August 16, 2012 - 4:00 visit

While some would say that my euphoria is wearing off I would argue that I just don't have the energy for loud Praise.

Gretchen is continuing to improve, one milestone per day.  Her daily CT scan looked good enough that they decided to clamp the drain from her skull.  They will observe her for 24 hours and do another CT scan.  If everything continues to look good they may decide to leave it clamped or to remove it entirely.  We are praying for removal because she desperately wants to scratch her head and that isn't allowed.

She was also able to remember her name, where she was, and what year it was so her confusion is lessening.  She is still in and out of consciousness several times while we are there but she is more alert when she wakes.

A couple areas of concern (and one of them is positive).  First off, she isn't swallowing real well, yet.  She starts to swallow a bit and then coughs.  Since this is a consistent thing they want to do a swallow scan tomorrow to make sure things aren't going into her lungs when she tries to swallow.  In the meantime they put in an NG tube (feeding tube through the nose) so that they could get something into her stomach.  Apparently, the nurses didn't check her wrist restraints after we left and she pulled the feeding tube out.  (They had to reposition her while we were there and I asked them to leave the restraints loose so she could be more comfortable for a little while.  I promised I would keep an eye on her so she didn't pull anything she wasn't supposed to.  Before we left I retied the restraints and told them they should probably check them since I hadn't used that type of restraint in almost 30 years).  While pulling her feeding tube out isn't good it does show that her coordination and determination are improving.  Pray that Gretchen will be able to swallow so that she can start eating on her own and pray that she will be patient with all the tubes and things that are in her.

Peter is holding up quite well through all of this.  And bit by bit help is coming in for him.  The main thing he needs is someone to run around with.  God has granted him and extra measure of patience and reliability during all of this but he does need opportunities to get away, usually in the afternoons.

I am slowly getting a handle on all of the magic that Gretchen has been performing around her all these years.  I cooked up a bunch of chicken that I bought (for my lunches but it will work for dinner) so we have meat that can just be heated in short order.  I know that Peter will tire of that so I am going to have to start thinking about some other meats as well.  Vegetables are quick and easy so I think we can manage the "dinners in a hurry" for a while.  We have had some assistance with a meal or two and that is always greatly appreciated.

God's mercy and grace continue to be showered on us and I continue to praise Him, it just tends to be quiet and internal these days.  I am continuing to find that I CAN do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!

(It just occurred to me that I am asking for two milestones tomorrow - the drain and the swallow test)

--just heard from Gretchen's parents following the 8:30 visit.  they felt she was continuing to improve over last night.