Sunday, December 10, 2006

Good Morning....

OK so I will have to start thinking up clever titles like Chris.

I got here yesterday, and couldn't wait to go and see him. When I did get up there, Chris had to tell me what I could and couldn't do, (I have a thing about pulling out the trach and trying to kill my brother) before I really felt comfortable enough to take the reins here.

Once Chris and my Dad left, and the Ativan levels started wearing off from the decrease in the dosage, PJ was in and out a lot. I think I lucked out and got him when he was "more awake". Don't get me wrong, he is in and out like Chris said, but I tell you what, he was shaking his head"yes" and "no" left and right. (We all know that there was more of the "no").

He was coughing quite a bit when I was there. Dan the nurse said that was great. That's what they want to see. Right now, the vent is set to breath for him, however if he tries to overcompensate, that isn't a bad thing. If he keeps doing well on this setting, and keeps up with the great coughing, then they will lower his vent settings more (maybe today) and he will be breathing more on his own....

PJ did know that I was there yesterday. I asked him if he knew who I was and he shook his head yes and mouthed Heather. (All these years of working in the DRIVE THRU PHARMACY paid off... I can read lips!) He does get very frustrated with the situation. But, if you tell him to calm down and that every things OK, and he seems to calm down. I can't imagine how scary it would be to wake up like this; but the good thing is, he only remembers the moment. He won't remember any of this when he finally "wakes up" completely...


OK time to shower and get ready to go frustrate him more today! (Just kidding)

Heather

2 comments:

Erin said...

I have been waiting patiently all day for an update, but my patience is running out. Come on all ready!

Romel said...

Hello all. For those of you who do not know me, I am Romel. I was PJ's housemate for over four years, but I have known PJ since 1999 when I met him on the Stennis.

I have had the privilege of being able to visit PJ and I must say that he is looking great! He seems to be progressing in the forward direction.

Last night Big Guy (Steve) and I went to visit PJ. PJ was in good spirit and was very responsive to all of our questions. We were even able to get him to laugh a couple times. Big Guy and I told PJ that we are setting a goal for him. The goal is for him to be out of ICU in a week or less (it may be a bit too much to ask for). Nonetheless, I will continue to have him in my thoughts and hopefully we will achieve the goal.