Updates: (11/21/2021)

Eli had a slower day today, but he is still continuing to make steady progress.

This morning, he completed another swallow test and passed, which allowed the team to upgrade him from pureed foods to soft foods. For lunch, he was able to enjoy some mac n’ cheese and rice with bone broth, which felt like a big step forward.

The physical therapists also worked with him this morning and were able to move him into a recliner chair. He had to remain there for a couple of hours, which he didn’t love, but the goal was to encourage deeper breathing in order to help re-inflate his right lung. The doctors have emphasized that he cannot stay in bed all day and needs to sit upright as much as possible, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, sitting up causes significant pain in his left shoulder. The orthopedic surgeon reviewed his X-rays again and confirmed that surgery is not needed at this time. However, he mentioned that in three to six months, an MRI may be required to examine potential damage to the ligaments or tendons.

Cognitively, he’s been doing okay. There are many moments where he is quite lucid and able to hold a conversation, though his speech is still a bit slow and slightly slurred. When asked questions, he sometimes needs extra time to think through his answers.

He does experience moments of confusion, where his memories seem jumbled. It’s as if the information is there, but the timeline has become mixed up. For example, this morning he was convinced he is currently enrolled in the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. He was able to describe his classes and what he’s learning in great detail. In reality, that was more than ten years ago, when he was still living in Georgia.

We’re gently trying to redirect and reorient him when this happens, which can be very frustrating for him, because the memories feel completely real. This is a side effect of his brain injury, and we remain hopeful that, with time, things will begin to sort themselves out.

The best news of the day is that Eli was officially moved out of the surgical ICU and into a regular room. He now has a beautiful view and a private space, which his nurse jokingly calls “the presidential suite.” In this new room, he’s allowed to have personal items like his own blankets, pillows, and pajamas. We’re hopeful that this added comfort will help him rest and sleep more peacefully.

Every day, he makes a little more progress. ❤️ Thank you all so much for the love, support, and prayers you’ve shown him and our family.

If you’d like to support Eli as he faces ongoing medical and rehabilitation expenses, we have set up a GoFundMe. There is absolutely no pressure, but we are deeply grateful for any support, including sharing the link: https://gofund.me/b87bf1077