Day 2 - Signs of life (Thurs 9/1)

The night nurse, Simon, was as comforting as possible and spent time with me just talking. I believe this medical team has as much a calling from God as they do for their profession. They are simply outstanding, not just with me as a grieving parent, but with each other as a passionate team that works together for the betterment of their patients and not for their own self-gratification or paycheck. I cannot stress how well these people worked together to get us everything we needed, tell us everything we wanted to know, and speak to us on our level. (we actually have a minor amount of medical training)

Isaac began showing signs that he was coming back around. Time was inconsequential for me, so I have to rely on my texts (with a date and time) to know when each milestone was made.

Awesome news: Isaac opens eyes and tracks to sound! He's beginning to squeeze both hands and push with his feet! He could POSSIBLY come off the vent later today!!! God is sooooo GOOD, and you prayer warriors are awesome!!! Update: Isaac recognizes mom and dad. He should be coming off the vent today.

We know that there is life again where life stopped. Now we had to manage his confusion while we brought him back fully. Ventilators are a constant irritation to those who do not know how the operate. They have settings that have to be turned down SLOWLY while they monitor the response of the patient. I wish we had had this knowledge prior, and maybe we did, but it was still a constant thought of "when are they going to wean him off of the vent?"

We waited patiently while the staff changed, more people learned of his situation, and they poked and prodded to determine his status. Having worked in the medical field before, I was not surprised by the equipment or the procedures. They, however, were keenly aware that all this was overwhelming to both the parents and the patient. They took great strides to minimize the discomfort whenever possible.

Isaac was becoming aware of his surroundings, and the giant tube sticking in his throat, and he was not happy about it. He started responding to mom and dad, which was a comfort to us. The doctors said it was the goal to get his tube out that day.

The tube came out, and after a bit of calming down, he looked at me and asked, in a scratchy tone, "What is on my neck?" I told him it was a collar to help him keep still, and it would not come off until later that day. He appeared to roll his eyes, turned the other way and saw his grandmother leaning over him. He reached up and grabbed her sleeve, which turned into a great hug.

Neuro finally came, but didn't take the collar off. That put us another night in the N-ICU.