Apologies for the slow-down in updates, folks. We don't have a whole lot of news, but at this point, no news is good news! We just want Dad to keep taking forward steps -- even if they're baby steps! -- and *no* steps backward.
Yesterday, one of the nurses casually mentioned that Dad has been breathing on his own. We didn't really realize how exciting that is, until the doctor came in around 4 and was super happy to hear that Dad had been breathing on his own since 5 am, with no interruption. Dad is still on the ventilator, which is mostly there in case of emergency -- if he stops breathing for longer than 20 seconds, the ventilator will kick in and help him out. We were really happy that as of 9 pm last night that hadn't happened ... but apparently the ventilator had to kick in twice this morning. :( His breathing rate has decreased, though the nurses says he's taking deeper breaths to compensate, and I noticed that his breathing is much less regular than it was yesterday. Please please send prayers that he will continue to breathe on his own, and that he will go back to regulating it better.
Dad is continuing to respond to pain stimuli, but the night nurse pointed out that he is pronating, which is not actually an "appropriate" response to the stimuli. So, we like seeing the movement, it makes us happy and makes us feel like there is more of Dad in there than before ... but an increased appropriateness of the responses would be fantastic. We also would just love love love love to see him dilate his pupils, which is an indication of upper brain function. Brain stem function is all good and well, and obviously necessary, but it's the upper brain that makes my dad my dad, so we would really really really love to see signs of neural health up there too.
As usual, we continue to pray that the brain swelling will go down with no neural deficit. They are still leaving the brain drain open, and we would just love it if they could go back to keeping it mostly-closed. Thank you so much for your continuing prayers on that front as well.
We're settling into a pretty stable state, assuming that the breathing re-regulates, so we're beginning to think about visitors again. Thank you so much, everyone, for all of your patience as we regain our footing with this radical change to our lives. We were thinking that Monday might be a good day to start visitation again...I'll let you know if that changes.
God be with you!
--Kristy
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15 comments:
Thank you for keeping us updated Kristy. You keep updating and we will keep praying and Ed will keep getting better.
I feel the same as the above--could not state it so well. Thank you so much for these updates; although I knew your parents "just a little," I was easily able to sense their warmth and sincerity. Again, thank you from all in the church. Sharyn Monroe
I'm so glad you posted an update this evening. I continue to pray for simple stabilization, that all will continue to move forward. Thank you, Kristy and Dawn, for providing the information. Please give your mom a hug! We'll miss her and your dad in choir tomorrow but please know we'll be saying many prayers! Karla Robinson
Please know that our prayers are with your Dad and the family. We also appreciate so much the web site and thanks to Pat for making us aware, since we are out of town on travel.
Harley & Carol Kirschenmann
We are both praying so hard. I've just got to believe that the Lord will be there for Ed. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" Jack and Cherry Shaler
You're doing a great job with the blog. We're checking in everyday & thinking about you guys constantly. Let's keep those baby steps forward!
Thank you so much for the blog. It is a wonderful way for us to feel that we are there with you. Our prayers are with your dad, mom, the Doctors, staff, and all of your family.
Mary Ann & Bob Forman and all of the Rollin' Wheels Square Dance Club.
We are praying for Ed and the entire family so thank you for the updates and the specific prayer needs. Our hearts are so saddened by everything that is happening but we are confident that
God is in control and will work through the doctors and staff to help Ed return to healthy happy living. We are out of town but if there is anything that can be done from Texas please oh please let us know. Again thank you for the updates. Patty and Gary Hoerr from Rollin' Wheels.
Marian and Kristy, It was so good to see you in church today. I'm so glad you got one of the prayer shawls. Keep it close to Ed and to the three of you ladies. We all know God is there with His guiding hand in this entire situation. Please take good care of yourselves and let us know your specific prayer concerns as they develop. Blessings, Karla Robinson
The Kaes family continue to pray for you all and to pray for Ed's healing.
Jeff Lori and Megan
Kristy,
I used to work for Ed at Boeing, and I'm following his recovery very closely. Thank you for providing the updates, and please know that my thoughts are both with Ed and your family at this time. We're all pulling for him!
Regards,
Kent Valentine
Kristy,
We are keeping Ed, you, and the rest of your family in our thoughts everyday, and wish your dad a very speedy and full recovery. It is so kind of you to write this blog to keep us all updated.
Very Sincerely, Richard & Heather Deschaine
Dear Hollingsheads,
We, too, are praying for Ed's improving health, and for Marian, Kristy & Dawn to feel the love and concern of everyone who knows and loves them. We miss you all. Jane & Jack Coppola
New Sunday evening prayers and blessings to each of you and, especially, to all the nurses and doctors who are working hard for Ed's complete recovery.
Beth and Chuck Sparks
It was so good to talk to you in church this AM, and meet your Kristy. How wonderful that Ed has such three special women by his side! We so appreciate the updates.....may God continue to wrap his loving arms around you all. Hugs & Prayers continue...Cheri Cleland
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