Thursday, April 5, 2007

Busy day already

Gee, it's only 10:00 and the day has already been full of activity for Mike. The gaggle of residents came by about 6 for the flap check. They all agreed it looked great. Then they "took down the cuff" on his trach tube, which is the first step in the removal process (which takes a few days). Taking down the cuff allows some air to now pass around the trach tube so that Mike is doing some breathing by mouth. (Notice I am avoiding saying that he has become a mouth breather!) The net effect is a very positive one: MIKE CAN TALK AGAIN! At this point just a few words at a time, and he sounds like he has a bad cold, but he's talkin'. As much as Mike is a great writer, he does like to talk, too :-) Plus, I have the sense he may be getting a bit tired of me having the last word in every conversation.

In other medical news, the docs took the drain out of his arm, and I think the cast is due to come off by the end of the week. He has good function in the fingers of that hand, and they are nice and warm. All good signs.

Also (I told you it had been a busy morning!), he went for a walk, making a complete circuit around 4 NE, moving at a good clip. Steady and strong.

Now he is sitting up trying to find something decent to watch on TV (hmmm...Martha Stewart or The View...such choices!).

As always, thanks for continuing to send positive thoughts, prayers, and good wishes. A special shout out to the friends and family who have been taking care of our pets this week. I can tell they have been pampered (the pets, that is), and will probably be completely disappointed when it is just me and Mike back at home with them!

Cheers!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, I am astonished and thrilled at Mike's recovery process. Those docs really do know a thing or two. Ya'll have a great day and keep up the good work! - Dawn -

Anonymous said...

Mike is a "walkin', talkin' living dream" now, isn't he? (anybody remember that old song?)Talking again is so great! And I'm glad he survived the residents on rounds early this morning (hospital days sure start early). Take heart about the daytime TV--at noon you can at least watch the news as a change from Martha Stewart! I'm glad to hear of all the progress Mike is making. He's clearly got Star Quality!
Good luck the rest of the day,
Peggy

Anonymous said...

So happy that Mike is recovering at such a strong clip. I can "hear" your delight in his recovery also Tricia & that is more encouraging than the words themselves. You are both amazing! All the Nolans here continue to send prayers & good wishes for continued good, steady progress!
We love you...Ann

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news, Trish! I hope he can get the trach out in the next few days, but just to be able to talk is such a relief! I hope you are getting enough rest.
Love and prayers sent your way,
Cathy & Tom

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news, Tricia! We are all thinking about Mike and wishing him well. Please tell him hello for us!!

Karen and crew

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the good news--we love to hear it. Glad the pets are being pampered in your absence--one less thing to worry about is always a good thing. Sorry we can't be there to be more "hands on" helpers--but it sounds like the troops have rallied around you...and Mike is now rallying too! (I agree with Peggy...the boy has that certain something that makes him a star:-)

Continued love and good wishes from Hersacks and Mattesons in SoCal! Godspeed the healing!

Unknown said...

WHADDA GUY!!! Walking all over the place. Talking a bit. I couldn't miss the joy in your report today. And the weather is so wonderful!

Who could expect this guy to be up and around after spending over 10 hours under the knife on Monday!

Take care you two, and please express my congrats to Mike. Lov, Diane