ICU

1 February	Mary spent her first day in ICU. She was resting comfortably although on a ventilator. She opened her eyes a little when I spoke to her and was able to squeeze my hand and wiggle her toes for the nurse. They expect to take her off of the ventilator tomorrow which probably means that they might move her to a room Saturday. I have not had a chance to talk to the doctor, but his nurse practitioner told the intensive care nurse that Mary was doing fine.
2 February	Mary remains in ICU and on ventilation. She acknowledged our presence and was able to move legs ankles and toes slightly. The therapist was able to help her move her legs fully without pain. The first time in four weeks. Both doctors came in and were pleased with her progress. They removed ventilation for a couple of hours and then resumed it. The plan is to do this several times while lowering the sedation and pain medicine. The goal is to remove the ventilation tomorrow and to observe her for a full day. Hopefully she will be able to go to a regular room Sunday.
3 February	They took Mary off the ventilator at 11:30 and extubated her at 2:30. She was doing well, although her breathing was rapid for a while, but it settled down. They will observe her over the night and decide if she can be moved tomorrow. Lets hope she behaves well so she can go upstairs to a regular room. Please no visitors as yet.
4 February	Still in ICU. Mary reacted favorably to the reduction of medication until about 5:30. The nurse had to give her something to calm her down. Hopefully tomorrow things go better all day tomorrow.
5 February	Still in ICU. It would appear that Mary is having a reaction with one or a combination of her meds. She is not as alert as she should be and at times appears confused, saying things that she doesn't mean. She ate real food for the first time and will probably have the feeding tube removed tomorrow. Her leg muscle strength appears good, but she experienced pain when they helped her sit today. The pain subsided when she laid down again. They will practice this every day.