www.todddube.com - Feb 25 ~ Mar 3

February 25 ~ MARCH 3

Monday, February 25, 2002

Todd's tracheal tube was replaced with a 'button' tracheal tube. His next step will be to have it removed completely. He ate some real food again today without any problem. If he continues this progress, he may be able to start eating meals by Wednesday.

Todd will spend time each day in his wheel chair. He went to occupational therapy and to a class today. Mom is also learning how to help him in and out of bed each day. Mom bought new sneakers for him.

Tuesday, February 26, 2002

Todd went to physical and occupational therapy today in the gym. They gave him a 'swallow' test and he is no longer getting food in his lungs. He will be allowed to eat food tomorrow. He is still not absorbing his tube feeding as he should be. They are considering moving his tube from his stomach to his small intestine to see if that helps.

Wednesday, February 27, 2002

Todd went to physical and occupational therapy today in the gym as usual. Today he ate lunch and supper! For lunch he had turkey and macaroni & cheese and for supper he had beans, meatloaf and home fries. Todd is still having problems with food absorption and some tests were performed today. He still gets nutrients from the tube in his stomach however, they are still not being absorbed properly. Today he has been experiencing a lot of pain on his left shoulder. It seems that the muscle is not keeping the arm in the socket and it is very painful. More tests are being performed on his shoulder and some sort of device may be needed to hold his arm up. Todd also had electrode stimulation today and began some lung exercises using an Incentive Spirometer. Tomorrow he will be getting a brand new electric wheel chair. Its has a "sip and puff" control system. Many patients are wearing hats because its a bit cold there and Todd has also started wearing a hat. Lots of patients and staff stopped by to see Todd today. Todd also had a visit from someone's dog.

Thursday, February 28, 2002

Todd has 2 blood clots in his right upper thigh causing his leg to become swollen. They have started cumadin and other blood thinners to prevent further problems. He is still experiencing problems with his left shoulder. The muscles may not be holding his arm in the socket (the problem is called subluxation) and it is very painful. He had a very bad night's sleep because of it.

All of Todd's tube feeding and IVs have been discontinued. He is eating normal food; he had 3 meals including eggs, sausage and toast, baked ziti and green beans, and chicken soup, chicken and rice with milk. Todd also asked mom to be sure to catch the snack lady that night.

Todd also got his new wheel chair and attended a seating clinic so it could be adjusted for his use. It appears to work great but still needs a few adjustments. He is able to sit up at 90 degrees with support. He finally had his first shower in 3.5 weeks, yuk! He really needed it. It was quite an ordeal. Mom said it was kind of like a portable car wash. Todd is receiving cards from family and friends. Lots of patients and staff visit - they love the northerners.

Friday, March 1, 2002

Todd got a better night's sleep. They finished his wheel chair adjustments. The chair works great. Todd said it does about 5 MPH. Dad says "we can get more power". Todd had electrode stimulation and occupational therapy again. Mom's boyfriend, Marc, arrived today. He brought some mail and packages from friends and relatives. Todd ate 3 meals again. They are still working on his shoulder problem. Spent about 15 minutes talking with dad on the phone today and sounded very strong.

Saturday, March 2, 2002

Based on some tests the doctors did, they feel that there may be some potential for future movement in Todd's arms. Only time will tell. He attended physical therapy today before visiting with Marc. Todd spent time in his wheel chair for a few hours. He hung around his room and watched some TV. He ate well again today.

Sunday, March 3, 2002

Todd got up late today because he was very tired. He visited with Uncle Bubby, Auntie Sue and Griffin for about an hour or so in the morning, but he was very tired. He went to the recreation room in his wheel chair with Mom and Marc. He was able to go around the center and visit other patients. He also ate 3 meals again today. Not much to report today.

This ends the second full week in Atlanta!