Day 27: October 27, 2011

Many things are changing for Daniel now that he is in rehab.  He is doing three types of therapy which are physical, speech and occupational therapy.   9:30am they put a cap on his tracheotomy, this is a 48hr process.  If everything remains well they will take his tracheotomy out.   Since they capped of his tracheotomy he no longer have his oxygen tube attached.  This will make it more comfortable for him to sleep at night.   11:30am Daniel also had his IV line removed from his right arm.  Daniel's diet is honey-thick/puree.  Daniel had his first meal at lunch today.  They don't want him to eat all of it (he still has his feeding tube in his gut not butt).  So for lunch today he had mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, puree peas, lemon pudding and thickened water and milk.  He did pretty good.  During his meal they are watching how he swallows.  This is his first time swallowing food.  Things that we take for granted, Daniel is learning how to do all over again.  Things have been slow but good.  The occupational therapist is helping Daniel with his first shower since the accident today.