Mikolympics!

Nihau!
Today is a most auspicious day, 8/08/08, and that definitely extends to our gold medal patient. Mike's blood pressure and ICP (intracranial pressure) are at world class levels, there is no sign of fever (shot up to 103 early yesterday) and...here's the big one folks...he's off sedation. He's squeezing hands and flexing feet. They have also tried to decrease pain meds but this guy is feisty! The good news is he is feeling discomfort (brain activity!) the bad news is he's feeling discomfort. He definitely does not like to feel pain and sometimes reaches out and tries to pull here and tug there. For his protection, they are keeping him on pain meds but they are lowering the doses. He is being weaned off the ventilator and is up to 3 hours "per session". There is a possibility that he will be completely off in about 2 weeks.

There is a surgery scheduled for next week to work on some of the structures of the cranium. Surgeons are optimistic and encouraged by his progress to date.

Kim is diligently working through all the info that is being presented to her and let me tell you IT IS A LOT!! Mike's sister arrived yesterday and has been spending a great deal of time by his bedside. Kim's brother is heading home today after spending a week here at Kim' side (what a great guy!) and he will be helping get the kids set up in school.

Well, that's all I have for now, I'll be in touch soon!

Jackie