Tuesday PM

Today has been more of the same. The nurses are working to ween Sam off of the meds that are keeping him down. The less medication, the more able he will be to breathe on his own. Right now he is regulating the rate of breathing, but the ventilator is providing extra air on each breath so that he gets enough. But as they reduce the meds, the more the vent tube bugs him and he tries to pull it out.

As I type this, Cameron and Jenn, Sam's terrific night nurse, have him sitting up in a chair with restraints loosened on his left hand. He squirms a bit, uses the left hand to push himself into a more comfortable position, scratches his chest a bit, then tugs at his neck brace -- "No Sam, you need that to protect your neck" -- hands down and then -- "Sam, let go of the tubes, you can't take that out . . .." Then repeat. Jenn says this is a part of recovery and is really good, just a little hard to watch. There is some hope of getting the vent tubes out tomorrow which may make him more comfortable.

For those who are wondering about what specifically you can pray for, you might try for Sam to stay calm, relaxed, and rest.

-- Patton