Update March 15

Alli has been making steady progress over the past couple of days.  She has been weaned off of the norepinephrine (blood pressure medicine) and morphine.  She is now on a combination of valium and methadone to deal with pain and discomfort.  The valium has a shorter half life, therefore it should in theory be easier for her to wake up.  The methodone is to help her with pain and relieve her of any withdrawal symptoms she might have from coming off of the morphine and other sedatives.

She is still working on CPAP trials.  The CPAP trials are done prior to extubation to assess the patient's ability to breathe on his or her own.  The CPAP allows the patient to initiate the breath and then provides assistance in the form of positive pressure to help keep the lungs open and sustain the breath.  Alli is doing a good job of initiating the breathing, however, she still needs a good amount of positive pressure support to keep her lungs open.  So, as the trials continue, they will hopefully be able to wean the pressure back down.  

Sometime this weekend Alli will have a CT scan to assess the "big picture" view of her brain.  This will help the neurosurgeon determine whether or not the drain can be removed from her skull.  The drain was put in as part of the surgery last weekend to help drain off any excess fluid that would create additional pressure in her skull.  The CT Scan will show whether or not there is any additional fluid left to drain, as well as give them an idea as to whether or not there is other damage to the brain.  At some point, she will likely have an MRI that will give them a more clear picture regarding potential brain damage, but she is not able to withstand the length of the MRI study right now, so we'll have to settle for the CT scan.

They took the EEG leeds off yesterday.  Alli had gone approximately 60 hours without seizure activity, therefore, they felt comfortable that they could end the study.  I had the opportunity to visit her yesterday afternoon and admire the more normal looking EEG pattern.  After a year of studying EEG screens, I now have an idea of what a "clean" EEG should look like.  I'm not sure whether or not this means her EEG will stay as it looked yesterday, but I could still appreciate the calm in her brain for the moment.

Alli has been gradually waking up from the sedation.  She has been opening her eyes and making more purposeful movements with her body.  The physical therapist spent some time working with her today to help wake up her senses and assist her with movement.

We are so grateful for the strides she is making and hopeful that her progress continues throughout the weekend.

My dad heads back to Michigan tomorrow.  He will be missed by everyone here, but especially Samantha.  She loves her walks with Grandpa John and their outings to the park and other places around town.  We look forward to him coming back soon with Gigi (Grandma Culos)!

Have to run and get Josh.  More updates to come!