August 23, 2009

Gene was a little less energetic today, but seemed comfortable and alert.

His pressure today has been set to 12 and his oxygen at 30%. He has seemed to be aware of his visitors and responded to conversation. Emily has been at the hospital three times today. This evening about 8:30 Dr. Deversa was still there, and checked in with Emily and Lynn and Alan as they left. He said that the news about the pressure wounds was good news. Tomorrow they will be running the test that will indicate whether or not his protein level is high enough. If it's not they will be adding more to his diet.

Gene has been asking for water. He isn't allowed to drink anything because of the tracheotomy, but his mouth gets dry. There are these small sponges on a stick - they look a little like a sucker. One of them is red and has some kind of flavoring on it. He does NOT like the flavor at all. If someone approaches him with that one he clamps his mouth shut and will not tolerate it. However, the green ones, apparently don't have a flavoring. Once he figures out that it's not a red one, he will open his mouth wide! The instructions are to dip it in water and then squeeze it out. So there's really not much water in it at all. For right now while they are carefully watching how he tolerates lowering the ventilator pressure he isn't allowed to have water or even ice.

Yesterday, he had lots of company, lots of activity, and was very awake and alert. Dr. Deversa stopped in and told us not to be surprised if he was less energetic the next day. It was good that he said something, because it was easier today when he was less alert to remember those words.

Prayer Requests
Pray for Gene's respiration to continue to grow stronger and for his pressure wounds to continue to heal. Pray for Emily to have strength and be at peace.