We have just got back from an evening visit to see Jim. He is now breathing through a tube essentially unaided by a ventilator, but does not have enough functionality to cough and so he may need assistance with a temporary tracheostomy, which involves an opening being created below the larynx.
Jim appeared to recognize Brigie's voice when she first spoke, and his eyelid flickered open momentarily. He also squeezed her hand with his left hand. He seemed to respond when she mentioned the concerns of his friends. This is the first such response from him that we have seen with our own eyes. His level of brain activity has increased since yesterday as evidenced by slightly increased cranial pressure, which is a good thing as long as it does not get too high. He had been earlier cooled down to reduce this pressure. It is all a delicate balancing act that is being orchestrated expertly by the ICU doctors.
These are all small steps that are beginning a long journey, but they are so far all in the right direction, so we are grateful.
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Dear Andy, Bridgie,
ReplyDeleteVery happy to hear the positive news today. Those are great signs of hope. Thanks so much for posting on the blog.
Margot
Dear Andy and Bridgie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for updating us, we think of Jim and yourselves everyday. Jim has youth, his family and friends' abundant love and the miracle of modern day medicine. We will keep praying for him. As you said it's a long and slow process. If there is anything we can do to lighten your load please just let us know.
Golbon, Mark and Yusef