Stimulation

 Sometimes, it is hard to know where to start. What was important. Significant. Progress. Stagnant.

Today, that's not an issue. Jim had a really good day yesterday. Resting comes in 5 minute increments. One person after another, probably including me with my news updates and music, disrupts sleep or rest. He needs rest, no doubt, but he needs stimulation, physically and intellectually. We really like when the Physical Therapist comes. She sat him up, feet on the floor again, wiggling toes...on command, by the way! Stick your tongue out...fight, fight, fight. He held on to the rail with the left hand, and supported his weight with the right. He actually tried to stand, with her help, his eyes wide open the entire time. 

He was wide awake and very interactive after. Held hands, hugged. Mouthed words.

10 minutes later, the Speech Therapist. That was exciting. She plugged the trach, and asked for Jim to breathe through his nose. You could see his brain working to make the adjustment. She offered ice by mouth. By mouth! He's an ice chewer, so I'm sure that was a delight. Then teaspoons of water to swallow. He nodded head yes to several questions, did not answer others. She still thought it was a good session. I thought it was great.

He was wide awake and very interactive. Again.

 Then, 10 minutes later, the respiratory Therapist. The breathing treatment is strenuous and causes a lot of coughing. That's a good thing, medically. 15 minutes of 25lbs of pressure being forced in and out at a rapid pace and a very rapid pace alternately. You can see the athlete that Jim is, get in to the rhythm of the pump. During the last, difficult 5 minutes, I usually remind him of that uphill, brick paved street and bridge in the last mile of the Cowtown, and how he has to pace it. Almost done. Finish line!

After the breathing therapy sessions, every 6 hours, he rests. Actually goes to sleep. Like I have seen him do a thousand times. Well...deserved...rest.