Kevin's Recovery - Day 2

Well, today we woke up early, like 2am early when Kevin suddenly became wide awake.  So on came the movies and we sat and stayed up with him.  He was permitted to begin eating, ice chips, over night, and he wanted more so bad, but we had to ration his eating to be sure his stomach would not stamp the first entry "Return to Sender" if you know what I mean...

He fell back asleep shortly and we did also, sort of.  You see, the sleeping accommodations for the family are sparse.  There is a chair which leans back a bit, but nothing major, and there is a small sofa that the back cushions fold out of the way so it can be laid on.  So Kristi slept on the sofa, since she fits, and Brian made the best of the chair.

As you can guess, not our best nights sleep and we both are tired.

Kevin however, did great today.  He got the heart IV line removed early this morning as well as the catheter,  The nurse said to expect a difficult time readjusting to normal bathroom trips, but not Kevin.  He was in the rest room doing all his business within minutes, literally.  Kevin also got the green light to begin eating, no limits, so we began the food flow.  He started with some dry cereal.  We were telling him to eat slow, but slow was using only one hand to Kevin instead of double fist shoveling.  He also has some eggs, and a juice box.  Then he ordered again.  For lunch (second breakfast) he had more cereal and a banana and drank a 12 oz Gatorade.  Dinner for Kevin was having breakfast again for dinner when he ordered eggs, jello, and another Gatorade drink.  He began to slow down as he realized that he was feeling better when he ate slow.  This afternoon the drain line to his surgery opening was also removed which is making him much more comfortable.

The day was mixed with lots of sleep still, eating, and he also did his first walking since the surgery.  The cardiac doctor said he was impressed how well Kevin was doing since it was less than 24 hours from surgery he began to walk again.  Praise God, he is beginning to feel like himself again.

Weather here in Phoenix has been hot.  Tempers over 100 have been outside, but we have not been outside much.  Brian went out to get a couple things at Wal-Mart, and he and Kristi walked briefly outside while Kevin napped this afternoon, but otherwise, we have been at his side all day.

If you have never looked at Phoenix Children's Hospital I encourage you to check it out online.  Great facility, great staff, huge cafeteria with good food, and we have had a great experience so far.  I don't wish this on anyone, but at least the staff here makes it easier.

We have a couple pictures we may share tomorrow, but for now, we are heading to bed.  Every minute sleep is valuable.  Keep praying and Praising for what has progressed so far.

God Bless you all.