No surgery today! That, in itself, is a good thing, but day by day he is adjusting to his return to the world. He was awake and sitting up in the chair for some time in the early afternoon. He requested a Dr. Pepper and later water. He asks for these things very matter-of-factly, but unfortunately some wishes can't be met yet. He wanted to get up from the chair, or at the very least, roll out of the room. Several times he asked Bonnie or me to help him up to his feet. Unfortunately, we said we could not do it. He felt, I believe, that we must have been just too weak because he really grabbed onto Michael when he visited. (Now here's a guy with some strength!!!) Again, no luck. The nurse mentioned a future time when he might be wheeled outside, but he will have to get off the vent first. FORGET THE VENT---he was quite interested in that idea. That sounded like a wonderful prospect and he brought it up a few times. I did request that since he was now awake, we would like to transfer to the ICU Patio Suite instead of STICU Room 1, our current home. The nurse couldn't believe we were not pleased with our picturesque view of a cement wall. (I'm sure the nurse thought "Geez,these people are so needy!) I can imagine lovely french doors leading to a sunny fragrant garden area with comfortable seating and cool drinks. We ARE on the 3rd floor though. Hmmm, that could be quite a jump.
On another note,Wayne and Wanda came by later this afternoon. Wanda proved herself to be a good lip reader and they had a great conversation. Louie even laughed!! Wow--its been a long time.
He is coping with all of this well as he takes time to process things, little by little, bit by bit. We are praying that the healing of his body will catch up with his mindset as we move forward to wean off the vent, get that bowel to heal, complete the surgery marathon and cheer on the liver and kidneys to work efficently. Your prayers mean everything!! Don't stop---we can win this race.
Love to all, Ruthie
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Out of Surgery
Dr. Duke worked some more on the bowel today and new microsurgeons were put in. Dr. Duke said that surgery went well and dad is already moving his arms!
CAT Scan
Dad had a CAT can this morning, and it was clear. Thank God!
He's been awake a lot today and communicating. He's made it very clear that he wants to get up, have his feet on the floor, and go home. One day, one day.
He will have dialysis today to help flush the contrast from the CAT scan. (it was a scheduled dialysis day anyway) Also today he will go back to the operating room, and we pray that this time he has no difficulty with anesthesia.
He's been awake a lot today and communicating. He's made it very clear that he wants to get up, have his feet on the floor, and go home. One day, one day.
He will have dialysis today to help flush the contrast from the CAT scan. (it was a scheduled dialysis day anyway) Also today he will go back to the operating room, and we pray that this time he has no difficulty with anesthesia.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
End of the Day Report
Dad had a scary day. Scary for us, but even more so for himself. As of this evening he is able to move both arms and legs. He's still not moving as much as he has in the past, but as the day progressed his movement increased dramatically. They never did take him for the CAT scan they mentioned earlier, but since much of the paralysis has seemed to wear off, they believe that this possibly was just a bad reaction to anesthesia.
This afternoon I was able to talk to him, and he was very coherent. More coherent and focused than he even was yesterday. He was able to mouth questions to me, and I did my best to read his lips and answer. He asked about Cayla and Tate, he asked about how mom was, he asked about the various machines around him.
Shortly there after is when his heart rate and blood pressure went haywire and it really, really scared him. We realized that we've had nine weeks to cope with this and watch his progress. He's only been awake for a few days (and has been disoriented for some of that time and under anesthesia during surgery as well). Today he wakes up and feels paralyzed. Of course is unbelievably scary for him. They were able to calm him down with some Ativan. His echo cardiogram and the ultrasound of his heart were good. After all of this his vitals stabilized. Later on, cousin Jenna (Luke's wife) was able to see him with mom. This was perfect because she teaches the deaf and she's much, much better at lip reading than any of us. She was able to interpret his questions for mom to answer. We never realized that he was worrying about so much. They covered everything from his job, keeping his word to his farmers, to finances, and his own fears about his recovery. Mom was able to reassure him that everything was being taking care of and let him know just how much progress has already been made.As I was leaving he was sleeping. Hopefully he will get a good nights rest, because he was awake most all of the day.
Please pray that he will be able to cope with all of the struggles he's facing. Pray that he will be able to believe he can recover and feel the support of all of those who have lifted him in prayer.
This afternoon I was able to talk to him, and he was very coherent. More coherent and focused than he even was yesterday. He was able to mouth questions to me, and I did my best to read his lips and answer. He asked about Cayla and Tate, he asked about how mom was, he asked about the various machines around him.
Shortly there after is when his heart rate and blood pressure went haywire and it really, really scared him. We realized that we've had nine weeks to cope with this and watch his progress. He's only been awake for a few days (and has been disoriented for some of that time and under anesthesia during surgery as well). Today he wakes up and feels paralyzed. Of course is unbelievably scary for him. They were able to calm him down with some Ativan. His echo cardiogram and the ultrasound of his heart were good. After all of this his vitals stabilized. Later on, cousin Jenna (Luke's wife) was able to see him with mom. This was perfect because she teaches the deaf and she's much, much better at lip reading than any of us. She was able to interpret his questions for mom to answer. We never realized that he was worrying about so much. They covered everything from his job, keeping his word to his farmers, to finances, and his own fears about his recovery. Mom was able to reassure him that everything was being taking care of and let him know just how much progress has already been made.As I was leaving he was sleeping. Hopefully he will get a good nights rest, because he was awake most all of the day.
Please pray that he will be able to cope with all of the struggles he's facing. Pray that he will be able to believe he can recover and feel the support of all of those who have lifted him in prayer.
Update
He's moving a bit more, but now his heart rate is very erratic, his blood pressure is high, and he's been changed off of CPAP to the full vent. Continue the prayers please.
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