Shantel is improving each day! She apparently was one of the first TPIAT patients to get a nerve block which would explain why she is more comfortable.

Physical Therapy has been ramping up each day. On Friday, she was able to stand up and move the lounge chair. She took a nice nap and got more rest.

Saturday there was some fluid in her lungs but that was to be expected. She is working with a respiratory therapist to get the lungs cleared. PT has been pushing her hard to get moving to help clear it out. Shantel was able to walk out of the room and see what the hall looks like!

Sunday she showed more improvements! They have increased the amount of food through the feeding tube without any nausea. She got the epidural catheters removed from her back. There are still some bouts of pain. They are working to manage the pain to make her comfortable though without making her too sleepy and tired.

Monday, Shantel has a little more discomfort today likely from the PT and reducing the pain medications. She tolerated a 50 foot walk down the hallway this time! Oxygen levels are improving and so are movements of her arms and legs.

On Tuesday, Shantel had her drain tubes removed! She was worried that there would be pain from the drains but she is reporting less pain with them out. She has been discharged from the ICU! A beautiful sunset view to commemorate the day.

Shantel was able to have some apple juice for the first time in over a week. Sugar has been limited due to the surgery and insulin levels. She can have solid foods if she is up for it. She wasn’t quite ready for it but it wasn’t a surprise.

She also took a whole lap around today! Jodi says that she is a Rockstar and SUPERWOMAN! Shantel is a champion! It has only been a week since her TPIAT surgery and looking better already!