One Week Back in Huntsville

From Alex:

Dear Family and Friends,

Miriam has had her trach collar capped 24/7 for 6 days in a row now. She seems to be tolerating it well. Her O2 sat ranges 94-98%.

Her Baclofen dose has been reduced to 62 mcg from 66 mcg. This has helped restore some of her muscle tone. It is hard to strike a balance but she needs some muscle tone for PT, OT and ST. On the flip side, we lost ground on the gradual casting of her left foot and ankle deformity. The bivalve cast no longer fits properly due to spasticity. She doesn't have as much spasticity elsewhere due to baclofen pump. She is also grinding her teeth intermittently and may damage more of her teeth. Oral surgery removed two of her remaining loose lower front teeth due to high risk of aspiration. Botox injection is being contemplated this coming thursday and the goal is to weaken her jaw muscles, not paralyze them. This will save her remaining teeth.

Two nights ago, Miriam opened her right eye and I started talking to her and showing her pictures of friends and family who went to visit her in Atlanta's Shepherd Center. She looked straight at all of the pictures as I was scrolling and narrating them one by one. I was so excited. Her right eye stayed open for several minutes. I have not seen her do that again but she still opens her right eye intermittently. Her right eye would occasionally track. 

Please continue to pray for functional recovery so we can go back for rehab at Atlanta's Shepherd Center.

In His Time,

Alex

1 Peter 4: 12-13
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you, but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.