Another big step yesterday was getting Jim into a special chair. He was in it for about 2 hours. This helps combat any fluid building up in his lungs. Occupational therapy continues every day.
The vent was put on a setting that is helping Jim when needed. So while he still needs assistance, he is doing a better job of breathing on his own. Tomorrow Jim is scheduled to get a tracheostomy and a PEG (feeding tube directly to the stomach). This will allow the ventilator and the feeding tube in his nose to be removed. This will make Jim much more comfortable. Both of these are expected to be temporary as Jim regains his strength.
The nurse talked to Suzie today about the next steps. First Jim has to get out of the ICU and then he will go to in-patient rehabilitation. The timeline is not set, but great that there is expected progress.
July 8, 2021
Anne van Amerongen : I send to you , James, this july 10th, a huge hug and love. Anne van ……….
•7/10/21
Ruby Mortell : Thank you, so much, Bob, for starting this blog/ update thread. I’ve never heard of this Caring Bridge website– what a great concept! I signed up via FB– so it plants my alias name from FB (Ruby Mortell)– but this is Heather Jamison (Mortell). You will see my husband, Paul Mortell, signed up on the feed as well. We have known the Boscos since 2007, when we moved into a house on the next block from them and grew to share regular Bosco-Mortell Friday night family dinners, many laughs and mutual efforts on fighting the good fight in our little ‘hood. I haven’t wanted to be texting Suzie for updates, as her plate is full (and I’ve been in that situation before- so I’m extra sensitive to it)– this Caring Bridge is an outstanding medium- so perfect. It sounds like Jim is making some nice progress– quite frankly, OUTSTANDING since Sunday!!! My god!!! But we know Jim— would it be done any other way?!?!? Our thoughts and prayers are overflowing– Paul and I have reached out to family and friends to pray for Jim’s recovery, and we will continue to do so. Sending much love and strength. — Heather and Paul Mortell
•7/9/21