This morning I discovered that Kathy never needed to go back on the ventilator, so it seems that we are past that now. She is still on oxygen but I suspect that will go away soon as well. There were a couple new firsts in her recovery today. I heard her voice for the first time since she went on the vent and she was able to eat and swallow ice chips.
The speech therapist was in around 9:30am and put a one way valve on Kathy's tracheostomy tube. This forced her to breath in through the tube but exhale past her vocal cords and through her mouth. It made her breathing more difficult so she will need to work up to longer periods with it on - Kathy started with two minutes. When it was on she said her name and counted to five. Later today the speech therapist will be back to put the valve on and do some testing on her ability to swallow.
Right now Kathy is getting ready to move from the bed back to the chair.
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Kathy, You remind me how we take the simple things in life for granted. Your strength and courage is inspiring. Keep up the good work and be patient. Sending positive thoughts your way.
ReplyDeleteLove, Joanie
Kathy
ReplyDeleteWe are all thinking of you here at McGinn. I am so happy to hear how well you are progressing. This does not surprise me at all.
Take care
Positively,
Mercedes
kathy its so good to hear the great progress you are making hour by hour. you have great strength. sending you and ross all great yoga intentions every day. love to you both michele
ReplyDeleteKathy your strength always amazed us but it especially does so now. Keep up the great progress and we hope to see you soon. Love Karen and Dave
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