A step in the wrong direction.

I've lost count of days, but due to recent complications, I could almost start a new post under Day 14....because that's where we are again.

As many of you know who have been keeping up on events, my Dad's speech therapist OK'd him to have small amounts of food via the mouth, and of those items...only well blended consistencies.

I found this surprising at the time, being that he failed his first swallow test, but hey...she's the professional, right?  When a physician gives you the green light, you trust them...otherwise, why are you paying them for their services?

My Dad has developed a "massive case of Aspiratory Pneumonia".  He has been in the hospital since the first of this new year.  A new year that I had hoped would have so much more promise than the last.  That day started off wonderfully, as I spent the morning with him, then the afternoon with a special friend.   Only moments after dropping off this friend, my brother called me and told me I better rush home, as we have to get him to the ER.

I remember he was a little weak that morning, and asked to lay down.  Typically, we do not lay him down during the day, or he will not sleep at night, but my Mom and I agreed that a little nap wouldn't hurt.   I put him to bed, and off I went to pick up my friend.   What a difference a few hours made.  By the time I had returned, it was clear that something was very, very wrong.

I have spent the remainder of my weekend in his room, as has my brothers and Mom.  It is a much different atmosphere than before...not as much sadness, as there is patience.   He sleeps for the most part, but opened his eyes briefly for me last night...and if I didn't know any better, I would say nothing looked wrong.   What is going on inside his lungs speaks a completely different tale, unfortunately.

For those that do not know, Aspitory Pneumonia happens when a liquid or object is inhaled into the lungs.  This can be anything from saliva to food or drink.  Once in your lungs these things can cause blockage, which will in turn cause swelling, and an infection known as Bacterial Pneumonia, which is what they are saying he has developed.

It goes without saying the seriousness of this development.  

I ask that you keep your calls to my Mom to a minimum, and visits only upon request.  He is in great care, in one of the nicest facilities that I think I have ever been in, with extemely cooperative nurses and staff.