Ashley seems to be getting along well with her therapists. Today with speech her swallowing was very consistent. I am sure Ashley can’t wait to graduate from juice to something a bit more substantial.
Tomorrow Ashley is going to go to the ‘technology floor’. The goal there is to come up with a means or device with which Ashley will be able to consistently communicate a yes/no response. We know having a means of communicating will be a huge positive impact on Ashley and will provide her more confidence. Please pray that they have success tomorrow in developing a means of accomplishing that.
As Ashley achieves more motor skill response she also encounters issues with muscle spasms and cramps. It becomes a balancing act for her medication (over medicate and she would be to lethargic, under medicate and she might experience pain that slows her down) but over the last couple of days she seems to be more comfortable. Hopefully that will remain the case.
Ashley has received several cards and gifts for her birthday so on her behalf let me say thank you! When I go up on the weekends I fire up Ashley’s notebook Mac and read her the comments that are posted on her blog. She really enjoys that, so if you have something you would like to share with Ashley I encourage you to jot it down and you can be assured Ashley will hear it.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
September 25th-Happy Birthday Ashley
Ashley started out her birthday with a smile. She had a good night’s sleep and was ready to go. Perhaps it was because she knew two of her aunts were coming today bearing gifts.
The Physiatrist (fizzy-at-trist) spoke with Mary this morning and said Ashley’s stay would likely be for 2 months. That is a couple of weeks longer than the case worker anticipated. The doctor was optimistic about Ashley’s recovery. She has a lot of hard work ahead of her and there will be both physical and mental hurdles, but Ashley still has a fighter’s attitude.
Ashley’s trachea tube has been completely removed. She could always breathe on her own; it was just placed as a precaution early on in case there was a need for emergency surgery. There is no need for stitches. Both the trachea and her skin will heal on its own. There is just a bandage there now.
Thank you for your prayers and happy birthday wishes.
The Physiatrist (fizzy-at-trist) spoke with Mary this morning and said Ashley’s stay would likely be for 2 months. That is a couple of weeks longer than the case worker anticipated. The doctor was optimistic about Ashley’s recovery. She has a lot of hard work ahead of her and there will be both physical and mental hurdles, but Ashley still has a fighter’s attitude.
Ashley’s trachea tube has been completely removed. She could always breathe on her own; it was just placed as a precaution early on in case there was a need for emergency surgery. There is no need for stitches. Both the trachea and her skin will heal on its own. There is just a bandage there now.
Thank you for your prayers and happy birthday wishes.
Monday, September 24, 2007
September 24th
Tomorrow is Ashley’s birthday, but today is also a big day. The therapy team will meet with Ashley’s attending physiatrist (pronounced-‘fizzy at trist’) (physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor) and then they will present their goals for Ashley’s treatments.
Our case worker said that someone with de-myelination, such as Ashley’s will typically stay with them for 5-6 weeks. The typical stay for an individual with a blunt force trauma incident is 4 weeks. They will be forecasting today whether or not Ashley will be able to continue her rehabilitation at home on an out-patient basis, or if for physical reasons, she will have to continue therapy in a skill nursing environment in Fort Wayne for some time yet.
The therapy is aggressive here and is scheduled six days a week. Even yesterday on Sunday a physical therapist came by and did a ½ hour session with Ashley. They are laying the foundation for Ashley’s continued rehabilitation. We don’t know yet what to expect, but their reputation as the best rehabilitation hospital in America for the last 17 years is reassuring. Even after Ashley leaves we will be able to consult with them on Ashley’s continued rehab and rely on their guidance.
Ashley went shopping on Michigan Avenue yesterday! We knew she wanted a carrying case for her Apple Mac notebook computer so we went to the Apple store and got one. Needless to say Ashley enjoyed the outing. At just over 1.5 hours this was by far the longest Ashley has spent out doors since being afflicted. It did wear her out, but back at her room she could unwind looking out her window at motor boats, sail boats and yachts as they plied the waters of Lake Michigan.
Thank you for keeping Ashley in your prayers. It is not easy to have our family separated, but we feel all that loving support and it continues to reinforce our faith and hope.
Our case worker said that someone with de-myelination, such as Ashley’s will typically stay with them for 5-6 weeks. The typical stay for an individual with a blunt force trauma incident is 4 weeks. They will be forecasting today whether or not Ashley will be able to continue her rehabilitation at home on an out-patient basis, or if for physical reasons, she will have to continue therapy in a skill nursing environment in Fort Wayne for some time yet.
The therapy is aggressive here and is scheduled six days a week. Even yesterday on Sunday a physical therapist came by and did a ½ hour session with Ashley. They are laying the foundation for Ashley’s continued rehabilitation. We don’t know yet what to expect, but their reputation as the best rehabilitation hospital in America for the last 17 years is reassuring. Even after Ashley leaves we will be able to consult with them on Ashley’s continued rehab and rely on their guidance.
Ashley went shopping on Michigan Avenue yesterday! We knew she wanted a carrying case for her Apple Mac notebook computer so we went to the Apple store and got one. Needless to say Ashley enjoyed the outing. At just over 1.5 hours this was by far the longest Ashley has spent out doors since being afflicted. It did wear her out, but back at her room she could unwind looking out her window at motor boats, sail boats and yachts as they plied the waters of Lake Michigan.
Thank you for keeping Ashley in your prayers. It is not easy to have our family separated, but we feel all that loving support and it continues to reinforce our faith and hope.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
September 20th
Ashley has met with all of her therapists and they have completed their evaluations. Ashley will have therapy in four categories: 1) Physical- restoring movement and rebuilding strength. 2) Occupational- Focusing on specific skills as her physical and mental states improve. 3) Speech- this is a subset of occupational since it is such an important and intricate sense. 4) Psychological- Addressing the emotional issues that are present while dealing with the stress of acute rehabilitation.
Active therapy actually began yesterday for physical and speech. Between the therapists at Select plus Mary and I we have been able to keep Ashley limber. Now they will build on that and as Ashley increases her participation, add more treatments that involve muscle restoration. In speech it started with testing Ashley’s swallow status. For the first time in nearly three months Ashley allowed someone to place something in her mouth without biting down. That alone was remarkable. In this case it was a cold metal spoon. The therapist placed it on Ashley’s tongue. This has a tendency to encourage a swallow. Ashley did not swallow yesterday, but she did today! Actual ‘speech’ therapy will certainly take longer than that. The therapist explained that Ashley has not used any of the muscles in her throat or month to form words in such a long time that it is not possible for her to speak without rebuilding those muscles let alone having the right signals reaching the right targets in her brain. Ashley makes vocal sounds so it is just a matter of time.
Ashley’s birthday is Tuesday (25th). If you want to send Ashley a card you can mail it to:
Ashley Harrington 10th Floor
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
345 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Active therapy actually began yesterday for physical and speech. Between the therapists at Select plus Mary and I we have been able to keep Ashley limber. Now they will build on that and as Ashley increases her participation, add more treatments that involve muscle restoration. In speech it started with testing Ashley’s swallow status. For the first time in nearly three months Ashley allowed someone to place something in her mouth without biting down. That alone was remarkable. In this case it was a cold metal spoon. The therapist placed it on Ashley’s tongue. This has a tendency to encourage a swallow. Ashley did not swallow yesterday, but she did today! Actual ‘speech’ therapy will certainly take longer than that. The therapist explained that Ashley has not used any of the muscles in her throat or month to form words in such a long time that it is not possible for her to speak without rebuilding those muscles let alone having the right signals reaching the right targets in her brain. Ashley makes vocal sounds so it is just a matter of time.
Ashley’s birthday is Tuesday (25th). If you want to send Ashley a card you can mail it to:
Ashley Harrington 10th Floor
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
345 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
September 18th
We are in Chicago! The first impressions are all very positive from the staff to the facilities and the unobstructed view of Lake Michigan from Ashley’s room is also quite pleasant.
We arrived yesterday in the early afternoon (the traffic was not bad and Ashley handled the ride well). We met with Ashley’s Physiatrists (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor), both attending physician and chief resident physician shortly after arriving. They had reviewed Ashley’s medical records and after an examination and a Q & A with us they put together Ashley’s evaluation schedules for the rehabilitation therapists; which are occurring today.
That will form the basis for developing the strategies and tactics that will be implemented in all aspects of rehabilitation to achieve Ashley’s goal of complete recovery.
We have already had an opportunity to meet other people with family members here and a nurse who, prior to having a brain injury himself, was going to be an engineer. Their encouraging stories coupled with what we have researched and heard about Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) have us convinced that this is the best facility for Ashley. We also are confident that Ashley is ready for the acute (active participation) therapy she will receive here.
Thank you…
Ashley is here because of your prayers. They continue to be answered and Ashley continues to progress because of your appeals for her full recovery. We humbly ask for you to continue praying for Ashley’s ongoing success in therapy. It will take time and it will be difficult, but we know Ashley is up to the task and with your prayers supporting her she will triumph over the obstacles.
If you want to send a card to Ashley you can send it to the following address:
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Ashley Harrington 10th Floor
345 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
We arrived yesterday in the early afternoon (the traffic was not bad and Ashley handled the ride well). We met with Ashley’s Physiatrists (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor), both attending physician and chief resident physician shortly after arriving. They had reviewed Ashley’s medical records and after an examination and a Q & A with us they put together Ashley’s evaluation schedules for the rehabilitation therapists; which are occurring today.
That will form the basis for developing the strategies and tactics that will be implemented in all aspects of rehabilitation to achieve Ashley’s goal of complete recovery.
We have already had an opportunity to meet other people with family members here and a nurse who, prior to having a brain injury himself, was going to be an engineer. Their encouraging stories coupled with what we have researched and heard about Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) have us convinced that this is the best facility for Ashley. We also are confident that Ashley is ready for the acute (active participation) therapy she will receive here.
Thank you…
Ashley is here because of your prayers. They continue to be answered and Ashley continues to progress because of your appeals for her full recovery. We humbly ask for you to continue praying for Ashley’s ongoing success in therapy. It will take time and it will be difficult, but we know Ashley is up to the task and with your prayers supporting her she will triumph over the obstacles.
If you want to send a card to Ashley you can send it to the following address:
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Ashley Harrington 10th Floor
345 E. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60611
Friday, September 14, 2007
September 14th
Yesterday was one of those roller coaster days. Fortunately it ended on a high note. Ashley was quite irritable in the morning. Nothing seemed to make her comfortable. Morning therapy did not go so well and no matter what anyone did Ashley was just not in a good mood.
That all changed by late afternoon. Mary and Ashley went outside and she enjoy it. Upon going back in it was time for another therapy session. This time Ashley was up for it. At one point a therapist placed a kickball in Ashley's lap and asked her to move it. She did. The therapist asked for a 'high-five' and Ashley complied. When her attending physician came by and asked for a 'high-five' Ashley did it again.
Later that evening we were watching TV and joking around. Ashley was all smiles and giggles.
We have our rescheduled transfer date. If all goes according to plan (since Virginia we have had four cancellations so we have learned to go with the flow) Ashley will be road-tripping to Chicago Monday morning.
We know you will be keeping her in your prayers for a safe trip and successful rehabilitation; thank you!
That all changed by late afternoon. Mary and Ashley went outside and she enjoy it. Upon going back in it was time for another therapy session. This time Ashley was up for it. At one point a therapist placed a kickball in Ashley's lap and asked her to move it. She did. The therapist asked for a 'high-five' and Ashley complied. When her attending physician came by and asked for a 'high-five' Ashley did it again.
Later that evening we were watching TV and joking around. Ashley was all smiles and giggles.
We have our rescheduled transfer date. If all goes according to plan (since Virginia we have had four cancellations so we have learned to go with the flow) Ashley will be road-tripping to Chicago Monday morning.
We know you will be keeping her in your prayers for a safe trip and successful rehabilitation; thank you!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
September 12th
Ashley has bounced back strong. Seeing her today you wouldn't guess she was feeling 'under the weather' on Monday. Even so, to give all the tests their time to come back with results (this is one situation in life where it is appropriate to think negative, as in negative test results for infection) we have postponed the move to Chicago until Monday.
Ashley has been moving more today and looking around more than I have ever noticed before. She remained in a supported standing position for 30 minutes in addition to other therapy tasks. Following her morning therapy session Ashley went outside. Sitting in her workout sweats you would think she was ready to jump up and go for more.
Again we are blessed that the the people at Select are pouring their hearts and souls into helping Ashley get better. The more we hear about R.I.C. in Chicago the more we are reassured that they too will bring out the best in Ashley and lead her to a full recovery sooner than anyone else.
Ashley has been moving more today and looking around more than I have ever noticed before. She remained in a supported standing position for 30 minutes in addition to other therapy tasks. Following her morning therapy session Ashley went outside. Sitting in her workout sweats you would think she was ready to jump up and go for more.
Again we are blessed that the the people at Select are pouring their hearts and souls into helping Ashley get better. The more we hear about R.I.C. in Chicago the more we are reassured that they too will bring out the best in Ashley and lead her to a full recovery sooner than anyone else.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
September 11th
Well folks, she did it again...
Yesterday morning Ashley's temp shot up and she got nausea again. So far all the tests have come back negative for an infection, but as we learned in Virginia, no one moves until they know what is going on.
On the bright side it is much easier to reschedule a 3.5 hour ground ambulance trip verses one by air ambulance. We have to wait on the rest of the tests so it could be Wednesday, or it might take until Friday.
Ashley is right back at it with therapy today since her stay at Select has been extented. Even though she is not feeling the best she is still participating since she knows that is what it is going to take to fully recover.
As we took down the cards and pictures that decorated Ashley's room over the weekend it gave us time to reflect on all the support Ashley has from all of you. We haven't taken the time to do an exact count, but by rough estimate we know Ashley has received over 700 cards and letters in the last ten weeks. When you consider all the love and prayers that come bundled in each card, letter, note and now, blog site comment, it is an awesome thought.
Please continue your prayers for Ashley to be healthly for her move and to have a successful rehabilitation in Chicago.
Yesterday morning Ashley's temp shot up and she got nausea again. So far all the tests have come back negative for an infection, but as we learned in Virginia, no one moves until they know what is going on.
On the bright side it is much easier to reschedule a 3.5 hour ground ambulance trip verses one by air ambulance. We have to wait on the rest of the tests so it could be Wednesday, or it might take until Friday.
Ashley is right back at it with therapy today since her stay at Select has been extented. Even though she is not feeling the best she is still participating since she knows that is what it is going to take to fully recover.
As we took down the cards and pictures that decorated Ashley's room over the weekend it gave us time to reflect on all the support Ashley has from all of you. We haven't taken the time to do an exact count, but by rough estimate we know Ashley has received over 700 cards and letters in the last ten weeks. When you consider all the love and prayers that come bundled in each card, letter, note and now, blog site comment, it is an awesome thought.
Please continue your prayers for Ashley to be healthly for her move and to have a successful rehabilitation in Chicago.
Monday, September 10, 2007
September 10th
This is Ashley's last full day in Fort Wayne for the foreseeable future. The folks at Select Specialty Hospital have cared for and aided Ashley in her rehabilitation for seven weeks.
Ashley's birthday is not until the 25th, but one of the nurses shares her birth date, and knowing that she would be leaving before that decide to throw Ashley a surprise party yesterday. She brought a large cake, balloons and a card signed by many of the staff that have worked with Ashley. Ashley was sitting up at the time and the glow and smile that came over her face was priceless. We will post a picture soon.
Ashley is participating in her last therapy sessions at Select today. It will be hard to say goodbye to those wonderful people. They have become like family.
Tomorrow Ashley will be traveling to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (www.ric.org). It has been rated as the best rehabilitation hospital in America for the past 17 years. Once again we have been blessed that Ashley will receive the best possible care.
Mary will be staying in Chicago with Ashley. Austin and I plan to visit on the weekends.
Please continue to pray for Ashley's speedy and full recovery.
Ashley's birthday is not until the 25th, but one of the nurses shares her birth date, and knowing that she would be leaving before that decide to throw Ashley a surprise party yesterday. She brought a large cake, balloons and a card signed by many of the staff that have worked with Ashley. Ashley was sitting up at the time and the glow and smile that came over her face was priceless. We will post a picture soon.
Ashley is participating in her last therapy sessions at Select today. It will be hard to say goodbye to those wonderful people. They have become like family.
Tomorrow Ashley will be traveling to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (www.ric.org). It has been rated as the best rehabilitation hospital in America for the past 17 years. Once again we have been blessed that Ashley will receive the best possible care.
Mary will be staying in Chicago with Ashley. Austin and I plan to visit on the weekends.
Please continue to pray for Ashley's speedy and full recovery.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
September 6th
Ashley will be leaving for Chicago next Tuesday.
She was a 'bit under the weather' over the weekend and at the start of this week, but she appears to be feeling better now. Ashley has had her trachea tube 'down sized' which is a sign of progress. We can now hear Ashley since air can once again pass her vocal cords. She is not speaking yet, there will be therapy for that, but after nearly 10 weeks it is a joy to hear any sound from Ashley.
With each day we are more confident that Ashley is ready for the next, more aggressive stage of rehabilitation. She smiles when we tell her that the progress she is showing means she is moving up to the next level.
It is a slow process, but it is obvious that the myelin is regrowing and Ashley is gaining more range and consistency in what she is able to do.
Your prayers for Ashley's safe travel and successful rehabilitation leading to a full recovery are appreciated.
She was a 'bit under the weather' over the weekend and at the start of this week, but she appears to be feeling better now. Ashley has had her trachea tube 'down sized' which is a sign of progress. We can now hear Ashley since air can once again pass her vocal cords. She is not speaking yet, there will be therapy for that, but after nearly 10 weeks it is a joy to hear any sound from Ashley.
With each day we are more confident that Ashley is ready for the next, more aggressive stage of rehabilitation. She smiles when we tell her that the progress she is showing means she is moving up to the next level.
It is a slow process, but it is obvious that the myelin is regrowing and Ashley is gaining more range and consistency in what she is able to do.
Your prayers for Ashley's safe travel and successful rehabilitation leading to a full recovery are appreciated.
Monday, September 3, 2007
September 3rd
Labor Day weekend has brought a lot of visitors to see Ashley. We know she appreciates seeing familiar faces and voices.
Ashley is aware that she will be moving soon. When we tell her she is ready for the next stage in rehabilitation it puts a smile on her face. We are still considering two options and have already had some follow up conversations to make sure we have all the information we need to make the best choice for Ashley.
She continues to move more on her own and, while not steadily consistent, Ashley is responding more frequently to requests. She is impressing family and friends that have not seen her in over a week with just how much progress she is making.
This may be Ashley’s last full week in Fort Wayne for some time. Please continue your prayers for a safe and conformable transition when she moves and for the next stage in Ashley’s rehabilitation to be a great success.
Ashley is aware that she will be moving soon. When we tell her she is ready for the next stage in rehabilitation it puts a smile on her face. We are still considering two options and have already had some follow up conversations to make sure we have all the information we need to make the best choice for Ashley.
She continues to move more on her own and, while not steadily consistent, Ashley is responding more frequently to requests. She is impressing family and friends that have not seen her in over a week with just how much progress she is making.
This may be Ashley’s last full week in Fort Wayne for some time. Please continue your prayers for a safe and conformable transition when she moves and for the next stage in Ashley’s rehabilitation to be a great success.
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