Hi,
Eric has been a lot more awake today. First thing this morning, he asked us to move his arms for him. He's probably pretty stiff from laying in one position for so long, and this allows him to try to work his muscles, too. I'm trying really hard to be better at lip reading, but apparently, I'm a slow learner. He's been on a trach collar for most of the day. The Ear, Nose and Throat doctor said that the next step is to deflate his cuff on the trach he has now (they switched it out this morning to keep it clean), then they'll move to a smaller trach with a valve to allow him to talk. The next step after that is removing it completely. Hopefully, we will move quickly through this. He's been doing so well off the ventilator during the day, that I'm hoping this will be the case. We still haven't seen a physical therapist (PT) or a speech therapist (ST). The PT will give us a better idea of what we can do to help him out. We're moving his arms and legs when he asks us, but I don't want to do this too much or hurt him. The ST will do a swallow assessment to see if he can swallow liquids. Since he had the ventilator tubing in his mouth for so long, it expanded his trachea a little. This makes it difficult to swallow correctly, and they want to make sure no liquids get down into his lungs before allowing him to eat or drink anything.
We started to talk today about longer care rehab centers. These are centers that people go to directly out of the hospital that will work with them up to 25 days, as needed. If necessary, patients can then move onto other rehab centers for more therapy or care. It sounds like we'll be heading from the PCU to one of these rehab centers. This is where Eric will get a lot of his physical therapy. They recommended one around the block from IU hospital and one in Lafayette. It would be really nice to be closer to home. They both have their perks, though. Does anyone have any experience with Kindred (Indianapolis) or Seton (Lafayette)?
I told Eric today that his favorite racer, Michael Schumacher, is coming out of retirement and will be racing the Formula 1 circuit. He REALLY perked up at that. Then I told him that he won't be racing for Ferrari, but for Mercedes. He definitely gave me an outraged look. It was really nice to see his reactions.
I know new posts haven't been very frequent lately. Now that he's more awake, I find that I'm a little more busy. :) So know that if there is a long time between posts, it's because things are going well.
Love,
Melissa
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That's all great news...we love you guys! And can't wait to come see you soon-we've missed you :)
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you are recovering well Eric! Your battle sounds pretty tough. I love your reaction about the Schumacher news.
ReplyDeleteTell Eric to chill out and that Schummy at Mercedes is a good thing, because it will make the racing better that he is not in a Ferrari!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he was excited to hear about Schumacher, to be honest that was the one thing I was excited to hear his reaction on as well.
Can't wait to talk to him about it
Infrequent blog updates mean less crisis, and we're all happy about that!
ReplyDeleteAunt Barb
Melissa, I am a chaplain at a new long term acute care hospital in Peoria. After looking on-line at the two facilities you mentioned, I don't have a preference as neither is affiliated with the company that runs the one I work at. You can ask the Therapy staff and the ICU staff if they have any preference, they are usually pretty savvy. Otherwise, it might come down to insurance preferred provider or available bed. If all else is equal, choose the one closest to your home for your convenience.
ReplyDeleteI've seen some awesome recoveries at my facility and trust that since Eric is young, was previously very healthy, and has had no neuro damage, he will do marvelously under their care.
As for what to do for him now. Range of motion with his joints...fingers, arms, legs... you won't hurt him (though it will hurt since he hasn't moved in awhile and his muscles are weak). Purchase squeeze balls...like stress balls or nerf balls that he can "play" with and squeeze when he is on his own. Also, stretch bands (exercise bands)...start with least resistance...tie them to his side rails and lay them where he can reach them and then he can pull on them and work on his arms muscles as well as flexibility. You may need to help him at first. The more stuff you can put within his reach to stimulate movement, gripping and stretching, the better.
Now that he is awake, think about what he hearsand sees...bring good music he likes, books on CD or downloaded to an MP3, DVD's of movies he likes, etc. Anything to break the monotony of lying there... it will help with any depression or anxiety that may be present or set in now that he is awake.
Also, use a white board for communication. Getting him to begin gripping a dry erase marker and writing letters is good therapy. They should also have a letter board where he can spell out what he is trying to say. Slow, but better than frustration of poor lip readers:)
Awesome news on his progress. I've been praying for him, along with Randy and all of UPC Peoria, since this all began. You're in my territory of expertise now, so let me know if I can be helpful!! Blessings to you all. Anna Saxon