Dad passed his swallow eval today and is able to drink whatever he wants. I stayed with him during his physical therapy session and he did great. One area he needs a lot of work in is balance. They did several different activities that will help improve his levels. He does pretty good until they ask him to close his eyes and do things. But I told him I would have trouble myself at some of the things he's working on. He is still convinced he has a cabin cruiser boat and makes us laugh at some of the crazy stories he tells us. He knows all of you ask about him and is looking forward to being able to return to the gym. He told me the only thing he is happy about is the weight loss. He still has his great sense of humor and picks on everyone down there. As always Dad is leaving his stamp on everyone's heart.

Dad continues to improve. Unfortuneately he is having nightmares which he believes are real and gets frustrated when we tell him otherwise. The staff has reassured us that is normal and will improve over time. He is able to eat pureed food and drink thickened fluids although he hates it. We are hoping he can upgrade soon to thinner fluids because he really wants a coffee.
The secretions are less so the tracheostomy may be able to come out next week. He is working hard with the rehab team and is worn out by the end of the night. He can talk good and understands everything we say although needs occasional reminding once in a while.

Tuesday
Sorry its been a week but I have good news. We had a meeting with some of Dad's therapists and they are very pleased with his progress. He is walking with little to no assistance. His short term memory is coming back. He grabbed a phone book one day and managed to find his name and began to dial his number to have Mom come and pick him up. They said physically he is doing awesome. Cognitively hes doing well but it will be a much longer process. He still gets very angry and agitated but that is to be expected. He has a lot of fatigue which may be a life long issue. They are planning on sending him home on July 15th as long as he has 24 hour supervision but will not be able to do anything that could risk injury to himself which will be hard considering how active he was prior to the fall. He is able to swallow better and they are hoping to be able to remove the tracheostomy next week as long as his secretions continue to lessen and become thinner.
Once he is home Mom is going to let me know about a schedule for visitors. The doctors and therapists have told us to keep the visits brief (about 15min) and to a minimum amount of people a day. That is due to the brain healing and keeping his distractions to a minimum as well as his fatigue. He will continue to receive outpatient therapy which the staff has compared the impact on him being like us working a 16 hour day. I will try to update as things change but for now they are slow but heading in the right direction.
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Wednesday
Just came back form seeing Dad. He has the metal piece for his trahceostomy and was able to talk to us for the first time. He was excited to realize he was talking and we could hear and understand him. His main concern is a drink. He wants to drink so bad but the doctors won't let him because he keeps failing his swallow eval. He has short term memory loss but is slowing improving everday. He continues to work hard in the gym and wears himself out and then asks us to leave so he can get some sleep. Some people have asked me about visiting and I did ask Dad today but he said no. I don't think he wants anyone to see him like this. We have a meeting on Monday with the rehab team and his doctors so we will have a better idea of how long he will be at Kernan. The nurse told my uncle once he passes his swallow eval the trach can probably come out. This is the best I have seen him yet. I forgot to get the address today but will try to remember to ask while I am there tomorrow. I will update if anything new develops.

Sunday
Dad is still awake most of the day and responding appropriately. He is very tired today which I guess is to be expected after the reahb team working with him all day yesterday. The doctor's are going to reassess him Tuesday and might be able to remove his tracheostomy tube. If not this week hopefully next week. It is obvious he hates it so we are hoping it can be this week. He really wants to drink but the staff said he can't because he might aspirate it into his lungs so we moisten a small sponge and let him suck on it. Donnie took Angel to see him today which made him happy but she was scared due to the tubes. Again....I will ask him as soon as he can respond clearly if he is ready for visitors but I have been relaying the messages I receive on here.

Dad was walking around the room with assistance. The staff is amazed at his progress and said we will be surprised to see how fast he recovers. He was able to use the rowing machine and can definitely understand our commands. Unfortuneatly the piece for his trach won't be ready for a week or more so he won't be able to talk. The staff said they are going to work with him and use a device that will allow him to communicate through typing. I will try to ask him about visitors as soon as I know he can give me a clear response. I have told him how all of you are asking about him and he nods and smiles so I know he understands.

Friday June 25th 8:50am
Dad is now at Kernan for rehab. He was angry on and off last night because of the trahceostomy and not really understanding what is going on. He can't talk yet because they have to wait a few days until the site heals and they can put in a metal peice which will allow him to talk. He is alert and can understand when we tell him it is only temporary but forgets and has to be reminded. He shakes his head yes or no when we ask him questions. Mom said they gave him a pen and paper two days ago but he was unable to write. The staff at Kernan is going to do a complete assessment and meet with us next week to see where things are and how to proceed. Once he can talk I will ask him if he is up for visitors and let everyone know. I told him before I left last night that he needs to work hard and cooperate with the rehab team and when I asked him if he understood he nodded yes. The hard part starts now but for those of you who really know Dad be assured he will give it every effort and fight hard. He is such an amazing and strong person and I know he will come out of this fine. Thanks for all the support and kind words.