Saturday, December 14, 2013 6:30am

JOHN MADE IT OFF THE VENTILATOR!

Early on Friday morning, the RT drew blood gases to check John's oxygen/carbon dioxide levels to see how he was doing on just the trach collar with oxygen assist.  The numbers were perfect and John was officially finished with the ventilator!  We took a picture of the big machine going out the door.

But it was a day of a lot of good news - and busy, swift activity all day for John.  The wound care doctor came in and because the wounds are healing so well, the nurse was able to remove the stitches from the stump.  He also said he would send an orthotist over to fit John with a "stump protector" and a "stump shrinker".  Hmmm....we had heard about this, but were eager to see the real thing.

John was in the chair for three hours.  He is sitting up straight now, with his head up and the ability to turn his head and look around with far less pain.  The speech therapists arrived to do the "swallow study" (FEES) which is a scope w/camera  down through his nose that looks at everything to do with his throat to assess his ability to swallow - thus, to eat food and drink.  We all watched on a monitor while he was fed different textures with blue dye.  John tolerated well, but was exhausted.  They did learn that he needs therapy in several areas including throat, mouth, tongue and jaw before he can eat. The therapist returned in the afternoon and John had an hour of facial workout.  Mild electrical stimulation was placed on his face at several points to "wake up the nerves" and move the muscles. This will be repeated for several days.  At the same time she actually has exercises for his face and throat, including his drooping eyes.  This was all extremely exhausting for John, but no breathing troubles. 


The man from the orthotic/prosthesis company did come in the morning, tried a protector and took measurements.  He returned in the afternoon and John now sports his own stump protector that stops just above the knee to avoid the thigh wound.  It is made of molded plastic and Velcro straps which he wears over a tight, thick, soft cotton stocking.  What a step forward on his journey! (Note the absence of the vent machine in the background.)

The case manager informed us that the physical and occupational therapists feel at the current rate, John may be able to sustain the required 3 hours of therapy per day required to return to the Neurological Rehabilitation Unit (where he was learning to move about with walker when the GBS hit him) in about 2 weeks .  Fantastic news!  Of course, John still has to pass the earlier lists of requirements by the two main doctors before moving: swallowing, eating, using the trach collar more efficiently (perhaps without oxygen), and all bodily functions.  These will more likely take longer, but the goal is within sight in the new year.

Paul arrived late Thursday night - just in time for the incredible day John had yesterday.  It is so great to have him here!  He and John are talking and joking - it is so wonderful!  It is their own brand of humor and communication.  As a result of the facial exercises, John even has a tiny bit of a smile twitch on occasion!  The weekend will be mostly rest, some facial exercises, sitting in the chair, and just enjoying Paul.

On another note, all the papers have been filed for John to be Honorably Retired in the Presbyterian Church (USA) effective January 31, 2014.  Historical First Presbyterian graciously and generously granted him 90 days of salary and paid benefits since his illnesses began.  This is a big step on our new path.  This Sunday I will return to worship, talk to the children at the children's time, and bid a farewell from both of us to this dear congregation.