You've got it, babe

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

I woke up fairly early, stared at the ceiling for nearly an hour then called to check on Jess at about 4 a.m.. Naturally, he was awake and he asked for his mask (lung ventilation device) to be removed. He just had the nose cannulas giving him a little oxygen. His blood pressure had been dropping. When I asked Jess if he felt the mask was O.K. to be removed, his response was, “Well yes, you see I have had it on for two weeks.”
He has not been awake for two weeks.
He requested again that I bring his cell phone, “I have to makes some calls.” He wanted to let his boss know “what was going on.” (He knows!)
I told him to get some rest. Jess inquired as to when I would arrive and I informed him it would be a few more hours. In his raspy whisper he says, “You’ve got it, babe.”

By the time I arrived, my babe was back on the push ventilation device. He was sitting up and just completed an hour of PT. He was wiped out. His body was slip sliding in the chair and I had to find some nurses to reposition him upright. Jess needed some additional attention and we had to leave the room. His dressings needed to be changed, and that took additional time. Jess’s cousin and nephew arrived and we had a very short visit before he requested a nap. Gladly, I took exit, my babe needs to sleep.

I felt guilty going out to lunch when Jess has been fed though a tiny cannula up his nose. However, it was a nice time to visit with family. The nurses requested to keep the traffic down today and limit visits to family only. Jess had been over stimulated from several visitors resulting in shortness of breath and hyperventilation a couple of days ago. The dedicated staff was watching Jess carefully and kept his room activity down to a minimum.

When we returned, Jess was sleeping. Since sleep is rare for him, cousin Debbie and I tried to solve a few world (and personal) problems while my “babe” was deep in slumberland.

I spent nearly eight hours at Mayo and spent little time with Jess. But that is O.K., he knew I was there. When he woke up he needed fresh linens, so we waited some more. Before you knew it, it was time to say goodbye for the day. Jess tried to take his mask off several times to talk to me and I had to scold him. (I was gentle). Upon leaving I motioned, “You are my heart” and he responded the same.

Just called to say goodnight to Jess. He told me that he misses me and our house. I know how desperately he wants to be home, but we both know how long of a road he must travel to come back. He added that all in all, it was a good day. I feel so happy that he can be positive and understand these baby steps we were cautioned to take way before he even woke up. Jess has my full attention. I will take these baby steps with him until he is healthy and we can run again.

I forgot to mention that I did show him the picture of Phoebe shaved. He furrowed his brow in either confusion or disappointment, evidently not remembering that I had her “groomed.” “It’ll grow back,” I affirmed.
Wouldn’t it be nice if his heart did too?

Doodle Kisses and sweat dreams. J, J, P, and H

[2SCdoodles]

Take care of yourself! Keep us posted. You are both in our prayers!

[Ann W]

Hope you get some restful sleep. Life is all about one step at a time. Keeping you in my thoughts!

[Kim Williams]

Another positive day. How are you feeling? Because I work in a hospital , I am so glad to hear about the quality care Jess is receiving and the support they are giving you. I work in the Critical Care unit at a hospital in Atlanta, and I am so impressed with your dedication, strength, and humor. I love to read your posts and look forward to your update each day. Keep the strength.

[Stella]

Glad to hear that things are continuing to move in the right direction. All of those baby steps are adding up!

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

Janet, sounds like a great day all in all. I was going through your older posts and marveled at the progress that's been made by Jess. To hear about PT and him sitting in a chair made me smile! Hopefully, it did for you, too. Jess is lucky to have you as his "rock." Make sure YOU get rest, too - we all send our love and prayers to you both.

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Glad to hear that the news and your outlook is more postive each day..

[Jeri]

I have been moving and have not been on the site for over a week. WOW has Jess made progress. Tom told me that when I had my lengthy hospital stay I used to beg him to take me home. I only remember one time. I do remember just wanting to go home as I got better. It is amazing how time can get scrambled and how exhausted PT can make you. Just sitting in a chair was hard the first time. Each day will show some improvements, but there will be bumps in the road. Hang in there. Mayo is one of he best!!! About Phoebes hair cut, isn't is great the hair grows back. I cut Sam's coat short last summer. His grew back and I am leaving it that way. I do trim the face(neaten it up) and his feet. Sam is sooo happy to be back at our place in MI. He loves the woods and the beach. Although it will be awhile before he can go in the water to play. I will share pooch pics again when I get the new ones loaded on my camera. It will be so much fun for you and Jess when you both can share on the blogs. You are an awesome strong woman.

[Beverly Wright]

I agree with the others....you are a very strong woman! Remember the baby steps! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Hope today is a good day for you and for Jess. I have to work but I will be thinking of you both.
Bev

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It sounds like it was busy day for both of you, and also sounds like your baby steps are moving you both in the right direction. Have a good rest, prayers still coming your way!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

PT for an hour?!?! No wonder he slept! Sleeping is a wonderful healer. Sounds like you are sleeping somewhat, too. Our thoughts and prayers are with all!