Duglas Wakes Up & is Off of Ventilator

Doug has been moving around and started waking up on several occasions today. He has been having problems with secretions in his lungs and we expected that he would be intubated at least until tomorrow. However, Cathy just called me to let me know that they disconnected him from the ventilator and have taken the tube out of his throat. He is breathing on his own and doing great.

(Doug's wicked scar)

Doug had his dressings changed today for the first time.He has a 4" to 5" scar in the middle of his chest and it looks like it is healing really well. This along wit the large half moon scar on his back is sure to make him even more popular with the ladies. They make him look like a tough guy.

Cathy spent last night with Doug at the Cleveland Clinic. I Picked up Bob from Grandpa Drinko's house and took him home to bed. Bob has been having a great time. He stayed at Grandma & Grandpa Roth's house for two nights. He went to the zoo with Kathy Drinko, her kids, and Cooper. He then went to Grandpa Drinko's and got to play all day with Cooper.

Bob and I got up early today and went to church. We met Mom in the cafeteria at the hospital and had an early lunch and then We went to see Doug. Bob was real concerned about Doug and said he should come home. He said Doug looked good, but he wanted him home.

Cathy took Bob to Grandpa Drinko's 75th birthday party and had a blast and then they came back to the hospital and I took Bob home so Cathy could stay with Douglas through the night. Bob told Cathy that she had to stay at home tomorrow because he missed her. I will stay with Doug tomorrow night.

Doug had lots of visitors today Uncle Dave and Kathleen came to see him, Grandpa & Grandma Roth brought Aunt Kathy Smith and Angela to see him also. Many of the PICU nurses stop in to see Doug, they all remark at how big and how good he looks. It makes them feel good to see him doing so well. They all love Doug.

(Uncle Dave & Kathleen stop by to see Doug)

(Kathleen lovin' her some Doug!)

(Kathleen saw Doug before his surgery as well)

Doug is doing very well. I am disappointed that I was there all day and it was only after I went home that they took out his breathing tube, but they will almost certainly take his main line and catheter out tomorrow. It looks like he may actually be home before Friday.

Cathy and I appreciate everybody that has helped with Bob and all the prayers for Douglas. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Everyone has gone above and beyond the call of duty and we can not express how grateful we are to everyone.

I will try to keep the sight updated.

Jim



This is a short video of Doug waking up