August 19, 2012 - 4:00 visit

Patience!

I got to speak to the nurse about what is going on, trying to figure out why the drain is still in.  Apparently her neurosurgeon didn't write an order to take the drain out so it is left up to the other doctors in his group that are covering for him over the weekend.  That means that, since they don't want to step on one another's toes, Gretchen would have to show marked progress in her exams before they would remove the drain.  Her neurosurgeon should be back on tomorrow so hopefully she will get the drain out.

I got more of the story of her stubbornness when I was there.  Apparently she wanted a drink of water - which is not allowed until she passes a swallow test - in order to do the test.  A moist mouth swab didn't help so she dug her heals in.  Finally she said she would cooperate if they paid her $10.  Another nurse said she'd pay $15 if she cooperated so Gretchen cooperated.  As far as I know Gretchen never asked for payment.  I am guessing she is bored and that gave her something to do while she was awake.  Later, when the PA from the neurology group came by she was perfectly cooperative.

Apparently, it will take a couple weeks before the remaining blood in her brain begins to break down and it can take several months before it all gets cleared out.  Until then drowsiness will be common.

Gretchen didn't wake very well this morning at 10:00 but she did talk to us a bit.  I think they would have let us stay longer but I wanted to get to church.  It was a good service, all around, and the hymns were very helpful for us.

The 4:00 visit started late (4:28) and Gretchen slept through it.  I did talk to the nurse and when she gave Gretchen her bath she opted to leave the mits off.  She is still restrained but at least she doesn't feel like Gretchen-paddlehands.  The nurse did say that she let Gretchen sleep for longer following the bath and when she came in to do the next neural check Gretchen was wide awake and cooperative.  Maybe she will recommend bribing Gretchen with sleep (I know I'm going to remember that trick).

The help from our friends (and friends of friends) is really making itself felt to us.  We are truly thankful for all of it.  Between that, the worship service this morning, a better understanding of why she still has the drain (though I still wish that if they are leaving it in that they would open it back up), and God's Grace acting in my life I am feeling better about things.  Laughing with Gretchen's sister about the $10 demand helped as well.

Continue to pray for Gretchen's patience and strength (and cooperation).  Please pray for Peter and I as I try to figure out how to transition back to working (much to work out there, especially since he isn't a morning person yet).