So many of you have been asking (we love the particular questions! Thank you for sending them!): Friday afternoon the speech therapist came back! She worked with Thomas testing his swallow with liquids and soft foods. Swallowing is definitely a big challenge for him right now. His throat muscles are weak, his throat is sore from the suctioning, and his trach infection is likely causing some additional swelling in his throat.
Just to be safe, a second swallow test was done in radiology and verified that he can handle very soft thick foods (applesauce, pudding, etc.) but not liquids at this time (he aspirated on the liquids test). But in the near future he should be ready! His throat was sore this evening, so we did not experiment with foods, but perhaps over the weekend, if he is up for it. His swallowing will have to be re-assesed after the surgery.
Two priest friends of Thomas and Natalie visited yesterday as well. The second brought the Eucharist and gave Thomas the anointing of the sick, in anticipation of the surgery.
Overall it was a full day of lung treatments, ventilator exercises, and swallow therapy. Here's hoping for surgery early next week.
Join us in prayer!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
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Glad to see SP has decided to return. Glad to hear about the barum swallow. Have they talked about "thick it" in liquids to turn them into pudding consistancy? The stuff looks terible and should be preped right before consumption but does allow for more hydration.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the updates! I believe that all is being moved into place for a successful surgery and a good outcome. Keeping all of you in my prayers. ~ Rosemary in Ohio
ReplyDeleteThom and Natalie, I am praying for you and your family, believing that Our Lord has many blessings to pour out on you.
ReplyDeleteBill in Portland, Oregon
We are concerned that nothing has been posted since Saturday. Praying for you Thom and Natalie!
ReplyDeleteCc
I am familiar with the difficulties surrounding thickness. Have you all tried any intermediate fluids like a thick milkshake or something similar?
ReplyDelete