Day 9

1/10/08

Laurie had a pretty good night according to the nurse.  Her fever reached 102 degress, but was down to under 101 in the morning.  Because of this fever, they are now using a machine that circulates a cool fluid through some pads.  A few of these pads will be used to keep her fever down.

The Licox monitor is now working properly, and the oxygen level going into Laurie's brain is at a good level.  This is great news!

Day 8

1/09/08

Laurie's temperature this morning was 101 degrees.  This due to the Staff Pneumonia she has had for a few days.  In the evening her fever had reached 101.3 degrees.

They performed another CT scan with dye to view the diameter of the arteries that provide oxygen for her brain.  Dr. Cowley said that the scan showed a little constriction of the arteries, but not enough to warrant any procedures.

She had a successful tracheotomy performed in the morning, so now she does not have to have the breathing tube running through her mouth down into her throat.  The doctor also adjusted the leads in her head for the Licox monitor.  All of the readings are now showing up.  However, her oxygen level being provided to the brain is on the low side, so tomorrow morning the doctor will decide what to do to increase the oxygen level.

Katie and her dad went to lunch outside of the hospital.  Of course we had visitors while we were out, but they were still here when we returned.  Thanks for coming to visit Daniel, Donna, and Julie.  I know Laurie thanks you too.