Getting outside - Sunday September 24, 2017

I got to spend four (plus) hours with Blair this morning - to this afternoon.  It was so nice to be able to take him outside for a walk (well a ride for him - walk for me).  He loves being outside and enjoying the sun!  We had a really good time just talking about everything that has gone on and how far he has come!  I have really missed spending time with him.

Blair is eating pureed food now.  He is swallowing well and apparently has the gag reflex that he needs in order to be moving forward with moving toward no tube in his throat! The doctor today said they were going to move to a "cap" instead of a "valve cover" for his tracheotomy tube which is the last step before they remove the tube from his throat all together.

They are working toward his eating all his own food - and not needing to be fed by the feeding tube anymore.  Unfortunately he has to keep the tube in there for at least 6 weeks total in order for it to heal correctly when they take it out (per the doctor).  He's had it in for almost two weeks (I think) so he is looking at 4 more (give or take a few days).  The doctor said it is not a problem to take it out - real simple office visit procedure.

He has some upcoming follow up appointments next week and the 2nd week of October, so he will be transported to Hershey Medical Center to have those appointments (with the orthopedic department for his head, neck, ribs, knee and arm).  One is Tuesday morning (9/26/17) so if you are looking to visit Tuesday - you may want to call and see if he is back from the appointment before you head out to the rehab.

The estimated time he needs to be in the rehabilitation hospital is 4-6 weeks total.  That, of course, is their first estimate.  They will review his progress once he's been there for 4 weeks.  At that time we will have more of an idea about discharge (or time-frame in which they will re-assess).  Currently, I am still expecting him to come to our home - although he does have some other options - but at the end of the day he wants to be in CV High School and he will need some assistance still after getting out of the rehab.  He will need 24/7 company (the doctor called it supervision - but he's a bit old for a baby sitter - so I figure company is a better word).  This is because his physical body is healing faster than his brain (and that is always the case).  The possibility of confusion or forgetfulness is there - and as a precaution - it's good to have someone around just in case he needs them.  Also, he wont be able to drive - so it makes sense to have someone around if he wants to go somewhere!  I am currently looking for friends who would be willing to hang out with him during the day while I am at work and Alex is at school...  It would be paid.  I am sure he will have some 'in-home nursing care' and physical, speech, occupational and recreational therapy - but it's always better to have a familiar and friendly face (person) around!  So if we can work out a way to provide that for him - I would really like to.  Please contact me at 717-756-0413, or contact me on facebook, if you are interested.

As far as visits - the list was too long for the rehab to keep track of.  IF the visits remain 2 people at a time - 2 friends in the morning and 2 in the afternoon/evening - then all will be fine.  IF it becomes a problem again - the rehab hospital will implement different ways of managing the visits.  Note, I am not in control of this, and I didn't cause this.  I have never said that anyone specifically couldn't visit. I have merely said that Blair does need his rest.  As someone who cares for him very much - I want what is best for him.  I am sure all his friends want him to recover as well!  So please - just make sure you are communicating with each other so that everyone doesn't show up at the same time.  That way everyone he wants to be able to spend time with will still be able to visit!

Thanks!