Update 4-30-10

Yesterday the doctors removed the ventilator dad had in his mouth, and replaced it with a trach. The procedure went well. There are many benefits to the trach. Many have asked why he even needs the trach at all if he is breathing on his own. I have been out of town and haven’t heard the doctors personally but it is my understanding that they will not remove the assisted breathing device until he is more awake and alert even though he is breathing sufficiently on his own. One benifit of the trach is the ability to turn the artificial air completely off and allow dad to “practice” breathing entirely on his own without any assistance. Yesterday they did this for several hours. He had on oxygen when this was done but his vitals maintained very well. They plan to continue to do this each day to help him return to breathing completely fine on his own.
The trach will not be as harsh on his throat and vocal chords. Although he is capable of breathing on his own the trach allows him to breath with more ease and he is able to rest better. They will continue to activly work to get to the place where they can remove the trach but as always it will just be a matter of time.

Currently even with the trach in place dad will not be able to speak. He has to pass a swallowing test before they will attach the parts that will allow him to speak. Although there are times daily when he has body moves a lot, the times of “relational movement” are still somewhat sparse. (Meaning when I feel he actually is comprehending we are there, who we are, and even gives a different squeezes on your hand… relational “I love you” taps on our hands.) Even though those moments are rare it is such a great feeling to feel Dad say “I love you”!

Another benefit of the trach is the ability to turn the artificial air completely off and allow dad to “practice” breathing entirely on his own without any assistance. They did put him on oxygen when this was done but his vitals maintained very well. They plan to continue to do this each day to help him return to breathing completely fine on his own.

Also yesterday dad responded again to the doctor’s commands. He even did specific things such as raise two fingers.


Please continue to pray for peace, rest, and healing. We appreciate your prayers!

Rachael