PHYSICAL THERAPY
Thomas had another great day yesterday. In the morning he had 1.5 hours of Physical Therapy. His nurse said she rarely has seen a patient with his injury able to handle that much PT so soon. Thomas said it felt great! The therapist taught Natalie stretches that she can do for Thomas' arms and wrists to help his muscles not get tight. Thomas also had his hair washed and loved it.
Thomas was able to sit in his chair for 2.5 hours while Natalie read him get well cards and well wishes! They worked on their own, helping Thomas scoop his own ice cubes out of a cup with a spoon and picking up a cup to get his own sip of water. It's definitely a challenge, but he's determined and focused! He also had two sessions off the vent: 1 hour in the afternoon and 3 hours in the evening while Thom & Natalie watched Doc Martin.
One can get quite sick of plain water and ice chips, and Thomas sure is. Up to this point he is only allowed to suck on ice chips and swish & spit liquids. Unfortunately, the speech therapist didn't come today so he doesn't have the "ok" to drinking anything. They did experiment with some natural flavored waters and unsweetened ice tea. Even though he can't drink it, at least it tastes like something! That coffee is sure going to taste good as soon as he can have it.
TWO OTHER STEPS FORWARD
Unfortunately, Thomas' pain meds do cause drowsiness and he does need the
rest, but he does not like feeling so groggy during the day. So they took his regular dose of pain meds down from 15 mg to 10 today and it seemed to help!
His infection continues to improve and he actually broke his temp this afternoon! It crept back up this evening, but it tends to be higher at night. Natalie was happy to see a normal number, even if it was just for a few hours!
We're still hoping and praying for surgery on Friday. Join us in that prayer! (We'll post surgery details as soon as we have them settled.)
Oh, I remember the bliss of the first shampoo after being in bed for days. Bathing and shampooing are key to recovery!
ReplyDeleteHe is sure doing great!! He must be so thin though. But, maybe he'll have lots of "fun" putting weight back on with ice cream sundaes.
ReplyDeleteIn the middle of a second novena to Fr Cappello+daily Spiritual Communions for you. I know you are off the vent for such a short time everyday, but do try to say the Rosary, or at least mentally meditate on the mysteries and don't forget your Morning Offering to offer all of your sufferings to Jesus through Our Lady.
ReplyDeleteYour voice is not one we can afford to lose.
RJH
In the middle of a second novena to Fr Cappello+daily Spiritual Communions for you. I know you are off the vent for such a short time everyday, but do try to say the Rosary, or at least mentally meditate on the mysteries and don't forget your Morning Offering to offer all of your sufferings to Jesus through Our Lady.
ReplyDeleteYour voice is not one we can afford to lose.
RJH