Today's surgery

It was a bit of a mixed feelings day today. When I arrived at the hospital, Dave was back on the ventilator, and had been given morphine again. They did this to assure him of a good night's sleep. He was quite awake though, and he was also somewhat grumpy. He refused to respond to me for a while and was obviously displeased at being restrained. I asked him if he was sad and he nodded slightly.

At 11:45 he was taken to the operating room for surgery number 4. When I returned to see him at 2, his breathing tube had been removed and he was looking much more like his old self (minus the beard and mustache of course!). He was quite groggy, but responded with small nods to questions. He also was quite happy to have his hair played in. I didn't stay long as I wanted him to get some rest after the surgery.

This evening, he had a visit from Sheila H. who works with him at Laura. When I spoke to her later, Sheila said that Dave was talking a little and responding to questions. I can't wait to hear his voice for myself tomorrow.

I'm guessing from this that the drain has been removed from his mouth. I know that talking is probably still painful for him because of the tonsillectomy, but he's making the effort and that's what counts.