Tuesday, February 26, 2008

50 days pacing

... and the energizer Dan keeps going, and going, and going.

It really is amazing that for the last 50 days, Dan has not used his ventilator. Although he is still classified as "vent dependent", he'd like to keep that breathing lung in the closet forever. We change 1 'c' cell lithium battery about every 21 days, but his pacer from Synapse Biomedical just keeps breathing 12 times a minute, 24/7/365.

He still requires suctioning and a "cough assist" machine from time to time, as he does not have the ability to cough out Flem or clear his throat. The humidity or lack of it seems to play some part in this.

Dan keeps his trach cap on 95% of the time during the day, and is taking the next steps [mind over fear], to keep it on at night also. He is pushing his sitting upright tolerance, to a greater degree. Those of you whom have visited may remember how far down he was lying. That is improving daily.

His spasms continue to be at a high level. We are considering intense therapy at the International Center for Spinal Cord Injury at Kennedy Krieger - John Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. Needed is the center to accept Dan, and for the insurance to support this cutting edge program.

10 comments:

Your big sister said...

Hey I know some people who live near Baltimore...

Anonymous said...

50 days! Way to go, Dan! Praise God!!
The InternationaL Center looks like a great place. Did Superman go there? I saw him on tv doing the kind of things they describe.
Praying you'll get to go,
A mom in Cedarville

Anonymous said...

GREAT NEWS!

Still praying!

graceling said...

Hey, I know some people who live near Baltimore, too! And who have access to CHOCOLATE:)

Anonymous said...

I have heard amazing things about Kennedy Kreiger!!
Praise God for all He is doing!
Mom in Ohio[but from Illinois!!yea!]

Anonymous said...

Great job, Dan! You are working so hard and doing so well!
-fellow CUer

Jane said...

50 days!!!! YEAH GOD!

Good to hear from you guys, even better to know that daily prayer request aren't as critical. Praise God for stability in your health Dan.

still praying in SC!

Lamar and Grace said...

Keep rocking it out Scratch...you are doing an awesome job. I pray for you daily buddy!

_ Parkay _

Anonymous said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! I'm so glad Dan shows improvement continuously.

Anonymous said...

Hang in there, Dan, what a great milestone. love and prayers, charlene

Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."