Ron is doing better today.  His O2 input is down to 40%, and O2 saturation is staying at 92%.  The peep is down to 8, which is better. Respirations are 26-27; heart rate is 94, and bp is 133/76.
 
 A Physical Therapist came in and worked with him to help strengthen his arms and legs.  He did spike a fever last night, but Tylenol brought it down, and it has been just low grade today.
 
When his nurse asked him this a.m. if he was in pain, he said, "F---, yes!"  She said she had to chuckle, because it probably was a silly question after two surgeries yesterday.  I thought, "Yep, sounds more like Ron."
 
When I got here, she was cleaning him up and repositioning him, so he was awake.  She was swabbing his mouth with a mouthwash sponge, and I heard her say, "No, don't bite!"  I have a feeling that as he wakes up more, he's not going to be very happy and cooperative, but then, that's Ron!
 
The Infectious Disease Doctor was just in, and she said he is looking better.  Today's lung xray showed some improvement, and his O2 numbers are better.  If he continues to improve, they can move him out of ICU into "Guarded Care", which is in the same general area, just turn left after the limited entry "guarded" door.  His nurse said they might have moved him today if he hadn't spiked the fever last night.  She said they will probably move him tomorrow if all goes well.
 
He's still been trying to tell us things that we can't understand, and he gets very frustrated that he can't communicate.  He doesn't understand why he's so weak because I'm sure he has no idea how long he's been here.  We have told him the day and date, but every time he "wakes up" again, I think he's forgotten.  He's still on some Fentanyl and Atavan, but lower amounts.
 
I'll update if there are more changes.
 
Thanks for the prayers and cheerful messages!  We appreciate every one!
 
Love,
EJ