On Friday he had a 3rd tracheostomy as there was a problem with air leaking from the previous 2. This one is successful and has made his breathing so much more comfortable.In fact they started weaning him gently of the respirator on Saturday. They disconnected it for 2 mins and Stephen breathed on his own. Yesterday (Sunday) he breathed 4.5 mins on his own.This is an enormous fete and we are very encouraged and hope that each day he increases this more until finally he will be able to do without.Of course this takes time but we are hopeful that if everything goes to plan he will be off his vent in 4-5 weeks. Fingers crossed.
Also Stephen's blood count has been quite low and so today (Monday) they are giving him a blood transfusion which will stop him from being so lethargic and will bring the colour back into his cheeks and renew his energy. Amongst all of this he passed his swallow test today and had vegetable soup, ravioli, roast potato, melon and strawberrys and 2 cups of tea and ofcourse vanilla and chocolate icecream!. This has been a huge boost for him now that he can eat nornally again and they are hoping that if he continues to improve he may be able to actually speak again by the end the week.
I'm not sure whether it was eating which was the highlight of today or the fact that he had physio and used an automatic exercise bike for 6 mins. His eyes lit us as he watched his legs move with the pedals. The physio then took him to see the FES bikes. These are similar to exercise bikes except elctrodes are attached to your legs which stimulate the muscels to move your legs themselves and pedal the bike. The physio there said that normally patients who used these bikes were not on a ventillator but if Stephen passed a stimulator test then she would start him off. Guess what. Test passed and Tuesday 10.00am he will start using these amazing machines.You have no idea how much this has motivated him he has never stopped smiling all afternoon.
We hope to continue with the updates about twice a week giving you a report on his progress. Stephen has asked that we send his thanks for all your well wishes, he is amazed by the support that you all have shown and looks forward to your emails each day.
Thanks
The Family
Leave a message for Stephen here
So much has happened since Stephen arrived its hard to imagine we have only been here in Denver for less than 1 week. Stephen's clincial team are amazing. His Primary Doctor has everything under control and is taking care of all the underlying problems Stephen has had in the last 4 weeks to enable Stephen to move forward and really start his rehab.Stephen has seen an ENT consultant for his trach, gastroenterologist for his stomach problems, Respiratory consultant for his lungs, dieticians, speech and languate therapists besides his regular nurses, phyiso, occupational therapist. Everyone is so caring.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.