A Frustrating Setback

We've had a bumpy week.  Last Tuesday Thom woke up with a fever and was fatigued, but otherwise was feeling fine.  His temperature went down in the course of the day and we hoped he was improving.

The next morning, I got him out of bed and was putting his slippers on and all of a sudden he became like a stone.  I looked up at his face and his eyes were crossing, his speech was slurring, and he was disoriented.  I knew his blood pressure was plummeting.  I put his legs up, took his blood pressure and it was dangerously low.  I called 911.  His BP came up a bit, he could refocus and was alert once more.  I began packing up necessities while we waited for the EMS.  He still had a fever of 103, high heart rate, and low blood pressure.  We were taken to the ER where we stayed for several hours while they ran multiple tests.

The test results showed he had a serious urinary tract infection and was very dehydrated.  They said the infection had escalated and he was going into sepsis, which means the infection was spreading to other parts of his body.  He was immediately put on a course of IV antibiotics and fluids.  He was admitted later that day and began responding to the treatment.  His fever, heart rate, and blood pressure stabilized and within 24 hours his appetite started coming back.

We stayed in the hospital for two more days while Thom continued to receive IV antibiotics and they monitored his vitals.  By Sunday afternoon he was ready to be discharged but the infection left him very weak.  For the first few days home he had to use his sliding board again to do transfers.  He managed to fit in two days of therapy, but was frustrated to see how much strength he had lost.

Now, a week later, he is beginning to feel more like himself and is determined to make up for lost time.  He is scheduled for two separate days of training in the Lokomat this week and a third day of general therapy.

He is eager to be back to full strength as April is an exciting month for us: we will be celebrating our first anniversary, Easter, and gearing up for our trip to Lourdes at the end of the month.

PRAY + SUPPORT + SHARE

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From Thomas & Natalie: 6 Month Update

Thomas has been benefiting greatly from steady and regular therapy over the last few weeks and we have seen his recovery accelerate. 

In OT, after focusing on his right hand for a few weeks, his right thumb and pinky are starting to move very slowly.  His therapist is optimistic that they can get more of the fingers to follow suit, it will just take a lot more time and effort.  His left hand continues to gain strength; they are working on isolated finger movements and he can now compress up to 15lbs (a few weeks ago he could also squeeze 3lbs). 

But it's over in PT where the really exciting work is happening.  While his left leg has been gaining movement, starting from the toes up, his right leg is waking up from the hip down!  Without getting into all of the technical distinctions and details: both legs are waking up!  Over the past couple weeks, his physical therapist has been getting really excited about this progress in his legs and they have been focusing more and more on rehabilitating both legs.  Some of the new exercises include a max-assist stand, next to the mat, where one therapist supports his knees and another therapist supports his upper body, and Thomas holds his arms on a walker.  With this support they help him stand, and he is even working on small squats and shifting weight from side to side!  Of course to stand it takes more than just leg muscles, so they have been intensely focusing on his lumbar and core muscles in tandem.  These muscles give one the strength to stand upright and shift weight from leg to leg.  There are almost a dozen different types of exercises he now does to identify new muscle groups and strengthen existing ones.  This is all very exciting, but a huge number of challenges remain and we are taking it one day at a time.

To even be able to contemplate standing and walking is worlds away from where we were six months ago in Baltimore, hoping Thomas would survive the night.  We cannot put into words how grateful we are for everything and everyone that has been a part of our story these past six months.  In a spirit of thanksgiving and joy we will be praying at a Holy Hour this evening joined by some of our close family and friends -- we will be praying for all of our friends and family, and you our dear readers, who have sacrificed so much on our behalf.  We ask that you keep us in prayer on this the six month anniversary.

PRAY + SUPPORT + SHARE

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An Update from Thomas & Natalie

Thomas and Natalie share what has been happening recently: 
We may have been quiet but things have certainly been busy these past couple weeks!

On November 25th, Thomas had an in-patient medication procedure to see if he would be a good candidate to receive a baclofen pump. The procedure consisted of Thomas receiving a lumbar puncture, where his doctor administered a small injection of baclofen medication into Thomas' spinal cord (baclofen is a medicine that treats muscle spasms, and is prescribed not only to SCIs but also patients with MS and CP). Thomas was then monitored over the course of 6 hours by his doctor and therapists.  The trial went well; Thomas responded well to the medicine and his spasms were reduced during the 6 hour period.  This procedure is only the first step.  We continue to do research into the baclofen pump to discern if it's right for him, and in the new year we will be consulting with specialists (it's a permanent implantation, with pros and cons of course).  We would appreciate your prayers as we discern this surgery.

Unfortunately, one of the common side effects of a lumbar puncture is an intense headache when sitting up. Thomas left the trial with a bad headache that persisted for several days.  He was able to get some relief by lying flat on his back.  Eventually his doctor scheduled him for a blood patch to fix the problem, but the first attempted patch was unsuccessful. Thankfully, the second patch was a success, but Thomas had missed quite a bit of therapy in the meantime.

Since then he's been making up for lost time.  He continues to gain strength and dexterity in his left hand, and his therapists are focusing on exercises for his right hand as well.  One of his exciting accomplishments this past week was doing a transfer into and out of a car completely on his own.  Just one month ago he needed all the help he could get to do this!  His physical therapist was quite impressed. :) 

Thomas is back to lifting weights in the gym and continues to gain strength. He is also doing more and more exercises with his legs, including a simulated leg press.  Now, none of this means that he can walk again, but if he does regain the ability, it will start with these little exercises!  He is also back to doing the standing frame and other activities he enjoyed while he was an inpatient.  Thomas can now do most transfers on his own and he is adding to the list of activities he can do his own, including combing his hair, brushing his teeth, and taking his jackets on and off (with some help).

Due to the impressive organizational talents of the outpatient team, Thomas will use the last of his medical benefit for outpatient appointments on December 31st.  Thomas and Natalie just found a new health insurance plan with a far greater allowance of rehabilitation services and are hopeful they can transition to the new plan by January 1st.  This would indeed be the answer to their prayers!

Over Christmas break, both of our families will be able to visit for a few days, a great blessing!  We are eagerly preparing for this much-anticipated time together.  Thomas will be in therapy even during the weeks of Christmas and New Years and is looking forward to working just as hard in the new year.

We would like to give a special shout out to the students who recently attended the Love and Fidelity Network Conference in Princeton who surprised us with dozens of get well notes and letters!  Your heart-felt messages were incredibly touching and encouraging! Thank you and God bless!

It's Moving Week

The following update is from Natalie!

It's moving week for the Peters! -- which explains a lull in our blogging.  Here are some updates!

Natalie and a team of friends are moving the Peters into their new apt this Saturday.  The following day, Thomas has a day pass from rehab to visit the new apartment.  He is very excited to see their new home for the first time and the couple will be able to ensure the set-up is workable for Thomas.

They have been very busy with preparations for his transition home!  He is scheduled for discharge on the 29th of this month, if all goes according to plan!  As we have mentioned before, he will then be in out-patient rehab 3 days per week.  Those specifics are still being organized.  His therapists have been helping them determine what medical supplies and equipment will be needed, including a hospital bed and power lift to help get him in and out of bed.  Thomas' therapy sessions continue as usual, and day by day they see improvement, but there is an even greater focus right now on his occupational therapy sessions focusing on home-skills.  Natalie continues spending sessions at rehab for home-care training and practice with Thomas.  They will take a short break from out-patient rehab during his first week home, so they can settle into their own routine for his care.  During his first week home, they hope to have a home health aide to assist during this transition.  During this week, Natalie will begin a transition back to work and plans to work primarily from home. 

Last week Thomas had an outing to the Metro Access Headquarters here in DC to apply for his disability membership.  He will be using Metro Access to commute to rehab.    

Thomas' episodes of AD have been under control since the last update and for several days now he has had no trouble with his blood pressure.  AD is something that will always be a factor, but becoming familiar with the triggers has been a great help! 

Reminder, it is Day 3 for the Novena to St. Jude!  Keep praying along with us!

Join us in prayer!

Family, Standing Frame, & Pizza

We have some good news to share today!

Thomas hit a new record of 25 minutes in the standing frame, made possible because his glute muscles came back!

Thomas is also making progress with his manual wheelchair. He still relies on taking breaks using the power chair... but progress is good!

Thomas has been wearing his glasses since the accident, but they were becoming rather a nuisance during his work outs in the gym. Together with his OT therapist, they figured out a way for him to put his contacts in for the first time!

Thomas and Natalie enjoyed a wonderful weekend with their mothers and a good friend from back home. The weekend was filled with picnics in the garden at rehab, catching up, playing games, and Thomas' favorite Georgetown pizza!

Join us in prayer!

Shock Trauma Follow Up & Au Bon Pain

Thomas and Natalie went to Baltimore yesterday for Thomas' follow up appointments at Shock Trauma.

Departing in the early morning hours in the handicap accessible van (an ambulance-type van that has a powered flat lift to get Thomas and wheelchair inside), they arrived at the out-patient shock trauma clinic, and Thomas was transferred to a stretcher and taken for a CTscan to look at his fusion.  Following the scan, they met with Thomas' surgeon and another attending physican on the Shock Trauma team.  They were thrilled to see Thomas "looking fantastic!"  The meeting went very well and the Doctors confirmed that Thomas is now considered ASIA C because he has regained some controlled movement below his level of injury -- he can now move 4 out of 5 toes in his left foot!  They were happy with the CTscan results and said "everything looks very good!" 

The surprise of the morning was when the Doctor proceeded to remove Thomas' surgical collar and throw it in the trash!  "Well then, guess we don't need that anymore!"  While Thomas has been feeling so much better and stronger in his neck, he and Natalie definitely weren't expecting him to be cleared for the collar to be removed!  And you can imagine how thrilled Thomas is!  They did give him a soft collar for him to wear for comfort whenever he wants, which he did for the very bumpy ride back to DC.  They have asked to see him again in 6 weeks. 

The driver had told Thomas and Natalie that they could take as long as they needed, so they made a visit to the 4th floor to see their nurses!  Natalie said, "It was a very surreal experience, but really good to see the nurses and respiratory techs! Everyone was so thrilled to see Thom and kept saying how incredible the transformation is so far!" 

Before the long trek back to DC, the two sat at Au Bon Pain (where Natalie and other visitors shared countless meals) together for lunch...and Thom was thrilled to finally get a sandwich of his own.

Join us in prayer!

Update: Exercises, Haircuts, and Bits of Progress

Thomas' therapists definitely do not hold back and have a creative approach. His routine continues to evolve and change and he improves every day. The more he can take on, the more he is given to do. The challenge never decreases. Here are some things they've been working on:

1) On Wednesday, with the help of occupational therapy, Thomas was able to take his first shower since the accident! This is great for building strength and coordination.  

2) Also on Wednesday, his physical therapists introduced an exercise involving a standing frame.  It’s a metal frame that he is strapped into, and with the help of a lever, they stand him up. The exercise is meant to help re-engage his brain with the feeling and concept of standing, in hopes that eventually he will once again be able to manipulate his legs. It also helps build core muscles.  An effect of SCI (spinal cord injury) is difficulty regulating blood pressure, so Thomas'  first try in the standing frame lasted 3 seconds. After three tries he was up to 42 seconds. They will continue working on this.

3) We mentioned previously that electrical stimulation (called stimming) has been used on his legs while he uses a powered bike. This week they began stimming on his wrists and hands. This exercise is also meant to re-engage his brain and awaken the muscles in his hands and wrists to help with the recovery of fine-motor skills and strength-building.

4) One of the goals is transitioning him into a manual wheelchair, however to achieve this goal, and several others, Thomas really needed control of his triceps. Thomas and Natalie had been told that it is not uncommon for C-6 SCI patients to never get their triceps back. Needless to say Thomas  made this his prayer for the week and on Thursday he noticed these muscles engaging once again!  On Friday his therapist confirmed that they were back! 

Meanwhile: in anticipation of the weekend, Natalie surprised Thom with a visit from his favorite stylist for his first haircut since their wedding (!!!) -- he is clean-cut once again and looking dapper!

Natalie continues to work with Thomas as he strives to take on more tasks himself. It requires patience and ingenuity as he works to adapt and utilize the limited dexterity he has. His creative problem-solving is definitely working to his advantage; this weekend, on his own, Thomas was able to hold and serve himself coffee, a slice of pizza, and sandwiches.  Exciting steps towards independence!     

Upcoming:

On Wednesday the couple will visit Thomas' neurosurgeon for the first time since moving to rehab, to see how his neck is healing from the fusion surgery. They are hoping for good news! Please keep this in your prayers. 

Join us in prayer!

Thom's Cool Tricks

Thomas is working on regaining his dexterity.  We mentioned earlier that he is now able to use an iPad by typing with the knuckles of his pinky fingers.  We wanted to show you a picture of what the IT guys rigged up to make this possible.  Pretty cool, huh?

Thomas has also been practicing by picking up gummy bears or other small food items and eating them.  He is getting pretty good at it!

OT has also been training Thom on how to use a “helping cuff”.  This device assists Thom to hold things, like a toothbrush or spoon.  He even recently tried a pen! 

Thom’s optimism and creativity is a huge bonus and will be necessary in the coming weeks.

Join us in prayer!

Happy Friday

Published: We have been collecting articles written about Thomas and put them together on our "Clippings" page.  If we missed any, please email us. 

Fixed: The PayPal button is officially working again!  Thank you for your patience while we got this sorted out.

Updated: Visitor Policy - kindly see the Visiting & Reaching Out page.

Reminder: Cards of encouragement are welcome, as always, and can be sent to the National Organization for Marriage at the address listed at the bottom of this page. 

Watch for tomorrow's cool "Tech & Tools Update".

Thank you for reading, praying, and giving!

Join us in prayer!

Family Meeting & Outlook

Thomas and Natalie had a meeting last Friday with Thom’s team of doctors, therapists, head nurse, and case manager to talk about the progress he has made thus far, and what the goals are, both upcoming and long-term, for his rehabilitation.  Here's a look at much of what they talked about.

PHYSICAL THERAPY
The current focus of physical therapy is to increase the strength in Thom’s shoulders and upper body.  The long-term goal is to help him become more independent, so he can do more for himself (feed himself, lift things, get dressed, etc.), and eventually transition from his power wheelchair to a manual one.

PT is also focused on helping him regain balance.  He can now sit balanced with his legs crossed at “contact guard level,” meaning he only requires someone spotting him.  Another exercise helps him balance with his legs stretched out in front of him and his arms outstretched behind him.  So far, he can do this exercise at a 50/50 relationship with the therapist, meaning the therapist does 50% of the work.  Achieving good balance is critical for many of PT’s long-term goals, including being able to assist in transferring to a wheelchair or bed, getting dressed, etc.

Late last week physical therapy introduced a stimulation bicycle into his routine. This motorized bicycle operates his legs like he is riding a bike, while electrodes are place on his legs that send shocks in an efforts to “re-train” his brain.  He said that it feels really good.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational Therapy sessions are currently focused on dexterity and upper body coordination.  They are working with him on learning how to roll from side to side and so far this relationship is about 50/50 (again, meaning the therapist does 50% of the work).

Thomas has successfully learned to operate his own power wheelchair and can get around the rehab facility quite well!  Their long-term goals include helping him be able to feed himself post set up (meaning after the meal is prepared and set up for him), dressing himself with limited assistance, and some personal grooming as well (brushing teeth, etc).

NURSING
The nursing team is closely monitoring bowels (including re-training), skin, and pain levels.  SCI (spinal cord injury) patients are especially at risk for skin breakdown and pressure sores which can be incredibly serious and, if incurred, would ultimately halt rehabilitation until healed.  They will be teaching Thomas how to check for signs of breakdown on his own.

OUTLOOK
Looking ahead, the doctors anticipate that Thomas will be living at rehab for the next 6 weeks before being released to come home. (It can be extended to 8 weeks, based on his needs and therapy goals.) While the idea of living at home once again is exciting, rehabilitation certainly doesn’t end. The doctors hope he will be a candidate for the day program at rehab, which would provide the same therapy routine per day, but would allow him evenings and weekends at home.  Following that (for however long it is needed) Thomas would transition to out-patient therapy. More will be know as they go down this path; there is a long journey ahead.

Housing was also discussed, and unfortunately, the newlywed’s current living situation will be impossible for Thom. The quest for a handicap accessible apartment is now underway and will need to be expedited so that medical equipment (wheelchair, etc) can be ordered and arrive in enough time to be ready for his discharge.

Note: if any of our local readers have recommendations of DC apartments that are handicap accessible (elevators, roll-in showers, etc.), please email us at the blog address.

Their case manager is currently compiling additional documents for Natalie to help them with all of these next steps. Much of this depends on what insurance will pay for/allow in terms of length of continued stay, how many days covered for the day program, out-patient rehab etc. Please keep this in your prayers, as well.


Join us in prayer!

Weekend Recap

It’s been quite a full week for both Thomas and Natalie since we last wrote! 

Thursday brought two welcomed events and kicked off a really great weekend!

First, Thomas’ trach was taken out - completely!  Yes, he is completely breathing and talking on his own!  Over the next few days, speaking was a little more challenging, as air escaped out of his trach site, but he was still able to speak and the site is nearly closed!  Another victory -- and something that, early on, was thought to be unlikely! 

Second, the last of the Zmuda/Peters family were able to visit him in DC!  Natalie’s older sister and husband, along with one of their two children, were in town from Thursday evening until Monday evening.  They enjoyed a wonderful reunion and spent as much of the weekend outside as possible, exploring the beautiful outdoor garden at the rehab facility.

{With special thanks:  This trip would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of a caring donor who used miles to purchase the tickets!  We are so very grateful for this!}

TUESDAY
Thomas has 18 of the 20 staples removed from his posterior incision (the one at the back of his neck) and his doctor said everything is healing very well!

PT introduced stomach work on the mat, which included planking and push-ups!  Thom did well and continues working hard!

With the nifty assistance of his “helping cuff,” for the first time Thom completed his entire teeth brushing routine by himself from start to finish.  It’s incredibly exciting to see the small steps of each day’s therapy build up to the successful completion of a task!  He also fed himself lunch for the first time!

Thomas met a couple other C-6 SCI patients and really enjoyed the chance to hear the stories of other men with the same injury.  Both of these men have been in rehab longer than Thom and were incredibly encouraging about the process and are making great progress!   


Join us in prayer!

9/3: Labor Day Weekend

Thomas enjoyed a fairly quiet weekend.  Because of the holiday he only had a couple therapy sessions.  He and Natalie enjoyed some down time together, continued to settle him into his room, explored the outdoor garden at rehab, and caught up with some friends.  He is ready and excited as his week kicks off! 

In our last post, we mentioned that his trach would be downsized and they would begin "blocking" or "plugging" it so that he can practice breathing completely on his own, through his mouth and nose.  Also, the "plug" in the trach, allows Thomas to speak without a speaking valve, in his regular voice.  Well, Sunday morning this smaller trach went in and he is actually tolerating the "plug" for the entire day!  This is great progress and a very good sign that phasing out the trach completely will go smoothly.

Thomas has been working with the IT tech at rehab to come up with a clever way for him to use an iPad for reading and hopefully even email soon!  He can operate the touch screen with his knuckle and with a little practice might even tackle email in the near future. :) 

Stay tuned! 

Join us in prayer!

An Introduction to Rehab!

We know. We know! You're all wondering what rehab is like!!! We were too -- it's been a very full couple of days for Thomas and Natalie as they settle into a whole new routine. Natalie sent us an update yesterday, and it's just chock full of awesome information.  Rehab is good. But it's hard too.

Here's what she reports:

• Thomas has an extensive team of specialists, therapists, and doctors who are committed to him and his case. Other than a rotation of nurses, the rest of his team, at large, will be consistent.  They will get to know each other and can best evaluate progress and his needs.
  
• His days start at 6:30 am with breakfast. Every day he is given a printed hourly schedule and from this they move him through his day, one type of therapy session to another, until about 4:00pm! There are no sessions on weekends, though Thomas is hoping he'll be able to do some "work" on Saturdays as well. Some sessions are in his room and others are in the main gym.
  
• Unlike at the hospital, he has his own of everything, meaning, his own wheelchair fitted to him, etc. It saves a lot of time that they aren't constantly starting over every day.   

Thom's progress thus far:

• During his first evaluation with his primary doctor, we learned that, while Thomas' fracture is C-5, his injury is actually considered / classified as a C-6.  This score has to do with a whole lot of factors, but basically Thomas has sensation and function below the C-5 level and consistent with C-6. So that's cool!

• His first morning in rehab he was taken off trach collar completely, which means he is receiving no oxygen from an outside source. He is no longer attached to anything whatsoever!  Perhaps this should have been the first bullet, because it's downright amazing to see! 

• Equally amazing, Thomas wears his speaking valve all day long and only takes it off to sleep! Awesome! With ease he is able to communicate all of his needs, ask questions, and be very involved in his therapy sessions.

• His secretions are almost completely gone! He said it's totally unreal. All the pain, and struggle, and work he had to do weeks ago to just be able to breath, and now it's nearly all gone. (Natalie writes: "I count this among our miracles :)  He is so happy!")

• Upcoming, they will downsize his trach and will start putting a "block" on it for short periods of time.  Once the "block" can be tolerated for a full day, the trach can come out. The "block" forces Thom's airflow to only be through his mouth and nose, like we all breathe, weaning him off the trach. (A fun side note, the doctor who will be working on this has a 100% success rate in getting patients off trach support. Thomas is in good hands!)

• He passed his swallow evaluation in 5 minutes flat! He no longer has any restrictions whatsoever! The first thing he asked for was a Dr. Pepper :)  His appetite is finally back and he is eating great! He said the food is actually really good. They get the week's menus in advance and Natalie helps him pick all his meals. (Your RB is thrilled to report that they use some local and organic ingredients - a big improvement from the hospital's offerings.)

• His pain is still under control, in fact, they were able to wean him off a little bit.  He gets a little neck pain from time to time, but it's really more sore muscles from working hard - and that's a good kind of pain!  

• And speaking of his neck, he can move it a lot more to look around.  It's still stiff from the surgery, but some movement / flexibility coming back - and they expect much more as the weeks go on.

• He has a cool strap for his hand to help him feed himself - he's getting pretty good at it, with a little assistance. It's a lot of work though, so his meals mostly have to be fed to him still. But he's practicing. He can also hold his own cup, or small bottle, and bring it up to his mouth for a sip. His arms are considerably stronger even in the last 3 days...he can even make the sign of the cross once again - something he's been working hard at! 

 

We'll be updating every other day, now -- giving some insight into the different exercises Thomas is doing, etc. Let us know if you have any questions! And thanks, as always, for your support!

PLEASE NOTE: Thomas does have a roommate, and his room is very small, so please do not send gifts, flowers, balloons, etc. There simply isn't room for it all. Cards are welcome, as always, and can be sent to the National Organization for Marriage at the address listed at the bottom of this page.

Join us in prayer!

Thank You UMMC + Off to Rehab

Thomas was released to rehab yesterday afternoon. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank the medical staff at the University of Maryland Medical Center, especially in the Shock Trauma Unit.

We'll be quiet on the blog for a few days as Thomas settles into rehab. In the meantime, please join us in prayers of thanksgiving for all those who took care of Thomas these last 42 days.

8/27: Keep It Up!

Natalie wrote to us last night: "Planning is futile but prayer isn't, so keep it up!" A good motto, friends!

Thomas was not released to rehab yesterday, but he had another full morning in expectation of being released later this week. The main barrier right now is his nightly fever - which is not uncommon in spinal injury patients - and which they are trying to work out. Please keep this in your prayers.

The morning started off with physical therapy, then Natalie gave him a shave "so that he looks dapper when he's checked into rehab." They shared another full breakfast together. At this point, he is eating just about everything and with no difficulty. He no longer has to think about chewing and swallowing.  His swallow is no longer painful. This is incredible progress.

In the afternoon, the hospital changed out his trach for a smaller metal one. The fun surprise was that the smaller one makes using the speaking valve even easier for him. And, since his secretions were at a record low today, he was able to wear his speaking valve for a record of 5.5 hours! 

He also sat up in his chair for 3.5 hours and did great! Friends brought dinner, and were able to sit and chat with Thomas and Natalie. After a quiet evening, Natalie says Thomas was in absolutely terrific spirits and very excited to get to rehab!

Join us in prayer!

Our Paypal button isn't working right now, but you can still Send Money Via Paypal. Use tpetersrecovery [at] gmail [dot] com for the "To" field.

8/24 + 25: A Piece of Chocolate Cake

SATURDAY:

After a rough first night in the step-down unit, Saturday started well, as all days should, with a big breakfast. A whole banana, nutrigrain bar, greek yogurt, and most of a Naked smoothie. They counted calories all day.

They also figured out a better balance of pain medications, so he had a much more comfortable day, and was able to take a long nap in the afternoon. In the evening, he sat in his wheelchair, while Natalie read all your notes and comments and cards. 

SUNDAY:

A quiet day of rest. They both slept in, catching up from the turbulence of the last few days. Thomas had another good sized breakfast. The feeding tube is still in, though he is not receiving any nutrients from it. The doctors are happy with the amount of nutrients Thomas is eating, so Thomas and Natalie expect it will be removed soon.

During rounds Sunday morning, one of the doctors took out the stitches of Thomas' front incision. He had a relative pain-free day, so the new pain management plan seems to be working well. His secretions were also very much improved from yesterday, which is fabulous (it's another thing they will look at to discharge him).

A local priest stopped by in the afternoon, and said a wonderful Mass in Thomas' room. And Natalie surprised Thomas with a piece of chocolate cake after dinner. Yum!

Thomas and Natalie are hopeful that he will be released to rehab sometime in the next week. Several things need to line up to make this happen (the feeding tube needs to be removed; his secretions need to be under control; there needs to be no sign of infection, etc.) -- please pray that this happens soon, and that everything goes smoothly with the transition.

Join us in prayer!

Update 8/23: Thom's Toes Wave Hello

Yesterday was a big day at the hospital. With Thomas off the ventilator, they decided to move him to what they call a "step down room" -- a smaller room within the same unit for stable and improving patients. This is a big step, and confirmation of the tremendous strides he has taken in the past week or so. From here he'll move to a rehab facility -- hopefully very soon!

He is off the ventilator, but still on the trach collar, which provides 5% oxygen and humidity to keep secretions soft. The feeding tube is still in, but they have started counting calories, and adding things like Ensure to his diet to see if he can take in enough so the tube can come out (hopefully) in a few days. Still no thin liquids, sadly. It was a day of progress, but also trials, so please keep praying for them!

But the really big news is:

This is the real deal: completely and totally voluntary! Thomas and Natalie offered up prayers of thanksgiving, and ask that we all do the same! 

The Novena of Thanksgiving continues. Join us in prayer!

Update 8/22: Still Flying!

We have some great news to share: Thomas is STILL OFF THE VENT from Wednesday morning! They're just letting him fly! At this point they won't put him back on the ventilator at all! This is incredible news -- the first major step to being released to rehab.

Thomas has been eating - french toast and sausage for breakfast, peaches, applesauce, and a mini 3 Musketeers (because dessert is a must). A few people have asked how Thomas is getting his nutrition:  he has a feeding tube which, now that he is eating during the day, they only use at night. It is likely this will be removed in the next day or so. After breakfast he sat in his wheelchair for two and a half hours.

When he was back in bed, Natalie gave him a shave (first one since before his surgery, so he was going a little crazy!)  To do this, he has to lay flat, and they remove the front of his neck brace, and he has to lay very still....but he did great and so did Natalie!  (She emails: "He looks fantastic :)")   Natalie also cut his nails and soaked his hands / exfoliated them to get all the dry callused skin off. Thomas told his nurse that he felt he had been taken to the spa. (Natalie is also learning how to help his nurse change his trach dressings and the interior pads of his neck brace.)

Please note: Thomas and Natalie cannot receive any more packages at the hospital. Their room is full! Please refrain form sending them there. If you want to send something, please send it to:

Thomas Peters Recovery

National Organization for Marriage

2029 K Street NW

Washington, DC 20006

The Novena of Thanksgiving continues.   Join us in prayer!

Update 8/21 - Soft Foods

The Novena of Thanksgiving continues!  Join us in prayer!

Thomas had a good day overall. Natalie and Thomas had breakfast together; Thomas called it their first "breakfast date" since his accident.  He was able to try a variety of foods during the day including: pudding, fruit cup, thickened orange juice, raspberry greek yogurt, lasagna, mashed potatoes, carrots, salad, and applesauce.  Not bad for day 2 of eating!  Natalie is brainstorming about ways to boost the unexciting hospital food.  A friend is coming today with some food items that Thomas specifically requested to try.

Thomas was able to read a little more on his Kindle again - turning pages by himself.  He sat in his chair for 3 hours while Natalie read cards and notes and they enjoyed chatting together.  3 hours was a bit too much and he was in a lot of pain for the rest of the afternoon.

As of the update Natalie sent us, Thomas was still off the vent - they were shooting for 24 hours!  We will let you know as soon as that goal is hit!

As always, thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Update 8/19

A quick update from the hospital: Sunday was a quiet day -- Thomas took a day of rest. A priest from their parish came up and said Mass. He decided not to try sitting in the wheelchair. He and Natalie and her parents watched a movie in the evening. Thomas was off the ventilator for a full 12 hours, as well.

Monday morning, Thomas had a lot of shoulder tightness and pain. Just in time, Physical Therapy showed up and were able to incorporate massage/relaxation into their therapy routine for his upper body. Thomas worked hard on all of the exercises and did really great! (After that he felt great enough to post once more on FB and Twitter!)

In the afternoon, he had a post-surgery swallow evaluation, and he was cleared for soft mushy foods - the doctors are still consulting about whether they are comfortable starting him on liquids, so we'll stay tuned.  

The biggest news of the day: the doctors decided to let him go as long as he wanted off the vent and he made it for 19 HOURS!  

NOVENA:

Mother Theresa encouraged all those who prayed novenas to pray nine days in prayer and then nine days in thanksgiving. So, we are starting a novena of thanksgiving to Luisa Piccaretta. Follow along here.

Tomorrow, a longer (and long overdue, since we skipped last week) Weekly Update!

Join us in prayer!