Tuesday Update

As of 9:00 tonight Bob's oxygen level was down to 75% with the vent.  We pray that they are able to continue to decrease the oxygen levels.  The hope is that as the oxygen levels decrease Bob will begin to take breaths on his own.  Bob's temperature remained stable all day which we are also happy about.  The doctors have added a steroid treatment to the rest of his mix of medications.  They are hoping that the steroids will help bring down the new swelling in his brain.  His sedation medication continues to also be lowered little by little, although he remains on Morphine and blood pressure medication.  

Today's chest x-ray came back slightly better than his last one.  We were also pleased that the drain in his head did not have to be opened much throughout the day.  Every day that goes by that Bob's body absorbs some of the hemorrhage on its own is a day closer to us being able to talk to him.  Bob also started a new IV today.  Since his stomach will no longer tolerate a feeding tube, Bob started getting his nutrients through an IV. 

Most likely there will be a CAT scan Thursday to check on the swelling.  Please pray for continued healing...

Monday Update

Agnes and Bob's Children

Laurie (16) and James (14)

Let me start off by thanking everyone for their prayers. The preliminary results of the CAT scan came back and we found out the hemorrhage in Bob's brain has gotten slightly smaller!!!!! The bleed is now 6cm x 2.7cm. Although the difference in size isn't that big, and the doctors keep telling us that Bob's bleed is definitely on the larger side of stroke patients, we are extremely happy with the change. The CAT scan did show that there is swelling in the surrounding tissue, which is still a concern.

Since the day of the stroke Bob's 4 siblings and wife have made sure that someone from the Morden family is at the hospital at all times. Although the rotation of family will start soon due to work, Bob spent today with two of his older sisters. Laurie and Sue flew in from Chicago and Wyoming the day of his stroke, and have been with him day and night since. Although they would have loved to talk his ear off, like they have over the past 48 years of his life, they followed the nurses' orders and sat in silence with him. With the progress that has been made in the last 24 hours the doctors have commented on how important rest is for Bob at this point. We will continue to update everyone on Bob's progress, but ask that visitors wait until Bob is moved out of the ICU.

Today brought some changes in Bob's Oxygen levels, sedation and Morphine. They were able to decrease the Oxygen levels in the vent from 100% to 90%. Bob did well with the change and by the time the family left after the night visiting hours, the nurses had his Oxygen level down to 85%. Although we are very pleased with the news, the nurses have told us that his Oxygen levels could very easily be back up depending on how the night goes. Tonight Bob also required blood pressure medication to keep his blood pressure up. It will continue to be a balancing act to determine the right levels of medication. The ICU nurses continue to do an amazing job with Bob and keeping the family informed with what is going on....I'm not sure if the shipment of 100 delicious cookies for the nurses have anything to do with it. :)

Keep those prayers coming, they are working!!!!

Sunday Update

Bob at the Ability Awards

Small Employer of the Year

The Ability Awards are for individuals, non-profit agencies, employers and other organizations that have made great strides in increasing employment opportunities for Floridians with disabilities.

We are happy to report that Bob did not have a fever today.  Bob continues to receive one antibiotic for the Staph Infection.  A recent culture taken also came back negative for MRSA, which we are very thankful for.  Bob's blood pressure remains good and he is still on the vent with 100% oxygen while heavily sedated.  Today the nurses had to continue to open and close the drain on Bob's head.  Bob's final blood culture will come Monday or Tuesday to determine if an additional antibiotic is needed.  Tomorrow morning Bob will be getting another CAT scan.  Please pray for the swelling to go down. 

Saturday Update

The Morden Family

Laurie, James, Agnes and Bob

Another not so good day for Bob.  Again he spiked a fever today of over 101.  We got the results back from his lung culture.  The culture came back positive for a staph infection. We continue to say our prayers and thank you for doing the same. 

Friday Update

Bob (left) and Bill 

There were no real changes in Bob's condition today.  His blood gases, blood pressure and temperature all looked good.  We are thankful that Bob no longer has a fever.  Bob is still heavily sedated so that his body can rest.  Although it continues to be very difficult for us not to sit and talk to him and hold his hand, we know that every day that goes by is a step closer to Bob's recovery.

Thursday Update

Bob with Campbell (his niece's daughter)

Bob had another difficult day. His lungs are worse today. They are using a nebulizer to aid in his breathing and the respiratory infection. A sample of the fluid in Bob's lungs has been taken to be cultured. The doctors will be able to evaluate the infection and what antibiotic will be most effective. He still fights the rhythm of the ventilator and has been on 100% oxygen today. Bob continues to be heavily sedated and needs no stimulation at this time. Hearing familiar voices or having us hold his hand or touch him is not what he needs while his brain is trying to heal. Family visits now mean quietly standing in the corner of the room watching over him and silently saying our prayers.

There was talk of having an IVC filter procedure done to prevent any clots to his lungs and heart. Since Bob's ultrasound of his legs and kidneys showed no sign of clotting, the filter has been put on hold. This seems to be the best plan which will allow more time to get rid of the pneumonia and get Bob stronger and better able to be moved to radiology for the procedure. They will keep an eye on Bob by doing ultrasound from his bedside.

Bob's temperature looked better this evening. It's been 100+ yesterday and today. He has great nurses, doctors, and specialists that are all taking good care of him. Our hope is that Bob's respiratory infection goes away and that the oxygen can be cut back on the ventilator. One step at a time ......

Brothers, Bob (Left) and Bill ready for the big game

Today was a hard day for Bob and felt like a step backwards in his recovery.  He still has a fever and is battling a Respiratory Infection.  The doctors and nurses asked that we didn't touch Bob, or his bed to limit the chance for more germs.  This was really hard for us because we had to limit our time with him.  We periodically checked in on him and communicated with the nurses.  Bob was sedated with Dipravan and used a cooling blanket for most of the day to help fight the fever.

Bob's EKG came back fine this morning although the doctors did detect an irregular heartbeat.  They also tested his potassium, magnesium and electrolytes.  All levels came back normal.  We were also very happy that Bob's pupils dilated when the doctor tested them.  We are hopeful that today's small step back will lead to larger steps forward in the near future.  

Please keep your prayers coming for Bobby...