What a long day it has been today for Michael. The doctors told us yesterday that this would be the hardest day in his stay here because of walking, removal of tubes, and being completely off sedation and boy were they right!
This morning they began removing drainage tubes because of the immense pain he was in. After about 30 minutes he began to get some relief in his neck and back area. Ironically, he hasn’t had much pain associated with the incision site or breast bone that was cut. Later in the day they removed both catheters and he was able to get up and walk. Unfortunately they walked him too hard and his face turned pale and his lips blue. He was able to get back to the room and get his breathing and heart rhythm under control. The plan now is to walk him short distances more frequently.
Since yesterday we found out that Michael has bad sleep apnea, diabetic, and has horrible cholesterol. Though the diagnoses are something we didn’t want to hear, we are glad that we found out now so that we can address everything at once. These are all things that can be changed through diet and exercise, something that we can together.
So despite a few hurdles, Michael's recovery is going very well. He is trying to rest right now and will resume his therapy tomorrow as when I will resume his updates!
