It would seem that I'm moving on 2 weeks since the last post. Unforgivable, with the exception that my house has been wiped out by the plague (flu). At least, it felt like we were wiped out. My oldest came home sick on 10/19. I am able to work from home, and did so. Until my fever began on the 23rd.
Diagnosis: Type A flu. It felt like the black death. So, no visits to Dad for the better part of a week. Really, not a lot of visits with anyone, as my family was smart enough to avoid me during the contagious phase.
Regardless, the situation with Dad has changed, gone back to normal, changed some more, then went back to before it changed the last time. For starters, he no longer has "the bolt" in his head. The fluid began to return to a normal color, and his pressure maintained a constant low. About that same time, the bolt simply fell out. Seriously.
At some point during my own illness, Dad developed pneumonia. He was still largely unresponsive and the decision was made to put him on the ventilator. Honestly, we all groaned inwardly, but felt like this was the best path for giving him a chance to recover. His body needed the rest and would hopefully expend more energy fighting the pneumonia and brain trauma.
No longer contagious, I was able to visit Dad this weekend. I continue to hear good stories from loved ones about him responding, opening his eyes, etc. Unfortunately, I have still seen none of this. I'm optimistic and encouraged by stories of up-turned thumbs and okay signs from as recent as last night. I plan on visiting him over lunch, and hoping for some of that response. It's selfish I know, but I would like to see some of that firsthand.
If he is indeed awake enough, the next step is to remove him from the ventilator. It's uncomfortable, and he shouldn't need it if he is truly able to begin moving and working towards recovery.
Alright, I'm off to the hospital for a quick lunch with Mom and hopefully a more lively interaction with Dad.
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