Good morning, a new update

February 11, 2007 at 11:16 PM MST
Good Sabbath to all! Spent the afternoon with Cam. When we got there, he was sitting up on the edge of his bed balancing himself for five minutes. Understand that when he first tried it, he said if they hadn't been there to hold him, he would have crumpled like a wet towel. He told his therapist that he never knew how many muscles it took to sit up. Cameron has been very healthy, active, and physical. That is probably what will make his recovery happen so quickly. He is very proactive with his care, much to the dismay of some, and the delight of others.
We take so many things for granted everyday, like clearing our throats, swallowing, breathing deeply, stretching our necks. Watching him struggle to do these things is so hard, but wonderful seeing him succeed in such a short time. He plays his recorder (flute) because it strengthens his lungs and chest muscles. By the time he is through the song, he is panting and puffing for oxygen. Then he plays another song. I marvel at his gumption. I think I would cry and feel sorry for myself. Hope I never have to find out, though!
They are going to take the chest tube out tomorrow and then he can lay comfortably on his right side without feeling like he is laying on a garden hose. He could go to rehab as soon as Wednesday. Then the real work begins. I think he is up for it. Still no pain medication, just energy work and meditation. Much more healthy!
Time for bed here. Cam can sleep every two hours, then they turn him like a pig on a spit, except from side-back-side instead of all the way over. It's been a good day!
Sharon

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February 11, 2007 at 12:47 AM MST Just got back from the hospital. It's raining and pretty doggone warm for February.
Cam had a rough time early this morning because he had an episode of ICUD- intensive care dementia, basically a break from reality for a while. He woke up unable to breathe. He didn't know where he was or why. The ceiling had ants and monsters crawling all over it. There was a chart sort of hanging in the air in front of him. Luckily his brother Jon had seen it before and knew how to bring him out of it. When Cam told me about it he stated how terrified he'd been. EWWW! That's nothing I would like to have to go through. He's been having waking hallucinations while on the medication he has for pain. He decided that was enough for him. He's been off pain medication for almost 24 hours. His body is perfused with it. He learned some visualizations to use if he's having pain, and it has worked like a charm. He's also using visualization to fire the nerves while seeing himself swimming, running, etc... He was off oxygen for almost the entire day The mind is a powerful thing to behold (really, the results are. Gray matter isn't my favorite color....) He was off oxygen for almost the entire day, until he decided to go to sleep.
He's having a positive attitude (have I said that before?). A young gal that helped take his x-rays after he got in his bed in the ICU wrote him a full page letter telling him how he had inspired her with his faith. I will write it out later, because I left it in his room.
We thank you for all your prayers and your faith. You cannot imagine how much they mean to us. They ARE FELT! Thank you a million times!
Sharon