TJ Wins

For a guy in his position, he's doing pretty well with politics.

Too bad about the diet Coke...

Can I get a Coke in that Drip? (No, sorry!)

"Who is going to win the Iowa caucus, Hilary or Obama?"

"Obama."

It was kind of a croak, but it was an answer to my question, as TJ watched CNN's endless coverage of the "event."

When I walked in TJ was speaking to our head pastor, as he did when Mr. R N visited, and his brother J and his wife. Oh, and finally -- finally -- the neurologist (I threatened to shoot him if he didn't cooperate!) He really was looking the best since he's been in (31 days), vitals all good (heart rate a little high, but ok), including sats.

Over the three hours I was there (about 3:30 - 6:30) I watched and listened to TJ actually have conversations, including complete sentences. If you recall, three words yesterday were a big deal. For the most part the convesations weren't philosophical, although R N mentioned that he was having to read about phenomenology. As far as I could tell, he also was comprehending everything.

At one point he asked what I was drinking in my mug and I told him coffee, then asked if he was thirsty and he said yes. So I told him I'd try to find something for him to drink and asked if he would like a diet Coke if I could get it; he gave me the thumbs up. I got the PCA to come in with a cup of water, and watched TJ take several large and fast gulps -- until the nurse came in and confiscated the water. Apparently TJ failed his swallowing test this morning (the PCA hadn't gotten that message yet), he is aspirating (inhaling) some of what he swallows still.

I'm not sure how his short term memory is, when I came in I gave him a quick overview of why he was there, mentioning pneumonia, a staph infection, and his heart. When I left I asked him if he remembered why I said he was there and he replied, "bad stuff in the lungs." I asked if he remembered who was there when I came and he didn't know, when I asked if he remembered the person visiting he said yes.

On the other hand, he certainly couldn't forget the offer for diet Coke. When the nurse came in again later he said, "The service here is really bad."

"Are you giving me a hard time?"

"I can't even get a diet Coke!"

When I left the room for a couple minutes he pointed at K and said, "Do you know where to get a diet Coke?" I'm not sure how many times Coke came up in the time I was there, but he was hellbent on getting one. I'll almost be surprised if he doesn't manage to get some by morning (if not, I'm sure we'll all hear about it!)

So that's the news for the day, and the best news of the last month. Give thanks for the progress, and prayers that it continues!

Evening Update Will Be By 9:00 CST

And it has good news. But I am hungry and am going to eat first.

Late morning update

The main infectious disease doctor has not been in for a few days and was very encouraged with TJ's progress. He told TJ that he had "been on the brink" but expects him to recover fully with a lot of rehab. He also commented on the notable heart murmur (mitral valve leak). VS are all looking good. TJ worked more with the speech therapist. He also tried to look at the New York Times. The swallowing study may not be until tomorrow, but that is probably good. When I was working with him with some ice chips today (like 2 chips) it looked like he swallowed but still had some leaking into the "wrong pipe." The staff was about to get him up into the chair again using the lift. Baby steps continue in the right direction and we are very pleased. I have not heard any plans to move him out of ICU yet.

Blessings!

Mary Ann