Wednesday Update

It’s been another good day! Mom’s condition has remained very much the same today as it was yesterday. She has continued to communicate with us in a very quiet whisper and by nodding or shaking her head in response to a question. She has smiled and even “corrected” a story Dad was telling. (~Clay: That never happens.)

Yesterday, we discovered that her memory is still remarkably sharp. She remembers everything up until the surgery. When she realized what day it was, she remarked that it felt like she just got here yesterday. (Thankfully, she may not have to remember any of the really difficult days.) She also could recall all the activities in her schedule. She inquired about whether or not she might be home by Friday. If not, we were to contact people about canceling some of her appointments. (Sounds like the Doreen we all know and love!!)

She's been pretty groggy and tired throughout the day. We assume this may be a result of all of the excitement and activity of yesterday. Also, ICU gives very little opportunity for sleep. She has professionals checking on her at least once every hour and sometimes more often than that.

Today she has been seen by a speech therapist, Kelli, to evaluate her swallowing capability. Her evaluation yesterday indicated that she was not yet ready to swallow. She choked on the ice chips and sips of water they offered her. Today, however, she handled the ice chips and sips of water very well. She even had a little applesauce. Kelli told us that this is a great sign. It probably means that she has not suffered brain damage regarding her swallowing ability. Instead, her throat just needs to heal from having the breathing tube in for so many days.

A nurse from the neurosurgeon’s office also visited. He was very pleased with her progress. Her left side is causing some concern, because she has not been able to move her left arm at all since the surgery. However, she was able to move her left leg when he asked. (This is an improvement from yesterday.) He also detected some movement (though slight) in her hand when he asked her to squeeze his hand. This is very encouraging. He indicated that even the slightest movement is an indication that recovery can be achieved. It is when there is no movement at all that we assume nothing will occur in the future. In Doreen’s case, she is showing only good signs!

The cardiologist has weaned her from the medications she was being given to regulate her heartbeat (its steady beat and its speed). Instead, she is now receiving medications orally (through a nasal-gastric tube). This frees her to be discharged from ICU. We anticipate a move to the “regular” neurological unit tomorrow.

As stated at the beginning of today’s entry – another GREAT day!

FYI – For those of you in the Fort Wayne area, she is able to receive visitors, but please be aware that she needs her rest and is not ready to do much visiting. We all look forward to when she’ll be ready to entertain again!