Hey everybody---
Just thought I'd write a quick little (yeah right) progress note. Steve's been doing great!
I arrived Sunday evening and told Steve I had printed off his facebook page (a social networking website that you can create your own profile). He seemed eager for me to read off all of the nice messages his friends had written. There were so many, that I paused twice to make sure that he wanted me to continue. He did and he definitely cracked up a couple of times when I read off his own funny quotes in that section. =)
He had a fantastic day in physical therapy on yesterday. He continues to lift his head up on his own and is now getting more and more leg strength. They had him lay down on his back and had him bend both knees separately. He did this on again, off again multiple times. The physical therapist looked pleasantly surprised...(and it's hard to impress that guy!)
Rob reported that Speech yesterday was just has impressive. They had him counting out loud. He said that not only was there was no doubt that he made a voice that resembled the number, he was also attempting to move his tongue to make the appropriate sound. Rob also reported that while he was telling Steve that he understands it's hard to relax his left arm and that it's tough, Steve said a very obvious "I know."
In Occupational Therapy they're starting to assess his swallowing functions as well. Hopefully, Steve continues to work at this so that he can soon take liquids from a straw. I bet he can't wait for that day to come. They're also bringing in a Neuro-optomologist to test his eyesight. Although he tells us that he doesn't have trouble seeing the tv and such, he expresses to us that he has trouble seeing the computer screen when close.
Something that cracked me up yesterday was when I was trying to 'entertain' him while the nurse was giving him his meds. I kissed his hand a couple of times and put my nose in-between both of his fingers. I said, "You got my nose!" smiled and winked at him. He then put his thumb in-between his fingers as to indicate that he got it. We both cracked up. =)
Also, Linda just informed me that Steve's new discharge date has been changed to May 28th!!! This is great news!!! Before his tentative discharge was May 5th. We were told that the only way this could be extended is if he were to show noticeable improvement. Boy, did he show them!! Go Steve!!
That's all for now....talk to you soon!
Danielle
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2 comments:
Danielle,
This is GREAT NEWS!!! Isn't it amazing how far our boy has come in this journey? Weeks ago we were all happy for the thumbs up, then the note; "please take off my socks", to now a playful game of I got your nose! Each item truly a blessing from God! Steve seems to be gathering such inner strength and approaching each day with great determination. I just know he is thinking, "I'll show them".
I know that when the day comes when I walk into his room, and he says, "Hey Uncle Don", I am going to cry like a baby. I can see by certain expressions what he's thinking. Last Saturday, when Linda said that she had shaved some of his chest hair by the trach, I told Steve that now he would have to keep it shaved, otherwise it would itch like crazy when it comes back in. Then added he could now be a famous male model, all he needed to do was put some baby oil on his pecs! Well, he shot a look like, Uncle Don....you're a goof! You know what...I am a goof, but it's all worth it to see his eyes widen, eyebrows arched, and a small grin from his face.
Uncle Rick's comment yesterday referring to February 24th, again reminded me how great the power of prayer is. We continue to pray in great numbers for Steve. Some prayers may be for his stay in rehab to be extended, and it has. We may pray for movement in his legs, or some enhanced communication, and it has. We prayed for his life in February, and it happened! God has been showing us all what happens when we believe. Let us continue to keep the prayers flowing....who knows what good things yet can happen with a little help from our Lord!
God's Peace!
Uncle Don
P.S. Danielle...I just love your postings.....keep 'em coming!
Great update!
In terms of "swallowing tests", have them perform the "barium test":
About your Barium Swallow/Meal examination
What is the test used for?
A barium swallow images the oesophagus. A barium meal images the stomach. These tests are often performed together. You will swallow about a cup of barium liquid. A thin coating of a barium compound lines the inside of the oesophagus and/or stomach, and x-rays are taken. Barium appears white on the x-ray image and outlines any irregularity of the internal walls of the oesophagus and/or stomach.
What is the preparation for the test?
The stomach has to be as clean as possible before the test. Small pieces of food left inside the stomach may look like abnormalities. Fast for six hours before the test. See preparation.
Will I have to undress?
You will be asked to remove many of your upper clothes, but may leave on your underpants. You will be asked to change into a cotton gown, opened at the back, to protect your clothes from the barium.
Where will I be for the test?
You will be asked to stand against a fluoroscopy table. This is an unfortunately hard table which can move in many directions as well as tilt.
How is the test done?
A barium powder is mixed with water to make about 120 mls (1 cup) of thick liquid which is placed in a glass. The doctor will instruct you on when to drink the barium, and how fast to drink. It can be reliably predicted that the taste of the barium will never become popular, and no-one has ever asked for take-away! But it's not the worst taste in the world.
The doctor will watch the barium on the screen, and will take a (hard copy) x-ray pictures. Most times, the doctor will also give you two small medicine glasses, one with a clear liquid, and one with a coloured liquid. These liquids when together make gas, and help to distend the stomach so that small irregularities can be better seen. You will be asked to drink these liquids one after the other (the faster you drink, the less bad they taste!).
Once the barium has been drunk, the table you have been standing against will be laid flat, with you on it. You will be asked to roll in various directions on the table, and asked to hold your breath so that x-rays may be taken.
Sometimes, especially for looking at the stomach, the doctor may need to give you an injection of a drug called Buscopan. The problem is that everyone's stomach is constantly moving, which makes x-raying them very difficult. Buscopan temporarily stops the stomach from moving. It can also make an eye disorder called glaucoma worse, so tell the doctor if you have glaucoma, and another drug may be used. The side effects of Buscopan are blurred vision and a dry mouth, both of which can last for about half an hour.
How long will it all take?
About 15 minutes.
And after the test?
The barium looks like cement, but fortunately does not set like cement! Drink plenty of clear fluids over the next day. And, most importantly, you can now eat!
Radiation?
Ionising radiation is used. (See radiation page)
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