Hi all, Rod´s have trouble posting:
Hello Friends and Family,
Can you believe it's just over two weeks since that dreadful night? Everything was a bit fuzzy that first week, but we all seem to be pulling out of the mental/emotional funk. He continues to get stronger... walking unassisted (albeit slowly) and talking softly now that the tracheotomy is out. Swallowing is by far the most challenging thing right now, and we're concerned he's not taking in enough fluids (read- calories, nutrients and hydration). Also, the phlem from the chest cold he caught that first week in ICU is still clearing which makes the whole process all the more difficult. The good news is he should be done with the antibiotics tomorrow (Friday). I don't have an update on the eye specialist, but I will let you know just as soon as he examines him.
Most importantly, I want to convey to everyone how much Ben is really, really trying. If you could see how difficult the simple things we take for granted are for him right now (i.e., swallowing), yet he continues to try and succeed, try and succeed... it's truly inspiring.
A generous friend of Ben's cousin has offered us a quiet place to stay for a month, and it's about a 5 minute drive from the hospital. Nat is still sleeping at the hospital, and we spell her during the day. She even managed to take a nice long and deserved nap today. I'm hoping this pattern keeps up, as it's super important that Nat gets refreshed. We still don't know when they will release Ben from the hospital... I told her, "when he eats a whole bowl of soup, then we'll discuss leaving the hospital." She laughed.
So... our beloved friend is improving along a winding and inspiring road to recovery. Until next time,
Rod Martin
For updates and to help:
http://www.helpbenvaughn.blogspot.com/
Hello Friends and Family,
Can you believe it's just over two weeks since that dreadful night? Everything was a bit fuzzy that first week, but we all seem to be pulling out of the mental/emotional funk. He continues to get stronger... walking unassisted (albeit slowly) and talking softly now that the tracheotomy is out. Swallowing is by far the most challenging thing right now, and we're concerned he's not taking in enough fluids (read- calories, nutrients and hydration). Also, the phlem from the chest cold he caught that first week in ICU is still clearing which makes the whole process all the more difficult. The good news is he should be done with the antibiotics tomorrow (Friday). I don't have an update on the eye specialist, but I will let you know just as soon as he examines him.
Most importantly, I want to convey to everyone how much Ben is really, really trying. If you could see how difficult the simple things we take for granted are for him right now (i.e., swallowing), yet he continues to try and succeed, try and succeed... it's truly inspiring.
A generous friend of Ben's cousin has offered us a quiet place to stay for a month, and it's about a 5 minute drive from the hospital. Nat is still sleeping at the hospital, and we spell her during the day. She even managed to take a nice long and deserved nap today. I'm hoping this pattern keeps up, as it's super important that Nat gets refreshed. We still don't know when they will release Ben from the hospital... I told her, "when he eats a whole bowl of soup, then we'll discuss leaving the hospital." She laughed.
So... our beloved friend is improving along a winding and inspiring road to recovery. Until next time,
Rod Martin
For updates and to help:
http://www.helpbenvaughn.blogspot.com/
