Tests Before We Make Decisions

Yesterday it was decided that Brody would benefit from running a few tests prior to making a decision as to how we'll be feeding him at home. He will have a 24 hr Ph Probe placed on Friday. He will also need an upper GI test which means they will take him into radiology, put dye in his feeding tube and watch the course it takes as it digests. And if we opt for a surgically placed G Tube, he will likely go for surgery Monday. He may additionally require a Nissin which is basically just a procedure to block a portion of the GI tract at the bottom of the esophagus to ensure he won't have issues with acid reflux or vomiting. As for yesterday's Rehab consult, their great conclusion was, "lets watch and see what he does". Thank you much! Really going out on a limb there, arent' ya?! (Sorry, I get a little irritated with docs who insist on billing me hundreds of dollars for consults, but don't do a darn thing) But today, Physical Therapy did a better assesment and has come up with some ideas. Aside from the lack of a swallow reflex, we've learned of 2 other main areas of the body that have been impacted due to brain injury. 1) His muscle tone and 2) His sensitivity to physical stimulation. His muscle tone used to be low, meaning he was floppy and weak. Now it is about normal although he still doesn't move much. As for stimulation, he used to hate to be touched. Now he aknowledges he is being touched but doesn't seem to mind it at all. One suggestion PT has is to pick him up and hold him. This is a hard concept for Joss and I where Brody always hated to be held before. But now it may be an enjoyable experience for him--and us :)
At home, Joss has finally got all our belongings out of our old house. He said that's the easy part. Now he has to try to put everything away. He's had a lot of help from family and friends. Again, we're really grateful to all them for their ongoing support.