Still Karen (Ryan's here too). The new shift nurse and neurology resident just stopped by to do assessments. Ryan and I have been trying to coax Dad into alertness for the past little while. We have been fairly successful. He will open his eyes, and speaks little bits here and there, but overall remains fairly sleepy. The resident neurologist explained to us that the brain bleed is close to the thalamus, which controls the wake and sleep cycles in his brain....thus making it harder to control, which most likely is contributing to why he seems extra sleepy at times.
They are doing a chest x-ray right now, just as a precaution to make sure there is no accumulation of fluid. The rest of their assessment went well. Dad is doing his best to follow their instructions, as I informed him this was the only way for him to eventually get home. ;)
At one point, when Ryan and I were trying to keep him alert and awake (mainly so he can eventually try to eat), I clapped gently in front of his face and said "Clap On," and he laughed. So, I'm glad to see little bits of his sense of humor shining through. :) Ryan & I will be heading out soon, and Susan & Alison will be taking over 'the watch.'
Thank you for all of the updates. It was great to read them all after arriving back in Hawaii. I so appreciated the time I had with Denn and Sharon this morning and I was grateful for the conversation I had with Karen tonight when I got to our home here. We will keep praying...for you all!!! Love you, Von
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