July 23rd (Monday): 11pm

Evening update:  Sam reports that Jeannette is holding her own, and I can hear the tiredness in her voice as her long day ends.   She and the rest of us are all learning a great deal more about medicine that any of us would ever have imagined.  Jeannette's  blood pressure has been a concern today, and they have had to adjust her meds to keep it up into the normal range.  

There are lots of "numbers" in the ICU, some can be understood at a glance (pulse-normal) and others, not understood at all by those of us looking.   The staff explains and tries to make the complex seem simple, and they do take the time to keep us informed and it is most appreciated.   It is an amazing thing to see, watching the team of doctors and nurses adjust dosages, change dressings (well--we don't watch that) check the tubes and IV bags, and go about the extraordinary business of working to help Jeannette stay alive and to get better.  As to be expected, there are ups and downs, but for today and for tonight, no big changes to report.    

Still, there are good things to say.   When they changed her dressings earlier in the day they reported that there was "no sign of infection" so that was very encouraging.   Her kidney output is "holding well" and that too is encouraging.   There are concerns about her liver (it was lacerated in the accident), and they seem to be on constant vigalence for infection, but so far the news has been good and each day she lives and holds her own the more healing is taking place.   The nurses have remarked about her tenacity, something we all already know so well.  It is serving her well in the ICU.

As for Rich, not all that much to report since 3pm.   When he comes around, which he is doing more and more, he has remained somewhat "combative" (is that a medical term?) and has had to be restrained, and he still is confused and out of touch.     He sleeps a lot, and his 24/7 sit-in room companion watches his every movement.   The good news is after they inserted the drain into his chest to take care of  his fluid buildup, his breathing grew considerably easier, and now his lungs are "fully inflated" and he is "breathing normally."   

Goodnight.  I'll end this with a report that the family appreciates the many comments and prayers so many of you have left.  It's nice to know there is so much support and love.  -- John