What an eventful day God has given Ryan! I got to the hospital at 7pm (thanks to traffic) and he was already passed out asleep from the busy day activities!
The respiratory technicians capped Ryan's trachea close for about an hour and a half to test how he would do with breathing on his own through his mouth and nose. He did phenomenal! He was able to breath perfectly, swallow his saliva, and cough through his mouth. Tomorrow they will try this out again; if all goes well they will close it continuously starting on Friday. In order to be cleared for the complete removal of the trachea, Ryan will have to go a continuous 72 hours with his trachea capped without a single complication (such as additional oxygen or suctioning). Even if he only has 1 minute left to complete the 72 hours and he has to be suctioned, Ryan will have to start the complete 72 hours over again. This strict process is to ensure the safety of Ryan's breathing so that there will not be any problems when they doctors remove the trachea.
Ryan will be 100% off his pain medicine by tomorrow, the weaning is finally over! Please add in your prayers that God relieves any pain that Ryan may be feeling since he is not able to express his concerns yet.
Ryan was also cleared today for the removal of his neck brace!!! It is obvious that he is so much more comfortable while he rests. I am sure that he will sleep so well tonight without all of that plastic around his neck!!!! He was also able to hold his head up using his neck muscles very well during therapy without the assurance of his brace!!!
God is so gracious to show us His love through Ryan every single day. Even with all of these amazing steps to recovery, patience is still the obstacle for us. Sometimes I just want to shake him and yell, "wake up!" I must remind myself that there is a reason for God to keep us waiting. During this waiting, Our Lord is allowing to us to grow internally through Christ while preparing us for the next steps of this journey. Our Father never promised us life would be easy, but He has promised us that it would be easier when we trust and love Him. He will NEVER leave our side; that promise restores my faith.
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6