I have never seen that before

Are these words that you want to hear two respiratory therapists and a doctor say as they work on your daughter? Today we were anticipating another large step forward as Clarissa’s doctor decided that her trach should come out this afternoon. Kris and I were happy that this would happen and hoped that an unobstructed airway would accelerate Clare’s ability to talk. What was supposed to be a simple “pull it out” procedure quickly became a project in futility. The trachea tube is stuck and does not want to come out. As they would gently pull on it, Clare would cough and struggle and hurt and colored fluid would spray. It was not a good thing from my viewpoint at the foot of her bed. It was during this time that I heard each of the therapists and the doctor say that the tubes usually come right out and that they have never seen one like this before. The doctor decided that they needed to have an ear nose & throat doctor look down her airway and see what is going on. They are hoping that one of these specialists will be available tomorrow when they take Clare to the hospital to have her external fixators examined and possibly taken out.

Clare continues to amaze everyone that works with her. They are now saying that she may have to be moved next week to an inpatient rehab facility because she has graduated from this level of care. The Utah Valley Specialty Hospital has been a God send for Clare. Everyone there has done everything in there power to help her and she has responded to them. We are so grateful for everyone that is involved in any way with Clarissa’s life past & present. It is all coming together to help her.

P.S. Tonight I saw Clare eat apple sauce and chocolate pudding and drink from a straw. She seemed to enjoy doing that.