Updates: (11/25/2025)

Eli had a much better day today!

He was fully cleared on his swallow test, which means he can now eat any foods he wants. He still needs thickened liquids, so regular water isn’t allowed quite yet, but being able to choose real food again is a huge win. He ordered a cheeseburger for lunch and was very excited about that. To be cleared for normal liquids, he will need to pass another video swallow test, which can’t be done until Friday due to the holiday schedule. He is very much looking forward to having his first Sprite Zero.

The speech pathologist came in this morning to complete a cognitive evaluation. This included some math questions like 15 × 3, 38 ÷ 2, and 31 − 8, which he said were a bit challenging, but many of us would probably reach for a calculator too. They also tested his memory and gave him a puzzle to complete. Overall, he did very well and was able to answer most of the questions correctly.

She recommended that he continue cognitive therapy two to three days a week. Eventually, this could take place at home with an in-home therapist, but that will be discussed further once he is closer to being discharged.

He was also wheeled around the hospital a bit this morning and enjoyed getting out of his room and seeing something different. He spent some time sitting in the recliner as well.

I spoke with him on the phone this morning, and he sounded much better. His speech is still slightly slurred, but he was able to hold a full conversation, which was incredibly encouraging.

The busy morning really wore him out, and he fell into a deep nap around lunchtime, which was actually great since he hasn’t been sleeping well at night.

This afternoon, the physical therapists began working with him, which was very exciting. They explained that he needs to be able to tolerate one full hour of therapy in order to move to the intensive rehabilitation floor, where he would receive several hours of physical and cognitive therapy each day.

Today was the first time he has walked since the accident, and he did amazing. He was up for about 20 minutes and focused on practicing proper heel-to-toe steps. They also gave him additional exercises to work on. He was definitely exhausted afterward, but this was a huge step forward, literally and figuratively.

Here he is with his PTs walking for the first time since the accident. GO ELI!!

Later in the evening, my parents got approval to take him outside in his wheelchair. It was the first time he’s had fresh air since being admitted on the 12th. He loved getting out of the room, and the sunshine and fresh air seemed to do him a lot of good.

Tomorrow and Thursday may be a little quieter since some of the therapy staff will be out for the holiday, but according to Lindsay, he was already doing his exercises in bed tonight. He had such a determined energy today, and it really showed.

Overall, it was a very good day for Eli. ❤️

*I want to make a quick clarification from yesterday’s post. I originally mentioned that the police were called, but it was actually public health officers. They work for the hospital and are brought in when a patient becomes aggressive to help protect the doctors and nurses. I’m so sorry for the misunderstanding.*