Larry's days in rehabilitation
It looks like Larry will remain on the feeding tube as he did not pass the Barium Swallow Test. He has problems with the muscles in his throat when swallowing correctly. He was aspirating silently as he did not have the gag reflex, or cough when food went down the wrong way. There are other issues with his swallowing that did not show up in other swallow tests he has had before. This was the most descriptive and thorough test he has had. I don't know if other radiologists missed some of this or his swallowing just got worse. The speech therapist is still working with him and uses ice chips now and word exercises to watch and strengthen his swallowing.
Yesterday was a hectic day for both of us. He had his shower early and then OT and PT. After that he had a urology appointment. The facility bus was to take us but the lift for his chair was not working. We had to wait for another bus and his appt. was at 1:15. The other bus finally came and we got to the office 25 min. late. The girl at the desk said "we will see if we can see you as your appointment was at 1:15". I told her the reason we were late and she said to take a seat and we were called shortly after. Thank goodness, as I had to cancel this appt. twice before. On the time we came last year we waited over an hour but that is no concern when the doctor is not on time. The appointment went well but we have to go back in two weeks for an ultra sound since they only do these on Mondays. We had to then wait 45 min. for the bus to pick us up again for the return. Next time I will ask for a car service as Larry can use a regular transport chair, and transfers okay with help.
Larry continues to do well in OT and PT. He is back to walking with his small quad cane with the PT barely holding on to him. He tires from all the therapy, but they are doing a great job getting him stronger in his recovery to try to get back home.
Julie
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