Update on Vivian - 7/12, part I.

Have I ever liked roller coasters? That answer would be "no." So would someone please put me back on the Peter Pan ride or the carousel?

This morning we were caught off guard when Dr. Matson told us that he had been on the phone with one of Dr. Riela's associates (Vivian's neurologist is out of town this week) and that there was concern that Vivian had not woken up more or made more progress. The two of them thought it would be prudent to have an MRI done on Vivian to rule out the possibility that she'd suffered a stroke or other injury to her brain. Of course my instinct was to run for the nearest corner and curl up in a ball, but Robert calmly explained to Dr. Matson the positive signs he'd observed yesterday and said that he felt that the reemergence of the pain from Vivian's arm injury had interfered with her recovery and that now we were beginning to catch glimpses of the Vivian we know. Dr. Matson seemed surprised and encouraged by this news and decided to postpone the MRI to Wednesday to see how things progress in the next day or two.

From where I sit, it seems that each time Vivian has started to rouse, she has been so agitated about the tubes in her body and the restraints on her arm (not to mention finding herself wearing a diaper when she so prides herself on being a "big girl") that we've had to administer sedatives. Perhaps Vivian is more sedated than she should be given what she's receiving, but I don't believe we've been able to see a clear picture of her yet because of the medications.

One very positive development: as of this morning Vivian is completely off of all oxygen and is breathing successfully on her own! That is most welcome news.

A representative from the children's rehab facility met with us this morning for an intake evaluation on Vivian. She mentioned the possibility of Vivian receiving intensive therapy at their facility during the day but returning home at night. I was elated to hear of that prospect because I'm convinced Vivian's agitation could be assauged if we could just get her back home in her own room, which for Vivian is akin to throwing Brer Rabbit in the briar patch.

A speech therapist is going to perform a swallow evaluation on Vivian this morning to determine if we can begin trying to get her to eat and drink again. A physical therapist is coming at 11:30 to try to get Vivian into her beloved stroller to see how she responds to that.

Please join me in praying that Vivian shows great progress today and tomorrow, that she passes her swallow study with flying colors and that she finds comfort in being in her stroller again. To God be the glory.


"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 43:5