Full Circle

Today seems to be the turn-around day.  This morning was terrible for Bob.  He was very irritable, frustrated & somewhat angry.  To say he wasn’t himself is a gross understatement!  We’ve never seen him like he was.  Nothing could soothe him.  If asked a question, he acted irritated because you asked him anything.  If he seemed to be wanting something & you asked what you could get for him, he would bark his answer at you.  He acted so out of character, it was surreal. 

In spite of his poor disposition, he did walk the entire STICU & did it at a steady, quick pace.  He has a good appetite & ate all of his meals.  His heart rhythm became more regular, which was encouraging. 

At 2:30, Connie cornered his nurse, Peggy.  She’s an amazing nurse!  She spoke with Dr. Sowden about the problems we were concerned about & he decided that Bob was experiencing anxiety brought on by a lack of sleep.  He prescribed Xanax, which reduces nervous tension & anxiety.  It can also be used as a sleep aid.  When he took the Xanax @ 2:45, Connie, Bob & I left to allow him to sleep. 

When I went back to his room around 4:45, he was sitting in a wheelchair & his nurses were packing him up!  He was moving on up!  He is now in a regular room, #354 on 3 West.    His attitude was completely different!  He was relaxed, talkative, able to speak in sentences & give complete answers.  I beat him up to his room & got things arranged for when he got here.  The only problem with the room is there is only one chair!  We told his nurse that he will need at least 4 more chairs.  They are looking around for unclaimed chairs for us!  Shortly after settling in in his new room, he had a very pleasant visit with Ray & Arlene Harrison.  Ray read some very appropriate scripture & prayed with us before leaving. 

As I am writing this he’s sitting on the edge of his bed, watching TV & doing his breathing exercises.  He’s doing wonderfully!  Connie & Kristie are coming up in a little bit & he told them he wants a big slice of chocolate cake!

As far as visitors go, we don’t want to bombard him with people coming in & out.  He isn’t physically or emotionally strong enough for a lot of stimulation.  So for Friday, lets just have family visit.  Sisters, please come!  Grandkids, he wants to see you!  As always, pastors are always welcome to visit.  Hopefully he will do well with guests on Friday & we can expand the scope of visitation.  We are being so protective of him because we are concerned for his health.  We want to protect him from fatigue & exhaustion.  Thank you for respecting our visitation “rules”.

Please pray for him to heal physically, emotionally & mentally.