Recovery Day 4

 Alan got a better night's sleep than he has since getting here! Huge praise. He did not walk again after I left because he knew he needed to rest!

Sadly he hadn't had much assistance from the new day nurse. So when I got here just before 8, I waited to see what this new nurse was like. 

When the comment about something he said to her came up a couple minutes later and the response was, I'm sorry I hadn't been paying attention, I was done! So I go into Alan Lawyer mode. So Nurse J, how long have you been at MDA? Since Feb. And how long have you been a nurse? Since Feb. 

Alan emphasized again how he wanted to get up and walk. She said she had two more patients to do meds for and would be back. I asked if Caleb (friend of Matthew) who was also helpful yesterday could help. She said he is on other things today and said she would be back at 9:30, that was over an hour away. 

Nope, nope, nope. So I went looking for the Leader Nurse Alice who assisted Matthew with getting some things he needed yesterday. I couldn't find her but happened across the floor manager, Dan. He listened to my issues and immediately jumped into action. 

Alice came and assisted me in getting him out of bed and then he walked the hallway (not around the pod) which is 50 Ft longer.  Then he sat for a bit before walking again!

Dr. Wise One and Dr. Bubbly came by. They were in great moods and gave us great news! He is now doing a gravity test on the NG Tube! If by 3 he passes it, they will remove the NG Tube! This would be massive! Also they said he was good enough to not have to wait on the nurses to walk!!

So we've done 4 walks of 800 total feet already today since I am able to help him with all the tubes! So proud of his drive. The four teams of docs that check on him daily emphasize how important 2 things are: walking and breathing exercises!

If you know Alan, you know how fixated he can get on a mission. Well the boy wants the NG Tube out! The quickest way to accomplish that is walking. So he is hyper focused on walking!

Please cover Alan and I as I have Homecoming duties with the girls from 7 tonight until 10ish Sunday! Others will help him and be the bulldog for him if needed, like I was today. Being apart may be the hardest phase as I am able to anticipate his needs. Also I am nervous what nursing staff will be like over the weekend. Without me here, esp. Pray that I can be fully present with the girls for this major event. Pray for Alan's heart with not being able to be there for Homecoming!

- Mel