Monday, November 25, 2013 9:30pm

HOORAY!  TWO GOOD DAYS IN A ROW

Yesterday I held off posting because of the up-and-down nature of John's struggle.  But tonight I am so happy to report that John has had two good days in a row!  Here is the report -

Sunday:  John started out quite alert and ready to tackle "the chair".  He stayed in the chair a little over two hours and was off the vent for an hour before tiring.  The lung infection is improving, but it also means more coughing (which is returning for him) and more frequent deep suctioning by the therapists.  John has learned to signal for help and is always glad when this is done because he immediately feels better.  He had a nap after the visit by Dee Ann and Tom.  Then our friends, Mary Danforth and Jeanette Miller, came to help out.  Mary was the witness and Jeanette was the Notary Public who witnessed John's answers and his signature to establish my Durable Power of Attorney.  This was such an important accomplishment and I am so grateful to these two ladies.  The rest of the day was peaceful and John got a lot of rest. 

Monday:  John struggled to wake up this morning, but was alert for the visits by his doctors and he participated in a good workout with the OT.  His right side is definitely weaker than the left, but the therapist felt he was getting some muscle response which has been a concern of the neurologist. John was eager to get in the chair, but staff was short and it was noon before that happened.  I left him in the chair and off the vent to go eat lunch, only to return and find him back in bed.  Evidently, they thought he was too tired because he fell asleep.  An hour was far short of the three hours in the chair we had been aiming for today.  However, he was off the vent for four hours with no problems. His leg wounds were inspected and approved by the special wound doctor and then re-dressed.  He also worked hard with the PT on his legs.

But here is the best part!  The Speech Therapist happened to come in for another reason and offered to suction John's lungs.  She then asked John if he was willing for her to check for his voice which he agreed to do.  By clearing his throat well and using her fingers on the trac opening to work with his own breathing in and out, John said words! His voice worked!  She had him turn to me and he said "I love you!"  We all wept with such joy!  The Lord is so good.

These milestones renew our hope and we are eager to progress, but we are still in the tunnel and the road is long - and will be rocky.  Despite the exclamation point above, let me remind you readers, that "a good day" is relative and progress is measured in inches (or less) - and the Guillain-Barre is still fighting to be in charge.  John, however, is tough and determined - and your prayers invoking God's faithfulness and mercy shall surely bear fruit in His good time.  As always, thank you.