As of 9:19 a.m. Tuesday July 21, 2009 Justin is breathing on his own with no assistance from a ventilator. The traech went well and remains for emergency purposes. They may rehook him to the breathing machine tonight simply as precautionary. His vitals are good--temp maintaining around 97.3 which is pretty close to normal for him, like his dad the kids usually are normal at 97.6 not 98.6. BP was 109/48--this runs a risk of dropping once they try to start sitting him up, normal reaction to the trauma and laying for extended periods of time, put physical therapy stated they are used to it and will work at a slower pace on getting him up but will continue to be aggressive on arms and legs until that time. HR was averaging 69-70 this morning.
Dr. Woodham has stated this morning that getting him to Sheppard Center quickly is a must. Sheppard is the leading spinal cord injury rehabilitation center and both neurology & pulminary have said today that getting him there now is beneificial. The hospital has indicated it could be as soon as this weekend. They have an intense program that will require we be there for a few days and will definitely require Justin to give all that he's got.
Justin's spirits seemed good, he did have some more questions that we tried to answer honestly. His main question was would he 'be 100% when he came home from Sheppard'--of course, we explained the doctors say 5% recovery but that it would be up to him and God to work on the other 95%--miracles happen and 7 states continue to pray for him. He appears to have the determination and acknowledges not to give up his faith and drive. We reminded him his upper body has improved in just the last week so the rest of it can and will come back, just at a slower pace that what our "impatience" wants to see (ha ha).
And, he's also hungry--he wants real food, doesn't care what it is, just real food--something he can chew and taste and feel full from. You just gotta love him!!!
He can mouth his sentences to you now and sometimes we have to say 'slow down' (AMANDA), but that too helps so much in being able to better communicate. Cuts down on some of the frustration which was not good for his recovery. All things are improving and with the many prayers on his behalf, they will continue to improve until the day Justin walks again.
Thank you all again!!! We love you guys!
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Yay that he is breathing on his own with NO ventilator! So glad to hear that! Do they expect him to actually be able to talk with the traech or is that preventing him from talking still?
ReplyDeleteI know I talk fast, but I wouldnt be ME if i didnt! :) Love ya'll
P.S. Sheila Parrish asked me if you were refering to me and I explained to her how ya'll always teased me on how fast I talked. :0)
He cannot talk right now with the traech, only mouth the words, will be a whisper. Speech therapy is being called in for a consult to put a 'voice' thingee on the traech that will help him with actual noises until the traech comes out. Talking fast is tough when you can hear the words, even tougher when trying to lip read. Tell everyone we said hey and we appreciate everyone. Love you guys!!
ReplyDeleteP.S.--saw your mom this morning, thanks for keeping her updated for us.