Food Glorious Food!

Michael has now gone for 48 hours on the Trach collar and they took the ventilator out of the room! He is currently using a nasal cannula on 5 liters of O2. After 72 hours, with no significant problems, they will be able to remove the Trach! WOW! Hopefully that will be done tomorrow!
Last night he had his first shower since March! He was moved to the shower area, and sat in warm running water! If the CNA (nurse) hadn't been so concerned about Michael's O2 saturation, he would have had a much better time.
When Michael was getting back into bed after his shower, his new peripheral line accidentally was pulled out. The RN (nurse) was informed about the accident, and said he doesn't need it any longer.
Today he had modified barium swallow (a test to determine his ability to swallow). He was allowed to have a few spoonfuls of applesauce, some thickened juice and a bit of graham cracker. (I checked all the items and they were kosher-even the thickener). He did pretty well on the test and is now allowed thickened liquids, pureed items and soft foods. Tomorrow I will bring him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I had a talk with the dietitian and told her how everything Michael gets has to be in sealed containers with kosher markings on it. Items were ordered from the East Side Kosher Deli for tonight and tomorrow. He didn't get the items for tonight so I will call the dietitian and confirm items for tomorrow.
Between meals Michael can have ice chips and water. He is not allowed to drink with meals because that may cause him to aspirate. The speech therapist will still attach electrodes with electric current to his throat to stimulate swallowing. Hopefully, he will be able to progress to solid foods soon.
Today Michael worked with OT and PT. He was able to stand and pivot to a chair three times. He sat in a chair for 2 hours today. He stood up three times with the help of 2 people. Standing is very difficult for him because his heart isn't accustomed to pumping all the way up to his head! His body will have to adjust to his changes in position and this may take some time.