Ben is talking!When I walked into his hospital room this afternoon Ben glanced up and matter-of-factly told the nurse, "This is my sister." I was floored. His progress defies explanation.
He is tired, groggy, frustrated, tired, weak, impatient and -- did I mention it? -- tired. Yet what a trooper! He tried to smile a bit for me in this photo today. Curse those dim hospital rooms, they never have enough natural light. Ben's eyelids balked at the flash every time, but I love the look of determination this photo captures.
Nurses, be warned! The whole visit Ben kept saying, "Let's go . . . Let's get out of here . . . Help me get up." I don't think he understands the magnitude of his condition right now, nor his limitations. He still is a very sick young man. Maybe he will be spared the complete realization of this until the time when both his body and mind are healthy. What a story we'll have to tell him then. For now, my prayers will include a new request that Ben can be granted an extra measure of patience to endure his physical recovery.
As you can see from the photo, Ben does not have a ventilator tube, just the oxygen line in his nose. His breathing today was shallow and rapid, sometimes reaching 40 breaths per minute. Nurses want it in the 12-25 breaths range. With coaching, Ben can take deeper breaths.
Today Ben had a nutrient drink. He worked with a physical therapist to try to stand, and with an occupational therapist to sit up at the edge of his bed. These two specialists will work with him daily.
His high temperature is still a concern. It responds to Tylenol, suggesting that the fever is not due to his body's inability to regulate temperature, but rather because of some "mystery bug." So Ben is also receiving antibiotics.
Ben wiggled his toes today when the neurologist asked him to. It took dogged persistence, I could see, but Ben did it.
He also told this doctor, "I feel a billion times better." So do we as Ben's family. Thank you for all of your love and prayers. Our hearts are full of gratitude.
3 comments:
Yesterday Jeff came to my work for lunch as he got out of the car he started to yell yay Ben!! Hes Awake!! YAY!! It was one of the happyest days!
We are so happy that Ben is having such a fast recovery! He has along road ahead, But he doing so good. Im so proud! Love you Ben!
Love
Jeff and Madi
We love you Ben! This is your cousin Rachel. We're so happy to read of your progress and you're constantly in our prayers. You're doing awesome. Thanks Jenny for this blog!
Love,
The Nichols
Ben called me the day before this happened, but I wasn't able to get to the phone. I care a great deal for Ben, and I wish I could have been there to help him. I didn't know he was in the hospital until yesterday, and I've been worried sick because I didn't even know what had happened. I hope everyone in the family is doing well, and I REALLY appreciate this blog. I'm so happy that he's doing better. If you get a chance, tell him Kyle Holmes from work said hi and give him my blessings.
--Kyle
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