June 24 update...from Gina

6/24/04

Dear Family & Friends,

This week we have been amazed by Gerry's progress! His stamina improved greatly as he walked 100ft. around the nurses station 3 days in a row without his blood pressure dropping as it previously did. In addition, yesterday he stood in the standing frame for 15 minutes, also with no blood pressure problems. The past couple of days, he did not even need the 'abdominal binder' to keep his BP stable. Yesterday, Lea, his speech therapist also did a swallow test to see if he was ready to begin eating. He did very well in that all of the juices and applesauce they tested him with went into his stomach, and none into his lungs or trach. His swallowing is delayed a few seconds, which they will continue working on with him. He was unable to chew food as of yet, but Lea will be working with him daily now by spending half of her therapy time working on his swallowing, and the other half she will continue to work on his speech, memory and understanding. She said that we could bring him smooth textured puddings or ice creams if we wish and have the nurses put it in the kitchen to be used for her therapy sessions with him.

Lori has been talking to Gerry's doctor, who is very encouraged by his progress also. His doctor and therapists feel that in another month or so Gerry may be strong enough to move to an acute rehab. So, we are continuing to investigate facilities and pray for direction in moving him to the right one with cooperation from the insurance company. The neuro doctor, who sees Gerry weekly, also noted great encouragement by Gerry's progress.

Gerry is talking, sometimes clearly with simple statements or words, and other times he's trying to converse and talk in length, but his voice is quiet and it is difficult to understand his words. This can be frustrating for him, so for those friends who are close by and come to visit, just listen closely as best you can, encourage Gerry to speak louder if he is able, and ask him to repeat if necessary. In the end, if you can't understand him, just let him know and reassure him. A week or so ago, he wasn't even trying to talk in length. This may be an area in which he'll need more therapy to learn to talk and communicate again. But the important thing is that we can see that he has the understanding as we talk and joke with him about recent and past events. The rest can be worked through with therapy. Visitors, remember to introduce yourselves when visiting because with some brain injury patients, these simple reminders are very helpful.

As of last night, Gerry did develop a low-grade fever and increased heart rate. The heart rate has stabilized, and they are doing lab work and cultures to determine if Gerry has an infection. He has been started on antibiotics also. His therapies are on hold until he is better. He was having some irritation and/or pain in his jaw last night when he was talking with us which may or may not be related. They are also watching how he does with his trach this week in the hopes that they can move to the next step, which is putting a red cap on it. We know he is in good care, and the staff is watching him closely in all areas. We pray that he will soon be better, and that this may be just a slight bump in the road, and not a setback. Thank you all for your continued prayers!

The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely. Psalm 145:18

God Bless!
Gina