Just a quick update. Today, George(Mike) had a modified swallow test with a speech consultation. Unfortunately, he still had difficulties with aspiration when he swallowed. For some reason, the swallow muscles are not working like they should to push things down his esophagus. The staff are not sure why this is. It is no where near the new attachment site. He has been given some swallowing exercises to hopefully get these muscles stronger and in working order. The problem is this may take some time, possibly weeks. Meanwhile, he's otherwise recovered well from the surgery. All the multiple tubes are out except for his feeding tube & IV, which go directly into his upper intestines, which is still his only source of nutrition and hydration. He's walking laps 3-4 times a day around the floor. He looks really good, but feels extremely frustrated. Ultimately, it will be up to the surgeon as to when to discharge him, and we've not talked with him since having the test. I can't imagine they will want to keep him for weeks, but also, I can't imagine them sending him home with a feeding tube.
Just know, George is diligently doing the swallow exercises, and if anyone has the determination and grit to get those muscles in shape, it is him.
He has his iPad and iPhone, so if you want to email/text him, you can. Before you visit, you may want to check and make sure they haven't sent him home. You never know.
Thanks for all the support!
Just a guess , from a non-professional, but many functions after major surgery have to be relearned. Glad to hear your doing so well Dyno. Nothing gors as quickly as we would like. Well be in town and see you next week.
ReplyDeleteJust a guess , from a non-professional, but many functions after major surgery have to be relearned. Glad to hear your doing so well Dyno. Nothing gors as quickly as we would like. Well be in town and see you next week.
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