Day Three and All is Well

Jim had a very adventurous day, and is doing so well I decided to call it an early night (left at 7:00 instead of 9:00) and am now at home, ready to fall into an eternal sleep. Well, for a few hours, at least. So, here are today's highlights:

• Fever spike to 102 at 2:00am, back to normal a few hours later
• Sitting in chair by 6:00am
• Took several walks throughout the day
• Spent about 8 hours total sitting in his chair
• had the swan pulled out of the catheter in his carotid artery (the catheter remained behind, just in case
• had the IV removed from the artery in his left wrist

And the biggest/best news of the day is he had two of his four drainage tubes removed!!! This is something he never wants to repeat as long as he lives, since it's extremely painful. However, he has two more yet to remove.

Tomorrow includes:

• removal of remaining drainage tubes
• continued weaning off various IV drips
• possibly moving from SICU to 3 West (regular hospital room)
• lots more walking, sitting, and pulmonary/respiratory exercises. They hurt like crazy, but they're helping him mend quickly

As for his heart, it is strong and steady and literally never misses a beat.

Our love and gratitude to all of you!

E