Saturday, September 09, 2006

He's awake!

Great news from Mother and Rendy this morning! They visited with Daddy, who is awake and talkative and full of praise for the doctors and nurses who've been caring for him. He's also very appreciative of all the thoughts and prayers coming his way, but he's asking NOT to have visitors today. He's very sore and uncomfortable--doesn't want to be touched and it hurts when he coughs. However, the doctors say this is normal and it should pass in a couple of days. There's a chance he'll be moved to a room later today; right now he's in a pod with a few other heart patients.

He doesn't remember last night at all (the doctors told us he wouldn't), but otherwise his memory and speech appear to be just fine, so it doesn't look like there was a stroke. As a bonus, Daddy thinks his vision may have improved a little (but it's hard to tell without his glasses). Some of you may know that he's sustained some loss of his peripheral vision over the past couple of years. One of the doctors said this might be related to the blockage of the carotid artery, so his vision might well improve.

Mother and Rendy are enjoying a coffee break now, and they'll see Daddy again at the 11 a.m. visiting time. Ben and Teresa are taking Mimi to breakfast this morning, and then they'll go to Atlanta to meet Mother, Rendy, Scott, Sam, and Ella for a Nixon/Thebaut/Bonder lunch.

It's been wonderful to receive posts and messages from all our old friends. We love you very much and we're so grateful for your care and support.

2 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

that is such good news for a Saturday morning ! Please tell Joe & Dee that I am thinking about them and strongly praying in his direction.

sue brown

newnan

12:36 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well I will try again, do not where other comment went, so if it shows up twice sorry. Other may be lost in ciber space. Happy to read that Joe is doing well. I knew he would be in good hands with Prevosti and company at Piedmont. Tell him that not only will he think his vision is better but that colors will be more vivid, sounds more sharp, skin and hair more sensative (especially when shaving and bathing) and soreness more acute (beware the cough and the sneeze). Amazing what a greater flow of blood affects! Tell him that the Italian ice and jello are great, the veggies, fruit and yogurt good, but to order the chicken, pork and london broil without the fancy sauces. Just the smell of the sauces made me sick to my stomach. Even today the sound of the word rosemary makes my stomach cringe. Although greatly appreciated, too many visitors or phone calls will wear him out while there and even a week or so after coming home. He might have some memories of movement, noise and light from the first 9 hours after surgery come back, but tis a blessing that most is lost to the deep recesses of the mind. Once he gets to the upper floor, they will have him up and walking in no time. Pay attention to how they suggest raising up and getting out of bed. Be sure to let the bed down first. That technique reduces the pain. Get him several books and magazines. I found that much more stimulating than TV. He may quickly tire of holing it up so raise the bed and put it on the tray. He may also quickly lose interest in what he is reading, but the stamina and attention span begins to increase by the day. While you certainly want to encourage him in his resumption of activities, make sure that he does not over extend himself. It will get frustrating trying to get back to just where he thought he was, both physically and mentally. Piedmont will provide great information on what to expect and what to do. Know that our prayers are with you all. Brad and Carolyn Sears

1:33 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home