Physical Therapy

There's no waste of time in starting physical therapy.  There are multiple therapists working with Christian as this post is being typed.  Jessi and Justin (Christian's younger brother by 2 years) were able to witness Christian flex both quads, both calves, push both feet down (pointing toes to the floor, flexing the calf muscle), roll both legs in (at the same time!), roll both legs out and flex his glutes.  If you can imagine the heaviest weight you could possibly lift and the amount of exertion and energy necessary to lift it, that's what Christian appears to go through each time he's asked to flex any of his muscles.  His eyes close, face crinkles, and he displays incredible focus, followed shortly thereafter by one or another of the small movements named above.

Next they will move him to another bed (if you can call it one) that they rolled into the room and work with his arms.  This bed looks like a 3'x8' piece of plywood covered with a thin padding and blue upholstery.  Not sure of the reason to move him to another bed in order to work with his arms and hands, but it will give the nurses a chance to change his bed sheets again.

We're giving the ventilator tube until tomorrow, in spite of Chris's attempts to remove it with his own tongue.  His blood oxygen level was not high enough to remove the tube today.  It continues to bother him immensely and thus we'll move ahead with the tracheotomy in the morning if the medical team is not satisfied that the ventilator can be done away with altogether.

There are many ups and downs for each of us throughout the day, too many to tell of.  We continue to feel all of your support and prayers.  We are grateful.