Yesterday, Vernon had another procedure that would allow the doctors to try to drain the hematoma in his pelvic region. They didn’t discover the infection living there, so the mystery continues. I trust it will be discovered soon. He continues to run high sweating fevers, but this could also be the body reacting to the drug withdrawal as well as the head-trauma.
However, today we were pleasantly surprised to discover that they were ready to trial Vernon off the ventilator. In this case oxygen is delivered to Vernon through a ‘mask’ over the trach in his neck and he is able to exhale on his own. It can be challenging for the patient to get used to this breathing, but it didn’t take long for him to get the hang of it, and when I left the hospital later in the day, he was still using it. The nurse told me that if he kept breathing well on it, it wouldn’t be a trial wean after all, and he could stay off the ventilator for good.
Perhaps we should change the name of the blog?
In the past couple of days, as Vernon’s eyes have opened wider and he has been able to squeeze some communication through his arm, I have been feeling the need to be by his side even more to give him a voice to hold on to. Yesterday, I thought to ask him if it was dark. He squeezed my hand hard, and I realized that though his eyes are open, he can’t actually see any of us. He hears all these voices around him, some strange, some familiar. I told one of the surgeons that Vernon was now able to communicate a bit through his hand and arm, but when the surgeon held his hand, Vernon refused to squeeze it. In Vernon’s mind, this man (who has visited him nearly every day) was a stranger. It was then that I realized the importance of my own voice in his room. I think he must be quite frightened as he tries to make sense of the fog. A loving touch and familiar voice must be such a relief.
And actually, its a relief to me to know that he recognizes mine.
Today, Vernon had a new (to us) nurse in the room. Lynda is big on making sure the patient works toward their recovery. It wasn’t just enough to see Vernon was exhaling without a respirator. She wanted to challenge him to start following voice commands. As it is unlikely he can see us, she wanted to have him try to move toward our voices. He couldn’t move his head or his eyes yet, but we could tell he was straining hard to move his right side (again the shoulder-arm-hand) toward the sounds of those he knew. She encouraged us to keep commanding him to move his thumb, as the cognitive head-hand connection would be important for him to make. He isn’t there yet, but I can see he is straining to make something happen. After a few tries, he was exhausted enough to sleep again for awhile. I believe his trying is a very good sign that his brain is still strong and that he WANTS to be strong as well.
And this is how we inch forward…
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Thank you Allison for sharing this intimate time – Vernon’s strength and determination to find his way back – he is back – I just mean the ability to communicate completely with you and the world…praying praying believing for more healing…I love you Vernon and Allison
Life is do fragile. Each day we take so much for granted. Your post is an illustration of the critical importance of still, smallness. Feel loved my friend. Healing thoughts to Vernon
well Allison what a wonderful update today…. things are moving in the right direction , when Vern can communicate more , i`m sure everything will start falling into place, it must be very frightening for him right now ..i know he didn`t like the dark when he was a child , we always had the light on at night, which shone in our bedrooms( i still do!). i`m wondering how much he will enjoy following demands from the new nurse??? he is strong Allison , he will fight on, with you by his side xx love to you both xx
Hi Allison, Thank you again for your beautiful and informative updates. Lots of love and best wishes for this important and tough task of recovery you and Vernon have. You are amazing! Great to hear Vernon is making progress. Say hello from me and tell him to keep up the good work! Lots of love xxx
Tears reading this and all the blogs you so beautifully write……praying. <3
Amazing to hear these things!!! Go, Vernon!!!!! (Sending you a squeeze, Allison!)
Allison dear,
What joy you must feel in having Vernon do the least little thing. There are a lot of people praying for him and concerned about him. The friends that I have on this web group are praying for him as well and shedding tears over Maki being in New Zealand because part of her family went there a few months ago. As a lady says that God is in Control. We never realize that until something like this happens and then we begun to pray and pray some more.
Hugs to you both,
Becky
Dear Alison,
You don’t know me. Your Uncle Steve and Aunt Karen Moore are dear friends of mine, they were my youth pastors and the parents of my best friend Heidi Best.
I’ve have been praying for you and your family. God is an amazing God, I’m so excited to see the progress Vernon is making. Inches become feet and before you know it, he’ll be taking his first steps again. 😉
If there is anything I can do to help you please let me know, I’m up in Santa Clarita but I travel all around Los Angeles and Orange Counties teaching CPR so it’s easy to get down there.
Ps. Your photography is fantastic, it is telling an amazing story.
so wonderful that vernon continues to progress a little more every day. my prayers are with you all.
The human spirit has such amazing determination and fortitude. Such great news, dear friend. Wish I could be there…continued prayers and love your way. xoxox
Allison I have been following the progress of your husband through reading your blog and I am always so amazed by your courage to remain hopeful in the smallest of progress he makes day after day. Your family is truly blessed. Always praying. Btw, I’m a friend of Acacia’s in Chicago but I’ve also known your family for a long time as we both attended Coast Bible. (The Rileys)
Hi Noel! Oh yes, Acacia said she had spent some time with an old friend from Coast. How delightful. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you are loving Chicago.