There is so much progress to be thankful for today. Jay is so much more aware, more verbal, and has more movement and strength. But this awareness has made it so much more frustrating for him, as he is aware of his discomfort.
He knows he is battling pneumonia. (I'm told that 65% of stroke victims experience pneumonia at this stage, so it is not uncommon). The medical management of pneumonia is really difficult. I don't need to give you the gory details, but suctioning looks like a really miserable experience.
He wants to get out of bed. The bed is too short for him and his feet hang off. He's hooked up to all kinds of monitors which are constantly beeping, he still can't have anything by mouth and he's begging for water, ice, Sprite. His head hurts from his second surgery, the lights stay on all the time. He's really restless and can't get comfortable. He can't move very much as they try to protect his head.
It is so hard to watch him be so miserable and not be able to help. I am thrilled with the improvement in his level of consciousness and his ability to express himself, but it breaks my heart when he says "I need a psychological break", and there is nothing I can do for him.
He wants to get out of bed and go home, but he knows we are are not ready for that.
He is being such a trooper and has a sense of humor and a great attitude. When a couple of the nurses apologized for the things they are doing that cause so much discomfort and explain the necessity, he stated that he understands and appreciates it. It's hard for me and Dev to witness how physically miserable he is right now. I'll be so relieved when he's even more stable and physically confortable.
This whole deal is going to be really hard for him, because cognitively and verbally he has no deficits. The doctors have great optimism for a great deal of recovery, and I'm impatient and I want it now!!!!
Dawn
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Hi Dawn & Dev, This is a hard way to keep in touch but we realize there's so much going on. The great news is the continual progress of Jay. That must mean all the prayers we are sending are helping. Well there not gonna stop either. We love you all, if there is anything we can do wer'e here for you. Love ya, Denis & Tracy
ReplyDeleteWell, I know all about that "Trooper" part, to be sure. I went for my first run yesterday since hearing about this crazy circumstance, and it all came flooding back--the 10-milers, the 20-milers, the 50-milers, that insane schlep across Death Valley, and more benignly, the mere 8-mile Occidental loop, along with the (tiny tiny) beers we (very very) occasionally sipped afterwards...Right now, Jay Baby, I'm remembering what you looked like at mile 25 in the Livermore Marathon--not a pretty sight--but you got thru it, dangit, and lived to laugh and tell lies about it afterwards--just as you will here. So: Breathe. Remember. Breathe again. Oh baby, we are needing to get very Zen here, aren't we? One step, however small...then another...Breathe...There you go, my Friend, my dear, far-beyond-words Friend....And know all the while that you are loved widely and deeply, and held close by us all. --Drew
ReplyDeleteDawn and Dev -
ReplyDeleteYou cannot imagine the outpouring of concern, love and prayers for all three of you. Take good care of yourselves and know that a community stands waiting and ready to help you. Jess Young
Thanks for keeping us updated. Love you guys, and I'm praying for you and Uncle Jay.
ReplyDelete-Olivia
Jay,
ReplyDeleteWe are so thrilled with your progress! But did we have doubts - no way, not with you! You are so incredibly strong and such a fighter. This horrible situation that you are currently facing will one day be another victory story that you will share with us all. You are so loved and we are blessed to have you in our lives. Keep strong brother Jay, outlaw Jay, uncle Jay, dad Jay, husband Jay, president Jay, friend Jay, son Jay, and dear Jay to all of us. You are so many wonderful things to all of us. We love you and are non-stop continuing the prayers, They work! Believe!--Lisa and Kyle
Hi Dawn,
ReplyDeleteSo thrilled to hear of Jays progress. Sending you my prayers.
Devainie on her way this thurs. pm to be with you both again. thinking of you all, take care of yourself Dawn. Praying for a speeding recovery for Jay. I'm here for you all.vicki