The latest from Ken

Tim is doing better. He now has the tube out of his throat. The last night he had been disconnected from the ventilator but still had the tube down his throat. Now it is out. The nurse said that today they might make a decision about moving him out of Critical Care. They'll do a blood test and check the CO2 level.

Even though he had the tube out of his throat, he still couldn't talk. The nurse said he could whisper. But because of the tube in his throat, his throat would be pretty raw right now. She seemed to think his speech would return ok.

I asked him if he could sit up by himself. He shook his head. I asked if that was because he was weak or because of pain or inability. He nodded his head when I asked if it was because he was weak. I guess the stroke was a major trauma to his system - that could make anybody weak.

Things are looking better every day! I talked with Janet, the social worker, yesterday. She will see what options we have as far as Skilled Nursing Facilities to move Tim to once they take him out of CC. They should have someplace closer to me to put him.