slowly waking up

Sorry for the lack of news this past week, I was worn out each evening and went to bed early. Looking at this past week, it seems that Fergus is slowly waking up. His morphine dosage was reduced again but because it was such a small amount, it went easy. He is becoming more alert and noticing his surroundings more. He is looking around and trying to focus (even looking cross-eyed a few times at us). He loved looking at the bubble lamps in the relaxation room and anything I'm crocheting with bright colors. He still sweats a bit, and is sensitive to noise.

On Thursday, I changed the trach out to a smaller one. He is breathing really well with it. Next week, we'll change it to the next smaller size before testing his ability to breathe without it.

This past week he got a back brace. It helps to pull his hips forward and cause his spine to curve in a natural way. When he has it on, he loves it. Getting it on him is another story - he arches his back if you move him and then he slips around. The doctor in charge of his therapies only wants him to wear it for 6 hours a day (he said the muscles will get weak if he wears it too much).

I also received the answer about the hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) therapy for Fergus. The doctor did research and found that it was too risky to put Fergus through it. He printed off the report (which was government based) and kindly brought it to me today to explain his decision. In studies and research done, a high percentage of brain-injury patients had pulmonary difficulties as a result of HBOT. I am grateful to have Gus at a hospital that seriously considers what I ask about and graciously and thoroughly answers me.

As far as what therapies they are considering, he explained to me that what has consistently worked well for brain-injury patients is a home environment with all of the therapies included. The sooner we get him home, the better. We will be able to work out day therapy options for the future.

As far as chiropractic care, the answer given was that the risk factor seemed too high. They are nervous about it. I explained that each time, his back was straighter and he was relaxed - two things that they are always trying to accomplish at Ranken Jordan. The doctor said she would try to see what needed to be done to let a chiropractor see Fergus. If not, we'll wait until we get him home.

We are moving!!!! We are signing the lease this next week for a house only 15 minutes from Ranken Jordan. It won't be ready for us to move into yet: it is still getting new carpet, flooring, etc. done. It is in a nice, quiet neighborhood, with young families and close to a park.

Thank you for praying for us. Your support is felt continuously.

Please pray for our children and their Aunt Deborah as they travel this weekend back home. They will be back with us by Tuesday next week.
Please pray for Fergus, that:
*his back would be straight
*his hands fingers would straighten out with his wrists straight
*his feet to flex and extend normally
*his legs would move

gratefully, esther (who although drained, is excited)