Tracy here again. Mike is definitely being awake and alert for longer, and responding more. When I came in to see him, he was sticking out his tongue slightly, so I stuck my tongue out at him, which resulted in a broad grin. Then the physios had Mike sitting up, and one of the physios asked Mike if he would like to sit up for longer. Not only did Mike blink his eyes for yes, but he nodded his head as well. And when Judy, one of his nurses who we all like, came in at the start of her shift, Mike gave her a big grin. He also copied my thumbs up, and tried to copy the peace sign but separation of fingers seems to be a bit hard at the moment.
And when the physios shifted Mike back to bed, he assisted them in helping them move him up the bed by taking some of his weight on his legs and off his torso.
Plus, although he had two sessions of physio today, instead of falling asleep immediately afterwards he stayed awake, through a couple of sections of Lance Armstrong's book, and then through Pete and Dave, old friends from high school, visiting, and then awake for more Lance Armstrong. A week ago he would have been fast asleep after one physio session.
So he's definitely improving, despite the knock-back of the chest infection. No news on when the medical staff think they might be able to remove the trachectomy. This is currently preventing Mike from talking since no air passes up from his chest to his mouth (although of course we don't know if any brain damage might also be stopping him from talking). If that's removed, it opens up a lot more options for communication, assuming Dad doesn't manage to teach Mike morse code first.
Unfortunately last night Mike achieved one of his primary goals - he managed to get the left foot splint off. I hope that when he recovers full consciousness he doesn't remember that after all his hard work his sister promptly put it back on again. It seemed quite cruel after all the effort he put in. I wonder how medical staff, lacking the normal sisterly impulses to torture their brothers, cope.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
This sounds more promising !!!
Tracy ,hell get back at you some way dont fear!!!!
He is certainly showing determination .I can imagine Bryce teaching Mike morse code .Gave me a good laugh here in Abu Dhabi
Regards Susi and Bill
A brother sister contest. Go Tracy.
Sounds very promising Mike, keep up the good work, those splints are difficult to remove well done.
Gilda
I'm so pleased that Mike is making such progress. I am grateful to you all for keeping this website updated- it is such a relief to hear that he is doing so well. Mike, you're a legend. Your determination and intrinsic optimism will see you through. I hope to see you again soon.
Toni Vink
Just back from working in Fiji and great to read of Mike's progress over the last week. Looking forward to catching up with you all at the weekend.
Lots of love
John
Congratulations on the progress Mike. Tracy's story is causing big smiles.The daily updates are really appreciated, and we're thinkg of you all every day.
Love
Carolyn, Grant, Kate & Adam
Mike, wonderful to hear about your progress and determination. Keep up the great work.
Lee, Bryce, TJ, Andrew and Phil - thinking of you all.
Kim :)
Great news. We know there is still a way to go but this is really encouraging for everyone.
Kay & John
Great to hear this positive news as Mike keeps on improving.
It's great to hear his smiles are still working there way out for us to see.
Went on a bike ride in the weekend and met so many people who know Mikey, he's a famous lad, lots of friends.
Thanks for all the updates guys, your all doing a great job,
Lots of Love, Paul and Kim.
Suddenly "You'll keep!" has profound meaning. What wonderful motivation for Mike.
We are really thrilled to hear of what is dramatic progress. Suggest you look at other communication means...even eye pointing at a cheeky word list. I mean, real cheeky! The trachea needs to stay open and there are perfectly adequate alternatives to speech as you are discovering. It is a much more achievable goal to indicate words than articulate them...no doubt Jane has you up to speed there. That brain is repairing more important function...with all due respect!
We are so pleased for you.
With love...
Bob and Mran.
Post a Comment