BREATHING AGAIN

When Dan's vent tubes come off his trach, it's because he is getting secretions suctioned out of his lungs or changing between his ventilator units [one for his bed, one for his chair]. It's only off for a few seconds, hopefully before his alarm goes off. Yesterday I took his vent tube off and watched along with the doctors as Dan's system was tested out.

IT WORKS ... HE CAN BREATHE AGAIN ON HIS OWN.

He says it feels different, but GOOD or "Sweet!"

Surgery was a success, he was alert and talking AND hungry. He is the 38th Spinal Cord Injury patient [50th recipient nationwide] , to be fitted with a Diaphragm Pacer. He now has 5 special wires that were attached to his diaphragm , one being the ground wire, that are sticking out of his chest. A walkie talkie size control unit hangs on his side, giving him the opportunity to breath "normally" once again. Biotechnology at it's best.

I am headed to the hospital to be further trained on use of this wonderful life giving device, developed by Dr. Ray Onders and Synapse Biomedical at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center. His dual controls [redundant system] will be programed and we will head home early this afternoon, but will not have to return next weekend. Although we have tested and know the units work, regular activation will not begin until next Friday.

Should I sell tickets for the grand activation and unveiling?

This is a gradual activation of pacing with 15 to 30 minutes on and 60 minutes off, to give the diaphragm rest, as it develops weakness within 3 days of not working. Sort of like getting back to the gym after a 5 month absence. The average full time use of the unit takes about 7 weeks.

Dan also is being trained to do "frog breathing" which is gulping air through the mouth, to sustain life. SPI / DPS recipients are taught this method of breathing so they can help keep themselves alive in case of an emergency. Some can do this for an hour or so. Dan did this Friday for 2 minutes, before getting light headed. He was previously told that he had no chance of breathing on his own, but the DPS has actually helped some people to get off any breathing system because of how it works and retrains the diaphragm muscle. Amazing device. [Thank you God for giving men the ability to invent and develop such a wonderful device. ]

More info later, time to rock n roll. Thanks, as always, for being our prayer support during these exciting days.