Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Just a quick note before I get to the hospital.
Right now everyone is trying to get answers that aren't yet available.

Yesterday and today this ongoing catheter/UTI situation seems to have been at the forefront along with the fact that despite being under surveillance 24 hours a day Chris pulled out his $%#@ feeding tube again!

The good news is that Chris' blood pressure (130s) is now back in the normal range which is very good news.

Chris seems to be sleeping for about 18 hours a day with brief intermittent periods of calm wakefulness, but we are all anxious for the physio to start.
Because we're dealing with the brain there is no magic crystal ball...
which is frustrating enough for all of us waiting on the outside so I can't imagine what it's like for Chris?

It's tough to sit back and wait to see how much of the damage is going to be present and to what degree it can be amended through rehab once Chris is able to stay awake for any length of time.

I suppose a positive way to look at this is that we all seem to be fairly comfortable that Chris is moving on to the next step so we shouldn't lose sight of that.
For a week we were worried about getting to this point.

I'll try and write some more when I get back and read the bedside journal.
I hope that I can get Chris to talk to me. I want to know what he is thinking?

I know that all of this second guessing doesn't help and although it is difficult to idle, the truth of the matter is that there is a lot of waiting to be done and there isn't much that we can do about that.


PART TWO posted at 10:14 PM

It was comforting to see Chris with the bed tilted up watching the Hockey playoffs.
The O2 and feeding tubes had been removed. They successfully handfed him some sort of jello stuff which he told his sister tasted awful..but he could swallow it!

He could move his head and neck around..his left arm was untethered and he could scratch his nose..he had his glasses on and he had been shaved so he looked better.
He said "HI" and smiled.

I sat and watched the game with him..I got him to smile (laughed with his eyes) a few times.
I told him that I was going to sneak in a Mushroom/Peperoni Pizza from Gondola (his favorite) and he also grinned when I mentioned that how great it will be to see the 8,000 ROUNDUP commercials during the game..it's a Canadian thing.
The biggest grin came when the NHL President was being interviewed but I can't tell you what I said in mixed company..but it was worth seeing the smile.

I asked him if he had any cravings (no), if he felt more awake in the middle of the night (no), throat hurt (no) and a few other things. He said it hurt when he had to go to the bathroom which I totally understand considering what he has had to endure during this recent catheter debacle. He still has a foley which he agitated by rubbing his left leg against it. He was quickly given something for his discomfort, tucked in, and instructed to go to sleep.

All in all I felt encouraged to see that he was up trying to watch the game..he dozed on and off..plus he "got" the jokes and seemed more rested. Having all the tubes out of his nose was great and hopefully he can eat normally and I can sneak that pizza in.

Chris you are amazing...we had a good visit and you cheered me up buddy.

26 comments:

savannah said...

donn, i wish i had something profound to offer you, but all i can say is that no matter how upset you might feel or hopeless, know that i (along with everyone who comments here) am keeping positive thoughts and love for all y'all! xooxo

anna said...

I know it's hard to sit back and watch while you remain helpless. But know that you ARE helping him. You and the loved ones who surround him (even his mother who rubs his arm to the point of annoyance) make a world of difference. That support is of tremendous value to him. Stay strong and stay focused and he will do the same.

mistipurple said...

seems that he is showing really good signs of improvement. chris is a fighter, he will win this.
we will continue to shower love and blessings on his quick recovery.
take care, donn and everyone staying at his bedside. it gets tiring i know.

Stace said...

Right now, all that rest is probably the best thing his body can do for him. The best doctors couldn't do anything if Chris' own body wasn't cooperating, and it sounds like it IS. I know the waiting is really hard for all of you - you, Chris, his family, and all of his friends too - but we have to keep positive. Looking forward to your next update... just waiting... :)

Anonymous said...

Maybe it's a good idea to have a second thought about that feeding tube and how the feeding is brought into his system.

dmmgmfm said...

It's good to see that he is awake more of the time, and his blood pressure has returned to normal.

When my father was in pain, his bp always went up, which may have had something to do with Chris's elevated counts as well.

Once Chris is more awake and aware of his surroundings, perhaps we could all send cards? I know how much that helped my cousin Dale during his illness...just a thought.

Please know that I am thinking of you all and sending my warmest thoughts your direction.

dmmgmfm said...

Oh wow! That is just fantastic! That is really wonderful news...thanks so much for the update, Donn.

gwen said...

All of us here at CP Edmonton are following your blog, Donn -- it's good to hear that Chris was trying to watch the game -- that sounds like the old Caribou (pet name, long story) that we know and love. And as for the jello, well, he may protest now but he always loved it at our White Trash parties! All our absolute best wishes to Chris and his family and friends....

andrea said...

The updates are great, Donn. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Donn. Just the news we all need to hear.

Stace said...

Oh Donn, that Part Two update just made my day! Wonderful to hear! With any luck, we can forego the Vegemite as a cure-all; he seems to be doing just fine without it. :)

Zig said...

Chris you look great!

anna said...

Tears of joy with part two. Thank you for that wonderful update!

venuss66 said...

What a relieve to read the latest update. Thank you, Donn.

AngelConradie said...

OMG that is so awesome! It makes my heart so glad to hear that se seems to be moving forward.
Wow!
Miss you lots Chris!! Keep working at it!

mistipurple said...

lol about the vegemite!
sure am glad with part two's news.
i shall celebrate by eating pizza here, heh.

Annie Van Bergen said...

Sounds like the progress is steady. Great news. Thanks for that part 2.

Inside our hands, outside our hearts said...

How wonderful! I could picture the whole visit and I am jealous...smiles. I am thrilled to hear that has some improvement and that things are moving forward. I know the road is long, but this makes me want to jump up and down like a catholic school girl..lol.
Please keep sending him my love and prayers.

Soft love,
T

Linda S. said...

Thank you very much Donn for keeping us posted on what must feel very much a private matter.
I'm taking comfort in Chris' strength and the support he is getting from his friends and family. He deserves it of course.

Anonymous said...

Good. Great progress. May be a little exhausting for him, but he's significantly better and his brain works. Carry on!

Anonymous said...

Donn this is great news about Chris! Being in Ottawa, so far away from my brother is a bit of a challenge, so I am REALLY grateful for the information you're providing and facilitating here. The fact that Chris is watching TV, has the tubes out, and has started swallowing some kind of food is a massive change from when I saw him just a couple of weeks ago. Who knows? Maybe I'll be able to speak to him on the phone in the not-too-distant future! Could you please pass on my love and best wishes from Sandra and me-- I'm planning to return to see Christopher Gerald in the summer. Hope you're holding up well...-- Doug

eroswings said...

That is good news; small steps, one day at a time. He is still here and getting better. Thanks for the updates, Donn. Tell WW I said hello and get well, soon. Take care, Donn.

breakerslion said...

Cripes dude! Too much of this kind of thing going on everywhere I turn. I'm glad Chris' mind seems sharp, and I hope he makes the full journey back. I'm glad he has a friend like you Donn. Tell him not to get discouraged, the road may be long, the trick is not to give up. Ever. Shit, that sounds so cliche. Tell him I've got money on his recovery and I'd hate to lose the bet.

Shelley said...

He's like, SO going to kick your ass for posting about his foley catheter. Get video, mmmkay? LOL

xoxo

Tidalgrrrl

Kim said...

I guess I spoke too soon. Chris is facing more health issues. Prayers are needed.

Kim

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