Taylor has notoriously pulled-off amazing feats that friends, family, teachers and even Vice Principals can attest to. His recovery is now in his cross-hairs and he is adjusting for wind-speed! For those of you who have seen him in action, you know exactly what I mean.
He has already qualified per ALL of his therapy teams for the rehab facility here at Barrow Neuroscience facility. The requirement for this is he must be able to complete a minimum of three hours of therapy each day, seven days a week. (Sundays are half-days.)
There are a couple of outstanding medical issues that can be addressed from rehab, and he will keep all his current medical teams. Barrow Neuroscience is on the campus of St. Joseph’s Hospital, so nothing changes in terms of his medical path-forward.
He still has a “picc” line for his long-term antibiotics which concludes May 30th (he has an MRI on Monday to verify this is still appropriate).Other than his feeding tube there are no other lines. He still has the trache, and they are leaving it in until he completes the surgery to repair his jaw, etc., which will take place once his Infectious Disease team clears him May 30. Sodium, thyroid and other endocrine issues are being addressed by that team, and it seems to be under control. It is common with this type of injury to have to chemically support the endocrine system for a bit, but it’s not IV or a shot, he can take a pill for it.
Taylor’s days on the sixth floor consists of: one IV dose of antibiotic twice daily; food and water – I think three times a day; exercises of sitting up/standing up/ walking across the rooom (with a walker) and chair-time. Speech is once daily as well, but he insists to work on that throughout the day. He is doing a great job communicating even with his wonky jaw, and uncooperative facial muscles. Once everything is where it should be, he will rock and roll, and be eating like a madman again.
He is experiencing some visual disturbances this week, and he is understandably concerned. Magic happens with brains and eyes and all things. Pray pray pray.
I would like to add how incredibly lucid he is. He remembers things from waaay back, vividly, and often shares his opinion on conversations within earshot in Taylor fashion and vernacular. His quips, trademark facial expressions and intelligence shine through all the beeps and blips and alarms (from down the hall) that make up the background noise. He is often doing something or saying something that has us all laughing out loud.
Taylor is working hard with fierce determination. Prayers are being answered. Miracles are happening all over the place.
