I got to the hospital this morning just before 6 and when I arrived at Mike's room he was awake! It was great to be able to make eye contact with him. They have removed the ventilator and he is breathing through the trach on his own. He can't talk to me, but he was giving me lots of messages by blinking his eyes, raising his eyebrows, etc. The nurse assigned to Mike has no other patients, which means Mike is getting constant, very attentive care. He continues to look remarkably good.
A little bit after 6, the three residents came by for rounds. They did the "flap check," which I promised to explain. This is a where the doctor pokes a small needle into the skin graft in Mike's mouth to make sure that it bleeds. Turns out this is a simple yet effective way for the docs to check the viability of the flap, which is one of the primary conerns during the first couple of days postop. They will continue to do this every 6 hours.
The chief resident said the plan is to let Mike rest this morning, and if all continues to go well, they will try to get him up into a chair later today. He may even be able to move into a "regular" room tomorrow and get out of the ICU, which would be great. The ICU is very reassuring for all its technical machinery and monitors, but also quite loud (because of all its technical machinery and monitors).
They have moved Mike into a larger ICU room with a nice view of the stadium and some beautiful flowering fruit trees. I'm not sure he is ready to appreciate that yet, but by this afternoon I think he'll be glad to have a view outside of the hospital.
I don't know how much I will post today, but at the very least I will make a note here before I go to bed tonight and let you know how Mike's day went.
P.S. Thanks Nancy and John for the coffee, bacon, and scones. That was a great way to start the day.
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10 comments:
Tricia - great way to start the day with coffee and scones, and then to see Mike awake. Hope things go well today and you'll get lots of time with Mike in his room with a view. Let me know if there is anything you need. I'm visiting Cody and cats today and will let them know that mom and dad are doing great and will be back with them soon! - Dawn -
Tricia --
So glad to hear that Mike is awake and responding -- that must be so reassuring! And relieving too --
I agree that coffee and scones sound pretty darn wonderful, as does the room with a view!
Best wishes to Mike for a speedy recovery -- sounds great so far!
Kathy
Tricia, Mike & All,
Senging the Rogers family best wishes and prayers along! Sarah is keeping up posted and you can be sure that you'll be in our thanksigivings on Easter!
Love to you
Jennifer
How incredibly encouraging that Mike's awake and about ready to sit up! Way to go, Mike! Tricia, I'm so glad you were finally able to communicate with Mike--obviously he is very reassured to have you there. Enjoyed hearing about the flap check, too--hope the graft takes quickly and likes its new "home." Hope the day is full of more signs of progress.
Love, Peggy
Tricia,
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike, you, and the family. Please send Mike our well wishes! We miss him!
Karen and the UE Team
Such good news all around! Mike sounds like he is doing wonderful--strong and ready to keep moving forward (and get out of the hospital--no matter how good the view is!). I hope you can both get to a private room soon and get some rest, sometimes a real test in a hospital. Continued prayers and positive vibes from me and mom, too, of course! Take care of yourself while you're taking care of Mike :)
Maria
Tricia-So very happy to read that Mike is moving along quite nicely; but then, what else should we expect? Enjoy the view for the short time that you have it! Pat and I are on pet duty tonight-we'll make extra sure that everyone is well tended.
And thanks SO much for these updates.
Sandy
Tricia
Have been thinking of you two all day as I pound away here on the salt mine keyboard. Geesh what a godawful long procedure!!
Sounds like Mike came thru with flying colors, and is probably more rested than you are, Tricia. Hope they keep his pain under good control and get that trach out of there soon. His throat may be pretty sore for talking anyway.
You two are so beautifully devoted to each other, and I am sure that Mike is thanking God that he has you by his side!!
Take care, you two. Thanks for keeping us informed. Love and Hugs, Diane
Tricia, Tricia, Tricia!--Thanks for the updates! How glad we are that you are there to keep an eye on the crazy man and hold his hand as he mends. Having the one you love by your side is essential--so I just know you're also helping to speed the process.
Please know that we're thinking about you both--sending lots of love and wishing we could be there to offer support and other needful things...but it sounds like your team has you well covered, for which we are grateful too!
All the best!
xoxo
--Sarah
Tricia -
So glad all is going well. Thanks for taking the time to keep us all informed.
Tell Mike I'll get him a CD of one of the performers from FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN. That'll kick up his recovery!
Mike and Thom
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