An Update as of 9/28/12

Today was another happy day of really great progress for Bob. As I headed for the hospital this morning, it was my intention to ask at morning rounds how soon Bob might start with physical therapy because it seemed to me that he was ready for more than my little “ICU Pilates” exercises. Well, a few minutes after I arrived in Bob’s room, and before morning rounds even started, in walked two physical therapist and an occupational therapist! Somebody else must have thought he was ready for more too! Those women were wonderful in getting Bob active in washing his own face, and reaching for things. Then the highlight of them all was to get Bob up and sitting on the edge of the bed. It was a huge effort for him after lying in bed for a month, but we all cheered and he smiled.

More physical challenges followed as he was taken off of the ventilator to breathe on his own with just some oxygen support -- first for a two hour stretch of time and then later for four hours. He did great with that. Those great runner’s lungs are serving him well. He also sat up in a chair for three hours, where he was treated to an “ICU Spa Day” with a shampoo and shave. The staff in the ICU are all so pleased with his progress. Nurses who have cared for him previously kept peeking into the room to share in the happiness at seeing him awake and making progress.

Another thing that helped today to be a good day was that Bob was finally able to sleep for about four hours last night. He had hardly slept since he first woke up on and it was beginning to wear him out. He also took a short nap after his morning exercises and another in the early afternoon. The doctor explained that while Bob was in the coma he lost any sense of natural day and night rhythms, so it takes some time to reestablish a natural sleep cycle. We are praying for Bob to get a good night’s sleep tonight so he can begin to get those natural rhythms established.

We continue to be so grateful for all of your prayers. They are certainly making a difference!