Taylor has had recurring problems with the feeding tube. The main "G" tube had a smaller "J" tube inserted at LRMC that carried the mixture to his intestines, bypassing his stomach.
That was done after some vomiting problems in Lakeland. Shortly after he got to rehab, the "J" tube clogged. He was transported by ambulance (due to being on a Trach) to LRMC where it was cleaned out. 12 hours later, it clogged again.
The Doctor at LRMC approved trying just the "G" tube, which worked well. He was switched to a thicker mixture that is introduced by pouring from cans instead of the continuous feed he had been on. Because it wasn't thinned, it took forever to get a small can through the tube - sometimes as long as 50 minutes.
Yesterday, the medical folks called to say they were making plans to take him back to LRMC to have everything removed and put a new tube in. I asked why the smaller "J" tube couldn't be removed, since it was no longer being used, thereby freeing up 50% of the available space. I got some song and dance why that wasn't an option. Today, the staff came up with a great idea.....get approval to remove the "J" tube. They did and it works great. Problem solved.
Today, Taylor did the swallow test. Another camera was inserted into his nostril and his swallowing monitored as he tried several bites from a banana, chopped turkey and green beans. He was also given "thick liquids" like an applesause type drink, and some pureed something. Finally, he drank his favorite - milk. When they said "last bite" of the banana, he took advantage and almost bit off more than he could chew - literally. But, he got it down with no problem.
The food and thick liquids did well. A little of the milk went the wrong way. Overall, they were very pleased with how he did. Now, he'll be able to snack while monitored so that he can begin to strengthen the muscles in his throat that are not cooperating. After 2.5 months of having no food or liquids, he was really glad to finally have some liquids in his mouth.
Taylor has partial paralysis on the left side of his face, and it's believed the C2 neck fracture may be contributing to his problem swallowing the thin liquids.
I learned today how to escort him while he uses the walker, and what to do if he begins to fall. Now, we can take him for short walks at night and weekends to help him build stamina. Today he walked about 500' without taking any rest breaks. A MAJOR improvement from the 15 steps that were so hard for him during his first week.
Yesterday Tim Valdez spent the afternoon with him in rehab and today his brother Nick spent the afternoon with him. His rehab is open to having visitors hang with them during rehab, so he enjoyed having them there.
That was done after some vomiting problems in Lakeland. Shortly after he got to rehab, the "J" tube clogged. He was transported by ambulance (due to being on a Trach) to LRMC where it was cleaned out. 12 hours later, it clogged again.
The Doctor at LRMC approved trying just the "G" tube, which worked well. He was switched to a thicker mixture that is introduced by pouring from cans instead of the continuous feed he had been on. Because it wasn't thinned, it took forever to get a small can through the tube - sometimes as long as 50 minutes.
Yesterday, the medical folks called to say they were making plans to take him back to LRMC to have everything removed and put a new tube in. I asked why the smaller "J" tube couldn't be removed, since it was no longer being used, thereby freeing up 50% of the available space. I got some song and dance why that wasn't an option. Today, the staff came up with a great idea.....get approval to remove the "J" tube. They did and it works great. Problem solved.
Today, Taylor did the swallow test. Another camera was inserted into his nostril and his swallowing monitored as he tried several bites from a banana, chopped turkey and green beans. He was also given "thick liquids" like an applesause type drink, and some pureed something. Finally, he drank his favorite - milk. When they said "last bite" of the banana, he took advantage and almost bit off more than he could chew - literally. But, he got it down with no problem.
The food and thick liquids did well. A little of the milk went the wrong way. Overall, they were very pleased with how he did. Now, he'll be able to snack while monitored so that he can begin to strengthen the muscles in his throat that are not cooperating. After 2.5 months of having no food or liquids, he was really glad to finally have some liquids in his mouth.
Taylor has partial paralysis on the left side of his face, and it's believed the C2 neck fracture may be contributing to his problem swallowing the thin liquids.
I learned today how to escort him while he uses the walker, and what to do if he begins to fall. Now, we can take him for short walks at night and weekends to help him build stamina. Today he walked about 500' without taking any rest breaks. A MAJOR improvement from the 15 steps that were so hard for him during his first week.
Yesterday Tim Valdez spent the afternoon with him in rehab and today his brother Nick spent the afternoon with him. His rehab is open to having visitors hang with them during rehab, so he enjoyed having them there.
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