Feeding Tube

Dart gun fun with his PT and OT

 

He shot it down the hallway and with assistance, walked over to pick it up 

Stroll around the PICU

Getting his feeding tube inserted

John's good days have been abundant and he kept the streak going today.  A foot-long feeding tube was inserted through his nose and taped to his face this afternoon.  He complained right beforehand saying "I don't want that", but Erin and his nurses strategically timed the procedure right before his nap so he was able to fall asleep soon after.  He has been doing well with no complaints since waking up.  This feeding tube is better then the stomach port they had been considering in that he did not have to go under and get an incision for it, but it is not something he can leave the hospital with (there are still no talks of when that would be).  

He is currently off all medication, except possibly some Tylenol, and nutrition.  As previously posted, his arterial line on his left wrist had already been removed.  His jiggle jacket therapy has also been completely stopped because he has been up and out of bed.  If the feeding tube is successful when they assess it tomorrow, the port attached to his leg will also be removed and then he will only be attached to a feeding tube and his oxygen sensor.  Ready for the big news?

John might be getting moved out of the PICU and onto a regular floor in a few days!  That will be a huge sign of progress for him recovery-wise, but it is most significant in that the entire family can be together in one room again whenever they would like. 

His left side is still weak (face, arm, and leg) and he favors his right, but overall, John has become more alert, interactive, and social giving lots of smiles.   

Prayer Requests:

- John to continue to not be bothered by the feeding tube

- his body to strengthen quickly with this new form of nutrition and his hunger and thirst to subside

- John to move out of the PICU in a few days

- continued effort to try to swallow 
- Jason, Erin, and Joanne to find their groove in routine this week as the main caretakers for the family