Rhonda Writes-
Eric is still progressing.... They took the trach collar off which was providing oxygen to allow him to completely breathe on his own with no assistance of any kind. PT came in and got him out of the bed and into a recliner. It was a lot of hard work but he's been sitting in it for an hour and a half Carol said!! I'm going up tonight for Friday "date night"...AKA no sweats!!
I try to gussie up a little more when its "date night". We got the thumbs up on Durham Rehab Institute which is located on a floor in Durham Regional Hospital. They had the option of sending him to Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh so we're really excited to learn that DRI evaluated him and felt he was a good candidate for their facility. We have several good friends that work at Durham Regional's Select Rehab facility, also located in the hospital so he'll have lots of folks checking in on him.
No word yet when he'll be out of the ICU but hopefully he'll be able to go straight into the rehab facility. The biggest issues right now are swallowing and his right arm and leg. He has no gag reflex which means he can't control swallowing. The trach assisted in breathing but also has an inflatable tube that protects his lungs from liquid coming down through the windpipe. If you deflate the tube, it allows air to pass over his vocal chords which then allows him to talk. They're teaching me to do this and cap the trach. The allows air to come in through the trach and out through his mouth. The speech therapist will work with Eric on building his muscles to learn literally how to swallow again. Until he can do it on his own, the trach and feeding tube (in his stomach) will stay in place.
Regarding his arm and leg---he is beginning to use his arm more but still has no movement in his leg. He's always been weaker on the right side, but the downturn he experienced last weekend made it much worse. His vitals dropped so low that it made current conditions worsen. He's got his work cut out for him, but Eric's never backed away from a challenge....
5 comments:
Hey Rhonda, It sounds like Eric does have his work cut out for him but HE CAN do it! He has a lot to work for. I'm sure he just wants to come home to you and the kids and that's a big incentive!! I'm glad he got into the rehab at DRH. That way he will be closer to home. I'm so glad that he is getting better. We all knew that he would pull through this! This is just another way to prove to us all that prayer still does work!!!!We love you guys and we are so thrilled that Eric is doing so good. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Let's all get together when Eric gets home and feels up to it. Cindy C.
Hey Rhonda, I'm so glad to hear these positive reports! Keep 'em coming! Tell Eric to behave himself tonight on "date night". We don't want to hear about him getting too excited and blowing a tube or something.
Ya'll are constantly in our prayers.
We love ya,
Patti and Tab
Dear Rhonda,
What fabulous news! I knew Eric would get better! This is just great to hear! Make sure Eric behaves on date night, don't let him get to frisky. He can chase you around when he gets home :) Keep the good news coming! Tell Eric we love him. Glad his rehab will be close to home. We will keep praying for full recovery! The Lord is GREAT!!
We love you all!
Kirsten
Rhonda,
This is all great news and we are glad to hear that Eric is continuing to improve over the last couple days. Your family is constantly in our thoughts and our prayers. You guys are very special and thanks for keeping everyone posted.
Tony and Windy
Rhonda Thank you so much for keeping all these updates coming ! I know there is a lot on you right now ! And Eric you keep up the good work ! You have alot of people praying for you and your family! I am so glad to hear all of the great progress , you gave us a scare ! Keep the updates coming ! Just think of the testimony this will be when it is all over. God is Great !!
Love to you and your family ,
Angie Hall
Post a Comment