Wednesday July 27, 2005

Wednesday July 27, 2005 I was late arriving at the hospital today because I had to pack some clothes for Zack to go to Frazier. He had no fever but is white blood count was 12.8 (slightly elevated). Zack had his legs crossed, which was so good to see. He had both hands fingering his Trach. He was really “storming” (profusely sweating) which iscommon with all critically brain injured patients. I watched as he would reach his left hand up to touch his face. It is almost as though he is trying to figure out who he is. Dr Raff with I.D. comes by to check his white count. Again he is not alarmed. He looks at Zack and says, “Go to rehab”. Dr Apfel (Anest.) makes rounds with his residents and says Zack’s lungs sound great. I had told him about this site and he asked again for the address. Don’t be surprised if we see some postings by the doctors and nurses that took care of him at University Hospital. We anxiously wait for the ambulance that will take us to Frazier. Karen (physical therapist) comes to say good-bye and promises to visit. Our chariot arrives at 12:30 for the short ride to Frazier. We get settled into our room, which has a bed for me and it’s own bathroom (just like the Ritz Carlton). I meet Courtney our day nurse and they weigh Zack. He has lost over ten pounds, down to 139 lbs. Dr Miller comes in for a quick evaluation. He is a physiatrist (physical medicine) resident and very nice guy. Remember we also had a Dr. Miller at University (anest. resident) who we really liked. Both of their first names are Jason and they went to medical school together. Dr. Stevens (Attending Physiatrist) comes in to check Zack out for Dr Mook who was off today. He explains that they may use Trazodone, a drug for anxiety or to help him sleep, if he needs it. They do not believe in a lot of medication. At 5:00 his physical therapist, Amy Raque and aid Russell help Zack to sit on the side of his bed. They try to get him to hold his head up while they support his body. This simple task seems like a lot of work for him. When they get him back to bed he is exhausted, but soon that hand goes up to feel his face again. He touches his eyebrows and feels his lips. He is also moving his legs a lot. After lying still for so long we are thrilled to see him moving again. His fine motor skills are intact and he uses to tips of his fingers to find some tube to pull on. He still is handsome and the nurses fuss over him.H Everyone here is so nice. I was afraid to leave the nurses in ICU and had grown fond of many of our doctors at University but this place already feels like home. They know what they are doing but they are gentle and explain everything to me. They brought us dinner and we are encouraged to ask if we need anything. Zack had several visitors, both friends and family. Rita and Louie (Scott’s Mom & Dad) brought Kyle and Logan to see him. Kyle puts the gloves on and holds Zack’s hand. She is not turned off by anything and strokes his arm with compassion. Logan gets overwhelmed, sits on my lap and begins to cry. We take a walk down the hall and I promise her Zack will get well. I am confident that he will. God has a plan that is better than anything I can dream up. Kendal (night nurse) sees Logan crying and offers her ice cream. She also gives her some paper and markers to make Zack a picture for his room. Sometimes I forget how hard this is on Zack’s brother and sisters. Many people have taken them places and sometimes it seems like a big slumber party but….they worry about their brother. When visiting hours are over I am able to settle in with Zack. I will spend the night for a while praying that he wakes up while I am here. Kendal comes in to check his I.V. She asks Zack if he is O.K. He nods his head and mouths yes!!! My back was turned and I was on the phone with Scott. She asked me if he has been nodding when we ask him questions. She tries to get him to do it again but he had already answered that question. She writes it in his chart for the doctor and we are ecstatic. We know it will be tough ahead. He will go through phases of recovery that won’t be pleasant. He won’t seem like the Zack we knew but he will be a new creation that God will use for his glory. It dawns on me that the “storming” he does is the furnace God is using to mold him into His servant. I can’t wait to meet him!