Monday lunchtime

Our visit to Jim today was briefer than yesterday. Brigie and I spent an hour and a half with him. He has been sedated again because of becoming agitated and pulling at some of the feeding tubes and dressings he has. The nurses gave him some new dressings on his shoulder and tracheo tube while we were there. Jim did not like this attention and winced in discomfort on a couple of occasions. But all the operation incisions look clean and healthy. He is also breathing on his own without help from the ventilator. Jim's right arm and right leg are still without movement, but he is strong on the left side.

Jim continues to show signs of improvement in his brain function. He finds it frustrating to be unable to speak but makes a big effort to communicate by other means. Today he opened his eyes when he heard Brigie's voice, and smiled at her. Jim also gave us a thumbs up sign with his left hand when asked. It was a definite thumbs up sign, not just a clenching of his fist. These small events are bright rays of hope in our lives.

We have been told that Jim will stay in ICU for at least two days more, until he is more stable. His move to the neuro ward is the Christmas present that the Philpotts are all looking forward to.