REPORTING ON A PRETTY QUIET WEEKEND
We trust that all you readers had a peaceful and grateful thanksgiving. John has been resting a lot during the past three days - just what both doctors ordered.
Resting did not always mean sleeping, but there were no therapists around except respiratory. His lungs seem a bit clearer, at least there is a smidgen less coughing and suctioning going on. He was off the vent about 3 hours yesterday (half in the morning and half in the late afternoon); today he was off 3 hours straight in the morning. With Dr. Aslamy's real encouragement and a bit more pain medication, John did sit in "the chair" for an hour today. He didn't like it, but he did it and did not become diaphoretic. That's progress! Both doctors are pleased with his overall progress and some returning strength - he can raise both arms from the elbows now and waves to everyone entering the room. The slowly returning nerve re-growth is causing more pain and some muscle spasms.
The main obstacle has become the blood thinner, Coumadin. It has caused the upper leg wound to bleed and they had to remove the wound vac machine. Also, they have had to re-pack and dress the wound 4-5 times since last night because of bleeding. They are carefully watching John's blood results.
Yesterday we were surprised by visitors: our dear friends from New Mexico, Art and Lynda Garcia with daughter, Kristen, were in town and came with Robert and Janet McPherson. Then the Moores came down from Wickenburg. This was a lot of excitement, but John enjoyed it without overdoing.
So, we have specific prayer needs: Pray for another day of rest and "baby steps" of progress in preparation for some good OT and PT beginning Monday. Pray that John will be ready for the Speech Therapist to begin work on swallowing and using his voice box. And pray that the wound will stop bleeding and begin healing again; that the doctor will find a solution besides Coumadin.
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