So, "a matter of days" has turned into "today." The big news is that Darrin is out of the SICU and into a more normal hospital room. I'm pretty sure it's the neurological intermediate care unit (what abbreviation do they use for that? Not ICU again?). They moved him at lunchtime, so I didn't get to see him at all when I came to visit.
They took off his neck brace before the move. He had a big patch of tape on the front, to keep it from rubbing him raw, and Mary says after trying to peel gently, Darrin wanted it just ripped off. OUCH. She said that patch of skin was flaming red after that. Poor kid.
They put a one-way valve in his trache today. So when he breathes in, it goes through the trache hole, but when he breathes out, it goes through his mouth. So he can talk! I got to talk to him on the phone briefly. He said he thinks he'll make it. And he sounds really good. It's his own voice and personality, and it's amazing to hear him.
Darrin isn't going to have surgery on either of his hands. The doctor said the benefit would be marginal, if anything. So he didn't feel like it was worth doing. He expects the bones to fuse to wrist bones, and that joint is hardly used anyway. Darrin might lose a little bit of dexterity with his hands, but not much.
Darrin slept all night last night, so he was pretty much awake all day today. Nathan and Mary visited and played cards with him just before lunch time. My dad came up at lunchtime, and when I called later he was playing cards again.
The doctors also said they may be able to put his skull piece back soon. I think I remember hearing that it might be next week.
With the new hospital room, visitors are still limited to family members. I don't think they'll be controlling access like they do in the ICU, but it's still requested that we keep the number of visitors down. That policy may change later on, but for now it still stands.
This brother of mine is a miracle boy. I can't believe he's come this far so soon. I'm really happy for him, Clare, and his kids. They get to come see their Daddy now!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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3 comments:
i probably comment too much but this post made me so happy. and realizing that he and those sweet little kids get to see each other now made me teary-eyed. yay for the moon family, way to go nephi!
To Rylee I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels like a post hog. I'm doing the happy dance. I'm dancing like I have ants in my pants. Clare and Nephi I'm so happy for you both. I know that there is still much to work on but you bring us great joy each day with your strength and progress. We love you!
I love you Darrin, and I love you Clare! I just thought you should know that I am SOOO-OO happy for you both and I'm sad I can't be there for most of this, because I really wish I could! I miss you all like the Dickens and I can't wait to see you this weekend! :D I love you Nephi! (with a sniff and a smile)
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