Update #89

I talked to Dave and his parents tonight, and it was kind of a rough day today. Nothing serious, but the drain slipped out of his wound while the nurse was changing his dressings, and it took a while to figure out who would (and how to) get it back in under the skin flap. Dave has also thrown up for the past two days, coming not so much from nausea as from a pressure in his abdomen that seems to be pretty constant recently.

In spite of both of those issues, however, Dave still seems to be doing okay. He sat up on the edge of his bed for 10 minutes today (still supported by two physical therapists and his dad - all of his back muscles are really weak - completely normal considering how long he has been in bed, but I just want to make sure I'm being clear about where he is so you'll be able to see the progress as it happens in the future), and he said that he slept okay last night. He sounded tired on the phone but overall said he was feeling okay.

Sherri, the Case Manager, found a surgeon at Drake Center that has agreed to take on Dave as a patient, so as soon as the surgeon talks with Dr. Taylor, most of the medical logistics of the transfer should be complete. As for the insurance aspect, no word yet. If the cost of the air ambulance is approved by Dave's insurance, it sounds like he will be moving at 8:00 a.m. on Friday or early next week. Either way, we may not hear a definite go or no-go until as late as 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Thank you so much for the continued prayers and for everyone who has asked for Dave's email address to send him a word of encouragement. In the midst of questions about insurance and transportation, please be praying for Dave's overall state of mind as well. Although I know he is happy about the possibility of being back in Cincinnati, he also sounds pretty apprehensive about the move and how hard it will be on him. Be praying that the transfer will not only happen but that it will be uneventful and gentle on Dave and his injuries.

More tomorrow...