Brushing her teeth was one of the last things that Emily was able (and determined) to do before her mobility seriously declined into paralysis. She said her teeth felt like they had raincoats on them, and so to alleviate said situation I was obliged to help her figure out a way to brush her teeth in bed. To her it was a big deal.
Yesterday she was able, with no small degree of effort and concentration, to brush her teeth again. Her arms have become dramatically more mobile over the past two weeks, and she has progressed to the point where she could hold and manipulate the special toothbrushes that the respiratory therapists have been using to brush her teeth. I saw a spark of determination and self-confidence return to Emily's eyes. A sign for which I must say I am very grateful.
The toothbrushing front, however, was not yesterday's only victory. She was also off of the ventilator for 12 straight hours. They took her off of the ventilator at 9am and did not put her on until after American Idol last night.
This was no small feat. When we approached 8 hours the respiratory therapist informed her that she would like to see Emily try for 12 hours. Emily (who has become remarkably more communicative with regards to her facial expressions) looked at her as if she were crazy for a moment, and then screwed up her courage and said, ok let's do this - and she did very, very well.
Although we still have some work to do, we've already begun the discussion about where to go for in-patient rehab after Emily has gotten off of the ventilator. It looks like we might be coming to UNC for that as we continue our tour of the triangle hospital scene.
Emily continues to fight boredom, but yesterday when I got there she asked me to read her mail to her. Amidst the other cards was a plain white envelope with a star stamped on it.
"What's this," I said.
She shrugged and mouthed "I don't know" with a smile.
Inside that envelope was a card that she had made me that morning with the help of her physical therapist. I love it.
How lucky am I to be married to such a great woman? :)
