Dad went back to surgery this evening and all went well. Dr. Duke came to talk to mom, and must have had a few extra minutes to spare, because he was very "chatty" (mom's words). Dr. Duke is still working one the bowel - it's giving him one heck of a time. He spoke with mom about the journey this has been and progress dad has made. From where dad's been Dr. Duke didn't know that he'd get the opportunity to know mom so well and continue to work towards dad's recovery. Now he's even mentioning grafting! I don't know when he might want to do this - weeks, months, who knows... he doesn't like to nail down a timeline. He just wants mom to focus on being there with dad and let him (Dr. Duke) worry about the rest. Remember we are enrolled in Patience 101. Everyone knows that Dr. Duke is amazing - how can we ever thank him enough? He mentioned the possibility to do "something" (I'm sure there's a real term for this but I am not sure what it is) to the trach so dad might be able to talk. I hope they are able to do this "something", because I know dad so desperately wants to be able to communicate more easily. Today dad was able to point out letters on a letter board and spell what he was wanting to say. That went well! He insisted that mom write each letter that he pointed to down on paper. I guess this is kind of like her writing for him since he's unable to do so yet. Possibly he saw it as a sure bet that she'd get what he was saying. I'm sure it would be even more frustrating for him to point to 10 or 15 letters only for her to forget what the second or fifth one was. Never the less he did well with the letterboard and so this was very good.
On another note, dad is very agitated tonight, so mom of course is by his side as they try to calm him. Please pray that dad can be comforted during this unbelievably tough time.
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just know that the agitation does go away...it took Troy about a week and then the agitation subsided enough to take the restraints off. It is very frustrating for them, especially when they can not speak. I know that they did the "something" for Troy while he was on the trach so that he could talk. They capped it off during the day so that he could talk then hooked it up at night so he would rest his lungs (i guess his lungs) well he is going home for Easter. What a miracle that he is alive, they will be driving into houston 4xs a week for therapy....brain still acting up! Thanks again Bonnie! I continue to pray for your family...ya'll seem to be so strong!
ReplyDeleteGreetings!
ReplyDeleteYes, the agitation is just part of the frustration with the whole scenario or at least that was what we experienced. Our son used to mouthed "THIS SUCKS!" and believe me, we could read his lips with no problem!
The cap they put on the trach forces the air to go through the vocal cords instead of coming out of the trach. Once the air is able to go through the vocal cords, then sound is possible. This works well for some trach patients;however, other patients are unable to tolerate it. It just depends on the individual. We will pray that Louie is a patient where this device works!
Stay strong in the LORD,
Jeanne Elder
"Before God blesses us there come times of trouble, distress, grief and pain. We can rejoice knowing the suffering is for a short time, but out of the suffering comes blessings that cannot be had any other way."
ReplyDeleteWow! has Louie, Ruthie, the Buzek family and Greg been blessed.
God is Good!
We love you and are praying for strength and comfort.
Richard & Claudia Raun