Chris is a fighter, not a lover... (just kidding!)

Hello all -

Chris is certainly fighting...both in a good and bad way. He pulled the ventilator tube out...twice...over the past couple days. This is not ideal as he is not fully awake and so there are always concerns about him getting enough air to breathe. On the other hand, pulling at your tube is often a sign that the patient does not need or is close to not needing his tube anymore. Thankfully, Chris has been able to manage breathing quite well without the tube for 24 hours but is still getting some breathing support from a mask. Otherwise, he opens his eyes regularly, follows some commands, and is much more alert. He does though, have quite a bit of pain so they are keeping him on pain meds as needed, which keeps him sleepier. And he gets tired pretty easily with everything going on.

But! Chris has made huge strides in the last couple days and I think we're getting out of the woods, which I know you are all as glad to hear as I am. He even sat up today (with assistance) to participate in some physical therapy. Since this is what he does for a living, I think he knows he has to be a good patient! Barring further complications, we think we will be in the ICU another day or two then move on to the next phase. I'm so excited to be able to share all the wonderful messages you have all sent over the past week and have him remember them! I know he will be so touched, and probably really embarrassed about all the attention focused on him but I absolutely know it has helped so thank you.