News on Rehab

Sorry for the delay in blog posts. We just need everyone to be patient with us-- Reiterating the same information through phone calls, e-mail, etc. to several family members can be very tiring. However, we appreciate your concern, so we will try to stay more consistent with these blog entries.

Dad was moved to the rehabilitation center yesterday. This transition was a little tough on him, but the facility is very nice. The doctors and nurses are very warm and accomodating and even an improvement over the nurses in the regular ICU from what we have seen so far.

Dad is now on a feeding tube (which he will have for a few months until the next surgery to reattach his esophagus to his stomach.)

Other than that, he is in good spirits (talking, moving around a lot--walking the halls a little bit, etc.)

Please let us know of any questions or concerns you have so we can address them in this blog. Thank you.

Rehab

Dad is on his way to rehab next week and doctors remain optimistic about his recovery.

Tracheotomy

Dad's tracheotomy has been removed and he is healing nicely. Doctors estimate a week or two of hospital time left, assuming everything goes smoothly, for physical therapy and overall recovery.

New Room

Dad has been moved to a regular room (no longer in ICU) which is a very good sign. Doctors remain optimistic about his recovery. 

Great News

Dad is now completely off of dialysis and talking. The recovery will still be a long haul, but things are definitely moving in the right direction. 

Moving in the Right Direction

Dad is now completely off of Ativan and much more awake and responsive. Despite being off of Ativan, he seems very calm and comfortable.

Yesterday, he was able to stand up and sit in a chair. In terms of his other abilities, he is now able to write a little bit and in a couple of days, he will be able to talk because the doctors are downsizing his tracheotomy and capping it.

So, news is good for now.

Ventilator

The doctors took Dad completely off of the ventilator and he is breathing easily on his own.