The trach is in and you can ask anyone that saw Neal, he is a new man. He is now off of the ventilator, his vitals are still good and he is more responsive. He is still on quite a bit of pain medicine though and that is still having an effect. He does still have oxygen attached to his trach. He did not pass the swallow test, therefore he still cannot drink. My sister and I were convinced he was trying to trick us into giving him water. He even had a minute when he was telling me that he remembered what I had already told him once. He is now really asking what time and day it is. He still does not remember anything and probably never will. Neal still cannot talk, but is on his way there. Since he cannot swallow, he cannot eat, therefore he has to have the feeding tube. I think his weight is holding stable.
Neal's tongue also made it's first appearance today. The only way I can describe it is a dental impression of your molars. He bit the right side of his tongue parallel with his tongue. There appears to be a portion missing, however I think what is still there should be salvageable. We are waiting to hear from ENT to get more information.
Neal will most likely be moved out of ICU tomorrow or Friday. He had been on a ventilator for 11 days and it is amazing how he is the first day off. I am unsure when they will send him home and what sort of therapy he will need. Physically he is still very strong for all he has been through.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
Michele, I am so impressed with the stamina you have!! You are doing so well coping with this difficult time. Neal is such a fortunate person to have you in his life!! I pray each day gets better and better for Neal.
Love, Kathy and Harry
Michele, You are truly an angel to Neal. Your love, dedication, and strengh is remarkable. May God Bless you and Neal both. We think you both everyday and only wish that we were closer to help.
Love, Teresa and kids
It was amazing the difference we saw in Neal today. Rest easy tonight sister, you made the right choice. I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring.
Stacy
There are many of us from Neal's work that would be willing to help with whatever you need, just not sure what that is. Don't hesitate to send out a request to us.
Michele and Neal,
To quote Woody Hayes - "There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you"
You guys certainly have been through hell the past few months - hang in there. Michele, thanks for being so deligent with the blog. I have been following all your postings and am glad to hear Neal is making progress today. It has been such a long haul for both of you and I think of you both every day.
Clara (Matt's Mom)
Hello Neal and Michele! Hoping that things start to look up for the two of you. You've both been through alot these past months and we only want the best for you both.
Love
Patty & Ed
Michele,
I have the quote from Woody Hayes that Matt's Mom mentioned above my computer. Going through a hard time like this really does test your souls strength, but I truly believe that things will get better with time. Hang in there and know we are all here for you.
Love,
Erica & Steve
Thank you all for the posts. I appreciate everyones willing to help. We are hanging in there.
Post a Comment