Tuesday June 8, 2010

Hello! Sorry about no posting yesterday, Angie & Co. came to town in the afternoon and morning was busy! Yesterday the knee doctor came in and cleaned his knee and just put a bandage on it for now, so no more air vac which means one less tube dangling! The speech lady came in did some swallowing testing and he has made major improvements. She said today possible he could start the jello, applesauce, water diet and she just left with a good report! They will leave the feeding tube intact for a few days just to make sure he's getting all his nutrients and then remove it. This afternoon he ate some fresh pineapple, watermelon and fruit smoothie. He didn't eat a lot but he did eat. He made the remark that he was a little nervous so maybe tomorrow he be more confident.

I spent the night at the hotel with the kids and Hank didn't have a very good night. I guess when he was in the bathroom the nurse was on the out side of the door and almost pulled the feeding tube out again, they had to shove about 10 inches back in. I'm not sure what all went on but he was not a happy camper when I got here this morning! It's taking him a while to calm down and his blood pressure as well. It's been a little high again but he's pretty irritated and anxious to get started on rehabilitation. Speaking of that we are moving again tomorrow to the 12th floor! He will get about 3 hours a day but we're not sure what that entails, Hank is very anxious to get going! I will let you know the room number as soon as we know!

Today he got another tube removed (catheter) so that means no more dangling from the lower extremities! We're getting there! He getting better and better with getting out of bed. He can roll onto right side swing legs over and sit up. Still needs a little pull to stand but that's because he has no use with his casted right arm so he can't grip much and his left arm is to painful yet for use. So he's getting more and more mobile and it's so exciting to see. His trauma doctors were all in again today and they are so pleased (Hank says they just can't believe he's here!). Dr. White has always been so emotional actually had tears in his eyes before they left, such an amazing place! And they continue to follow him when we move up to the 12th floor and until we leave so that's wonderful.

So once again we want to thank all our wonderful circle of family and friends for all their love, prayers, cards of encouragement, flowers and oh that wonderful box of cookies from Taste of Heaven! Thank you Dragoo's and Hogue's! We are sending up our prayers of thankfulness for Hank's recovery and for all of you! Much Love, Hank & Pam.