Red cap success

Weaning off the ventilator is complete, Jerry's now in the weaning process for getting the tracheotomy removed. The final step before removing the trach is to be able to tolerate the red cap for 24 hours. The red cap is a cap that covers the trach and forces you to breath through the mouth and nose, this also allows air to pass the vocal cords allowing the voice to return. Jerry was able to tolerate the red cap for 12 hours two days ago and could have gone longer however the doctor would only allow 12 hours. This was a huge improvement from the previous day, he was only able to tolerate the cap for 2 1/2 hours. I believe the plan is for Jerry to be on the red cap for 24 hours, if he tolerates it they'll leave it on and monitor for a few days, if all goes well the trach can be removed. Jerry has been on the red cap for almost 40 hours now. We are hoping to have the process complete by next Wednesday as that's his projected discharge date, he can be discharged with the trach it's just better to wait until it's out.

I'm hoping to get Jerry discharged to Santa Clara Valley Medical Brain Injury Rehab Center as quickly as possible. If SCVM does not accept him then I will have a dilemma on where to discharge to, my options are Domincan Rehab Center in Santa Cruz, El Camino Hospital in Los Gatos or home. The alternative facilities don't specifically have neuro rehab, they offer PT, OT and ST which are all good but his primary need is neuro rehab. If Valley Med does not accept Jerry and the trach has been removed then I will likely have him discharged home and pursue out patient neuro rehab at SCVM.

Katie