This has been a tough week. This morning Bill's lung collapsed a bit more so his doctor inserted another chest tube. It seems to have made a big difference and he is definitely breathing more easily now. I'm afraid his lungs will always be problematic. Part of it can be explained by "tall skinny guy syndrome" (for some reason all the respiratory therapists seem to comment that guys with Bill's build have weak lungs) and part of it can be explained by his smoking habit. Folks, smoking is bad news and it won't take decades to get you into trouble. This whole experience has convinced him to quit (not that he had much choice in the matter!) but it also means that you can't smoke around him. Secondary smoke will irritate his lungs just as much and while it is possible to live on a ventilator, it's not much fun. I will continue to harp on this because my little brother is tethered to a hospital bed in respiratory failure and unable to get up and get going with a full rehab regime because of this.
Earlier this week, Bill started working with his occupational therapist to learn to eat using adaptive equipment. He does not have any use of his hands or wrists so it's been difficult, both physically and mentally, to have to adjust the way he used to do something always seemed so simple. The injury he has is pretty severe and I don't know how likely it is that his hand and wrist function will return. Only time will tell.
Posting will be light over the next week because I'm heading home. After nearly eight weeks of being away, I'm ready to soak up some time with Mike, some sunshine, and some green chile.
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Tried to call you today, but it didn't go through. Take the time you need. Say hello to Mike from both of us. You are AWESOME! Bill is so lucky to have you to back him up. I'm glad to hear his progress is doing well. I think about y'all all the time.
ReplyDeleteJenn