Today was a big day!  Dad got the majority of the hardware removed from his mouth. Pics are attached. Sorry, they are kind of gross!   He is no longer wired shut and can start expanding his liquid and soft foods diet to foods with a little more consistency.  He's been able to take in scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, and lots of pumpkin pie(minus the crust).  In fact, he's had more pumpkin pie in the last week than he's eaten in a decade.  

For a guy who HATES going to Fargo, we are here every day! Dad had his 10th hyperbaric treatment today too and they are going very well.  We are told that his recovery time will be reduced from 12 months to 6 months. His treatments are M-F for  two hours.  We've established a little bit of a routine for these treatments. He has to take a pain med when we are about 20 minutes out from the clinic then another med when we arrive.  Apparently the pressure in the chamber and 100% oxygen he is breathing intensifies any pain he's having 10 fold.  We were not aware of that so after his first treatment he was only able to make it about half way through.  Since then, he's been really good and has not had any issues.  He usually sleeps during his treatments, except for the day his MIGHTY NEW SALEM HOLSTEINS won the ND 9 man state championship football game.  He was able to watch the game while he was in the chamber.   After I get dad checked into the hyperbaric clinic I go to Culver's to get his favorite shake.  If I get it right after I drop him off then it's soft enough by the time his treatment is over.  He always says he wants a butterscotch shake, but Culver's doesn't have that so I get him a caramel one. Apparently caramel tastes like butterscotch because he hasn't noticed a difference.

We've seen some really good cognitive improvements too.  His memory, both long term and short term, is pretty good.  Dad's more aware of the days and time of day compared to two weeks ago.  He is still on antibiotic for another week or so to continue to make sure the infection he had stays away.  He is also getting more sleep.

Dad has lost A LOT of muscle mass in the last 6 weeks so his energy and endurance are just not there.  We've noticed an improvement in the last few days however since he's able to take in more calories.  We are going to be working on some exercises at home now that he's getting more calories, he's really going to love that! 🙃

I know mom and dad are ready for life to return to their usual routine because when I come and pick dad up in the mornings I'm evaluating his med intake, food intake, establishing some daily goals for mom and now, I'm getting eye-rolls from BOTH my parents. 

Dad is certainly open to having visitors so PLEASE feel free to stop out for a visit.

With Thanksgiving coming next week we certainly have plenty to be thankful for.  Dad is going to make a good recovery, our friends and neighbors have been AMAZING, our daughter Anna is getting married in 6 weeks, and at some point, I will begin Christmas shopping and maybe find a dress for the wedding.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE and God Bless.

Juli