Sometimes it's hard to see changes day by day, but if we look back 1-2 weeks things are consistently progressing. Those of you who saw Craig on his birthday would be surprised at the difference. In PT today, Craig was able to kick a ball (not well, but he did it), and was able to roll from his back to his stomach, and back again, on the command of the therapist. We are also able to take daily wheelchair excursions outside, which is a nice change.

We are seeing more responses from Craig as he works with the various therapy people. He is looking more like himself as he is wearing his own clothes again. He has lost about 25 lbs (he was skinny before the accident) and he is looking pretty thin. Everyone tells us that when he is able to eat and workout more, he will be able to put the weight back on rapidly. He is also now able to sleep on his side and stomach again, which has allowed him to rest much more comfortably (and sleep more deeply). He cracked all of the knuckles on his right hand today, using his thumb and proceeding one finger at a time (like he used to). Little things like this keep us hoping this he is coming back to us.

Big day today. First, they took out the trach button. The hole in his throat is about the size of a dime, and should completely heal within a week. Second, we changed rooms. Craig was admitted to the transitional care unit (TCU) on the second floor. The new room number is 2123. This was a big deal as he had to be formally discharged from Mckay Dee and then readmitted to this unit. They did not waste much time after we arrived, taking Craig to the PT room for an extensive muscle workout. We then took him in a wheelchair (Ashley drove)outside and around the pond.

While he is officially out of the coma, he is yet to regain full conciousness. We really need him to begin responding to us more fully and working with the rehab personnel.

Craig took a shower today for the first time since the accident. It must have felt good since he fell asleep half way through. He slept better last night and that seems to help a lot with the daily therapy. There is a possiblity that we will be changing rooms soon, down to the transitional care unit. Will keep you posted.

 

 

 

The trach is out! Craig is breathing again normally, and doing well. The big vent machine is also out of the room, which is nice because it smelled bad. They placed a small peg into the hole in his throat to keep it open in case it is needed again. Without the trach he can use his vocal cords and he is making some basic sounds. While he is not saying anything, it is good to hear his voice again.