A little good news.

 Five more appointments since Monday.  Mostly pretty good news.

Tuesday- Speech Therapy (which includes a neuro-psych/cognition component).  The therapist repeated two mental status and cognitive tests in which Jennifer achieved perfect scores.  They saw no reason for her to need to return to this clinic — so she was discharged with no need for further follow up. Yay.

Thursday- Turns out that no one noticed that Jennifer had an abnormal urine culture result from the rehab facility (sample sent because of the long period of the in dwelling urinary catheter in the ICU).  We had to sort that out with  a primary care provider this morning.  They repeated the urinalysis which is still abnormal—and she is mildly symptomatic— so then there’s the trip to the pharmacy to pick up an antibiotic prescription.  

Then to follow-up with the Trauma Surgery Team in Morgantown (90 mins north).  A chest X-ray showed her pulmonary contusions and rib fractures are mostly healed — so she was released from any further follow-up here, too.

Then a quick drive 30mins south to Bridgeport to United Rehab for evaluations with Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT). In broad strokes, OT deals more with upper extremities issues and how they relate to issues of daily living (eating, dressing, bathing, etc) while PT deals more with lower extremities and ambulation.  Today, Jennifer demonstrated excellent upper extremity strength and dexterity—and was released from any further follow up with OT.  PT was a different story.  Jennifer has quite a bit of weakness in her legs and core (abdomen/back) which are the result of both the brain injury and being immobile for 3 weeks.  Additionally, balance is a real problem—a brain problem and also related to her right eye problem.  She needs support to walk—an arm to lean on, a walker or something like a doorframe or railing to steady herself.  We have twice weekly appointments —and lots of homework workout routines—for the coming month.  Pray for progress with her strength, ability to walk independently, and safety (freedom from falls).  Thanks.