ICU in Respitory ICU-- Wednesday 1/25/06 7:30 PM

Charming the nurses and trying to stay cool enough (or warm enough) is a full time job. Between rehab workouts here in Respiratory ICU, Joseph is helping train all the staff in the new speaking valve for the respirator. It works really well and Joseph enjoys being able to talk while it's on. . . but it does take some work. They did a bronchioscopic proceedure today that let them look into the bottom of his lungs. They found a giant glob (blog backwards? :) of junk in the left lung that is good to have out. They also did a first attempt at sitting upright in a chair (of sorts). That was really a pain! But he did it, even if he did end up with a collapsed lung for a few minutes. . .

Mom & Dad have so many people helping, supporting, working and praying to help, it is really inspirational. We are trying to figure out how to fix up the house for when Joseph comes home (average 4-6 weeks after entry into rehab). We have neither bedroom or bathroom on the main level . . . hummmmm.

Dad had a good visit with Dale Hull, a local OB/GYN who broke his C-5 vertebrae (like Joseph) jumping on the trampoline. It took months and several surgeries but he has use of arms and legs and now specializes in helping spinal injury patients.

This is a long term process of endurance, education, and hard work with all things dependant on the Lord's blessings. We are so grateful for Joseph's fantastic attitude, the love, support and prayers of so many, and the Lord's goodness to us. Please know our family and Joseph are praying for you as well.