Well done, LeeJ. You've done the guy proud.

Just spoke with Sister Connie. He is definitely on the mend, imo and hers. Troublesome stuff first: the sputum culture came back and the infection is one of the ones which are notorious for hanging out in hospitals. (I *think* I have the correct name of it, if anyone wants to know, please PM.) The best of all possible is that it means it is in his lung and NOT near his valve and/or intestines near the surgery site. REALLY good news is his temperature is down to 97.8!!

They have backed off on the pain meds and sedatives to the point that he hollered to Karen to get a nurse in there ASAP because his ass hurt! His first words, from all accounts after they took out the breathing tube. Since he's been on his back, and I know he has back problems, I can really relate. It really CAN hurt after a time! (I know you guys will take this and run with it...too many good lines there, eh?!)

Connie said he might get moved from SICU, today. She's sure they wouldn't mind as he has been so cranky.:-) She's sure he won't get out for Christmas, though, and they are planning on holding off the big Christmas meal until he is out, probably have it on New Year's Day. On Christmas, they will have other easy to fix and graze kind of food.

Thanks, folks.

luvyakat