Well, Dad had his tracheostomy yesterday - which means that the breathing tube from the ventilator now enters through his throat and not through his mouth... hopefully reducing discomfort and the risk of further infection. He was still recovering from the anaesthetic when we saw him in the afternoon, but was more alert again when we saw him in the evening. Of course, being more alert, he is more aware of pain, and we noticed that he was sometimes a little distressed. He was able to nod his head or shake his head appropriately when we asked, "Are you in pain?"or "Are you warm enough?" At one point last night, he began moving his lips, as if trying to speak... but of course he can't yet speak because of the tube in his vocal cords, and it was hard that we couldn't lip read to understand what he was telling us about where he had pain.
Doctors, who were telling us at the weekend that he might not make it, were yesterday telling us that he is "heading in the right direction" and that we just need to hope and pray there are no further complications or setbacks. Unfortunately, the night nurse told us this morning that Dad did have a little "blip" in the night, when his blood pressure dropped and something went wrong with his heart.... but it corrected itself again fairly quickly. I wonder if that was when I woke at 4 am and began to pray for him.... or when one of you in some other part of the world was awake and sending up a prayer for Ernie. Thank you for your ongoing prayers that the way ahead would be smoother, and God bless you.
