Friends

Thursday 25 October 2001
7:50 am  Had a restless night, with movements like what I was seeing: sudden awakening, stiffening, tossing of head and legs. Didn't like Dave touching or trying to move his legs.
MK called. Dave talked to Barb yesterday; they will be here Saturday  morning.(Barb and her husband)
9:35 am Because of his busy night, Brian has padded side bars on his bed. He is also worn out, though he opened his eyes to look at me, and when Dr. Sullivan and Nurse Mark spoke to him. Noises caused his to open his eyes too, like a cough from me. Heartrate in high 70s; O2 saturation in high 90s. Giving him humidified O2 at 40%. Warming it to help loosen gunk in lungs. Suctioning once an hour to help clear lungs - good STRONG cough. Did bronc yesterday: hence decision to keep vent. Neck is much less red. Dry skin on lips scabbing, peeling. Using Blistex. Sullivan pleased at physical progress. 
9:15 pm Alana is with Brian. Marc and Vanessa are in Waiting Room. I visited Brian from about 4:30 to 5:50. I read The Jolly Mon. (childhood favorite) Put him to sleep, then RT woke him to suction. He was more awake after that, looked at and recognized book cover. Continued in and out of awareness, remaining time. eyes open much of the time, staring. Heartrate in 80s. Occasional stretching/stiffening. Marshall said all this continued throughout afternoon. Talk of bringing in familiar objects from Brian's room. Continuing conflicts over which kids get to visit.
Robin (Kate's mom) here this afternoon. Rosemary left. Jamie called.
12:40 am (10-26)  We think Brian is smiling! Nurse Janis last night thought he was smiling at me, and Alana thinks he smiled at her tonight. Marc brought Vanessa in tonight. Nurse Ida fine w/more than 2. They held Brian's hands and helped him calm after major coughing fit and suctioning (during which I stroked his head and tried to calm him, held hand). Lots of movement, wide eyes. Flinched and turned away towards light when I turned off one he was staring at. Is on anti-seizure meds (again? since when?) Alana and Marc spending night. 
He is on vent, since 9 pm. Heartrate in 70s when resting, 130 during coughing.