He has progressed so much this weekend. His trach has been capped for 48 hours which means, he's breathing room air, coughing and swallowing his secretions on his own. His oxygen levels are averaging 95% with a normal heart rate. These are great signs. They also removed his foley because he has a urinary tract infection. This made him less restless and agitated during the day and at night. It has to suck not being able to communicate what he's experiencing. Lisa and mom really worked with his physical and speech therapy this weekend because there are no physical therapists nor speech therapist during the weekends. He was really pooped today because of the work they did. I'm not sure if any of you recall but my sister's first love was to get a degree in physical therapy. The only school that offers a degree is NAU. I really don't know why she didn't pursue her dream but I'm very, very happy she has the time to spend with him to put him through the exercise drills she's been instructed to perform on him. She' really great at this. She and Randy have been doing this ever since Kevin was born. Both of them are extremely special people. I also want to thank our cousins, Leo, Tina, Linda, Melissa for spending nights during the first ICU nights. Leo and Tina came in from Flagstaff and stayed 2 nights at the hospital while Katrina was graduating. Linda and Melissa spent the first nights in ICU during this same time. We can't thank you enough. Our family is so loving and strong we're happy to be both Jacobs and Valdez.
Although dad may be out of the hemorrhage danger, he has so many months for rehabilitation recovery. He must learn how to talk. Although he may know the words to say, he has to learn how to get his mind to tell his diaphragm to push air to his vocal chords and out of his mouth for us to hear the word. Can you imagine how frustrating he's getting not being able to speak his mind? Lisa and I sit there trying to imagine what his genius mind is thinking. Believe me, I'm using every conceivable technique I can think of to communicate with him. We all must be patient.
He will get better with time. The trach will soon be out and he'll be eating and drinking soon. By the end of this week, we will allow more visitors to visit. Please continue your prayers and I'll let you know when you'll be able to visit with him.
I recently returned from some time abroad and was shocked & distressed to hear (for the first time) about our dearest Joel. However, after reading this blog from day 1 to the present, I see much we can all be thankful for and even more to be hopeful about! Through the love and efforts of you, his loved ones, he seems to be making broad strides toward recovery. He is truly lucky to have such wonderful friends and family- I think that is a major source of the strength and resilience Joel has shown over the last 4 weeks.
ReplyDeleteSaludos a todos,
-Nick Mendoza