Grammy Update #2

Grammy continues to improve a little each day. With help, she has sat on the edge of her bed and is almost strong enough to not need support once she's there. Using a lift, she has sat in a recliner, which I think she likes better than the bed. Her lungs are getting stronger, but filling with a bit of fluid. She may possibly have her breathing tube removed as soon as tomorrow.

She is more aware too. She is responding more to my questions with head nods/shakes and is able to squeeze my hand/move her feet when asked. I think she has smiled and tried to laugh a couple of times. When the CNA was cleaning her up today and getting to her chest area, the nurse said she thinks Grammy winked. I said Grammy usually has the person buy her dinner first before getting that fresh. I know Grammy would have laughed.

One big thing happening right now is that she is trying to remove the breathing tube. I can imagine it must be very painful and causing her a large amount of discomfort. Her doctors and nurses say it's a good sign, because she is aware enough to know that something is bothering her and she is fighting to take care of it herself. However, removing the tube now would be bad news. She still needs to be intubated and if she yanks it out, it will have to be replaced and that would set back her healing and possibly cause permanent damage to her vocal chords. She has been able to breath on her own for over an hour now during a trial with the respiratory therapist.

It is really heartbreaking to see her going for the tubes and have to hold her hands down and tell her she can't do that. It is so hard to see the pain and frustration in her eyes. I went to see her around 7:00 this morning before work and at around 7:45 I told her I had to leave and go to work. She shook her head. I could tell she was in pain from the tube and so frustrated that I and the nurses wouldn't let her tear it out. I couldn't leave like that. I called work and let them know I'd be late. I stayed by her side, holding her hands and telling her stupid stories to try to get her mind focused on something else. By the time I did leave around 10, she was in the recliner and was either more comfortable or worn out from the morning because she seemed a lot more calm than when I came in.

Thank you again for all your prayers, healing thoughts and kind words. Not just for Grammy, but for The Momma and I as well. The Momma and I tell Grammy every day how loved she is and how everyone is rooting for her.



I wouldn't want this down my throat either...