Okay, it isn't pureed veal (Dad's last meal over a week ago), but they turned Dad's feeding tube back on today to see how he'll do. So far he seems to be tolerating it well. He is coughing up a lot of phlegm, which is good, but icky. His blood pressure is still doing very well (better now than before he broke his arm!) responding to the medications and he's staying well-oxygenated (with just a tiny boost from the nasal cannula). He looks good and I know he'd love nothing better than to climb out of bed and head home.
If he keeps doing as well as he has been (no further medical setbacks) in a week or two he will be ready to head to an inpatient rehab facility where they will work with him rigorously to get to a point where he can go home (with home health therapy at first, and eventually outpatient PT when he is ready). If he has some more medical issues, he'll leave his current facility for a skilled nursing place that can take care of health issues as they work on rehab at a much slower rate.
Overall it's been a good day for Dad. The elders from our church and some of their spouses came to visit and pray with Dad. (The respiratory therapist on duty said, "We thought it was some kind of riot, there were so many people in the room!" :)) He appreciated that. And we've been able to hang out and watch football with him. At the end of the first game when Joe (a lifelong Patriots fan) told Dad in the final seconds, "Looks like the Pats have done it, Dad!" Dad (who roots for the Pats for Joe) gave him a big thumbs up! (His movements are getting more and more nuanced every day.)
I don't know about you all, but Dad gets a big thumbs up from me.
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3 comments:
Rach,
Please tell your Dad we love him very much and give him a huge hug for us. His progress is amazing but then again, so is he, none that know him should be surprized. We're sure he will exceed all expectations in his recovery. Love to all, Cathi, Christina and Kris
Dear Leo, Teddie, Rachel, Becky, and family,
One chorus of a song by John Michael Talbot goes through my mind for you all in this battle for healing. "Be not afraid, I go before your always, Come follow Me, and I will give you rest." Keep following the Lord and trusting. Praying with you for God's miracle. Love you all,
Pastor Rich Carlson, Supt. IWD
Dear Leo:
I just wanted to thank you for making such an effort to acknowledge our visit with you yesterday. I hoped that it wouldn't be too overwhelming for you; you did look quite tired. It is hard to find the words to describe to you how much you are loved and revered by your family at Cornerstone, especially by Roger and myself. You are always in our thoughts and prayers...also your dear family and the medical care-takers.
Love you,
Pam
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