ed's back to keeping eyes closed

Ed has been less responsive the last couple of days, keeping his eyes closed although he still yawns, stretches, and turns his head. I have been told that this is not unusual during recovery from a coma, since the brain may have difficulty coping with returning cognizance and "retreats".

So, on Thursday Ed was very responsive. On Friday and Saturday, moderately responsive with eyes partially open. On Sunday and Monday, eyes closed.

This is essentially the pattern that we saw a week ago (eyes open on Sunday, then eyes closed Monday through Wednesday).

We're practicing patience!

i think that ed is starting to wake up

About a week ago, Ed started opening his right eye just a bit, then on Sunday he had his right eye open about halfway and his left eye open just a bit.

On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings when I visited him, he was back to not opening his eyes,but tonight he had both eyes open about halfway and really seemed to be aware of his surroundings. Actually, it kind of frightened him when he couldn't get his breath because he needed to cough some of the fluids out through his trach. He seemed to feel better when I assured him that he had been doing this for quite some time,and he is always better within just a short time.

He still shows no real response like grasping your hand, or even straightening out his arms, since recovery from a coma starts with the eyes first and then progresses (God willing!).

So, feel free to visit Ed and explain who you are. As always, if you have any concerns that you might be ill, please delay your visit until you are feeling better.

Many, many thanks for all of your caring and prayers.

We feel incredibly blessed.

ed is doing much better - and it's always OK to visit!

Ed has been doing much better yesterday and today - keeping his temperature down where it belongs and not having much difficulty with his breathing. We are very thankful!

getting over the pneumonia

Hi all, just dropping in to report that Mom says Dad seems to be getting over his pneumonia. His temperature is down and he's breathing much easier. Still a little bit phlegmy but nothing unusual for his condition. So it sounds like it's fine to visit him (though please do refrain if you're feeling unwell since Dad's condition leaves him in somewhat fragile health).

Thank you all for all of your love & comments & visits! I'm coming back into town next-next weekend, the 24th-27th, and looking forward to visiting Dad myself. :)

--Kristy

ed has developed pneumonia again

Ed was pretty stable for a while, but he recently spiked his temperature up, so they took an X-ray and diagnosed him with pneumonia again. This time he seems to be having a harder time getting rid of the pneumonia, so prayers and good wishes would again be appreciated.

Hope you all have a joyous Easter! Dawn's mother-in-law is having me over for lunch with the rest of the family tomorrow, so that will be fun. Kristy is celebrating Tristan's birthday with his family tomorrow in Portland, and they will be heading our way in two weeks, assuming no late blizzards show up in either state!

Cheers. Marian