May update (by Nancy)

Sorry its been a few weeks since I wrote. We've been learning how to navigate the new facility and there is quite a lot to learn! The emphasis of Providence Pavilion is to give Steve rehabilitation services while getting the supportive and nursing care he still needs. Drake's emphasis was to keep him alive and get him stable medically and they achieved it! Thank you again, Drake and Christ Hospital staff!

A great team of occupational, physical, and speech therapists are working diligently to coax Steve's nerves to find their way to the muscles. And while the nerves return in their own way (and time), the brain is also important in continuing to send the signals to dormant muscles. While we wait and pray for forearms, hands, and legs to "come back" we have seen much new ability in Steve's sitting up and being able to move his upper body in the wheelchair for hours each day, and muscles are getting stronger. He was given a new wheelchair type because he is able to hold himself erectly now and adjust his body.

Big news this week....he no longer needs for food to be supplemented by a feeding tube! One less pole stand and equipment in the room :) The speech therapist is monitoring his swallowing. (We did have an episode where choking resulted in a quick trip to St. Elizabeth ER. He went back on pureed foods for a few days but now is back to a normal diet :) She also is helping him get his "old" voice back and says that when the trach comes out it likely will return completely.

When Steve has visitors, they are able to "sign him out" (ask at nurses station) and wheel him down to the lst floor courtyard if they wish. We have done that several times and it is a wonderful shaded and sunny place where he can feel sun, hear birds, and see the sky. Feel free to come any time.  Therapy may happen late morning or any time from 1:30-4:00. You don't have to call but if you want to know when it is scheduled on a given day, you can call 859.283.6634.  

Thanks for checking in!

Nancy