Hello World

Much More Better

1230 Saturday 30 October 2010

Ms Michele Kay van Winkle finally awoke this morning at 1000.



(Artist's representation of Ms van Winkle waking up, after donning Halloween costume.)

She has been awake and talking (after coffee, of course) ever since. She grabbed her phone and has had long conservations with her children (in English) and brother (in French.) There was also a parade of therapists coming through to check over everything, one of which engaged Michele with another long French conversation.

She had brunch, then, a few minutes ago, got loaded up with meds, and, as usual, is expected to conk out again at any minute. Oops, there she goes. Good night darling.

RKS

Sleep and More Sleep

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O Sleep, It Is a Gentle Thing
0830 Saturday 30 October 2010
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Well, this isn't any fun at all. All Michele does is sleep. In the past twelve hours she has barely stirred. I'd like to tell you how she is doing, but the only thing she has said is "Oh, hello darling. When are we going home?" Then back to sleep.

RKS

Moving on Up

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Pomp and Circumstance
1530 Friday 29 October 2010
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At 2:45 pm this afternoon, Michele graduated from ICU 357magnumsumacumlaudielordy and with highest honors.

We are in room 403, the same room we started in last spring. Michele continues to do what she has been doing a lot of lately--sleeping.

Don't expect much of anything to happen for the rest of the day.

Expect the next posting Saturday after Dr Fox makes rounds.

RKS

Still in ICU

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Resting Comfortably

1300 Friday 29 Oct 10

Michele conked out at 2100 (9pm) and scarcely wiggled the whole night long. She had a hearty breakfast (for her--a snack for a bird) and her first cup of coffee in two days--probably a recent record time of abstinence for Michele.

Dr Fox looked her over this morning and thinks that she can go upstairs to the hotel portion of the hospital this afternoon. She is experiencing some brain swelling from the trauma of surgery--not unusual, but bears watching a bit longer. She is somewhat disoriented, but that is thought to be temporary.

Michele had her regularly scheduled post-MRI this morning. We should get the results by 1500.

RKS

Awake and Hungry

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Where's the Beef?

2030 28 Oct 10 (8:30 pm for you civilians.)

Dr Fox stopped by a while back and gave Michele the twice over. He complimented her on how well she could wiggle her fingers and toes. She has had a lot of practice today. Dr Fox declared her in excellent condition. (All the way from the tips of her toes to her fingers?)

After that she was ready to eat. She wanted to order several of everything, then we figured that she was playing hostess and was ordering food for everyone in the room. Michele was also worried because we were a guest chair short.

Don't be surprised if you receive an invitation for her next party soon.

RKS

More ZZZZZZZZZZZ

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All Quiet in the ICU

1230 28 Oct
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No change. Michele continues to sleep and her blood pressure is near normal. It looks like wake-up is at least another hour away.

After wake up, the next big event is expected to be Dr Fox making rounds late this afternoon.

RKS

In ICU

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ZZZZZZZZ

1000 28 Oct

Sleeping away the morning.

Michele was wheeled into ICU Room #2 at 0945 and is hooked up to all the beeping and whirling equipment.
When they wiggle her shoulder she flutters her eyes and looks like she just wants to sleep undisturbed. She counts the nurse's fingers and does the rest of the neuro check about every 15 minutes.

All vitals are returning to normal, and she should wake up in an hour or two.

RKS