Good News. Through the Grace of God and all the thoughts and prayers from family and friends, Eric is recovering! After hassling with insurance to get him a ventilator to use at home, I just found out a few minutes ago that one will be delivered to the hospital for evaluation for Eric's needs sometime tomorrow, so if it passes muster, Eric will probably be released for home care this coming Monday or Tuesday. YEEEAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He has amazed both his doctors and us with his recovery. He has had some ups and downs, trouble sleeping, joint pain, itching, definitely anxiety, but meds have helped with those. Teen attitude has returned so we know he is feeling better.Yesterday when Trudi and I returned from lunch, he said in his usual voice " I got the speaking valve for my trach!" Flabbergasting!We then got to unhook all the wires and tubes and cruise all over the hospital in his wheelchair for the first time. His O2 level stayed high, so he got to stay off assisted breathing until time for his respiratory meds and sleep. Then, the nurse suggested he try a Popsicle, which delighted him. He can swallow and talk again! After an official swallow evaluation by a speech pathologist, he may be able to start eating some real food things again, while supplemented by tube feeding. At night, he will go back on the ventilator to give his weak chest muscles a rest, and also sleep soundly. This may become more intensive as time goes on, but we're still going day-to-day. For now, this is so much more than we thought we could hope for. The state has come through with funding for nightly nursing care, too, so we can get some sleep. Thanks again for all your concern!
Ric G
