Formerly "Neil Stone Updates"

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Looking for New Digs

Visited a couple of rehabilitation facilities today. The hope is Neil will be ready to move out of the ICU within a few weeks. He's getting tons of good care here. They listen for the monitors, take his temperature, change his position, adjust his breathing tube, administer meds. What they don't have time to do is look in his eyes, read to him from a favorite book, hold his hands, and try to wake him up. That's what rehab is for (or moms and dads!). As soon as he doesn't need the constant medical attention, he'll be ready for the real work!

Neil's trach is scheduled for tomorrow. Thursday he'll get his PEG. Then, no more tubes in his mouth! Next, they'll try to wean him off of the ventilator all together. Eventually, they'll take out the trach and he'll just have a little scar in his neck. Kind of like a war wound. But, I'm getting ahead of myself. Guess I'm a little antsy while we're waiting for Neil to wake up!

He's still trying to make eye contact. His lids are a little lazy, but everyone keeps telling us it just takes a long time. Patience, patience...

5 comments:

Meghan, Carson and the Kiddos said...

Hey, be antsy all you want! Positive thinking is always a good thing! Glad to hear that things are moving along so that he can get outta there! Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

I have been friends with Neil since 6th grade and we've been in at least one class together every year. this year we're in the same CAD class. I was also on the Quebec trip with him, and he came to my sweet 16. Yesterday my friend and I came to visit Neil,(not sure if the nurse told you)we saw him for a minute or so before the nurse kicked us out and told us we weren't allowed to be there. Like everyone else I pray for Neil everyday and he's always in my thoughts.
- Val Roman

Meredith said...

I am sure you will make a wonderful decision after researching rehabs. And it is true - I am sure you doing so much of the hand holding and reading that he needs right now. He is lucky to have a mom like you!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Stone,
We don't know each other, but I opened the blog regarding your son, as I know the the little girl who has been recovering from the same type of injuries as your Neil, but here in Virginia. Creating these websites for everyone to see the daily progress is so important and I would only hope that it gives you, as the mom/dad, a bit of release to be able to share the information without having to make tons of phone calls, etc. We have seen Gods work through Natalie as she seems to get stronger and more like herself every day. My thoughts and prayers to Neil and your entire family. Keep Faith, our God is an Awesome God!!

HMStammler said...

We are so glad to hear about Neil's progress and continue to pray for him and your entire family!

God Bless,
Heather Stammler (Rich's WHQ)