Stephanie Knapp
Hello everyone!
I am happy to announce that Ken had a good 6, that's right SIX hours
of sleep (in a row) last night!! This is the most he has had since
moving up to Kidd 7. Prior to this he was only getting about 2-3
hours (off and on), on a good night. I was told that it is common
for people with a brain injury to cat nap, however, poor Ken would
MAYBE only sleep for about 45 minutes at a time!
I guess because of his six hours of sleep he was a little more
relaxed today. Although he was less agitated today, things would
still seem so urgent to him at times. Ken tends to react to things
with a sense of urgency. For example; yelling out in almost a panic
when he needs/wants a sip of water or a Kleenex. When he is in an
agitated or frustrated mood or when this 'sense of urgency' arises
it becomes harder to understand what it is he is trying to say. His
words become mumbled and run together in a sort of a whining sound,
or he doesn't make any attempt to use words at all. This only
frustrates him more because we really can't understand what he
wants. So we are having to remind Ken pretty frequently to use his
words.
Ken seemed to be very distracted with his every thought today.
Whether it was trying to take his sock off, move a pillow or watch a
bit of TV. It was difficult to grab his attention. He doesn't focus
very well on one thing for too long. Which makes it challenging when
trying to get him to do something or talk to him about something.
Ken did go for a little walk outside today, but we didn't grab a
blanket and he found it too cold.
He is now taking his medications by mouth!! They are being crushed
and mixed with apple sauce. It must taste awful, because he does not
want that spoon in his mouth!!
Ken is receiving a meal tray at every meal. For dinner he had cream
of vegetable soup. He was able to eat the whole bowl!! and even fed
himself the first four spoonfuls!!!! Then he poured his juice into
one Styrofoam cup and his ensure into another, and he did with
without spilling!! Aunt Wendy is doing a great job of getting his
full fluid diet into him! He is having a hard time if any food (ie
pudding) gets on the front of his teeth. Ken can't yet lick his lips
or teeth or move his lips in a way to get them clean.
He is still getting the liquid feed through his feeding tube.
Aunt Wendy has taken in a Rubbermaid bottle that has a lid that
snaps shut. Ken is using this to drink from. He is working on
popping the lid open and tipping it up enough to get a drink. And
he's needing a bit more work with pushing it closed. But it is
perfect for when he goes on his walks outside, then it doesn't
spill.