100% Update: Morning Rounds

This is the first day that we were able to actually catch the doctors on morning rounds. This is where the team of doctors and caregivers (about 12 people) go to each patient's Trauma Condo discuss what has been transpiring and the treatment goals for the day. Here are some of the Trauma Team's findings:

1. Dad's ICP (intra-cranial pressure) has been over 20 only 19% of the past 24 hours. For the Liberal Arts majors who don't understand math or science, that means 80% of the time we are in a good zone. This was achieved mostly on his own due to the fact that his blood saturation is over the limit to treat him with a stronger medication. They will monitor blood levels and only treat with the medication when levels are good and it is medically necessary. (Point of reference: when you sneeze your ICP goes up to about 20 or so, unless you are a Walt Disney character named Sneezy, then its about 50).
2. They will remove the tube in Dad's chest which was draining fluid after closing up his chest. . . that wonderful tube has done its job. They will also remove one of the tubes in his lungs, which has been draining fluid. Good tubes. This will bring him from four tubes down to two tubes.
3. They gave Dad a bath at 5:00am. Mom was home resting for the first time, while Dad was bathing with Nurse Newbie and Nurse Short Stuff. (Look at you go, Sheepdog!)
4. The amount of food they are giving him will increase throughout the day, which is helpful in lowering the amount of ICP-lowering drugs in the system.
5. The ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctors came by to test Dad's nerve responses in his face. The concern was that the fracture behind his ear may have severed/tore/pinched a nerve which runs through that bone which controls blinking, smiling and general face movement. They pressed electrical impulses onto his cheek and he came through with all the responses they were looking for--"Great News!" Mom named the two ENT's Dr. Cutie One and Dr. Cutie Too.

NEWS FLASH!!! NEW CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!!!

The nurse shift has changed and Nurse Cheerleader and Nurse Quiet Soulguy are in charge today!!! Cheerleader has a lot of energy and is eager to help. Quiet Soulguy doesn't say much, but you can feel the compassion...we all think he might have a pink wire or two. Nurse Ruby Slippers (remember her?) came up to offer some words of encouragement and was a peach as usual. Nurse J1 is also on today and reminded us that everyone heals differently and at different rates and to be patient . . . no pun intended.

In case you want to say a prayer, here's what Dad needs:

• Reduced swelling in the brain with continual ICP levels under 15.
• 100% free from infection.
• Normal neurological responses.
• Continued development of lungs and clearing out of blood, mucus, clots and other yuck.

Here is the MOST IMPORTANT one:

• Keep Dad's memory (i.e. not just his ability to tie his shoes, but his spiritual giftedness and continuation of his ministry.) Dad needs to remember why he is fighting, who he is fighting for, and the instruction manual (NSRV of course) for life on this earth. Height's CP Church, Princeton Seminary, Russelville CP Church, Eastlake, Woodbine and all the quiet times in the Word--he needs to remember that first and foremost.

Mom wanted to add these request:

• A bowel movement -- Pray for poop!

Thanks for your support.