Walter is responding well to the various therapists. He's receiving physical, occupational and speech therapy and likes to show off for his favorites. The doctors removed the NG-tube from his nose and throat and put in the "peg", which will deliver nutritition directly to his stomach. Dad noticed him swallowing today, which is a wonderful sign. Removal of the tube likely made it easier for him to swallow and allowed his throat to recover from being raw from the tube.
At around 6 AM yesterday, the doctors clamped of the "external ventricular drain", or "EVD", the tube that is in place to relieve excess pressure from the ventricles within the brain. The pressure has since then maintained itself within a normal range. If it continues to do that through this weekend, the doctors will remove the EVD and Walter likely will not require a permanent shunt to relieve pressure. Also, once that drain is removed, someone from Shepherd's Spinal Center will evaluate him to determine if he's ready for acute in-patient rehabilitation, lovingly referred to as "bootcamp": 3 hours per day, consisting of 1 1/2 hours in the morning and 1 1/2 hours in the afternoon; 1/2 hour each of occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy.
The most recent CT scans indicate a significant decrease in swelling, so the doctors have stopped the concentrated saline.
Bottom line of all this: the various systems of Walter's body are increasingly working on their own again. His left side continues to be weak, but Lyn even got him to squeeze her hand lightly with his left one today.
Lyn and I recently read about the benefits of music for stroke victims, so Lyn has been playing music for Walter the last couple of days. Lyn says that, in addition to some of the more recent music, he enjoys some Mozart.
As prayer suggestions, please continue to pray for complete healing for Walter; for strength, rest, patience and perseverance for the family and others who are with him; wisdom for the doctors, nurses, therapists and other professionals; and that God be glorified in all.
Love to all.
All of that is wonderful news. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be constant. John, you're doing a great job on the updates and I know everyone appreciates it. Let us know what we can do and in the meantime hugs to everyone.
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