Update on Dad-August 30

 

Well, today turned out to be a pretty good day for Dad, he finally got the respirator tube out after 10 days of having it in. His nurse (she's been with him for the last 3 days) commented that he had had very little sleep in the last several days and was very agitated. So after the tube was out he was very awake and alert for several hours, but when we got there to visit he had finally let his exhausted body really relax and was in a deep sleep. He did open one eye, and he did respond to the girls saying "we Love You Grandpa!" with a very quiet "I Love You too", but other than that he slept through our visit. We were just so happy that the tube was out and he seemed much more comfortable.

On other good news, the intestinal bleeding has stopped, and so for the time being that is one more condition that seems to be going in the right direction. His pneumonia is improving, and the chest tube is draining any accumulated fluid away from his lungs which makes it easier for him to breathe.

All in all his nurse told me this was a really good day for him. She said she was so happy to finally be able to speak to him, and was commenting on what a kind man he is and that he had even showed some humor! As sick as he is, he is still able to be such a trooper. He is an inspiration.

She also said that he might be moved out of the CVICU as early as possible tomorrow, but warned that he will probably stay in the hospital for some time to come. As sick as he has been, he still needs more time on the antibiotics, and the wonderful medical care that Hoag is providing. I have mentioned to my husband that I honestly believe that if we did not live near such an incredible hospital Dad would not have made it through this extreme sickness. The people there are so caring, and just totally awesome!

Zoey and Avery were happy to see Grandpa, and happy to "gown up" (Zoey much more than Avery). I think Avery was a little overwhelmed by the whole thing, but she also was a trooper. I guess she has some of Grandpa Stan's toughness genes in there somewhere :-)

More updates tomorrow.