Paul's Update - 02/02/06

Dear Friends:

Paul had a pretty good day today. Dr. Azzam (neurosurgeon) talked to Dad & Tabby and said that the CT scan that was done today shows a 20% reduction in the fluid on the brain since the surgery. He has ordered another one for Friday morning. It is his opinion that from a neurological standpoint Paul is ready to be released back to the nursing home. Tabby will consult with the Trauma team sometime Friday to get their opinion. If everyone agrees and the nursing home has a bed he might be moved as early as Saturday. The IVC filter (that catches blood clots) was turned today. When he went down for the procedure he displayed more of the anger that he exhibited yesterday. The doctor gave him something to calm him down so the procedure could be done. Of course, as soon as Paul was sedated …. the physical therapy team came to evaluate him. He (of course) was not responsive!! Duh!! The consolation we have is that the neurosurgeon's partner told Dad that if Paul is really doing all the things we say he is …. he would rate him about a level 4 … maybe even a level 5!!! We are realistic to know that he is probably only a level 4 but it would be nice if the therapist could SEE that!! Friday is suppose to be the trach replacement. This new trach will allow the air that Paul breathes to go in through the trach and out through the mouth and nose. After that is installed … IF Paul can talk it will allow the air across his vocal cords to enable him to talk. Paul currently breathes regular air and his oxygen level stays normal. Eventually he will have the trach removed. Tonight we had a visit from the orthopedic surgeon who said that after the 17th of February Paul should be able to start doing some weight bearing on his left foot. Good news ….. since he enjoys standing and trying to walk! Once we get him back to the nursing home he will resume his physical therapy. It is really good to see Paul look so good. This is the first surgery that Paul has bounced back from so quickly. He watches us when we talk to him. He watches the nurses when they work with him. We are so thankful that God is restoring him to us! Have a great Friday!

Love, Lynne & Carl