The morning stats are looking good:
His hematocrit and hemoglobin levels (i.e., red blood cell measures) are rising again. This means that the internal bleeding has probably subsided.
His heart rate is down to 90 right now. This is the lowest I've seen it since the accident!
He continues to breathe almost entirely on his own, with minimal assistance from the ventilator. He is breathing at 15-20 breaths per minute, which is good. His lungs are still extremely congested, but he has a strong cough, and the nurses have been able to remove a good amount of congestion this morning. It is likely that the breathing tube will be removed today or tomorrow.
The initial anti-anxiety drug that he was given had amnestic properties (i.e., it makes you forget stuff). The doctors recently started giving him a different anti-anxiety drug that doesn't have this unfortunate side effect. Consequently, he seems to be much more focused, aware, and in touch with his memory. We've developed a small set of hand signs for him to use when he needs something. We can tell pretty quickly when he has an itch, is in pain, wants to rest, wants some music, or wants a cool rag on his forehead. When he has a unique request, he spells it out by writing with his finger on our hands. Last night, I started telling him all about my latest experiments and ideas. He excitedly communicated his approval and gestured for me to elaborate. Until last night, I don't think I had a clear sense of how much I need this man to be proud of me.
Sean and Elisabeth just arrived, and Dad has a big smile on his face.
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That need for our fathers' approval is astonishingly strong. It's seems to be a prime motivator.
ReplyDeleteDear Daniel:
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly normal for you to have a great need to have your father be proud of you. I can testify that he is. When I was up there in Folsom about 6 months ago he told me about you and your accompllishments with pride in his voice. Whether or not you realize it that is a most common need in people, to please our parents and have them proud of us. Please keep up the tremendous job you are doing of keeping us all so well informed of your father's progress. Love, Uncle Don
We love hearing your updates & are glad your Dad continues to recover. We wish you patience in large doses!
ReplyDeleteSteve & Jean Shaltes
As your dad and your family were being remembered in the hearts and minds of many who were fasting yesterday, your words of affirmation about your dad's improvement is such a comfort.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good thing that the anti-anxiety drug was changed so that your dad's mental capacities aren't so compromised. (That's no fun having the amnesia affect - a challenge for the patient as well as the family!)
Thank you for your diligence!
Daniel, Your postings are so heart felt and touching that I weep at times. You are so fortunate to have Kent as your Dad and he is blessed to have such a son as you. Much love to you all. Please tell your Dad that
ReplyDeleteDee St John says "Hi & get well soon !!
I'm so glad to hear that things are going well. Keep your chin up. You are doing great things for your father and you will be blessed for it. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteGet well soon Kent!!!
Daniel... what a blessed son you are! You are helping all of us to heal through that which you write. You are honoring your parents by taking the time to post these blogs. I and my family pray for all of you ... our thoughts are with you as you go through this experience. Everything you write proves how well you were taught... how well you learned and the magnitude of your faith. Thank you for being you.
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