Thursday: Don't turn around, you'll miss it!

EMAIL: Thurs, 10:33 am:
A few changes since last night: the nurses have changed his sedative/painkiller to something a little less intense (he was on Propofol, can't remember the new one) and are monitoring his responses. It's caused his BP, temperature and brain swell/pressure levels to increase slightly, but the staff seems to be ok with that. I was touching his right arm while the nurse was checking his levels, and he moved it- good sign.

We're simply in a holding pattern right now. Most of the staff seems to be focused on the procedures scheduled for tomorrow (changing the respirator to a trach and the ped feeding tube), and seeing how he responds. He's stable, so no change, but no deterioration. The stability we're seeing right now is positive. In fact, everything the staff has said is positive. Realistic, but positive.

Mom is a trooper. She's been keeping a diary of all the activities, has interviewed all of his nurses, and is keeping track of all his levels. We've also started a sign-in book for all Dad's visitors, so he knows how much love there's been around him. Be sure to ask to leave a message if you come by.

I'll sen an update this afternoon if I have anything new to report. Keep up the prayers/chant/candles/love/support/whatever fits your belief system. We still need them, and we know they are working.

FB: Thurs at 4:29pm:
Dad update: painkillers were changed this morning, and completely removed sedatives for now, to see how he responds. We've got movement in all limbs, and he's breathing over the ventilator's recommendation (a good thing). Not out of the woods, but no setbacks yet. All eyes are on Friday's procedures. Took Mom out for ...a taco and to get pajamas- she's doing great. You guys are wonderful! We feel your love.


EMAIL: Thurs, 5:32 pm:
What a difference an afternoon makes!
Small, subtle changes, but all in a great direction. As I said earlier, his painkillers were changed this morning to something a little less intense, to see his reaction. More activity, and stabilized pressures.

We've been mentioning to the staff that he takes medication for high blood pressure since we've been here, but he hadn't been given any. I got a call from the pharmacy confirming his prescription, and earlier this afternoon they finally started administering the medication. His blood pressure lowered almost instantly. Gold star!

The staff completely removed sedatives for a few hours, to see how he would respond. We got movement in all limbs (I saw his shoulder twitch and I jumped up and down for joy- you'd think I'd been given a pony), and he's breathing over the ventilator's recommendation (the machine is set to breathe for him 12 times a minute, and he's been as high as 16- that means he's doing it himself- a good thing). He's of course not waking up...yet. But his reactions are all positive. They've put him back on the sedation to keep him calm and comfortable, but the movement we experienced is a huge plus.
I took Mom out of the hospital for the first time since the accident. We got lunch and then picked up a few essentials- hooray for pajamas! She is such a picture of grace right now. She's got the same effect here as she does at home- everyone just loves her. Dad's first day nurse really took to her- they hugged it out before she left for the weekend. But really, who's surprised by that?
Not out of the woods by a long shot, but no setbacks yet. All eyes are on Friday's procedures. Once those are completed he'll be at a lesser risk for infection, pneumonia, and the read on his brain swelling reports will be a bit more accurate. The goal is to get that stabilized, remove the drainage tube and get started on the plethora of fractured and broken bones. We're fully aware that it's going to be a slow process, and we're preparing. But we've got faith and peace and a dad with a history of survival.

We're comforted by all of the support you're giving. Believe us- we FEEL it. Thank you to everyone who's calling/emailing/visiting/praying. We're keeping track of all of it, and it's overwhelming, inspiring and the best gift you could possibly give. Thanks doesn't seem like a big enough word, so I'll throw in a few more languages.

Thank you, gracias, merci, danke, grazie, tack and obrigado,
Ashlee

FB: Thurs 10:08 pm:
Dad update: back on sedatives after testing his responses. He is resting now. We go into surgery for the trach and the feeding tube in the morning. Please hope for a smooth procedure during the 7:00 am hour.