Thursday, December 29, 2011

Bob got his trach removed yesterday and has had a really good day today.  He held a grape in his right hand and got it to his mouth.  This is HUGE!  He hasn't been moving his right hand much at all so for him to do this, is great!  He is getting stronger every day and they are talking about moving him to an acute rehabilitation center as soon as next week.  We are looking at either the Murray IHC or back to McKay Dee inpatient rehabilitation.  They will work extensively through physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy to get him ready to come home.  Everyone at Promise is impressed with his progress and says that he is a really "nice" brain injury patient.  I guess some are really mean and nasty, but Bob is Bob, kind and appreciative to them for what they do for him.  Your support and concern is so appreciated, thank you!  Wishing all of you a wonderful 2012 - I plan on it being the best year ever! 

Day 39

Monday, December 26, 2011

Today was an eventful day for Bob.  His morning started off with the respiratory and speech pathologist buttoning his trach.  This means that they took off all ventilation and oxygen and put a cap on it so that he is totally breathing on his own from his nose and mouth.  They will watch this for 72 hours and if he does well, they will remove the trach from his throat.  He did well all day today, so we are crossing our fingers that he will continue to do so.  They also removed his catheter so the only tube left is his feeding tube.  He had some ice cream and peaches today and even some diet pepsi.  I guess tomorrow he will get real food from the cafeteria, yum!  Today was a harder day than yesterday, as far as him making much sense.  He was a little more angry and demanding today than he has been.  I know this is all just the process but it is kind of hard to deal with.  I just have to keep reminding myself that time will help to resolve these issues.  He is starting to move his right hand a little more so that is also a great thing.  He is still far from being better but without all these "attachments," I am hoping it will be easier for him to start moving more and getting his muscles stronger.  Thanks so much to those who have visited him.  It is fun to hear what he has to say to you!  Please keep praying for him, he still has a long way to go but we have been so blessed with his great progress so far.  Love to all of you!

Day 37

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Well, today is Christmas and Bob didn't even realize it.  When I told him, he said "really, in September?"  He did well today, seemed happy and content.  He made some sense of things today, but still a lot that he doesn't.  We wish a very Merry Christmas to everyone and hope your day is filled with all the magical things that make it so great.  Thanks so much for all the love and support!  Christmas 2011 has been very different but miraculous for the Page family.  Hoping for a great 2012! 

Day 35

Friday, December 23, 2011

Bob is making good progress.  They removed the staples from his head yesterday and put in a smaller trach.  The smaller trach will allow them to ween him from it completely.  They will cap it off and when he can go 2 to 3 days without additional oxygen and when they are sure he is swallowing correctly, they can remove the trach.  He did eat some applesause and peaches but didn't like them very well.  They will introduce more food next week and see how he does.  They have him sitting up in a chair for some of the day and he sat for 40 seconds without assistance!  This truly made me realize how much we all take for granted - we were thrilled with 40 seconds!  He is talking a lot and the speech pathologist said that it is good that he is calling people by name (even if it is the wrong name) because that means that he is comprehending enough to use names and not just words.  He's doing well and we are thrilled!  Heavenly Father is blessing us in so many ways!  Thank you all for your prayers and concern for our family - it has been incredible!  Please have a wonderful Christmas and don't forget to tell the ones you love just how much you love them - that is what you can do for me for Christmas.  Much love to all of you!  
Joy     

Day 34

From Joy's facebook:
They are removing Bob's staples and putting in a smaller trach today, yeah!

Day 33

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The newest thing for Bob is that they are putting him on a tilt table and standing him up.  He has done well, not passing out or getting light headed which is apparently quite common.  The first day they stood him up, they asked him how he felt and he said "perfect."  He is talking quite a bit, is still a little confused, but hey, at least he is talking in sentences and using big words!  He is saying some funny things so that is helping to keep the mood light.  I need to thank every special angel that has helped me thus far - you will never know how grateful I am for you!  Thank you!

Day 30

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Oh my gosh, today was an incredible day with Bob!!  He talked so much today and is making some sense of things.  Some of the things that came out were kind of garbled and confused, but a lot of it was understandable.  He talked to us for about an hour this morning and then about 2 hours tonight.  He is very worried about his business and it is weighing heavy on his mind.  It seems that he has been watching us from a far - he made comments that made us wonder how he knew.  We tried to re-assure him that everything is being taken care of and that all he needs to worry about is getting better.  It was amazing!  He said some things that were spiritual and some that weren't but it was all just amazing!  I cannot tell you how very blessed we all feel today.  Prayers are being answered and miracles are being seen.  The nurses and doctor were shocked today when they heard him talking.  It just happened literally overnight and the doctor called it miraculous!  Thank you so much to family members who are sacrificing time and travel to help make sure that Bob is not alone when I can't be down there.  I will be forever grateful for your help!  Christmas miracles are pouring into our family and it is overwhelmingly incredible!!  Thank you all for your prayers and support, it will never be forgotten!  Love to all of you!

Kami Page Antriyao ( from facebook)

Had quite the conversation with my dad today!!! He is talking when they place his voice box on his trach!!! He had lots to tell us all and had questions he needed answered!!! It has been another amazing day!!!