Tuesday 28th

Day 9 in the ICU and I have observed that Dad has become very well adapted to the procedures and daily routine. I was there this morning when the docs were doing their rounds and they were very pleased with Dad's progress! They were examining the x-rays of Dad's chest and told us he was almost in a perfect condition to have the tube out today. His chest looks clear, he is breathing well (iniatiating breaths himself, with as little help from the ventilator as possible) and his strength continues to amaze them.

I asked Dad myself if he would feel confident about getting the tube out today. After some arm waving and head nodding I deciphered "Maybe today but would perfer tomorrow just to be sure". The doctors obviously agreed as the tube is still in but tomorrow is looking like D-Day!1

The nurse said today that any average person would be out to it or at least docile with the amount of sedatives they are giving Dad but he is not only awake, he is also still very alert. He had nurse Kate again today - i think she might be his favourite so far because he keeps asking me if I can organise to buy her some flowers to thank her for being such a good nurse!

Dad was also asking about the patients in the bed next to him. He was worried/ sad yesterday that the old lady in the bed beside him was going to die. I reassured him that she is in the best possible place and that she has probably lived a long and satisfying life. Bryan might not be able to talk but he still has that caring nature shining through, putting others before himself.

He was also quite determined today to tell his docotor that he had a new idea for a ventilator tube. That has been his biggest disturbance for the past 8 days and obviously is making his 'always active' mind tick over. The doc actually said to Dad that they are working on new designs and when he is better they can discuss Bryan's idea. Perhaps a future career in the health innovation area...

Uncle Derek was back today, along with uncle Mark, Buck and Pam, Grant and Carmel. Dad loves seeing a familiar face, I can tell by his expression that he is thinking "wow - what are you doing here?" To see him smiling (or attempting to smile) is the most uplifting thing for me. It makes it a whole lot easier to accept what has happened and stay positive.

Perhaps the most exciting thing I have experienced since the accident...Dad spelt out to me around lunch time today "ELECTRIC" then pointed to his legs. I asked him if he meant that he felt some sort of pulse or tingle run through his leg and he nodded his head. For me this seems like a good sign - some sort of nerve action. I don't want to get my hopes up but at the same time I am very excited to get him into rehab and get started on his mobility.

I left the hospital reasonably early this afternoon so I don't have much more to report. Going back to uni tomorrow so I have handed the blog-writing job over to Mum until the weekend. She might have more to talk about tomorrow.

Finally, I want to personally thank every single person who has showed their support for Dad and the rest of the family. You cannot begin to understand how much it has helped me get through this last week. I know now that I can go back to uni without having to worry as much because there are so many people out there who are doing so much for us!! So thank you all again, very much!!

Goodnight
xoxo