Day 3

The third day is one of the first days that swelling periods tend to peak after an injury. Dad's CT scan was good and bad. Good in the sense that he wasn't worse, but bad in the sense that he wasn't much improved. The swelling (which was apparently still building slightly) had basically backfilled the void area from the blood clot removal. Thank goodness we had elected for the surgery, so the ongoing swelling was prevented from causing more damage.

Otherwise, it was a pretty quiet day again. They decided to add a central line in his chest, as one of the IV lines was leaking and was considered "lost" in his left hand.

The charge nurse in the NCCU is very knowledgeable and comforting. She indicated that Dad showed "purposeful actions" which I think is what she called it. Instead of random movements, it was evident that he was moving his left hand up to try and pull out his tube. To me, another good sign! He's aware of something foreign and he wants to have it out. But not just yet ... we have to get by the swelling.

For me, I tried to wrap up things a bit as I needed to get back to Atlanta for training and a followup visit at the eye doctor. Mom was still as resilient as ever, indicating if someone could get her to the hospital in the mornings and take her home at night, she was fine. I gave her an early birthday present (which was coming up on the 28th) and told Dad I'd be back later.

From what I understand, the day finished up about the same as it started ... fairly quiet.