Today Richard is doing well. The fever that he had yesterday is gone and he now has a little green light by which he can control his morphine. I think he is hitting every 8 minutes, which is when it resets. His vision is limited and blurry today due to the meds, so he has still not seen his injuries. When I came in this morning, I identified myself and let him know I was here. He said: “Erinleigh, I missed you. You look like a turtle-faced Asian.” I don’t know what that means, but I think that is the best thing I have heard in the last 3 days.
Update on the Injuries: Today while the nurse was cleaning the wounds around his external fixture on his legs… he asked when were we going to stop putting lotion on his legs. We both got excited because he was having sensation in both legs! They went and got the surgeon and he did some tests. He still cannot move his left leg or foot at all, but he does have sensation when we touch him on his left leg! He was not able to wiggle his toes on his right leg, but could lift it! Amazing! The doctor was encouraged and told us that although only time will tell if the nerve damage is temporary or permanent, that daily improvement lends him to think it is the former! Still a long way to go, but it gave him a glimmer today. We thought that he would have surgery today on his left elbow, but that has been postponed for now. We will let you know when this is going to take place.
Status Update: Richard is being moved today to a “step-down floor” tonight or tomorrow. Which means he will be out of ICU for the time being. This is great and we will let you all know what this may mean as far as visitation.
Prayer Requests: Pray that Richard will continue to gain movement and sensation in both limbs. That God will continue to touch the nerves in his back. Also pray that he will be able to rest well without nightmares… which I guess is a side affect of morphine. Pray that he will be accepted as a candidate for admission to Shepherds Center Spine Floor as soon as he needs to be. (I know this is vague, but a huge request!) Also pray that he will be able to tolerate foods. This afternoon, they said he could eat some jello and chicken broth. But it upset his stomach some. …While I was feeding him the jello. We got half way through the bowl and I asked if he was ready for some Chicken Broth. He was quite upset that I hadn’t told him that there were other options. He informed me that he hates orange jello. However, after he took one slurp of chicken broth he wanted to know why I had stopped feeding him the jello. He let me know that orange jello is his favorite and that it reminded him of grandmas house. …When you are high you don’t make sense, but are definitely funnier.
Help Opportunities! We have so many great friends who are setting up stuff for us. Please check back later tonight or in the morning!
