Saturday, November 3rd, 2007

Midnight, Washington D.C. time (don't forget to change your clocks)

We walked to the hospital (crisp fall morning with the trees turning colors) and when we arrived David was being moved to a different room. Not upstairs like we had been anticipating, but 3 doors down to a private room. This was to protect the other patients from David's new 'acinetobacter' germs. Apparently they can hang out in his system and not pose a real threat until they become active (like ecoli?). They don't plan on treating him until this happens. It may never become an infection. We don't really pretend to understand this one!

We played with two new squishy balls that we bought him. One is a very small football and a couple of times he tried to throw it a little. He is still fighting fevers, which the doctors think is just from the head trauma. When they give him his meds. (about every 4 hours) he gets sleepy.

After lunch we got a phone call from Christa and Patty held the receiver next to David's ear so he could listen to her. He took the phone from her and held it himself. After a bit he repositioned his arm so that his elbow was resting on the bed rail and it looked just like the old David talking on the phone.

Because when they drilled the bolt (brain pressure sensor) into David's head in Germany they had to shave 1/4 of his hair, he has looked a little funny. Today we gave him a haircut (I brought the hair trimmer from home) so he looks a little more military now. We have been shaving him but because of stitches and scabs we had to leave a mustache and goatee, but today that all got shaved. He may not pass inspection but he looks darn good. Steve

I guess we are the experienced parents now, we met a new family whose son was shot in the head. The dad talked about his fears and how the drs. tell them his son is lucky just to be alive, and to look at the recovery over a period of time not day to day. Some of the same stuff they told us. "Be patient, be patient, be patient.......". We were able to share how much David has improved and encourage him today that the brain can repair itself, but slowly.

We continue to be ministered to by the families at the Fisher House here too. They have been through so much, and have such great outlooks overall. Amazing! The reality of bodies being
blown apart and the faith that continues to shine is awesome. One guy after a year and a half is looking forward to having his lower leg amputated because of the mobility limits and pain he has suffered from his foot now! There are so many fascinating miracle stories here. God continues to be faithful. David's blog ministered to me so much today when I was feeling down. I can't believe that he had these songs and posters on his My Space! God has had a plan and we continue to watch it unfold. Patty

4 comments :

Anonymous said...

Love hearing how David is improving! Reminds me of waiting for you to start talking, Patty! Dr Kellogg told us not to worry as he almost didn't pass his medical exam as he said he wouldn't worry if a child wasn't talking at 2 years. You proved he was right! Each child and case is different and David will improve at his own level. He is fortunate to have parents who have lots of experience with handicpped children in your first school assignment and later with Bob and his stroke, Once David is able, ask him to draw a picture of what he is feeling like you did Bob. Hopefully it won't be a sinking ship! Since I have an extra hour tonight I will work on finding at least one of the Hurleys so we can see them when we come to Palo Alto. Love You all, Mom

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the continued up date on David, it is wonderful to hear his progress.
The more people I share about David's story, the more I hear stories of people who have had brain trauma and had full recoveries. It is amazing how the stages David is going through are the same as the others. We continue to pray and thank God for his healing hands. I want to close by
sharing my favorite Psalm 37:4
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."
God Bless
Khyla and Elena McMillen

Anonymous said...

Acinetobacter is actually very common worldwide. It lives in soil and water and on the skin of healthy people- this is called colonization. It's not causing an infection but could if the person's immune system were weakened. That's why they're not treating it as an infection at this time from what I'm reading. That's great news.

Robyn Webb

Anonymous said...

Hi you guys,
God is still at work. It's comforting to know that He never tires (like we do) His eye is on David every moment. He knows His every need. I'm glad to hear you got out into the D.C area. i remember feeling so thankful for all of the men and women who have protected our country and others around the world. David is part of that big family. Please give me your address there so we can send some music. Or the other address if you move this week. Lots of love & many prayers!
Violet & Randy