Mon. 5/29 @ 4pm - Holding Steady

Dad's medical team continues to pull back on his medications. His sodium level continues to improve, and they are bringing him out of the medically-induced coma. Predictably, as his brain activity is increasing, his ICP has risen some, to about 10, but it is still well within a safe range. His CPP is in the high 90's (60 min; above 70 is good). We are all holding our breath over the next 24 hours in hopes that he will stay stable. If his numbers are still stable by tomorrow morning, the medical team will begin performing Neurologic exams to determine the location and extent of brain damage. They likely won't be able to provide a precise prognosis, but they should be able to give us a rough idea of what Dad will be facing in the next few months. As his coma continues to lighten, his nurse is closely watching all of his numbers and making all the appropriate adjustments.

Speaking of his nurse... I once again want to stress that Dad is getting excellent medical care. His current nurse, Angela, has excellent, in-depth, clinical knowledge and a firm, yet calming bedside manner. She is both brilliant and caring, and Dad is lucky to have her caring for him. The same goes for the other medical staff that have cared for him before Angela.

Mark Anderson, the Neurosurgery PA who was on site caring for Dad up until this morning, is an absolute gem. He is extraordinarily knowledgeable and experienced, and constantly focused on the care of his patients. His way of explaining Dad's situation - as it evolved throughout the weekend - was fact-based and realistic, yet soothing. Mark is a very special person, and I consider Dad extremely fortunate to have had Mark so involved in his care. Even though Mark's 48 hour shift has ended, he continues to follow Dad's situation and is helping us all through this difficult time. (For his day-job, Mark is in Medical School working on his M.D. - I expect he will make a stellar Physician).