29 April 2013

Garrett had a really good week last week. He has been more alert and active and moves his left hand quite a bit. Garrett has been doing things like playing with the monitor when on his walk and playing with the mask and tube that covers his trache. He has also gained a couple pounds. We're so grateful for the improvements we've seen in Garrett.

22 April 2013

Garrett spent most of his weekend relaxing since he had a fairly busy week with his speaking valve. Yesterday we put him in his wheelchair and took a walk outside in the sunshine which was really nice. We're grateful for all the small improvements we see and hope they continue.

April 18

Garrett has had a relaxing day. No speaking valve today- yesterday was very busy. He had speech and physical therapy and spent time in the recliner watching tv. I could tell he was tired when I left last night. When I got here today I was told that his heart rate dropped into the low forties which made them nervous. So he was given a day of rest in the hopes that he will not be so tired and relaxed tonight.

We did get him in the wheelchair and I took him to the sun room. I really wish it would warm up. I would have liked to take him out for some sunshine.

-Christine

April 15

I am sorry it has been so long since we have posted. Garrett had a busy week. He continues to improve! A speaking valve was ordered for him and after he passed the blue dye test (blue food coloring was added to some ice chips and given to him to swallow and then we watched to make sure there was no blue coloring in the trache tube) he was allowed to try it out. Usually people try the speaking valve for a few minutes and then work up slowly the amount of time they wear it. Garrett was able to handle 45 minutes the first time he tried it. And he has consistently worn it longer- he was up to eight hours yesterday!

The speaking valve is a step of improvement for two reasons: (1) if he can use his upper airway and protect it, we can hopefully transition to a smaller tube and eventually eliminate it altogether and (2) he can use his vocal chords.  We are told that when he uses his voice it helps awaken things in his brain. It is good to hear his voice again- even if he is just groaning. But it has happened more than once that one of the noises he makes sounds very similar to "mom".  And I am going with that!

Garrett has been more alert and we can see that he is understanding more. He will follow simple instructions like "look at me", "swallow" and he can look at a specific object when two different objects are held in front of him and he is asked to look at one. He amazes me everyday!
-Christine

April 7

This past week was a really good one. Garrett has had his eyes open much more and he's been holding his head up. Garrett was turning his head quite a bit today. He has been going out in his wheelchair for the past few days. Hope everyone had a good Conference weekend!

April 3

Here is a picture I took of Garrett on Monday with his eyes open.  He is a wonderful kid!  I am so happy that he keeps doing more.  He is progressing slow and steady- and we will take it!

Thank you to the Laurels, Mia Maids, Sister Dzierzon and Sister Shultz for visiting and singing.  You sounded like angels!

-Christine