A nasal or gastric tube, I’m guessing. And no, it wouldn’t be very good. It’s just sort of a milky protein gloop.
The benefit being - since it’s going straight to the stomach, he needn’t taste the vile stuff 
I love the image of illicit lollipop smuggling!
Pat’s surgery went well. I understand the results are very impressive! My prayer is that he doesn’t develop complications like after the last surgery.
He has a gastric tube and yes, the food is gloopy. It will be good to ditch that before he comes home.
Keep Pat in your prayers and keep sending positive vibes his way!
Will do, Rugger’sMomma.
Prayers and good vibes headed out!
I think you’ll find your fears of complications like last time are unfounded. For one thing, he’s much stronger now than he was then! Also, the doctors are aware of what kinds of complications he had before, and I’m certain they’ve taken every precaution against them.
You got it!
But the best part about his charm is… you don’t have to meet him IRL. It shows where ever he goes and we’re all smitten 
So good to hear he’s doing well - and once more: Thanks for the up-dates!! They mean so much to a lot of us!
The news just gets better and better! I’m so glad!
Thank you for keeping us updated.
Reports are that Pat is doing so well this week that the occupational therapist thought that he was mocking her! Good to know his personality is returning! His limbs were relaxed and he was able to sit alone and balance on the edge of the mat in the gym.
Excellent news!
Wow…that’s fantastic progress. We’ll keep the healing mojo coming!
Great news. It’s hard to imagine what you all have been going through. Keeping up with this thread is really helpful as a reminder of the fragility of human life and the need to cherish it and those you love every day.
I hate being reminded of mine own mortality but it’s needed. I hope Pat makes a full recovery. Good tidings.
Thanks for the regular updates, SantoRuggersMom! I’d be tempted to claim that SDMB mojo (there are dozens and dozens of people here keeping him in their thoughts and prayers, above and beyond those who post in this thread), but it’s clear that his mother’s love is doing some amazing good also.
Best to him – and definitely to you.
It’s been a while since I last read the thread, but it’s great to see the news of his improvements.
All the best to him, you and everyone else helping.
“Thought”? Judging by his posts, he was mocking her… he just couldn’t do it properly.
Which is good, as it gives him more incentive to get better. I’ve known for a long time that the reason children start talking is that there comes a point when they can’t get their stupid grownups to understand otherwise; I’m sure having similar motivation will help Pat along.
Today I was translating a piece that mentioned St. Patrick’s Day several times and I discovered that my mental image of St Paddy wears rugby pads, a halo and blows things up… guess it’s a way as any other to shoo the snakes away!
Been following this thread for awhile… Glad he is doing so well.
Pat’s doctor said today that Pat has to be one of the toughest guys he knows! He says he has great cells to be able to withstand the medical issues he does. I think it’s because Pat has a strong will to survive and recover! I also believe that all of the people praying for his healing and well being have made a huge contribution to his recovery so far.
His discharge date has been changed to November 13. That gives us a few more days to get thngs ready.
On that note, please accept this tsunami of healing and wellness prayers from us dopers.
(Oh, don’t worry, we’re not going to let up!)
Go Santo, Go Santo, Go Santo…
Wow, this is very wonderful news. I’m so happy our favorite grody charming guy is returning to himself!
That’s supposed to be a compliment; I hope it comes across that way!