Day 16 - 6pm Update

Two in a row!!

Progress is measured in baby steps and Phil took a couple of them over the last couple of days. 

He's starting to put all the memory clips together and while he doesn't remember the accident, he now understands the severity of the injuries and the recovery path ahead. 

"When I first woke up, I thought I was in here because I was sick. I had no idea!"

Now that he sees the magnitude of the situation, he's completely focused on making progress daily. He's been sitting in the recliner and breathing on his own (with support of the T-Bar) all day. The "T-Bar" is technically a disconnect from the ventilation machine, but  provides a humidifier supplement to his breathing to keep his throat from drying out. He goes back on the ventilator at night to build strength for the next day. 

He's also connected the need to pace his breathing, taking deep breaths to help the healing. He's down to one IV pump, indicating they have been able to reduce the meds and seems to be making good progress against the pneumonia. Sitting-up definitely helps, "but my butt gets sore!" And he also has learned when to ask for suction to minimize the coughing. 

"Give me four more days and I'll be off the ventilator." 

The man is on a mission and WANTS his walking shoes. That's the Phil we know and love!