First Week at Home

Alan has really enjoyed being home.  He has made huge strides on his ability to get around on his own.  In just these few days he has gone from using a walker at all times to walking independently around the house with no trouble.  Today, we did about a mile on a level section of the Greenbelt, using only his walking stick for support.  Of course, he walked slowly and took a few rests on park benches, but it was really amazing, considering that only a few weeks ago he was unable to take more than a few steps.

Next to Reedy Creek on the Greenbelt

He is getting home health for pt, swallowing/speech, and nursing.  Last week was just evaluations, so the real therapy is starting this week.  The swallowing/speech therapy will take many, many months, probably, and the nursing is necessary because of the feeding tube and the many meds he has to take via his feeding tube.  In the meantime, he can have pureed food and liquids for pleasure eating only, but all of his real nourishment is coming from cans of Glucerna that go in his feeding tube.  When he does eat anything, he has to be very careful to follow a strict protocol related to how he swallows, or he aspirates.  Luckily, his choking response works well, so he can deal with anything that goes down the wrong way.

Another thing that is doing a lot better is his voice.  He is still very hoarse, but he can now have conversations with people without getting overly tired or having a coughing fit.  Friend David Roop from Raleigh came by yesterday, and Alan enjoyed seeing him immensely.  So I can safely say that it will be ok for visitors to stop by, as long as you call first to see if/when it will work out.  He isn't a morning person, and he has therapy most afternoons.  So late afternoons, evenings, or the weekend would be best.  Talking on the phone is still difficult.  If you need our telephone number to call and check on when would be good to come by, send me an e-mail.