Daddy had another busy day. His morning started off with a visit from Dr. T (neurologist) who is still happy with the progress. After his visit, Daddy was carted off to his esophagus procedure. Doctors said that the esophagus wasn't as bad as they had originally suspected, but they did stretch it out some, in hopes that it will improve his swallowing ability. Crystal likes to say that Daddy is going to leave the hospital "improved" and was trying to think of any other pre-existing issues that he should get taken care of while he's there, which I'm sure he appreciates (ha).
Daddy had another swallow test this afternoon. Unfortunately, even after the "esophagus stretching" he was unable to get all of the foods and liquids down. We still aren't sure what the next step will be in terms of nutrition (he hasn't had anything to eat since breakfast Thursday) but we're expecting a feeding tube soon.
Daddy also got a visit from some physical therapists who had him sitting up, moving his left and right leg, standing, and swaying (we like to say he was dancing). They still aren't getting any action out of his right arm, but we got some tips on how to move it around to help his brain recognize it again.
The therapist also gave us some information on possible post-hospital rehabilitation; there are generally two options: 1) in-patient rehab where he would have 3 hours of therapy a day lasting 10-14 days or 2) a "skilled nursing" program which takes place in a nursing home with 1.5 hours therapy each day lasting closer to 30 days. Obviously, we are hoping for the more aggressive route, he has the motivation and we think he's ready!
Another issue we faced today was high blood pressure. Doctors targeted an upper limit of 160, he averaged about 190. Staff administered 3-4 different blood pressure medications to try to bring it down, but as of when I left it was still a little elevated.
The mannitol dose for swelling was reduced by half this evening, great news! He will be weaned off over the next couple of days.
Daddy brushed his hair again today and got a good teeth cleaning. Next up is a haircut and shave, we're taking volunteers for that job. :)
Thanks so much for all of the prayers, visits, and phone calls. My Daddy and family appreciate it! Keep it coming!
-Tarra (aka #3)
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
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Hey Thayer family. My name is Dianne Davis and I am good friends with Jessica. Thank you for creating the blog so we can keep up on how things are going. I am very hopeful as he begins his recovery. My mom had two strokes, one of which was pretty major and honestly very scary for us. Yet - she went on to live a great life and gained nearly all of her abilities back. It took some work but we are so proud of her. Brain injuries are so weird. And it's amazing how it can re-route itself to gain back abilities.
ReplyDeleteBe patient. There are not many overnight successes. Love you guys and am praying for you!
Praying for continued improvement in Rick's conditions. Thank you for this blog so we know specifically what to ask the Lord to do for Rick.
ReplyDeleteThis is Leslie. Thank you girls for the blog and keeping us up on your dads progress. Your GGGs are lifting you and your family up in prayers everyday for a full and complete recovery. We love the Thayer family!!!
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