Day following evening surgery

Tuesday--a week and a half since the accident.

Redjeb was alert this morning, but hasn't been able to talk as they have him on a ventilator.  But I know he knew we were there.  But by afternoon he didn't seem to be doing as well, so they put him on sedation again and increased the pain meds.  Sedation essentially seems to mean that he is semi conscious or asleep.

They want him to breathe on his own without the ventilator, but it is hard for him to be weaned off because he had the surgery which is painful, but also his lung is bruised and he broke his ribs.  My brother and the medical staff tell me that what he has can heal over time, if his organs keep working.  But that it will be painful is hard for me to know and harder for him to experience..  They moderate the pain killers as not to overdo, but not to "underdo".

 The doctors know that he does not want unnecessary treatments.  They are amazed at how strong he is.

I know a number of you have wanted to come visit, but I don't think this is possible for some time.  Particularly now that he is still in the intensive care unit, the nurses work hard every minute and do not really want people in the way.  Even we try to be careful and have been limiting our time with him.

I have not forgotten you folks out there, even those of you who can't figure out how to leave the comments. You are truly friends. Right now my brother and I like to spend some time alone, just resting when we are not in the hospital or taking care of related matters.  I think in another week or so this should change a bit, at least I hope so. It is all quite stressful.  Taris, Redjeb's daughter, has to go back to her job tomorrow.