Day 4 - Post Bypass Surgery

Hello!

I had really hoped to have some good and interesting news to give you, but today was an extremely quiet day - literally! Jimmy proceeded to sleep the day away again, except for a handful of wakeful moments that lasted about five to ten minutes each. During those times, he was pretty lucid and was able to perform his motor skills with more strength. He is still having some confusion over where he is and why. He's doing a good job on the month and year and knows that Obama is President. He has surprised me with knowing the kids names, ages, and where they all are right now. I was pleased to find that he now remembers that I am his wife. He even showed a touch of humor when asked what I was to him and he replied, "the boss"... I hope he remembers that when we get back home!

The best thing is that he doesn't seem to be in any pain or real discomfort. He didn't need any pain medication all day. They did continue testing on him to look for any red flags. They did a CT scan in the morning and another in the afternoon, and both came out fine. They also did another EEG to rule out seizure activity, and that came out negative again. They did put him on a steriod medication to help with brain swelling, but I remember him being on that five years ago also. All in all, nothing scary is showing up. It's the proverbial "no news is good news". I'm starting to think that this is God's way of slowing things down a bit and giving Jimmy's body time to strengthen and heal before embarking on the next step of his journey.

It is my guess that the balloon angiogram and (hopeful) coiling will be put off for a bit, unless he makes a dramatic turnaround in the next couple of days. He needs to be completely awake and responsive for the balloon angio test so that they can know whether it is safe to coil the basilar artery or not. This is one test that Jimmy HAS to pass! I don't know if there are any other options if he doesn't.

I know that this is getting a little boring, but please don't lose interest. It's so important that I have all of your help in praying for Jim's success in the coiling procedure. I also know that once sleeping beauty decides to wake up, things are going to get real exciting again. Everything about Jimmy is always more interesting than expected, and he always manages to be right at the center of attention ... which is right where he likes to be! So enjoy the emotional break for now, but start warming up the prayer chains again for the upcoming events that are sure to come.

I am so happy to have my phone charger back! I felt so much better when I was able to use my blackberry again this afternoon. I didn't realize how dependent I was on all of your support until I had to go without it yesterday. The day was so much more difficult and emotionally trying for me when I felt all alone and disconnected. So please don't underestimate the part that you are all playing in this journey. We really need you, and you are God's gift to us. I will continue to save all your messages until Jimmy is ready to listen to them again, so that he can also draw strength from your words of encouragement and support.

It's going to be another early to bed night for me, which is probably good for my health too; although it never feels like enough. I can only imagine how poor Jimmy must feel! I didn't take any pictures today, because he just wasn't awake long enough to bother, but I will tell you that his swelling is improving. Either way, he looks beautiful to me!!

Good night, sweet dreams, and remember to say your prayers!

Love,
Krissy