Monday, July 11, 2022

9:34 PM

Thank you for checking in to know how Larry's doing!

   Today is Monday. A week ago at this time, Larry was having a piece of his skull removed, to save his life. I met Larry's new neurosurgeon/ICU specialist.   I asked if he was as lovely as Dr. Dustin, he said "apparently not". But, his 'bed side manner' is very reassuring in clear explanations & respect & compassion for Larry & me. So far I am very pleased that Larry is in his care.  I asked today how long it will be before the piece of skull bone is put back. It could possibly be 2 or 3 wks., no promises. He laid everything on the line i.e. risks, worst/best scenarios. A lot to absorb and discuss with Jason & Shane.

  Each time I post a baby step, some folks ask "When is Larry coming home!" The picture above (except for the neck brace and adding a few more tubes) is very much Larry. He lies in that position all the time, unless they sit him in a recliner, but he still does not move. Once in a while he might lift one hand, if he's feeling agitated by the I.V. hook-ups. He slides his feet a little. So, for him to squeeze my hand, it's a really big deal to experience. He 'almost' opened his eyes for a bit as Shane arrived. But it was just a slit, for only a few seconds. He has been following the commands to move his toes, fingers, etc. as I've shared before. He's basically sleeping 'all the time'. He's got a horrible phlegm rattle in his chest, that drives him nuts, as he can rarely clear it.  His sis Mary-Lynn was there today (she has had many years of experience, caring for people with severe brain injuries & quadriplegia.) So she knows how to help a body to function as best it can in the state Larry's in. As she was working to help him cough, she said something like "I'm trying not to hurt you!" and he growled "Yah, right!" That was exciting to hear him express himself.

 Last night, I recorded a video of Larry singing a couple of songs from when he lead the music for the Alpha program on zoom. The nurse was so moved and excited to witness Larry listening to himself. Well, Larry didn't start humming, but I know he clearly heard and he was not agitated at all during the times I played it for him throughout the day.

 Lots & lots of stroking his feet, hands, chest, face. He often holds his breath & always breathes with a crackle. His BP was on the healthy low side. I think I mentioned, with all the respiratory tubes gone from his mouth & nose, the only tube (in his nose) is a feeding tube that goes down into his stomach. He was up a couple of pounds because of fluid retention, which made it very difficult to insert an intravenous shunt in a vein that hasn't been violated already.

  So, there's no candy coating here, as often folks take one 'baby step' of improvement, as 'out of the woods' & coming home soon. The woods are very, very deep, but there is light that filters in, giving us hope. Optimistic but, realistic!

  My ride in to the hospital today was from a friend I haven't seen in a while. I often don't know who will drive me to the hosp or back, but always know, it will be 'meant to be', whoever it is, for a special reason. My friend told me that what I described re: Larry's stokes & surgery, are exactly what her father underwent in 2019, without the great care that Larry is getting, and he is doing very well. Hoping & believing in miracles is one thing, but hearing someone tell of the miracle lived out, is a gift.

  I could fill up 2 pages more with lovely unexpected events, messages & encounters. Here's 2: Outside of ICU a doctor was walking in the hallway, wearing scrubs & a mask (like every medical person). As he went past, I said "I know you!" (not really realizing that I did) It was Dr. Brown who attended to me in E.R. on Wed and diagnosed my Bell's palsy. I lowered my mask, smiled and he said "Yes! Now, smile, blink, move your forehead!" So right there, I got a post diagnosis check-up. He too is a gem.

 I'm still hearing Larry's good-night words as I type this. "I love you, TOO!" after I said "I love you!" And when I said "You're awesome!" He said "You're awesome!" with a titch of emphasis on the "You're". Beautiful way to say good-night!  God bless you. Thank you!