This morning Iain got into a chair for 30 minutes.  It took a huge amount of effort to stand up (and four people).  It was a scary endeavour for Iain but he did it.  Everyone was delighted although Iain himself found it very stressful.  You have to take into consideration these muscles have not been used in 4 weeks.  Iain is completely drained physically, no muscle tone and absolutely no fat reserves.  We have watched him waste away even though PT and OT have worked with him when they have been able.  His second trache test (first yesterday), where they take him off the ventilator for a while ,shows that he does not have the muscular strength to breath on his own effectively.  It will come but he needs to gain more muscle.