Getting Better

Post by Mike

It is September 14th, 2005 and Rob is resting now in the ICU and has been breathing through the trache, on his own for over an hour now and the numbers are looking good. In this resting mode he breathes at 14 breaths per minute and draws in about a half of a cubic liter with each breath. To see him rest in this mode is a great thing because it could mean that he is able to recover while breathing on his own.

Yesterday afternoon while Marla and Diane were with Rob one of the doctors came in and told Rob that he would have the feeding tube in for another week. That really bummed him out since he was so looking forward to being able to eat and drink. He also really wants the feeding tube out so he does not have to put up with the gag reflex with the tube going in his mouth and down his throat. With the exception of a few hours when he drank a little and had soup and ice cream when the respirator was removed last time, it will be a month without eating. Like all the other changes, he adjusts and looks forward with even more excitement to when he can eat.

Denise and I are in his room now and it is nice to see him adjusting to all the hoses and wires. He has become quite proficient at moving all the tubes, wires, pillows, sheets, towels, etc. to gain a reasonable position. I hope today they will consider removing chest tubes and catheter. That would go a long way to adding some mobility. I also keep praying that they can do some swallow studies and see that he is able to drink sooner. At least he can rest some now . That also allows us all to rest. Yesterday was the first time I could actually sit in his room and rest a little. When he wants his feet or hands or back rubbed, we all love to do it because he has so little comfort, it is nice to be able to do something he enjoys. He really enjoys company ; he asked Denise and Jen to stay late last night . Jen said she has never given anyone such a long foot massage. Yesterday there was a beautiful sight --- His mother-in-law massaging his back as his wife read a book. Marla deserves a big rest and Diane is a former nurse with all the right skills. She also has to be the world’s greatest mother-in-law. That Rob knows how to work it!

I am proud of myself because I am typing this in Rob’s room on my new laptop computer. I even installed the printer and went on line “wireless” all without having help from Brian or Rob. They are probably excited that I did not bother them--like I usually do. I was able to go to my email and check my messages. (over 200) I never even checked my phone or email the first three weeks. I just could not deal with any other issues. I am grateful to have the time to devote to Rob. It is more relaxing now seeing him in a pattern of improvement with so many accomplishments.

We have heard from so many of you and it has been such a support. I think Rob’s name is on about 50 temple prayer rolls. I have had clients include him in their prayer groups, light candles for him, nurses have been quite emotional saying they are praying for him and ministers have offer ed prayers on his behalf. Denise’s college professors have said they do not know if God exists but that they are offering requests for health to “what ever powers that may exist.“ It is great to know that God does live and that he answers our prayers. The world is filled with such wonderful people who are willing to do what they can for the comfort of others.

We have been praying for Dan and Steph’s little girls. When Denise and Jen told Rob about those little 2 pound wonders he was so surprised, excited, and concerned. We are so happy for Dan and Steph and we know those little girls are going to have such wonderful lives. What loving parents they will be. It is such a blessing that our nature to care for others, grows, as we go through trials. It is so comforting to know that the Lord is mindful of these two little angels and he will inspire the doctors, nurses, and family to bring them to health.

Marla and Diane just arrived so Denise and I will go back to the hotel and I will try to get this posted.