Plenty of good news today and no setbacks. Michael was moved to a regular room this evening so he’s that much closer to being sent home. It’s a shared room, which isn’t ideal since we were spoiled by the expanse and solitude of ICU but it’s only a few days so we’ll make the best of it. 

Michael continues to feel better and better. All his IVs are out now, except for the bag of liquid calories they’re giving him until he can eat. His pain is about a three (1-10 scale), he’s moving around very well, and even watched a movie on the in-room TV today. He also walked from the hallway to his new bed without assistance. Vitals, labs, blood sugar, and all the other bodily details they’re monitoring are all looking good.

The tube into Michael’s stomach continues to drive him nuts but all things point to it coming out tomorrow. Here’s a funny side note that I’m sure will make everyone say, “oh, he *must* be feeling better.” Michael is allowed ice chips right now but he hasn’t had solid food since last Saturday so he’s very hungry. Yesterday I said that I wouldn’t be surprised if he never wanted to see another ice cube again for the rest of his life after living off them for so many days. He said, “it’s not so bad because it’s the good ice.” Today he told me he researched ice makers overnight and we may be getting one so we can make good ice at home. 🤓

There’s really nothing else to report because it was a very low-key day. Even the staff was mostly hands-off because he doesn’t need much medical attention anymore (if a problem had come up I was there the whole time). Expect more monotonous updates like this for the next few days because the only real bridge left to get across is re-introducing food to his system. 

I’ll close with a fun data point. It took roughly 35 staples to close Michael’s incision. Here is a picture of it, posted with permission, if you want to see what his scar will look like. The picture is not gory and was taken the day after surgery so the entire area is clean, but I realize not everyone wants to see something like that so you’ll have to click the link to get to it. 

And finally, a quick note from me. I know these posts are a little scattered sometimes but I’m spinning a lot of plates and running on no sleep. If something doesn’t make sense, feel free to ask for clarification. Although it goes against every editor bone in my body, I don’t always proof these before I post. 😉

I’ll be back tomorrow morning sometime after 8:00 with a new update (probably late morning because we’re on a new schedule with the doctor’s rounds). ❤️