1315. During OT, Kate stretched and ranged Tracy's
shoulders and arms and adjusted her night splints. The botox seems to be working; Tracy is able to relax her arms a
lot better. During PT, Tracy was placed
prone (on her tummy) and Marlena stretched her hips and legs. Adrienne massaged and stretched Tracy's
hands and wrists and Jana stretched Tracy's hips, legs and feet. During Speech,
Tracy had 4 ozs of coffee yogurt in less than 30 minutes. Later, Mom fed Tracy
4 ozs of peach yogurt smoothie. Uncle Johnny comes Tues and we cant wait to see
him!
Sunday, September 28th, 2003 ~
Dad stayed with Tracy last night and she
slept well. Dad and Mom took Tracy to
Mass today in the Rehab Gym. Nicole, Aubrey,
and Sam joined us. Today, Tracy was
able to have communion by taking a small piece of the host and a sip of wine. After Mass, everyone spent some time in the
Therapeutic Garden getting some of the last rays of sunshine before the cool
weather settles in. We were all sad to
see the girls head back to the University of Miami this afternoon. Tracy really seemed to enjoy their
company. They are wonderful friends and
we are really glad that they came to visit.
Faith stayed with Tracy again this afternoon while Mom, Dad and Tiffany
unpacked more stuff at the new apartment.
It is looking more like home each day!
Charles headed back to Virginia Beach this afternoon. He was here all week helping us move. What a life saver he is! Thank you to Aunt Candy for all of the nice
presents. Tracy loves the little dog,
angle pin, and lotions.
Saturday, September 27th, 2003 ~
Tiff stayed with Tracy last night and she
slept well. Our friend Faith stayed
with Tracy all day while Mom, Dad, and Charles unpacked and worked to get us
moved into our new apartment in Crystal City.
Faith also helped Mom and Tiffany rearrange furniture and it is starting
to look like a home. Tracy's friends,
Nicole, Aubrey, Samantha, and Jenna from U of Miami arrived and spent the day
with her. They gave her a facial, hand
massage, and did her makeup South Beach style!
She looks beautiful! Tracy was
sleepy during Speech, and didn't feel like eating. During OT, Tracy was positioned on the side of the mat and put
her arms on the bedside table. She is getting much better at trunk
control. Lamar stretched and ranged her
during PT. Tracy has to move out of
room 305 on Monday b/c they will be fixing the many problems with her room
(leaks). Tracy will most likely move into room 306 and stay there for the
remainder of her stay at NRH. Thank you to Aunt Candy for all of the nice
presents. Tracy loves the little dog,
angle pin, and lotions.
Friday, September 26th, 2003 ~
Dad stayed with Tracy last night and she
slept well. Tracy was videotaped this morning for an educational physical
therapy video about brain injuries and tone. During OT, Katie showed Dad how to
relax and stretch Tracy's shoulders and arms. This afternoon, Tracy had her
best stretching session with Jana yet! Marlena, Tracy's PT helped Tracy sit at
the edge of her bed. Dad and Marlena had Tracy's elbows leaning on her bedside
table and showed Tracy some numbers. She looked at the correct numbers when
asked! Tracy also had about three ounces of yogurt smoothie! Go Tracy! We are
still in the process of unpacking and moving into our new apt! Tracy has to
move out of room 305 on Monday b/c they will be fixing the many problems with
her room (leaks). Tracy will most likely move into room 306 and stay there for
the remainder of her stay at NRH. Nicole, Aubrey, Jenna, and Sam, four of
Tracy's friends from the University of Miami, arrive tonight!
Thursday, September 25th, 2003 ~
Mom stayed with Tracy last night and Tracy
watched some of the Dave Matthew's in Central Park concert on AOL on Tracy's
laptop. She wore her new cast for an
hour during the night. Marlena and
Maria made Tracy this new cast to help straighten her right knee. She tolerated it well and will wear it
longer this evening. During OT, Kate
and Connie made Tracy a new night splint to wear on her right hand over her
cast. She has all sorts of new
equipment to wear when we take her home.
During PT, Tracy was ranged and stretched by Jana and Marlena measured
her for a CPM machine which she
will have when we take her home. She uses the CPM every evening for an hour
and a half on each leg to help with her tone.
During Speech, Tracy had her first tray from dietary! She ate almost a third of pureed roast beef,
carrots and peas! Nicole, Aubrey, Jenna, and Sam, four of Tracy's friends from
the University of Miami, will be visiting this weekend. Thank you to cousins
Dawn and Sophia for the adorable cards which Dawn's CCD class in Marietta,
Georgia made for Tracy.
Wednesday, September 24th, 2003 ~
I stayed with Tracy last night and we
watched some TV. She slept through the night again! Woohoo! During OT, Tracy was
on a mat in the atrium. Kate, Tracy's OT, helped Trace brush her teeth and put
lip gloss on. Tracy needed a lot of help but did a great job. I took Tracy
outside for a bit to enjoy the sunshine and to look at some of the fish in the
fountain. She dozed and then we met up with Adrienne so Trace could get her
daily hand and arm massage. Tracy was stretched and ranged during PT and wasn't
in the mood to eat anything during speech. She did answer some questions with
headnods and
her "yes" and "no" cards though! Our friend
Faith stopped by this afternoon and hung out with Tracy. Dad is off all this week
in order to move us into our new apartment. Charles is visiting for the week
and is helping us move to our new apartment in Crystal City.
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2003 ~
Mom stayed here at NRH with Tracy last
night and Tracy was out like a light. She has been sleeping so well lately!
During PT, Tracy had a cast put on her right leg in order to straighten her
knee. The cast was then cut off this afternoon in order to make a bi-valve cast
that she can wear just at night. Tracy also had a splint made for her left
wrist and hand and her OT made sure it fit her well. Tracy had four ounces of
yogurt smoothie and then drank Dad's french vanilla coffee! She had four ounces
of french vanilla coffee! That's the girl we know and love! We gotta bring her
some Starbucks! Dad is off all this
week in order to move us into our new
apartment. Charles is visiting for the week and is helping us move to our new apartment
in Crystal City. Nicole, Aubrey, Jenna, and Sam, four of Tracy's friends from
the University of Miami, will be visiting this weekend. We are looking forward
to finally settling in.
Monday, September 22nd, 2003~
I stayed with Tracy last night and she
slept through the night. Tracy had a special visit from Taylor, the therapy
dog, this morning! We took Trace out to the atrium and she laid on a mat with
Taylor. With help, she rolled to her left side and stretched her right arm
around Taylor giving him a big hug! She did the same thing on her right side
and received many doggy kisses! Tracy is so relaxed with Taylor and her
therapists think that Tracy really needs a visit from her dog, Snow! They think
that Snow would really help Tracy! During speech, Jennifer and I fed Tracy
about 3 ounces of tropical fruit yogurt smoothie. She is eating so much better
lately! Tracy was also put on her knees during PT. Four of us got her up on her
knees and then had Trace lean on some boxes with her elbows for support. She needed
a lot of help, but she stayed in that position for about 15 minutes! Dad is off
this week in order to move us into our new apartment in Crystal City. Charles
is visiting this week and is helping us move.
Sunday, September 21st, 2003 ~
Dad stayed with Tracy last night and they
watched the exciting LSU vs. Georgia game. Geaux Tigers! When Mom arrived at the hospital this
morning she told Tracy "Good morning Tracy" and gave her a kiss.
Tracy turned to Mom and said "Hi, Ma!" incredible! She said it without
any cues and without anyone asking her to say "hi"! Mom and Dad took
Tracy to Mass here at NRH this morning. They then took Tracy outside for a bit.
They also put Tracy on a mat in the atrium and stretched and ranged her legs,
hips, feet, arms and shoulders. We have to keep her girl in tip-top-shape.
Tracy did not have
therapy today and has a very busy week
ahead of her! Mom fed Tracy about four ounces of a chocolate protein shake. Dad
is off all this week in order to move us into our new apartment. Charles comes
on Monday to help us move to our new apartment in Crystal City. We are looking
forward to finally settling in.
Saturday, September 20th, 2003 ~
Mom stayed with Tracy last night and she
had a restless night. Tracy had a half
day of therapy today, and did a great job!
During Speech, Tracy had some strawberry yogurt smoothie. Later in the day, Tracy finished off the
bottle, drinking 5 ozs of yogurt smoothie in less than 30 minutes. During PT, Cara stretched and ranged Tracy's
lower extremities, and Rene', Dad, and I got Tracy prone (on her stomach) for
20 minutes. Tracy is getting better at
relaxing her right leg, which has a tight hamstring, while in this position on
the mat. During OT, Tracy's arms,
hands, wrists and shoulders were stretched and ranged. Then Tracy had a shower and Dad, Mom and Tracy watched the
exciting LSU vs. Georgia game. Geaux Tigers! Charles comes on Monday to help us move to
our new apartment in Crystal City.
Friday, September 19th, 2003 ~
Dad stayed with Tracy last night and they
both weathered the hurricane despite a few leaky windows! Mom and I wholed up
at our apartment and thankfully we didn't lose power! Charles is coming Monday
to help us move into our new apartment next week. Tracy had a full day of
therapy today despite the bad weather. During OT, Tracy sat at the side of the
bed (with help) twice and the OT taught Dad how to range Tracy's shoulders. Dad
was checked off on positioning Tracy in the bed and worked on hip extensions
with Tracy during PT. Adrienne gave Tracy a hand massage and Jana stretched
Tracy's legs. During Speech, Dad fed Tracy six ounces of strawberry yogurt to
show the speech therapist that he can do it!
Thursday, September 18th, 2003 ~
Tiff spent the night with Tracy last night
and they both slept peacefully. During
OT, Katie and Connie continued to make Tracy's wrist splints. She finished the
left one and will work on the right one
on Monday. During PT, Tracy sat up on
the edge of the mat with help and rested her forearms on a table. She is getting more trunk and head control
each day. Tracy was stretched and
ranged by Jana. During Speech, Tracy
had two ounces of vanilla pudding and Jen, her therapist, was pleased with her
progress. She is getting better at
putting her lips together and swallowing with minimal cues. Marlena ranged and stretched Tracy and massaged
the back of her knee. We are keeping an
eye on Hurricane Isabel. They are predicting her arrival around the DC area
this evening.
Wednesday, September 17th, 2003 ~ Eight Months Since the Brain Injury
Mom spent the night with Tracy last night
and they both slept peacefully. During
OT, Katie started to fit Tracy for wrist splints. Tracy was up in her chair for
a bit today and had PT in the atrium. Tracy was "prone" (on her
tummy) for 20 min and her PT gave Tracy a deep massage to the back of Tracy's
leg. Tracy was stretched and ranged by Jana and Adrienne massaged Tracy's arms
and hands. During speech, Tracy had two ounces of strawberry yogurt smoothie.
Our friend Liz Tomasezski stopped by to visit and brought Tracy some Clinique
Lotion. Miss Dolly, our elementary school librarian in Louisiana, sent Tracy
the book, The Little Engine that Could! We are keeping an eye on Hurricane
Isabel. They are predicting her arrival around the DC area at the end of this
week. Mamaw left this afternoon and made it home safely. Mamaw brought Tracy
some really cute socks and a cute pair of pj's!
Tuesday, September 16th, 2003 ~
I spent the night with Tracy last night
and she slept very well! She has been sleeping through the night alot lately.
During PT, Tracy was prone (on her tummy) for about 20 minutes and she helped
extend her leg. Tracy has her daily hand massage with Adrienne and was
stretched and ranged with Jana. During
OT, we took Tracy outside and she practiced using her left arm to brush her
teeth with a toothette! Kate held Tracy's arm up in space and Trace moved her
arm back and forth (slowly) in order to brush her teeth! She also put some lip
gloss on her lips! Awesome! During speech, Tracy had about 2 ounces of coffee
yogurt. She is doing a great job eating by mouth. Miss Dolly, our elementary school librarian in Louisiana, sent Tracy
the book, The Little Engine that Could! We are keeping an eye on Hurricane
Isabel. They are predicting her arrival around the DC area at the end of this
week. Mamaw is leaving tomorrow, a day earlier than planned, b/c of the
hurricane. We have really enjoyed her visit! Mamaw brought Tracy some really
cute socks and a cute pair of pj's!
Monday, September 15, 2003 ~ Eight Months Since the Car Accident
Mom spent Sunday night with Tracy and they
both rested well. During OT, Katie measuered Tracy for some new night splints
that will help to extend her fingers. She
also checked to see if Tracy is ready for a new cast for her right arm. The Botox injections have really helped to
relax Tracy's arms and wrists. Later,
Mom fed Tracy about 5 more ozs! Jana
stretched and ranged Tracy's lower extremities and Adrienne massaged and ranged
Tracy's upper extremities. During PT,
Marlena stretched Tracy and then Mom practiced transferring Tracy using the
Hoyer lift. Mamaw is enjoying her visit
with us and we are glad that she is here.
We are keeping an eye on Hurricane Isabel. They are predicting her arrival around the DC area at the end of
this week.
Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th, 2003 ~ Nana's B'day!
Tiffany spent Friday night with Tracy and
they both rested well. Saturday Tracy has a half day of therapy and she ranged
and stretched by Lamar. During PT, Tracy was positioned on her knees by
Jennifer for about 10 minutes, and put weight through her lower extremities.
During OT, Katie showed Dad some shoulder stretches that we can do when Tracy
goes home. During Speech, Jennifer tried some vanilla pudding, but Tracy wasn't
in the mood to eat. Later, Dad, Mamaw, Tiffany, Charles and Mom took Trace out
in the garden for some sunshine between the rain showers. Mom fed Tracy 5ozs of
raspberry smoothie and she enjoyed it. Saturday evening, Tiffany took Mom to
the Dave Matthews concert in Virginia. DMB played mom's favorite song: Gray
Street! Sunday, Mamaw, Dad and Mom took Tracy to Mass on the second floor.
After Mass, Tracy drank 5 ozs of raspberry yogurt smoothie in about 30 minutes.
In the afternoon, Dad and Mom stretched Tracy on the mat in the atrium. Tiffany and Charles are on their way to
Virginia Beach to another Dave Matthews Concert this evening.
Friday,
September 12, 2003 ~
Mom spent the night with Tracy and they
both rested well. Jana ranged and
stretched Tracy's legs, hips and feet and Adrienne massaged and ranged Tracy's
arms, wrists and fingers. During PT,
Marlena stretched Tracy's lower extremities
too. Kate had Mom practice transferring
Tracy using the Hoyer lift. Tracy and
Mom did a good job. With a little more
practice, Mom will be checked off!
During Speech, Jennifer tried some new smoothie drinks (passion and
guava) and Tracy also tried a little bit of macaroni and cheese, She didn't feel like eating much today. We'll try again tomorrow. Tiffany and Charles return from Virginia
Beach this evening. Mawmaw arrived from
Louisiana and we are so glad that she is here.
Thursday, Sepember 11, 2003 ~
Dad spent the night with Tracy and they
both rested well. Tracy had another
GREAT day of therapy today. During OT,
Kate helped Tracy use her left hand to use a toothette, in get her ready to
brush her own teeth one day! I know our
girl will be happy to put on her own makeup, not that she needs it! She's a natural beauty! During Speech, Jennifer fed Tracy 8 ozs of
mixed berry yogurt smoothie. Tracy is
taking much bigger sips and swallowing them more efficiently with her mouth
closed. In PT, Marlena had Mom
demonstrate various bed positioning skills and checked her off on her
competency checklist! Way to go
Mom! Once again, nursing school paid
off! Tiffany is visiting friends in
Virginia Beach for a much needed mini-vacation.
Wednesday, September 10th, 2003 ~
Tiffany stayed last night and they had a
good one. Tracy's morning started off
with an upset stomach but was resolved by early afternoon. In PT she was positioned prone for 40
minutes,
an all time record. During speech Tracy showed a lot of emotions
and responded with a nod when asked by Jennifer if she felt sad. She even shed some tears. This is another sign that she continues to
improve with babysteps. She was ranged
and stretched by Jana and Adrienne massaged her hands and fingers.
Tuesday, September 9th, 2003 ~
Mom stayed with Tracy last night and Tracy slept peacefully.
During OT, Tracy had a very special visitor! Taylor, the therapy dog stopped by
and he laid on a mat with Tracy. Tracy rolled to her
left (with help) and put her arm around Taylor (with help). She
gave him big hugs and with help petted him. She then did the same thing, but on
her right side. Tracy really enjoys Taylor's kisses! Hopefully soon our dog
Snow will visit or come to live with Tracy! She loves her puppy! Tracy's legs,
hips and feet were ranged by Jana this afternoon and then Mom ranged Tracy
during PT. During speech, Tracy had a cup of cranberry juice and also had some
coffee yogurt. Also, Adrienne massaged her fingers, hands and arms! John Huber,
one of Tracy's ICU nurses at Bethesda surprised us with a visit this afternoon
and brought Tracy some beautiful flowers. It was so nice to see him and he also
loaned us a prayer book. Father Rock and Father Brown stopped by as well!
Monday, September 8th, 2003 ~
Tiffany stayed with Tracy last night and they both had a good
night's sleep. Tracy had a GREAT day of
therapy (she seems to like Mondays)!
During OT, Katie stretched Tracy's shoulders, arms and hands. Katie helped Tracy practice swabbing her
mouth with a mint flavored toothette again.
Pretty soon she will be brushing her own teeth! During Speech, Tracy ate 2 ozs of chocolate
pudding. After Speech, she ate 2 more
ozs of coffee yogurt. She is swallowing
quicker with little assistance and minimal verbal cues. During PT, Marlena and Skye put Tracy on her
tummy for almost twenty minutes to stretch her back, hips and legs and to put
weight through her shoulders and arms.
Jana ranged and stretched Tracy's hips, legs and feet and Adrienne massaged
her fingers, hands and arms!
Sunday, Spetember 7th, 2003 ~
Dad stayed with Tracy again last night and
they watched the awesome UM vs. UF game! GO CANES!!! :) I'm sure that win made
Tracy happy! Mom and Dad took Tracy to Mass in the rehab room this morning and
then Cousins Chip and Eileen, Mom, Dad, Charles and I took Tracy outside for a
bit. She had about four ounces of strawberry yogurt smoothie while we were
outside. It's such a nice day out! Then we went into Independence Square to
show Chip and Eileen around. Tracy has had a relaxing afternoon and a nice day
off from therapy. She has been chilling in her wheelchair most of the day
and cousins Chip and Eileen headed back
to Florida this afternoon. They brought Trace some adorable pj's to add to her ever
growing collection. Thanks. Mamaw comes Friday from Louisiana and we are so excited! Father Brown stopped by yesterday
to see Tracy again. He comes every weekend!
Saturday, September 6th ~
Dad
stayed with Tracy last night and they watched some of the US Open. Tracy slept
peacefully through the night. She had a half day of therapy today and her arms
were stretched and ranged during OT.
During PT, Tracy was put prone (on her tummy) out on the mat in the
atrium. This afternoon, Tracy's legs and feet were stretched while she relaxed
in bed. Cousins Chip and Eileen, Charles and I took Tracy outside by the
fountain for a little while this afternoon. Tracy watched some of the US Open
today and she has had a relaxing evening. Charles is back from Japan and is
staying until Sunday.
Friday, September 5th ~
Tracy
and I had another sleep over and we watched the NFL Live Concert on TV. It
happened only 2 miles down the road from NRH! Crazy! Cousins Chip and Eileen
arrived early this morning from South Florida. They are staying until Sunday.
Tracy's OT, Katie, stretched Tracy's arms and helped Tracy brush her teeth!
Tracy actively moved her left arm in order to brush away! With help, Tracy sat
up at the edge of the mat in the atrium and leaned onto a table, working on
keeping her head up. During speech, Tracy had a few swallows of
strawberry/banana yogurt smoothie and then had some bites of coffee icecream.
She is really starting to move her mouth and jaw. Tracy's J-tube was taken out
this week and now she is being fed
solely through the G-tube in her tummy. Tracy
was stretched and ranged by Marlena, her PT, in the therapy room. Emil stopped
by NRH and gave Tracy her weekly massage! Charles is back from Japan and will
be arriving tonight.
Thursday, September 4th ~ 7 Months at NRH
Mom
stayed with Tracy last night and they watched some of the US Open. Tracy slept
peacefully throughout the night. Tracy had OT this morning and her shoulders
and arms were stretched and ranged. She had some chocolate protein shake and
some tropical fruit smoothie during speech. Her speech therapist fed her and
also worked with Tracy, trying to get her to stick her tongue out. That's
pretty hard for her to do. Yesterday Tracy lifted her eyebrows up and down on
command, twice! She is working on talking and is sooo close! During PT Tracy
was stretchd out on the mat in the atrium. Tracy's arms have really loosened up
since she had botox injections in them! Cousins Chip and Eileen arrive this
Friday from Florida and we can't wait to see them! Charles is back from Japan
and will be arriving tomorrow afternoon.
Wednesday, September 3rd ~ 7 Months at NRH
Tracy
and I had another sleep over and we watched the OC. She had OT this morning
with Katie out in the atrium and sat up at the edge of the mat, putting her
arms on the bedside table with help. Mom fed Tracy four ounces of a vanilla
protein shake. During PT, Tracy was prone (on her tummy) in the atrium after
she was stretched and ranged by Jana. During speech, Amy, the speech therapist,
fed Tracy some tropical yogurt smoothie and some water. She put her lips around
the bottle and she is starting to do some different things with her mouth and
tongue. Today, Tracy's J-tube was taken out, finally! She now is only being fed
through a G-tube in her tummy. Tracy also said "yah" today during
speech. Cousins Chip and Eileen arrive this Friday from Florida and we can't
wait to see them!
Tuesday, September 2nd, 2003 ~
Mom
stayed with Tracy last night and she slept on and off. We took Tracy over to the
Washington Hospital Center for a routine bone scan this morning. We were there
for about two hours and then brought Tracy back for an hour of therapy. She had
speech and worked on eating some strawberry jello. She had about five bites of
it while sitting up in bed. Tracy's OT, Katie, came for the second half hour of
speech and helped Tracy sit on the edge of the bed. Amy, the speech therapist,
continued to feed Tracy some jello while Tracy sat at the edge of the bed with
Katie's help. This afternoon we brought Tracy back to Washington Hospital
Center (it's across the street) for the second part of the bone scan. Tracy
missed PT because of the bone scan test.
Monday,
September 1st ~ Labor Day
Dad
stayed again with Tracy Sunday night and she rested really well. Tiffany
returned from her weekend off and had a good time. Tracy had a half day of therapy today and did well. During PT, Tracy was positioned prone (on
her tummy) for close to thirty minutes!
She was able to get a good stretch in her hips, and back, and put weight
through her shoulders and arms. Lamar ranged her feet, hips and legs. During OT, Tracy was positioned on the edge
of the mat, with her arms stretched out in front of her on a bedside table. She was able to hold her head up with assistance. Tracy did not have Speech today because o
Labor Day, but had about 3 ozs of strawberry yogurt smoothie and a few bites of
jello.