Tuesday

Trying out a couple things today. First, writing a little at a time to post at the end of the day. I'm too tired (more than yesterday) to do it all at once, if I even remember everything. Second, composing and posting entirely from an iPad app. Not sure how it will appear and hate risking it look different than every other post; ha, ha.

11:20

I arrived close to 9:00, but had to wait because Michael was soundly asleep and the nurse wanted to check him out. Ten minutes turned into 45 because Physical Therapy also paid a visit. When I finally saw him, he was sitting in a chair eating breakfast after going on a walk down the hall!

[Picture #1]

Apparently, Neurology also made early rounds. I don't think we missed Dr. Gardner, but Michael's nurse says he's doing great. His left eye does not move as quickly as his right, which seems strange because it's his right eye that looks just a little but "lazy". Already, he's showing signs that it will not be permanent.

ICU nurse just arrived. He doesn't really need to be here and is on the list of top three patients to be moved. If they need beds, he'll probably go to a regular room.

1:30

We missed Dr. Gardner while we crashed the UPMC holiday luncheon, but apparently no news. Instead, just the reminder that we have to watch for the 2% chance Michael might get meningitis (again, the less serious kind). The nurse gave us a printout (from their website) about the symptoms. They consist mostly of severe neck pain and fluid leaking from the nose.

5:10

Dr. Wang just checked-in. Everything looks good from his point of view. He did mention that his optic nerve was "really stretched thin" and they had to work 360 degrees around it. He said it was hard work. Again, Michael is aware of his double vision side effect and is already focused (pun intended) on doing what he can to move it along its way.

Most of the afternoon, Michael slept; however, when he was awake we had meaningful conversation. A couple folks from Neurology came by and said he would not be leaving ICU because they still wanted him constantly monitored. Blood pressure can sometimes be an issue.

I just asked his nurse if they ever discharge anyone directly from ICU. She said she's discharged only three people in eight months without first going to a different floor. It all depends. (Gosh, if I had a nickel for every time we've heard that!). She also warned that tomorrow, Michael will REALLY be walking, and won't be discharged until he does stairs.

Right now, Michael and his mom are watching the news. He's getting irritable about the picture-taking, but I keep telling him that people have commented how glad they are to see he's looking so good.

[Picture #2]