September 30, 2007

Hi, again. I just heard from Aunt Louise in Florida with a bit of an update on Alan, so I thought I would let you guys know what I know. Alan has been taken off the ventilator and his e.g. tube, and the tube in one leg has been removed. They are working to take out the balloon pump, and he is still on oxygen. (I think I have that all right.) He can now talk a little bit, but the doctors do not want him to strain his vocal cords. They have also said that he will need to be treated as an out patient for at least a week before he will be allowed to go home, and he will need to fly home when the time comes.

Unlike updates on Michael , I'm not having a dialogue with the doctors and asking questions, so I may not be as accurate as possible and Lynn or Aunt Louise may tell y'all something slightly different if you talk to them. I will do my best, though.

As for Michael, he had a great day playing on his play mat on his back and on his tummy for a little while. On Tuesday, Early Intervention is coming to assess his development. He will be physically delayed, we already know that, but we aren't worried. He will catch up, and he is already surging ahead in a few areas (as compensation, I suppose).

We have had nursing precertified for 30 days, so for the first time we have a consistent day nurse M-F. Her name is Angie. As for the nights, we still have no one Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday nights, but hopefully that will be corrected soon. Until then, or until my Mom comes back on October 15, we will take late night visitors. Let me know if any of you are insomniacs....