Joshua's Day In Review - G-Tube Insertion
April 16 - Morning - Natalie and Joshua Update
I have exciting news from Natalie. Last night she called to tell us her stitches were pulled. She was so excited, she forgot when she called that her speaking valve wasn't in place, so she hung up and sent us a text. So now, the only stitches you will find when visiting Natalie are the stitches in her stuffed animal Snowflake! Ok, there are other sewn items with stitches, I just thought it was a good excuse to share a picture of Natalie's hospital companion.
Yesterday was a day of progress around food. Some pleasant and some not so pleasant. For Natalie, she was able to eat three meals. I'm not sure if I have ever seen anyone so happy for a meal. It all goes along with showing Natalie the progress she is making in recovery from her illness.
The progress for Joshua was on the not so pleasant side of the equation. Joshua received a g-tube. This is progress, it removes a tube that had been going through his nose for feeding. This isn't the first time Joshua had a feeding tube; when he left the hospital 8 years ago, he left with a feeding tube. We don't know how long this will be the primary source of nutrition for Joshua, but for now, we know it is what he needs. When I showed up after work and asked Joshua if he had a good day, he kind of grimaced at me and indicated no. I think we have all had those days. We accomplish something significant, but it is a necessary significance, not a pleasurable significance.
From an overall healing perspective, both Natalie and Joshua continue receiving plenty of respiratory therapy and treatments. They are continuing to receive PT and OT, although with the g-tube yesterday, Joshua's PT/OT was a bit more low key than the day before. The progress is slow and not always evident day to day.
What do we expect from today? More of the same. The hope is Natalie continues moving forward with her eating. The hope is that both Natalie and Joshua become less dependent on the ventilator. The hope is their lungs show a clear reduction in secretions. The hope is they both experience movement from bed to chair and have the opportunity to stand and make progress towards taking steps.