Day + 31 -- please eat

Spaulding Rehab

There were two good things that happened today. Doug is off the nasal oxygen during the day. He may need to use it at night since breathing is usually shallower during sleep. And I was allowed by the nurses today to escort Doug from the bed to bathroom and the chair. One small victory. They still need to be with him in the hall but that's okay with me.

Since today is Sunday there were no therapy sessions. The nurse did pre-clean the shower stall and I stood on the other side of the shower curtain while Doug showered. (At least one nurse is trusting that I can keep him safe.) And in the afternoon, his nurse went with him so he could walk around the unit, using the walker. I followed along - okay with me.

Doug still is not eating much at all. He does try, and I make sure he drinks at least three Ensures a day. Today he weighed 157 lbs -- a loss of 20 lbs since March 10. He cannot go on like this, and if he goes back to tube feeding he must go back to the regular hospital. He is depressed enough as it is. The docs are watching his albumin level. The appetite stimulant was started last Tuesday so I hope it will kick in - they said it might take a week (but doesn't work for everyone).

Please pray that Doug will be able to eat!

Love to all.