Tuesday, August 5, 2008

getting better everyday

Yesterday evening, Dennis' blood pressure dropped dangerously low. The medical staff worked quickly to get him restabilized. Due to this turn of events, they were unable to do his neurological assessment or breathing test.

They have turned off his sedation and he is awake this morning. He is following some commands but not following others. It will be a few days yet before we can get an accurate picture of how he is doing neurologically. He is still intubated but they have turned off the ventilator and he is breathing on his own. They will continue to turn his ventilator on and off throughout the day to strength his lungs before extubating him.

He will have another 5 hour kidney dialysis run today with the hopes of pulling off another 2kg. As I indicated previously, Dennis is "skinny" and has lost 25kg (55lbs) over the last 5 days ... I wish I could lose weight this quickly too!

e

6 comments:

Fabric addict said...

I love the way God answers prayer, and I am sure Dennis can sense all of us praying for him as well. Such good news once again, amazing Grace! I wish we could all gather around his bedside to say hello!

Dawn

Anonymous said...

dennis, you're literally gonna come out of this a new man. can't wait to see you. :)

Victor and Sandie said...

Wow! We will keep praying that these steps continue in a positive way.
Please take care.
san

Anonymous said...

55lbs....?? 5 days?? Wow. does that mean we are all full of fluid?

I'm just so happy there is hope for my friend.

Anonymous said...

Wow Dennis I feel like we and your family are standing along the route of an awesome marathon and at this moment we are cheering you on as you pass by in a powerful and courageous and noble stride!! You are incredible! We are filled with joy and thankfulness to God for what He has shown us in you!!!
Our lives are richer because of God's work in you!!! Jeff N

ni_de_montreal said...

shirley, mary and i spent some time doing a vancouver ritual, "the Grouse Grind" this evening. along the way, I would spend specific periods thinking about Dennis' continued feat, thinking about my own breathing, and dedicating the effort I was putting into breathing and climbing - to Dennis. In some intangible way, let these moments translate to positive thoughts, cheers and good wishes for continued improvement... to take a page from an earlier comment, keep up your "powerful and courageous and noble stride"!! we are with you in thought and spirit.
nicole