Joye's Update 4/20/08

Andrew had a pretty good day today. He breathed on C-Pap for 4 hours, and did it pretty comfortably. He's also developed a decent cough reflex, which he has not had at all up to this point. It sort of frustrates him now, because he has a lot of secretions in his lungs, so he coughs quite often now; it's painful to cough with his fresh wound in his trachea. Getting that reflex is a good sign and an important ability as it will help to keep his lungs healthy. His feeling in his arms has now gotten down close to his wrists (on the outside). He still has no feeling in that area on the inside area of his arms, which is normal as it was explained to me that these nerve endings are kind of like branches on a tree that "report" to different areas. The neurosurgeon is encouraged by the feeling still coming to him, and he explained to me today that feeling comes first and then movement . . . so we are still on track. Andrew is so determined to get off this vent before leaving the CCU in order for him to get to go directly to spinal cord injury rehabilitation. He knows it's going to be hard work and he's ready for the task. He relayed to me today that he wishes he could start right now. We're stilling keeping our eyes up to God and praying all the time; we could not get through this without that faith. Tomorrow will be day #20 in this place . . . hard to believe, and we pray that not many follow. Our goal is to have him to rehab before Andrew's birthday (April 28th) . . . I believe he can do it. Hope all is well in Yuma, we miss everyone! Good Night and God Bless you all. Joye