01/04/12

A really good day for Jules today, she was off the ventilator all day and was only connected whilst sleeping at night.  She used the speaking valve for about three hours in total and is coping with the extra effort required to exhale and speak very well.  Darrel, Margie and I helped with a couple of rounds of physio on her biceps and triceps.  As yet she is finding the simultaneous use of the speaking valve and the physio too hard, so the valve is out while the physio is performed.  Plenty of visitors two and a half hours on the balcony.

I have been doing some reading on tracheostomy management see http://ceaccp.oxfordjournals.org/content/8/1/31.full it has sections on how they assess her swallow reflex, the process to wean her off the respiratorand how they maintain the the humidity levels to prevent lung problems.  It is good to have an understanding of the procedures.

 The highlight of her day was a hair cut by her Townsville hairdresser "Shorn", he had a trial run on me (a number one cut) before working on Jules.  She now has a stylish short cut which will be much cooler and easier to maintain and most of all won't pull when they are moving her.  There were some pics taken of before and after but they haven't popped up in my in box.  I will try to get them today and include them with tomorrows update.

The ICU routine is very busy and it is difficult to find time to put in the extra physio.  Darrel gave Jules her dinner (soup)  and set up the TV and they watched Biggest Loser and he left about nine to walk back to the apartment.  It has been great for both of them that they have had some quality time together this weekend.

Jules strength is increasing each day and her resolve is very strong.

 Today again clinically there is not much to report which is good, each day is another step on the road to recovery.

 Kind regards Norm