Bill reports that for the first time Dean slept 8 hours. Sleep has so eluded Dean. Even sleeping medication left him sleeping for an hour or two at most. This new development is great news. The rest will also help clear his head.
The vent machine has once again been removed from Dean's room. This time it needs to stay gone!
Another huge development is that Dean's heart rate is finally back in synos (spelling ?)rhythm. It's been about two weeks that his heart has been fibrillating so this is really good news.
Dean's new trache tube is allowing him to talk some. Bill still has him write messages for clearer communication.
On the funny side...whenever Dean is having a procedure, Bill and I normally leave the room and go to the waiting areas. We have trolled magazine racks and table tops for anything to read. Yesterday Bill was in one of the waiting rooms reading a National Geographic when Dr. McIntyre, Dean's transplant doctor, stopped by to chat. He told Bill he was spending too much time at the hospital. After Dr. McIntyre left Bill looked down at his magazine and it was a 1996 issue!
On the hopeful side, Dean may leave ICU in a week or two. Although he doesn't meet all the critera, the feeling is that his recovery will speed up if he has a brighter, more hopeful outlook. Once that happens, we will arrange visitations for all of you who have so patiently followed his progress from afar. Also, Dean received a videocam for Christmas. We hope to Skype messages from his hospital room once he is "presentable." We, Bill, Frazier, Haverly, and I wish all of you a wonderful weekend. Linda
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12 comments:
Thank you for the wonderful news. Sending constant thoughts and prayers to you all.
David Jensen
John and I are really happy about this news. These things take time but progress, however slow, is progress and I'm sure that everyone is appreciative of that.
You all get gold stars and an oak leaf cluster each for your loving care of the man.
Thank you for this great news. You remain in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you all.
Kathy and Chip
Great news! Good thoughts and prayers will continue.
carla
Deep restful sleep is so important to recooperation that it was good news to hear about Dean's full eight hours. Moving out and away from the bright lights and beeping monitors of the ICU is an added plus! We are still praying and thinking of you all. -Corinne, Jim and kids
First, let's talk about all of you. Just know that when you are at your most exhausted point, you are examples of extraordinary strength and love. Anyone who has done the hospital-bedside journey for weeks knows that intensity of love and hope.... and exhaustion. There is a lot more happening during Dean's journey than his recovery.
Now for Dean, I look forward to hearing his first intelligible cuss word. I hope you will share that with us. I'm praying that his progress continues on an upward swing. Lois
This is news to celebrate! We think of you all often, Dean, of course, but also you four who have shown so much strength and love. We greatly appreciate your updates.
Karlene and Gil
If Dean could only know how amazing his family has been to see him through this horrendous last 6 weeks. Thank you all for the continual detailed updates, and what a blessing that he continues to improve. I'm also glad to see you all are preserving your sanity with humor. The side clips have good levity effects. Love, Sally and Lew
Hello to Dean and team,
So wonderful to hear the great news especially about sleep. It is so restorative! ...thinking of you all with love, prayers, and hugs
sue from florida
this is such good news... Dean we love you and think of you each day..
Michelle Kent
Great news! Thank you for your updates. Looking forward to continued progress.
Take care,
Janice
We are so happy to read the great news from the Saturday message board. We are sure that once Dean is able to speak his whole outlook on life will improve. The fact that his heart is beginning to get back to normal is a most welcome sign. Love, Susan and Bill Marine
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