New Lessons

Five Weeks/Saturday/October 31
Today the surgeon said that Andrew could move out of the PICU. Andrew's pancreas' numbers are high so they will take an ultrasound monday. They want to be sure that he does not have a cyst. So no liquids or foods right now. The two wounds are healing nicely. They may not have to do surgery. They will wait and see. Later in the afternoon, the attending doctor decided not to move Andrew today. Over the weekends they are shorter staffed. So they will move him to the NTU Monday, if all goes well. Andrew held himself upright, for a moment, in his chair today. Alex spent a lot of time visiting Andrew and was very motivational for him. The worst thing right now is that sometimes Andrew doesn't know where he is. He can get angry too. He slammed his fist on the arm of the chair. I am realizing that until the meds leave his system, he gets reoriented in his nights, and he overcomes the ICU sickness, it is going to be rough. We tried to keep him awake most of the day. We are hoping that he will get some sleep tonight. We also correct him if he thinks that he is fishing in a boat with Desiree. "No, you are in the hospital". It is a new ball game now. I am going to have to get "thicker skin" to handle him by myself when others can't be around. It is hard beacuse he is still really strong. He is still trying to pull out things. There is no set time for this to pass. Each patient is different. Grandpa S. gave Andrew a Jazz blanket that he really likes. Grandma M. was able to sit with him for a time. He asked her to say a prayer and then he gave her a kiss on the cheek. We are being more careful about the hospital rules, only two in the room at a time including parents. It really makes it hard but that's how it goes! When you become a hospital parent you are a slave to the rules too! I really miss Kaysville! I really miss the old rythmn of life! Randall reminded me that God is teaching us. We just have to learn to be good students. Just when you think you've got it, there is something else to learn.