July 14, 2009

Gene continues to make progress.

Today his ventilator pressure was lowered to 8 for much of the day. It is increased for night time when he is sleeping much like someone who has a C-Pap machine for sleep apnea.

He also sat on the edge of the bed for 10 minutes with some support from the nursing staff. This was the first time he has actually sat upright by himself. Previously, at the hospital, he sat up; but it was always in a stretcher chair which gave him full support, and didn't really have him upright altogether. The nursing staff also reestablished his PIC line today.

Gene still has the pressure sore on his lower back. It does not seem to be getting any worse, nor does it seem to be getting better. The wound nurse explained to Emily that they would keep it stabilized and that it would not get better until he begins to regain some of his strength.


Prayer requests:
Please pray for Gene to continue to tolerate the decrease of respiratory pressure support, for his swallowing reflex to grow stronger with every trial. He has said that he misses his morning cup of coffee! Pray for the pressure sore on his back to begin to heal, for him to continue to have increased strength and movement in his arms, hands, and especially his fingers, and for him continue to have patience, courage, and strength. Pray also for Emily, as she continues to keep the home fires burning, while devoting much of each day to being with Gene at the hospital.