Friday's Update

Howdy Folks,

I haven't been to the hospital today and probably won't make it over there. I do have some information to pass along, though, thanks to a phone call from Spike.

I don't recall whether it was this morning or last night, but Ally went for a little walk. She still requires assistance getting into and out of bed, but she walked with little assistance from her room in the ICU down to the main nurse's station. It's about forty feet round trip - maybe a little longer... That's a great victory by itself.

She's eating more now. She's still on a diet of really soft foods, like yogurt. The nurses plan to remove her IV and catheter. Generally, she's becoming more independent.

If you read last night's update you know that Ally lept ahead considerably yesterday. I had the pleasure of being there when Dr. Lewis came in (such a beautiful woman!). She said that once recovery makes that turn, each day seems like a quantum improvement. Ally won't be doing jumping jacks very soon, but I'm confident she'll get out of ICU today.

I don't know what room she'll be in, but Spike sweet-talked the head nurse on the 7th floor who promised a corner room with two beds. Once up there, Ally can receive gifts, flowers, cards et cetera. Visitation will become MUCH easier. I've noticed this week that ICU included about eight to ten nurses, about twenty patients in recovery, a small assortment of doctors and Ally's 'family.'

I've stood in as a brother - one of the nurses even suggested she noticed the resemblance! Shawn, blond/blue, stood in as a brother as well. Nurse Eileen saw through the fib, but they all encouraged our support regardless. Having said that it's been challenging as we didn't want to over crowd the ICU, which is a recovery-focused facility, not meant for visitors at all. Spike insisted on having two people there after that first day and I think that worked very well. Ally has been well tended to and never had to wake up to sort through the disorientation in order to get care. There was always someone there to orient her and get the attention of nurses.

Once she moves upstairs, visits will become easier. Here is the link, again, to the St Mary's visitor web page: http://www.stmarysmedicalcenter.org/Patients_And_Visitors/index.htm

Did you all notice Ally's name on the Oakland A's score board? VERY COOL, New Highland Academy!!!