Harborview update...
For those regularly following this thread, todays news is a bright spot. I've just returned from a couple hours visit and it was my most encouraging one yet! I had a great time with Leslie as Dennis drifted in and out of sleep but he seemed to be enjoying himself so much that every time he nodded off and we talked about him, he would start smiling and make full sentence remarks as he opened his eyes and looked at us as if he was eager to 'rejoin" us.
We teased him and asked him if he wanted to take his dress (hospital gown) home and he rolled his eyes, looked at Leslie, slapped his forehead and said "sheesh!" His comprehension is coming back little by little. Leslie told him she had some chores lined up for him and he stared at the ceiling and said "what am I doing?" Now I mistook this for sudden confusion but Leslie said that's what Dennis says when he's about to go out and play but the "honey-do list" comes up. It was his wry sarcasm and then he had a big grin and looked around at everyone. An occasional belch then a soft "excuse me" with an almost childlike grin.... yep, he had us laughing and well entertained today and he would even pause, as if pondering some of our statements then give a short but well intended laugh. He even teasingly rolled his eyes a couple of times at his daughter as she was teasingly pestering him (in love).
This is all good! speech, sense of humor, movement, full sentences. But.... there are blank moments and maybe overstimulation and he sometimes has to be prodded for response but this is such an upgrade from two weeks ago. It is coming slowly and there will be therapy, some relearning and reorientation. He will be able to be released this week from Harborview to a less intensive care center and Leslie is working on that. Dan (Scout) is in Europe all this week and I'll be gone next week (Wed 7th) for a week, so our reports may not come through for a short while.
Once again, I would ask people to withold posts re; accident analysis, doctors analysis, and recovery prognosis. Harborview has been top notch and Dennis has been in superb professional care. Private matters need to be kept off this message board.
Leslie appreciates everyone's support and ongoing concern. Keep it up gang!!! :clapping:
thanks, Roamer