Nice cough!

Hi all! Hope this finds everyone well; we're doing alright for the time being ourselves :)

Just to quickly update you on dad: still doing pretty well! Therapists are being aggressive with his therapy, which means that by the time mom and I arrive he is usually pretty much spent. That's okay though, we're totally fine that he's giving most of his energy to them! Yesterday they started the process of plugging his trach, for only 30 minutes to start, but so far so good! He has a very strong cough, and still a lot of secretions from his lungs, so the concern is that he doesn't choke on them as he coughs them up (sorry if this is gross). Normally they are coughed out of his trach (the other day it flew clear across the room and slimed up the dresser...eeeew), so as he becomes more aware he'll hopefully be able to spit them out of his mouth. For the time being he swallows them, which is also fine, if not totally disgusting. It was really nice to hear him cough like normal though. So he was plugged for only 30 minutes; hopefully they will plug him a little longer today. While he was plugged his O2 sat stayed nice and high, so things look hopeful there. We still aren't sure whether they will wean him from the trach while he's not following commands, but his swallow is clearly strong, so we'll see.

The only slight set back is that he might have a little bit of an infection in his lungs. The respiratory therapist said that while he was plugged and breathing through his mouth she was able to hear a lot of congestion on the right side. His secretions are also pretty thick and slightly yellow, which is generally not a great sign. Still no fever though, and we think it might be because the had the humidifier turned down yesterday, so we'll just have to wait and see. He still seems completely comfortable and is as aware as before. We really haven't had any hiccups since the move to this new facility, so maybe we're due. Hopefully it'll just pass!

The only other bit of news is that he's been moved. Unfortunately he no longer has a private room, but his roommate is walking and spends very little time in the room. There are also curtains for privacy and he's right next to a nice big window, so we're fine with it. So in case you decide to go visit, he's in room #2 now.

Well I'll be visiting a friend in Carpenteria for a few days, only wish my mom could get an equal break (although she wouldn't take it if she could...)! So I won't be posting for a couple days; not that it would be too unusual. Feel free to call either my mom or myself if you need an update or have questions.

Me: 805-558-7515

Mom: 805-558-3732