Day +79 - Slowing Improving

Dear Family, friends and others: This is an entry by Charles' father, Don. First of all Charles was moved to another room last evening. It was NOT done for any medical reason but because Charles had been in the same room for soooo long that the room needed a good cleaning which also gives Charles a change and somewhat different view. He is now in room 6. This room seems to be brighter and his bed faces in a way that he can see out the window better. His veiw is east and the photo is NE with the Markham Bridge, I-5, over the Willamette River. Just to the right of the bridge, across the river is OMSI. Can you see the red smoke stack? Kinda small.

Charles' girlfriend, Karlin, has not been feeling well the past few days so has not been able to visit. So, he has had to put-up with family. Ho-hummmmmm.

He wants to thank those who have made comments to his blog entries. They get read and he enjoys them. Jonathan, he enjoyed the musical video.

Charles is slowing improving. Yesterday his physical therapist, Lauren, said that they are beginning to talk about him being released. She emphasized that it is NOT a rush thing but just looking to that end. In order for Charles to be released he has to 1.) take all meds by mouth, 2.) be able to physically be up and about and 3.) be able to eat solid foods. They have been working on all these things but his healing has been slow, specially his gut. He still has pain with is stomach/intestines - they need more healing. They had gotten him almost totally on pill meds and Lauren and Randi, his physical therapy team come each work day and exercise and and wear him out. He is still quite weak. Yesterday he practiced standing from a chair, walking with a walker and various exercises to strengthen muscles that are used in every day movement.

Today they are backing up a bit because of his gut. This morning he had a lower gut exam and just after noon they x-rayed his gut. Today he received a unit of platelets and a unit of blood, and he will receive another unit of blood later tonight. Still losing blood in the gut. Before the unit of blood they gave him Benadryl. So, now his is napping. They have also stopped giving him meds via mouth; back to IV. They think that the oral meds are NOT being absorbed completely. And, he is now back on a No Food by Mouth diet, just sips of water. It's now IV "mac & cheese." He is not looking forward, today, to his physical therapy team coming in - he is pretty tired. Generally, he enjoys their visits and knows their work is necessary. Finally, he is going to have a shower this evening. So, a full day.

And, hey Uncle Ron, the Udderly Cow mug is in the window. Mr. Moose is looking over it. And, Ron, I think that it is a reminder to Aaron [Charles], that he needs to get you something, reeeeally NICE.

With the "knock-out" meds being gone, Charles is alert most of the day. He also spends a lot of time in his chair. Overall he is improving; but his gut and strength are slow. I know he appreciates your friendship and love! He is a pretty social soul. Now that he is more alert it is challenging to deal with boredom. Thank you for your support. Oh, we did see the Super Bowl and we did "pull" for the Saints.

Thank you!!! dg