02-13-2010
1041 Hours

It is a beautiful day here at the house. The sun is shining and Dar's hummingbirds are busy retrieving nector from the dispenser I promised Dar that I would keep it full. The little things that I can continue for Dar have meant so very much to her.

Yesterdays visit to Rehab was good. Dar's pump was turned up ever so slightly. We went from 215 to 230, all in an effort to go slow and keep a vigilant eye on resperation.

Dr Arragonte then proceeded to give Dar her botox injections in her arm muscles that control her fingers and wrists. It is quite amazing to watch the procedure.

Dar being the tropper she is, toerated the several injections into specific muscles. These muscles are located with what reminds me of a gieger counter. All found by movement of fingers and wrist and listening to changes in the machine Dr Arragonte is able to locate the problematic muscles. Thenn she injects the botox. Over the next 10-14 days we will see the results begin to take place. The rewards will last about 3-4 months. Already this morning Dar is a bit more limber.

This morning Dar is resting peacefully, she may sleep a bit more than usual inlight of her pump being turned up yesterday. We are still giving Dar oral amounts of the Baclofen to assist with tone and spasticity when needed.

Last night after reading a chapter of her Hank book I told Dar that I would read more later and if she very quietly said the word Hank, this way I would know what she was asking. About 30 minutes later I could see Dar was trying to say something. I asked her if she wanted me to do something for her. She mouthed the word yea and tried to speak it but chokes it off because she tries so hard. I encouraged her to try to say what she wanted softly. I asked her to go to the neutral position and try again. Next thing I new she very softly said "Hank". She was so proud of hersel, as was I that we bothed laughed and laughed. She continues to amaze me daily.

Dar's new Dynavox Vmax was delivered yesterday as well. We have learned that we still need an "access switch" and for whatever reasons are having trouble locating one. Dar either needs a mouth switch or a blink switch. The mouth switch would activate the computer when Dar opens her mouth. The blink switch works when Dar "scrunches" her eyes.

It is my understanding the software is built into the computer but Dynavox does not make the switches to run the computer. We can still practice with the computer if I ask Dar the questions and use the touch screen to activate the catagory she wants to talk about. I hope to be able to play with the computer a bit today.

If anyone wants to do some computer hunting for us we are looking for access switches for the Dynavox Vmax communication system. Specifically a "blink or mouth switch".

We want to wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day tomorrow and hope you have an opportunity to get out and enjoy the sunshine.

Love to all,

Dar/Danny/Jamiesue