No trach. As the techs were bathing Mike this morning, his trach accidently came out.

11-13-07 @10PM - No trach.  As the techs were bathing Mike this morning, his trach accidently came out.  Because Mike had been breathing so well on his own, his doctor and the respiratory nurse made the decision just to keep it out.  His nurse Sheila, checked his oxygen levels throughout the day and Mike was able to maintain 95-98%.  They were very pleased.

The huge area of swelling in the skull flap area is almost non-apparent.  The stocking cap that Mike wears to cover the now indented area, is very similar to the “skully” he used to wear from Banana Republic.  Mike looks great but with outside evidence of daily brain storming, there is still swelling and bruising on the inside.

There is talk of transferring Mike to the Mt. Vernon Rehabilitation Center in Alexandria as early as this Friday.  We all believe that if Mike were able to make the decision himself, he would approach his rehabilitation aggressively.   4-5 hours of physical therapy, 7 days a week is much better for his recovery than 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week.  Mt. Vernon has a special brain injury unit and normally requires that patients have the ability to respond consistently to commands.  Although Mike is not consistent, he is young and strong.  They have agreed and believe a jump-start is in order.

he is so gorgeous

He is so gorgeous.  I have always been his biggest fan, his cheerleader. Watching Michael go through physical therapy today was like cheering him on at swim meets.  You could see the excitement in his eyes when he was greeted by his therapist.  A big smile when she came.  She pulled him up, sat him on the edge of the bed and Mike beamed. She scolded him when he let his head slump and for the rest of the session, he tried his best to sit up straight for her.

You could see it was exhausting but it didn’t end there.  “Mike, I’m going to stand you up now”, she says as her arms went under his.  He tightened his lips and up they went.  Anyone laying in the bed for three weeks would struggle not to have sea legs and so did Michael.  But with everything he had, he stood with her support.  With his back straight, his head high and sweat puring down his face, he stood.  Oh what we take for granted.

I am reminded of two comments from this blog.  Jessie’s “Mike is the one that taught you the lesson.” and David’s “just ask”.  None of us, including Michael want to be here. But we are.

LIVESTRONG