April 23

Mom was able to meet Dad's new nurse case manager today, Chantal. Every Wednesday the team, including the case manager, pulmonary dr., wound care RN, and all the therapists will have a patient care conference. Chantal transferred from the big Drake hospital where she had several GBS patients who recovered and 2 who were locked-in like Dad.

A summary of their report today:
~Patient is weaning 12-13 hours a day (yeah Dad!)
~PT says goal is to tolerate sitting position- currently at 55 degrees.
~Wound care addressing trach wound and wound on coccyx with aggressive treatment.
~WBC 11.7 yesterday and 12.2 today. Dr Krause to address tomorrow.

Other news from today:
~Chaplain stopped by to pray with Mom and Dad.
~It was decided that the bed he is on is the best bed for his current status.
~A different antibiotic has been ordered for his eyes.
~Sue Pinney was a great encouragement to Mom with her text messages today. (Thank you, Sue!)

Hospital life is exhausting and right now Dad's needs are pretty constant. We (Becky, Alex, Tim, and I) wish that we could be in Cincinnati full-time to help shoulder this burden. The two teachers are counting the days until summer break! In the meantime, we ask for prayer for Mom who is turning herself inside out to meet his needs... in addition to just plain missing him. I know all wives think that they are just talking to themselves at times, but it is situations like this that make you miss even the casual grunt of affirmation or distracted "um-hum" mumbled from behind the newspaper. We are looking forward to the day that conversation involves more than just physical needs and lab values. :/

We are very excited that Nancy's sister, Janet, will be in town tomorrow. We are certain that she will be a breath of fresh Minnesota air, doncha know! :)

Thank you all for your never-ending kindnesses towards our family.