April 7, 2012

51 days...two major surgeries... extra corporeal membrane oxygenation...tracheotomy...28 days on a ventilator...Peter is on his way home...FINALLY! God bless and Happy Easter.

Natividad ARU: April 3

Peter is working HARD! Driven by a desire to return home, he set his goal as April 9. Imagine his excitement when Case Manager told him today he is doing so well he can go home on Saturday! We are all ecstatic - it has been a long seven weeks in the hospital for Peter - even though ther are large periods of time he does not remember - thank God! Unfortunately, I think those memories are forever burned into my memory. His trache has now been capped for 24 hours and his saturation is excellent! He is excelling in his therapy. Got to "cook" today. It was old pasta - not to be eaten, but he was standing at a stove! Three more days of in-patent therapy.....

Natividad ARU: April 1 & 2

Lots of evaluations going on! Peter has met with PT, OT, and speech pathologist. He has been working really hard - I think he wants to set a new record for shortest time here. He is walking three to four times/day about 800 fet. He is working on stairs with his PT so he can walk around our house. Speech pathologist is working with him on his swallowing/eating and his OT has promised to work with him on kitchen skills. Hands are still pretty shaky so not real sure about him using knives yet! The biggest news.....MondY night they capped his trache! He is now completely off oxygen, breathing normally and has an oxygen saturation of 98-99%! We have come a long way......

Natividad ARU: March 31

Arrived in Salinas just after noon. We got here just before the ambulance. He had lunch with the speech pathologist present so they could figure out specifics of diet to order. Peter is eating so much better, they will be able to stop nighttime tube feedings soon! Also had an evaluation with the physical therapist, walking and steps. Spent the afternoon with Jaime, Marissa, Will, mom and dad with some Katie G. thrown in. All in all, a good day. Art Solent the night at the ARU (Acute Rehab Unit) while mom went home and slept in her own bed for the first time in weeks. Mercy was happy to welcome me home by waking me up several times as she walked all over me!