T is healing from his surgeries, his cardiac issues are under control, and he is stable. He has a C-5 fracture, only two levels lower than Christopher Reeves had. He will never walk again. He will have some control of his shoulders and biceps but not of his wrists and hands. How much control will depend on how much strength he can regain. His muscles might recover enough for him to breathe without the ventilator and to swallow, we hope so, but that remains to be seen. Right now he remains on the ventilator and has a PEG tube for feedings The ventilator is connected to a new tracheotomy, so he no longer has an endotracheal tube going into his mouth and down his throat. That's much more comfortable for him but he's quite frustrated with his inability to communicate very much. He can mouth words but without the accompanying sound it's difficult for most of us to successfully read his lips. He will remain in the critical care unit due to the ventilator until he can (hopefully) be placed in a rehab facility...there are not many equipped to care for ventilator patients. He is receiving great care where he is and for that we are grateful.
It was apparent that our visit meant a lot to T and saying good bye was hard and not without a few tears. We all know our lives can be drastically changed in an instant but don't tend to think about that fact until we come face to face with it. For Jack and I, putting our travels on hold and coming to see his brother was the right decision and we're glad we made the choice.
It's now time for us to get back on the road and make our way towards home, which we will do in the morning...
Been praying for Jack's bro, daily!! Glad to hear the positive things of this update.....but will continue to pray for him regarding everything else! Please let Jack know that I'm praying hard! btw....what happened?? How did he fall and get hurt so badly?
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Dad, today!
Oh, and we've been in touch with Becca and have made plans to be at the coast, the week of July 11....Matthew arriving, prob the night of the 12th and stay the rest of the time. As always, we can't wait!
Be safe on the roads!
Thanks! We appreciate the prayers. Middle of the night fall in the bathroom. He fell straight forward into the tub and slammed his head on the far (wall) side of the tub. He's 6'4" tall and it's a small bathroom.
DeleteOur plan is to arrive back in Wilmington somewhere around the 7th of July. Looking forward to seeing you all!
Yes...Happy Birthday to Dad, he's have been 104 today.
Surely the entire family appreciated the visit. That's what family does!
ReplyDeleteOMG...fell going into the bathroom during the night?....something I do 2-3x a night! He will remain in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteYup....I was talking with Ciera that Dad woulda been 104...and we all thought he'd probably still be here! Lol. We were reminiscing about him yesterday. She has SO many more memories of him and Mom, than I expected!....I'm so glad tho. When we had Matthew over for dinner, last week, for his birthday, we were reminiscing about Dad....of course he has tons of memories....Dad was always bigger than life to Matthew! Lol.
Becca told me that you'd be back in early July, when she and U were talking and making plans. As always we'll be counting down. Will be good to have Matthew coming for much of the visit too. Can't wait!
Stay safe!