12/1 update

Hi everyone -

BJ and I went over for an early visit this morning, and Dad had been up and out of bed for breakfast, but was not happy sitting in his wheelchair, so the nurses let him lie down again.  He was pretty sleepy when we saw him, but he seemed to be doing well.  We spent some time talking with his CNA for today, as well as his respiratory therapist and physical therapist. His PT told us that they've had Dad up and standing several times (with a lot of help) over the past couple of days.  They're working on getting his strength back, and it will take some time.  The respiratory therapist was going to speak with his nurse about getting him into a better sitting position to encourage him to take deeper breaths.  His lungs are clear now, but because he's been lying down a lot, he's less likely to breathe deeply and keep all of his airways open.  Her thought was to put him in a cardiac chair, which is more like a recliner that they can strap him into.  We thought it was worth a try, especially since he doesn't like sitting in the wheelchair.  So, we'll see how that goes.

Mom and BJ went back over for a visit at dinner time to encourage Dad to eat.  He was still pretty sleepy, but did have a little bit of dinner.  BJ shaved his face for him, and they decided to let him rest.  His neurosurgeon told us early on that when he started rehab he would be exhausted.  He's definitely been a lot more active in the last few days than he had been in the previous month.  Hopefully he'll start to adjust soon and will be able to stay awake and alert for longer and longer periods of time.  We're guessing that he won't have any therapy tomorrow, as the hospital uses the weekend times for makeup therapy sessions.  We're going to ask if we can take him outside for a little fresh air tomorrow.  Maybe some sunshine will do him good!