Rehab Day Four...

I got to spend the day again with Dad today. First item of business for the day was his swallow study. He has been on a "soft foods/thickened liquids" diet. The speech therapist determines this by testing how his swallowing goes, making sure that nothing is going down his airway when he swallows. He was on this same diet in Idaho Falls; however, the dietary guidelines at the Rehab are a little more strict. For example, he has been dining on meals looking like this for the past few days...

This here is a ground chicken creation, usually with sides of canned peaches or pears and a pudding. Depressing right? SO... this test today was kind of a big deal. I was lucky enough to be with Dad for the test, and the radiologist even let me stay and watch the live x-ray. I wish I was daring enough to get some video of it but didn't want to push my luck. He was tested by drinking a liquid, then pudding, then a cookie, and... he did it! The orders were put in that he can now have a normal diet. We enjoyed filling out the menu for tomorrow and look forward to not having to eat anymore ground anything for a while. Later Cindy brought back some chips and salsa for Dad. It took him a minute to remember to dip the chip in the salsa, but he caught on fast, and relearned the love for one of his favorite snacks.

Dad's days are busy with multiple sessions of speech, occupational, and physical therapy. He works hard at everything and truly gives each session his all. He has always been a hard worker, and that quality still shines through. Today it was very evident to me that he is definitely getting stronger. Helping from his bed to his wheelchair took very little effort on my part. I am so thankful for the victories and miracles that continue to happen each day.

Failed selfie (mid-yawn)

 Today the physical therapist increased his goal to 1500 feet in one session. He finished with just one juice break! His stride is stronger and he's picking up speed, he's breaking a sweat! Being a competitive runner he's pretty happy about that. He woke up this morning massaging his own right arm and exercising lifting it with is left hand lifting up and down! Our OT today also served his mission in Japan. Kevin was excited to hear him speak and join him in singing 'I am a child of God.' There are tender mercies everywhere. We are most excited the swallowing X-ray test determined he could eat and drink all regular culinary delights so we are thrilled. The concern in stroke patients is developing pneumonia because of weaknesses in swallowing but he is cleared. Yeah! Aly spent a few choice hours here today since she flies home Wednesday. Lacey, Wesley and I did a little shopping and stopped at Rubios for salmon and shrimp burritos for lunch. More electrical current work with the OT today, strengthening exercises,speech, a walk outside and visits from family this evening. The PT is always amazed at his continued stamina when worn out. But that's just our Kevin ❤️