“The patient is doing well.” (Part 2 of 2)

As the sedation wore off and Deirdre became more alert and attentive, she became emotional as she began to realize the reality that she once again awoke to the start a new day. It was a day of tugging and pulling with cords, hoses, meds, and machine noises that fill up a room. Deirdre’s discomfort was often unsettling for us all but we were always buoyed by her pronounced progress and strength. 

Later in the afternoon, Deirdre began to better understand her surroundings and overall situation and began to communicate with us by writing letters on our palms. When we would get the word wrong or ask her to start over, she would tense and give you that look that only some of us, mostly me, are used to. Deirdre was definitely back.

During a rare quiet moment, Deirdre motioned me to her bed and communicated on my palm that she could hear me talk to her when I visited her ICU room immediately following surgery. I am so glad that I used that moment to say what I said.

The medical team spent the day managing meds, pain, drawing blood, and lung function. They actually drew her down to 8% breathing and air pressure assistance (note the tube in her mouth and throat) by the end of the day. I slept a couple of hours at a Residence Inn last night so I assessed that as pretty damn good.

My daughters and I established our routine and rotated two at a time for two hours a clip. Some of us would get our steps in via the well marked Hopkins loop (IYKYK) and others back to the Residence Inn for power naps. Deirdre seemed to never go to sleep. Caitlin declared she was going to sleep in Deirdre's ICU room for the night bringing a rare sign of elation seen through Deirdre’s eyes. I took no offense as I was exhausted. Win win.

As a side note, it must be said that Deirdre’s team of nurses, technicians, PA’s, therapists, doctors etc. were no less than outstanding. She mentioned this herself.