Monday was defintely the kick start we needed for a good week. There have certainly been some downs - Dave threw up all the solid food he ate on Monday, and his stomach has still really been bothering him; the new dressing set up for his wound leaks a whole lot more than the wound vac did - but this week, the ups seem to be winning.
Getting ready for OT or PT has become a very independent thing, to the point that all we have to do is fetch the necessary supplies, whether it be his clothes or his wheelchair. Although he is still never really hungry, it's easy to see how uplifting and freeing it is for him to know that he can eat if he wants to. During PT yesterday, he needed almost no assistance from Fran getting up to a stand from his chair, and once he was up, he stood on his own (holding the parallel bars) for a minute and a half. He did so well during the first stand that Fran had him start "marching," lifting one foot off the ground, then the other, all in preparation to start walking. Although Dave still has a difficult time breathing, especially during the stands, he does not seem as exhausted during or after and recovers much more quickly each time.
Breathing is actually going well enough that Dr. Weintz DC'd (discontinued - don't you love my use of medical terminology? Our friend Jennifer would be so proud) the midnight treatment, so Dave is down to four times per day. Each respiratory therapist who comes for the treatment mentions how much better Dave's lungs are sounding and how impressed they are with his improvement.
After the big switch on wound care on Monday, Dave and I got to see pictures of the progression of his wound size since he's been at Drake. In the past two months, the total area of his wound has been reduced by 56% and the volume (length times width times depth, for anyone who doesn't remember their high school geometry) by 98% (his wound is only .1 centimeters deep in any place now). Although I realized how much it had changed just from my memories of being at UT, it was incredible to see it in pictures.
Be praying for continued improvement and strength, and that the nausea will go away completely. Also be praying that the dressing will stop leaking so much, as it has caused Dave to miss PT at least once this week.
More soon!
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2 comments:
The wound is only 1mm deep now? That's fantastic! Congratulations on the progress Dave. It's amazing how far you've come, and exciting to see how close you are to getting back to normal.
Hey Dave,
This is Kristi Jones we go to Wellspring (Luke Jones mom) I am so excited to hear of your progress. Kendahl has kept me informed. I think of you and pray for you often. I am new to this blog stuff since Lizzy I have been blogging hard and I love it..I wanted to say hey and that we are lifting you up in prayer. Kendahl is an amazing gal and we just love her..the kids love you too Luke says you are a cool dude..so stay strong and looking forward to you joining kendahl at Wellspring..it will be a joyous celebration when you walk in those doors at wellspring..stay srong and keep the faith..
blessings,
chuck, Kristi, luke, and Annie
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