7/11/09 – 1:00 p.m. – Update from Dave

Rounds start at 8:30 each day and they usually get to Dad by 9:00 or so. Today Dr. Kerwin didn’t get to Dad until after noon. She explained to Dave that it was because “Dad is the healthiest patient in ICU right now.” We like hearing that.

Dad got a good workout with the physical therapist this morning and was quite cooperative and responsive. In addition to the usual workout of his limbs, they had Dad sit up, mostly supporting himself, as well as stand up with support. Dave said they stood him up three times! Dad was also responsive to yes/no questions, responding with a nod or shake of his head.

The docs will begin weaning him off the ventilator a little at a time with the goal of getting him completely breathing on his own again. Returning him to ICU Thursday and putting him back on that danged ventilator was a bit of a setback, but we’re once again optimistic that he is back on the right track, making small improvements day-by-day.