Update 7/26: Ice Chips and a Shave!

Thomas finally got a great night's sleep and woke feeling rested - thanks to being more comfortable with the trache, sleeping meds, and pain management. And this led to a really great day overall: He had a shave for the first time! He was off of the ventilator from 11:30-4, and was breathing totally unassisted! He was in his wheelchair for another 3 hours! And the hospital chaplain Fr. Bill, came and brought both Thomas and Natalie communion. The Speech Therapist (who should really be called a mouth and throat specialist because nothing is wrong with his speech) met with us for the first time. She did some initial tests to determine Thom's swallowing strength and direction (e.g. not down airway). She had him practice with a few ice chips, and he did great, but was very tired after (because of tired muscles and the fact that swallowing pauses breathing, which left him breathless). Later in the evening he had 5 ice chips! He has persistent pain in his right shoulder and it is often quite intense. He was pulled out of the water by his right arm and the back of his shorts, so the doctors will be getting an X-ray of his arm and shoulder to determine if there is an injury there that needs addressing. Meanwhile, his hands are opening up more and he was able to use both to manage his own suction tube most the day - alternating between hands and definitely pushing himself. Natalie tells us "He works so hard at everything! He was working on squeezing putty that his therapist gave him while watching Doc Martin." Overall Thomas' spirits were high, he was focused, smiling, and for the most part his pain was under control. He and Natalie took some new steps today! But there is still a long road ahead. Keep praying for his lungs, and his right shoulder pain.

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