Today was a quiet day for us and Dad. I finally was able to talk Mom into going down to the beach to try to relax. We walked but were only able to stay for a half hour because of the schedule we are on. And that was enough as the fervent African sun burnt us.
When we visited Dad this morning he was sleeping. They are now giving him a pain killer that is allowing him to rest easier. Its also acts as a sedative to control muscle spams. And since he has the sensation of pins and needles throughout his body, this provides him with relief. At the same time it makes him very drowsy. So our afternoon visit was the same. Dad was peacefully resting with a minute or two of communication which consisted of him asking me to rub his feet and for mom to scratch his head. When we were speaking with the sister that was watching him today she told us that Dr. Britz was in to visit him. He said that Dad should start breathing on his own soon however that could be two weeks or two months from now, he could not say. Then he told the nurse that he does'nt really know, it could be sooner cause Dad has connections upstairs ( he was pointing up!). News flash……he is already taking breaths on his own. Although they are very light breaths (not enough to sustain the lungs) this is a huge step in the recovery process. On the ventilator we are able to see in number form when he breaths on his own. A healthy lung would show a number of 20 or higher. A couple of days ago he was showing 0. Today his range was between 6 and 8!
During our evening visit Dad asked me when he would be able to leave the hospital. I reminded him again of what syndrome he has contracted and that he is well on his way to recovery. He is aware of where he is but needs a reminder once in a while of his situation. Dad is surrounded by prayers, love and family. My faith continues to grow as I see the power of prayer and its results.
